What do you think?
Rate this book
Anastasia's Midnight Song
French Huguenot Anastasia believes working in one of Sinai's mirror factories will allow her to trap the imaginary Arctic fox which lives in her womb. Whilst Jack escapes from London to Sinai to avoid being conscripted to fight in the trenches with strange imaginings that do little to alleviate his feelings of cowardice. Jack is captivated by Anastasia, seized with a fierce desire to possess her from the first second, and nothing can diminish his obsessive urge to be noticed by her, not even her obvious disgust in the face of his crude advances. Their journeys twist together like a fugue, filled with phantasmagorical delays, as they both fail to accomplish what they set out to do. Unable to escape the consequences of their false beliefs, relentlessly they approach the brink, and eventual schizophrenia, on a quest for moral truths. This book is a revelatory, hallucinatory account of the growing insanity of two young people who happen to be in the same place at the same time.
344 pages, Paperback
Published January 17, 2025
14 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
M. Laszlo
3 books188 followersM. Laszlo is the pseudonym of a reclusive author living in Bath, Ohio. According to rumor, he based the pen name on the name of the Paul Henreid character in Casablanca, Victor Laszlo.
M. Laszlo has lived and worked all over the world, and he has kept exhaustive journals and idea books corresponding to each location and post.
It is said that the maniacal habit began in childhood during summer vacations—when his family began renting out Robert Lowell’s family home in Castine, Maine.
The habit continued in 1985 when, as an adolescent, he spent the summer in London, England. In recent years, he revisited that journal/idea book and based his first work, The Phantom Glare of Day, on the characters, topics, and themes contained within the youthful writings. In crafting the narrative arcs, he decided to divide the work into three interrelated novellas and to set each one in the WW-I era so as to make the work as timeless as possible.
M. Laszlo has lived and worked in New York City, East Jerusalem, and several other cities around the world. While living in the Middle East, he worked for Harvard University’s Semitic Museum. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio and an M.F.A. in poetry from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York.
His next work is forthcoming from SparkPress in 2024. There are whispers that the work purports to be a genuine attempt at positing an explanation for the riddle of the universe and is based on journals and idea books made while completing his M.F.A at Sarah Lawrence College.
M. Laszlo has lived and worked all over the world, and he has kept exhaustive journals and idea books corresponding to each location and post.
It is said that the maniacal habit began in childhood during summer vacations—when his family began renting out Robert Lowell’s family home in Castine, Maine.
The habit continued in 1985 when, as an adolescent, he spent the summer in London, England. In recent years, he revisited that journal/idea book and based his first work, The Phantom Glare of Day, on the characters, topics, and themes contained within the youthful writings. In crafting the narrative arcs, he decided to divide the work into three interrelated novellas and to set each one in the WW-I era so as to make the work as timeless as possible.
M. Laszlo has lived and worked in New York City, East Jerusalem, and several other cities around the world. While living in the Middle East, he worked for Harvard University’s Semitic Museum. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio and an M.F.A. in poetry from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York.
His next work is forthcoming from SparkPress in 2024. There are whispers that the work purports to be a genuine attempt at positing an explanation for the riddle of the universe and is based on journals and idea books made while completing his M.F.A at Sarah Lawrence College.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 17, 2025
❤️ Blurb -
French Huguenot Anastasia believes working in one of Sinai's mirror factories will allow her to trap the imaginary Arctic fox which lives in her womb. Whilst Jack escapes from London to Sinai to avoid being conscripted to fight in the trenches with strange imaginings that do little to alleviate his feelings of cowardice. Jack is captivated by Anastasia, seized with a fierce desire to possess her from the first second, and nothing can diminish his obsessive urge to be noticed by her, not even her obvious disgust in the face of his crude advances. Their journeys twist together like a fugue, filled with phantasmagorical delays, as they both fail to accomplish what they set out to do. Unable to escape the consequences of their false beliefs, relentlessly they approach the brink, and eventual schizophrenia, on a quest for moral truths. This book is a revelatory, hallucinatory account of the growing insanity of two young people who happen to be in the same place at the same time.
🩵 Review -
This book was very different to what I have read before. The author's writing is brilliant and the story telling was flawless. It's the perfect book to curl up with over the winter season. The place settings in the book sounded lovely. I loved following Anastasia's journey through the book. The story was enjoyable and the pacing was just right. I will definitely be reading more by the author. I highly recommend it.
💚 Thank you to Literally PR, the author and publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
French Huguenot Anastasia believes working in one of Sinai's mirror factories will allow her to trap the imaginary Arctic fox which lives in her womb. Whilst Jack escapes from London to Sinai to avoid being conscripted to fight in the trenches with strange imaginings that do little to alleviate his feelings of cowardice. Jack is captivated by Anastasia, seized with a fierce desire to possess her from the first second, and nothing can diminish his obsessive urge to be noticed by her, not even her obvious disgust in the face of his crude advances. Their journeys twist together like a fugue, filled with phantasmagorical delays, as they both fail to accomplish what they set out to do. Unable to escape the consequences of their false beliefs, relentlessly they approach the brink, and eventual schizophrenia, on a quest for moral truths. This book is a revelatory, hallucinatory account of the growing insanity of two young people who happen to be in the same place at the same time.
🩵 Review -
This book was very different to what I have read before. The author's writing is brilliant and the story telling was flawless. It's the perfect book to curl up with over the winter season. The place settings in the book sounded lovely. I loved following Anastasia's journey through the book. The story was enjoyable and the pacing was just right. I will definitely be reading more by the author. I highly recommend it.
💚 Thank you to Literally PR, the author and publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC!
Unfortunately, I am not able to give this book a full review as I did not like the initial chapters and refused to read any further.
I will say that the format I received this book in had an incredibly annoying font type that I was not able to change. This font aggravated my eyes whilst reading and definitely contributed to my not continuing this book.
I have given this book two stars to be fair to the author as I did not finish this book.
The two main characters did not grab my attention. This weird fox situation did not work for me, and life is too damn short to read books I can’t get into anymore.
Executive decision has been made. Approved.
Thanks for reading!
Unfortunately, I am not able to give this book a full review as I did not like the initial chapters and refused to read any further.
I will say that the format I received this book in had an incredibly annoying font type that I was not able to change. This font aggravated my eyes whilst reading and definitely contributed to my not continuing this book.
I have given this book two stars to be fair to the author as I did not finish this book.
The two main characters did not grab my attention. This weird fox situation did not work for me, and life is too damn short to read books I can’t get into anymore.
Executive decision has been made. Approved.
Thanks for reading!
June 10, 2025
Was I expecting something totally different to what I got? Yes! But did I enjoy it you ask? Absolutely!
It's a love story unlike anything I've read before, and that saying something with the amount of books I read.
Laszlo's writing is haunting, with his descriptive writing drawing you deep into the story sweeping you across continents taking you deep into thought.
I'm still not sure what genre I'd class it as though.
A weird and wonderful reading experience.
It's a love story unlike anything I've read before, and that saying something with the amount of books I read.
Laszlo's writing is haunting, with his descriptive writing drawing you deep into the story sweeping you across continents taking you deep into thought.
I'm still not sure what genre I'd class it as though.
A weird and wonderful reading experience.
March 5, 2025
This is a incredibly vivid, haunting, hallucinatory story that will linger with you long after you finish reading. Described by some as 'weird fiction' this is definitely a mixed genre book, blending and fusing categories unashamedly and with potency. I cannot wait to read the sequel.
January 17, 2025
M. Laszlo’s Anastasia’s Midnight Song is a haunting, surreal exploration of fractured psyches set against the backdrop of 1917 St. Petersburg, a city teetering on the brink of revolution. With its vivid, hallucinatory prose and deeply introspective characters, the novel offers a compelling, unsettling journey into the tangled minds of two individuals grappling with delusion, obsession, and an ever-encroaching madness.
Plot & Characters
The story introduces Anastasia, a French Huguenot consumed by the bizarre belief that an imaginary Arctic Fox resides in her womb. Seeking to exorcise this presence, she works in a Sinai mirror factory, a setting as eerie and reflective as the truths she refuses to confront. Simultaneously, we follow Jack, a disillusioned young man fleeing conscription in London. Jack’s cowardice festers into self-loathing, and his erratic imaginings propel him toward Sinai, where he becomes fixated on Anastasia.
Their meeting sparks a dissonant fugue of obsession and revulsion, with Jack’s crude, insistent desire to claim Anastasia clashing against her repulsion and disinterest. What unfolds is less a romance than a collision of two lost souls, their quests for meaning and moral truth spiraling into deeper delusions.
Themes & Writing
At its core, Anastasia’s Midnight Song is a study of mental unraveling, exploring how personal and societal pressures can fracture the mind. The setting—St. Petersburg in 1917—is not just a historical backdrop but a reflection of the chaos within the characters themselves. The city’s revolutionary fervor mirrors Anastasia and Jack’s internal turmoil, creating an atmosphere of inescapable tension.
Laszlo’s prose is poetic and disorienting, deliberately blurring the line between reality and hallucination. The narrative’s dreamlike quality immerses readers in the characters’ distorted perspectives, making their journeys both mesmerizing and deeply uncomfortable. The novel’s pacing, marked by strange delays and detours, mirrors the characters’ inability to progress or escape their self-imposed prisons.
Highlights
• Psychological Depth: The novel delves deeply into the minds of its protagonists, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of schizophrenia and obsession.
• Atmospheric Setting: St. Petersburg, with its foggy streets and revolutionary tension, feels like a character in its own right, amplifying the novel’s eerie, otherworldly tone.
• Experimental Structure: The fugue-like structure, with its intertwining narratives and recurring motifs, adds to the book’s unique, almost musical quality.
Challenges
While the novel’s hallucinatory style is one of its strengths, it may also alienate readers seeking a more traditional narrative. The characters’ disjointed thought processes and the absence of clear resolutions demand patience and a willingness to embrace ambiguity.
Final Thoughts
Anastasia’s Midnight Song is a bold, unsettling work of literary fiction that challenges its readers to grapple with uncomfortable truths about identity, obsession, and mental illness. M. Laszlo’s evocative writing and daring exploration of madness make this a standout novel, though its experimental style and dark themes may not appeal to everyone. For those willing to immerse themselves in its disorienting depths, the book offers a profound and unforgettable experience.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Plot & Characters
The story introduces Anastasia, a French Huguenot consumed by the bizarre belief that an imaginary Arctic Fox resides in her womb. Seeking to exorcise this presence, she works in a Sinai mirror factory, a setting as eerie and reflective as the truths she refuses to confront. Simultaneously, we follow Jack, a disillusioned young man fleeing conscription in London. Jack’s cowardice festers into self-loathing, and his erratic imaginings propel him toward Sinai, where he becomes fixated on Anastasia.
Their meeting sparks a dissonant fugue of obsession and revulsion, with Jack’s crude, insistent desire to claim Anastasia clashing against her repulsion and disinterest. What unfolds is less a romance than a collision of two lost souls, their quests for meaning and moral truth spiraling into deeper delusions.
Themes & Writing
At its core, Anastasia’s Midnight Song is a study of mental unraveling, exploring how personal and societal pressures can fracture the mind. The setting—St. Petersburg in 1917—is not just a historical backdrop but a reflection of the chaos within the characters themselves. The city’s revolutionary fervor mirrors Anastasia and Jack’s internal turmoil, creating an atmosphere of inescapable tension.
Laszlo’s prose is poetic and disorienting, deliberately blurring the line between reality and hallucination. The narrative’s dreamlike quality immerses readers in the characters’ distorted perspectives, making their journeys both mesmerizing and deeply uncomfortable. The novel’s pacing, marked by strange delays and detours, mirrors the characters’ inability to progress or escape their self-imposed prisons.
Highlights
• Psychological Depth: The novel delves deeply into the minds of its protagonists, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of schizophrenia and obsession.
• Atmospheric Setting: St. Petersburg, with its foggy streets and revolutionary tension, feels like a character in its own right, amplifying the novel’s eerie, otherworldly tone.
• Experimental Structure: The fugue-like structure, with its intertwining narratives and recurring motifs, adds to the book’s unique, almost musical quality.
Challenges
While the novel’s hallucinatory style is one of its strengths, it may also alienate readers seeking a more traditional narrative. The characters’ disjointed thought processes and the absence of clear resolutions demand patience and a willingness to embrace ambiguity.
Final Thoughts
Anastasia’s Midnight Song is a bold, unsettling work of literary fiction that challenges its readers to grapple with uncomfortable truths about identity, obsession, and mental illness. M. Laszlo’s evocative writing and daring exploration of madness make this a standout novel, though its experimental style and dark themes may not appeal to everyone. For those willing to immerse themselves in its disorienting depths, the book offers a profound and unforgettable experience.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
June 10, 2025
" [...] His loneliness only made him question his sanity that much more. [...]"
"Anastasia's Midnight Song" by M. Laszlo is the most twisted book I've read this year. It's a very difficult story that forces the reader to reflect deeply. We're dealing with metaphysical realism here. The characters Anastasia and Jack suffer from delusions. They have hallucinations. It's possible that they suffer from schizophrenia. Anastasia thinks she has an arctic fox in her womb that she talks to. Literally pure madness. At one point I thought I was going crazy because I didn't know what was real and what was just a hallucination. M. Laszlo plays perfectly with the reader's feelings. Unfortunately, Jack has suicidal thoughts. Why does he want to die? Our characters are young people. Anastasia is 19 and Jack is 18. Their example shows that puberty is not all that beautiful. Will these two have anything in common? You'll find out while reading. Anastasia wants to free herself from the Arctic Fox. Jack does not want to be conscripted into the army. Unfortunately, he is a simple coward. Will they both find the right path to the desired happiness?
M. Laszlo created a dark and schizophrenic story that nevertheless draws the reader into its vortex. The author cleverly came up with this. I read and read until I suddenly fell. Bravo. I liked it.
With this story, we move in the first half of the 20th century, or more precisely in 1917-1918. The places of action are different, from Saint Petersburg to London via Cairo.
I am delighted with the cover of this book. It is simply beautiful and gives a lot to think about. The large letters are another advantage of this novel.
Are you curious how fantasy mixes with realism?
I will honestly tell you that it is worth reaching for this strange story.
"Anastasia's Midnight Song" by M. Laszlo is the most twisted book I've read this year. It's a very difficult story that forces the reader to reflect deeply. We're dealing with metaphysical realism here. The characters Anastasia and Jack suffer from delusions. They have hallucinations. It's possible that they suffer from schizophrenia. Anastasia thinks she has an arctic fox in her womb that she talks to. Literally pure madness. At one point I thought I was going crazy because I didn't know what was real and what was just a hallucination. M. Laszlo plays perfectly with the reader's feelings. Unfortunately, Jack has suicidal thoughts. Why does he want to die? Our characters are young people. Anastasia is 19 and Jack is 18. Their example shows that puberty is not all that beautiful. Will these two have anything in common? You'll find out while reading. Anastasia wants to free herself from the Arctic Fox. Jack does not want to be conscripted into the army. Unfortunately, he is a simple coward. Will they both find the right path to the desired happiness?
M. Laszlo created a dark and schizophrenic story that nevertheless draws the reader into its vortex. The author cleverly came up with this. I read and read until I suddenly fell. Bravo. I liked it.
With this story, we move in the first half of the 20th century, or more precisely in 1917-1918. The places of action are different, from Saint Petersburg to London via Cairo.
I am delighted with the cover of this book. It is simply beautiful and gives a lot to think about. The large letters are another advantage of this novel.
Are you curious how fantasy mixes with realism?
I will honestly tell you that it is worth reaching for this strange story.
June 18, 2025
Anastasia’s Midnight Song is a dark, magical and historical tale which at its core follows the idea, in the author’s own words, of ‘boy ‘meets’ girl’. As gripping as it is haunting and as beautifully as it is hallucinatory Anastasia’s Midnight Song is hard to put down once you begin the journey.
From the opening line I knew I would be hooked. Laszlo crafts a world that is so rich but yet you begin to question what is real and what is in our protagonists minds. There is a unflinchingness about the novel that details the clear growing insanity in two young protagonists. I dislike making simple analogies but it is very much the trope of ‘I can’t fix them, but I can probably make them worse’. You can’t help but feel for the protagonists and wonder if they had someone else to help them on their journeys would things be different.
The writing is superb and captures not only the historical time but the decent into insanity which such haunting accuracy that you cannot stop reading. This is a book that is hard to categories in terms of genre but I believe that it’s one everyone should at least try to read. The way it is written, the care and the intricacy in weaving the story of the two protagonists together makes this one that’s hard to forget. It is a little on the darker side but I don’t think that should put readers off. I most certainly loved every minute of this.
As always thank you to Literally PR & the author for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
From the opening line I knew I would be hooked. Laszlo crafts a world that is so rich but yet you begin to question what is real and what is in our protagonists minds. There is a unflinchingness about the novel that details the clear growing insanity in two young protagonists. I dislike making simple analogies but it is very much the trope of ‘I can’t fix them, but I can probably make them worse’. You can’t help but feel for the protagonists and wonder if they had someone else to help them on their journeys would things be different.
The writing is superb and captures not only the historical time but the decent into insanity which such haunting accuracy that you cannot stop reading. This is a book that is hard to categories in terms of genre but I believe that it’s one everyone should at least try to read. The way it is written, the care and the intricacy in weaving the story of the two protagonists together makes this one that’s hard to forget. It is a little on the darker side but I don’t think that should put readers off. I most certainly loved every minute of this.
As always thank you to Literally PR & the author for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
June 10, 2025
Rarely does a book manage to be both utterly mesmerising and profoundly unsettling, but M. Laszlo’s Anastasia's Midnight Song achieves just that.
Set in the early 20th century, the story introduces us to Anastasia and Jack, two characters whose psychological struggles and obsessive journeys are as compelling as they are heartbreaking.
The writing is rich with symbolism, particularly the Arctic fox that Anastasia believes lives inside her. This metaphor for lost things and unresolved emotions resonated deeply with me. Jack’s character, with his insecurities and fixation on Anastasia, adds an unsettling layer of tension, making their interactions fraught with discomfort and fascination.
What impressed me most was Laszlo’s ability to weave together a story that feels both personal and universal. The blurred boundaries between reality and delusion force the reader to question what is true, mirroring the characters’ own struggles. While the narrative can feel chaotic at times, this only adds to the immersive, hallucinatory experience.
This is not a light read, but it’s an unforgettable one. For those who love dark, thought-provoking fiction with a touch of surrealism, this book is a masterpiece worth savouring.
#AnastasiasMidnightSong by authormlaszlo is out now to buy as paperback or ebook in all good bookstores internationally.
#bookreview #bookrecommendation #weirdfiction #weirdfictionbooks #bookoclock
Set in the early 20th century, the story introduces us to Anastasia and Jack, two characters whose psychological struggles and obsessive journeys are as compelling as they are heartbreaking.
The writing is rich with symbolism, particularly the Arctic fox that Anastasia believes lives inside her. This metaphor for lost things and unresolved emotions resonated deeply with me. Jack’s character, with his insecurities and fixation on Anastasia, adds an unsettling layer of tension, making their interactions fraught with discomfort and fascination.
What impressed me most was Laszlo’s ability to weave together a story that feels both personal and universal. The blurred boundaries between reality and delusion force the reader to question what is true, mirroring the characters’ own struggles. While the narrative can feel chaotic at times, this only adds to the immersive, hallucinatory experience.
This is not a light read, but it’s an unforgettable one. For those who love dark, thought-provoking fiction with a touch of surrealism, this book is a masterpiece worth savouring.
#AnastasiasMidnightSong by authormlaszlo is out now to buy as paperback or ebook in all good bookstores internationally.
#bookreview #bookrecommendation #weirdfiction #weirdfictionbooks #bookoclock
December 11, 2024
Anastasia’s Midnight Song by M. Laszlo is a mesmerizing yet unsettling exploration of obsession and mental unraveling. Set in the haunting landscape of Sinai during the early 20th century, the story brings together Anastasia, a French Huguenot consumed by the belief that her work in mirror factories can trap the imaginary Arctic fox she feels lives within her, and Jack, a young Londoner fleeing conscription and tormented by his own insecurities.
Laszlo captures the chaotic beauty of their intertwined lives, portraying their descent into madness with a mix of vivid imagery and raw emotion. Despite her apparent disdain, Jack’s fixation on Anastasia adds a layer of tension and discomfort as their paths spiral toward an inevitable confrontation with the illusions driving them both.
The novel shines in its ability to blur the lines between reality and delusion, making readers question what’s true alongside the characters. Laszlo’s story is both deeply personal and universally haunting, offering a hallucinatory journey through the fragility of the human mind.
Fans of surreal storytelling will find this book a fascinating, thought-provoking read.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Laszlo captures the chaotic beauty of their intertwined lives, portraying their descent into madness with a mix of vivid imagery and raw emotion. Despite her apparent disdain, Jack’s fixation on Anastasia adds a layer of tension and discomfort as their paths spiral toward an inevitable confrontation with the illusions driving them both.
The novel shines in its ability to blur the lines between reality and delusion, making readers question what’s true alongside the characters. Laszlo’s story is both deeply personal and universally haunting, offering a hallucinatory journey through the fragility of the human mind.
Fans of surreal storytelling will find this book a fascinating, thought-provoking read.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
February 11, 2025
This books takes the reader on a strange, metaphysical psychological drama that plays out with Anastasia and Jack, both troubled by their own demons and delusions. This is a book that could be read several times over and still not be able to glean all the richness the author provides. Themes of aroma, of being alone and lonely, of loss... and many more... are pictured in this journey through a dream or through madness? There are no clear answers, and this reader believes that's what the author intends. Every reader will get something different from the book...and may even get something different each time they read it.
The reader can delve into the different motifs - the dream fox, the diadem spider, the ghost girl of Svetlana - not to mention the music that is introduced throughout.
This is not a quick or easy beach read, but it is a book to be savored and experienced. It reminds me a lot of magical realism bound up in a dream vision - where the things experienced may or may not be factual, but have a reality too deep to explain. For readers who want to think and not just be entertained, this is the book for you. 4 stars.
The reader can delve into the different motifs - the dream fox, the diadem spider, the ghost girl of Svetlana - not to mention the music that is introduced throughout.
This is not a quick or easy beach read, but it is a book to be savored and experienced. It reminds me a lot of magical realism bound up in a dream vision - where the things experienced may or may not be factual, but have a reality too deep to explain. For readers who want to think and not just be entertained, this is the book for you. 4 stars.
December 16, 2024
M. Laszlo has penned an epic journey into madness doubled, and the intersection of Anastasia and Jack and their issues leads the reader to join their travel. The book is beautifully written and immerses the reader into a surreal and nearly magical world.
The world created for this book goes beyond the physical setting of early 20th century St. Petersburg and introduces the reader into a world that is dreamlike… into the worlds that Jack and Anastasia reside in as their mental problems grow more pronounced. At times, for the reader, it’s not clear what is reality and what is inside their minds. I feel this is the writer’s intent…to draw us into their own thoughts and feelings. To let us feel and see, just for a short time, what it’s like.
This is a book that, while it was sometimes hard to follow it has also proven to be hard to forget. I am looking forward to rereading it, because I think there are even more depths to discover. Thank you, Mr. Laszlo, for providing a deeply satisfying and, at the same time, a deeply unsettling book.
The world created for this book goes beyond the physical setting of early 20th century St. Petersburg and introduces the reader into a world that is dreamlike… into the worlds that Jack and Anastasia reside in as their mental problems grow more pronounced. At times, for the reader, it’s not clear what is reality and what is inside their minds. I feel this is the writer’s intent…to draw us into their own thoughts and feelings. To let us feel and see, just for a short time, what it’s like.
This is a book that, while it was sometimes hard to follow it has also proven to be hard to forget. I am looking forward to rereading it, because I think there are even more depths to discover. Thank you, Mr. Laszlo, for providing a deeply satisfying and, at the same time, a deeply unsettling book.
January 31, 2025
A digital copy of this book was provided through Hygge Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
We follow dual characters, the titular Anastasia and Jack. Through recounted memories, Anastasia tells of how an Arctic fox came to be embedded inside her, and has become active once more possibly due to the passing of her mother. Jack has been whisked away under his parents' orders to avoid enlisting as a soldier. He sets out with a plan to become a musician but soon finds himself struggling for a purpose.
Through the narrative, we explore the varying degrees of trauma the pair have faced and how this manifests. As the reader, we can never really trust what we're shown as the characters' mental health doesn't necessarily align with reality.
I found Jack quite pathetic to start with but ultimately I felt sorry for him as seemingly his guilt manifests in a dangerous way. This was quite a slow-paced read, building tension as we navigate the world through the characters' warped perspectives. I'll be thinking about this for a while!
⚠️Trigger warning for miscarriage
We follow dual characters, the titular Anastasia and Jack. Through recounted memories, Anastasia tells of how an Arctic fox came to be embedded inside her, and has become active once more possibly due to the passing of her mother. Jack has been whisked away under his parents' orders to avoid enlisting as a soldier. He sets out with a plan to become a musician but soon finds himself struggling for a purpose.
Through the narrative, we explore the varying degrees of trauma the pair have faced and how this manifests. As the reader, we can never really trust what we're shown as the characters' mental health doesn't necessarily align with reality.
I found Jack quite pathetic to start with but ultimately I felt sorry for him as seemingly his guilt manifests in a dangerous way. This was quite a slow-paced read, building tension as we navigate the world through the characters' warped perspectives. I'll be thinking about this for a while!
⚠️Trigger warning for miscarriage
November 4, 2024
Anastasia's Midnight Song was an interesting and sometimes mesmerizing read that kept me wanting to know more. I will admit that Anastasia's Midnight Song was sometimes a little confusing. I wasn’t sure if what was going on was in their heads or if any of it was real or maybe it was all just a dream or if only parts of it were real.
The way Anastasia's Midnight Song was written lulled me away into its world and kept me hanging on for more. The writing itself kept the pages turning and kept me coming back for more. If my attention drifted it wasn’t for long as I pulled back in very quickly.
The world-building was astronomical, to say the least. The characters were well-written. I kept waiting to see how the character’s worlds would interchange if they did at all. It kept me guessing from beginning to end.
I recommend Anastasia's Midnight Song to anyone who likes to read Psychological Drama stories. Grab a copy of Anastasia's Midnight Song today!
The way Anastasia's Midnight Song was written lulled me away into its world and kept me hanging on for more. The writing itself kept the pages turning and kept me coming back for more. If my attention drifted it wasn’t for long as I pulled back in very quickly.
The world-building was astronomical, to say the least. The characters were well-written. I kept waiting to see how the character’s worlds would interchange if they did at all. It kept me guessing from beginning to end.
I recommend Anastasia's Midnight Song to anyone who likes to read Psychological Drama stories. Grab a copy of Anastasia's Midnight Song today!
November 18, 2024
This was an intriguing story, with supernatural elements, odd memories, and an unforgettable pair of MCs. Anastasia and Jack are quite interesting, each struggling with their own demons - whether real or purely living in their minds is at times left up to the reader to decide. Laszlo blurs the lines between reality and dreams, the physical and metaphysical often, and it can be difficult to tell at times which is which. My only complaint is I struggled to really get into this and follow it at times, the mixing of memory with the present day, and everything else just felt slightly too disjointed for me. I think if I were to read it again, I’d be able to follow everything better, and possibly glean some new depths from it. If you enjoy books that make you wonder, and intrigue you, that exist on a plane that feels a little higher than the one we currently inhabit, then you absolutely need to grab this!
November 9, 2025
This book had such an intriguing premise, the kind of dreamlike, reality-blurring concept that immediately caught my attention. On paper, it’s everything I love: surreal atmosphere, hints of the uncanny, and a touch of the fantastical. But in practice, it didn’t quite come together for me. The story often felt confusing, and not in the deliberate, “I can’t wait to see how this fits together” kind of way and more like being adrift in a narrative that never fully grounded itself.
I did enjoy reading Jack’s perspective more than Anastasia’s; his sections felt a little more grounded and gave the story an anchor when I needed one. The idea itself is creative and full of potential, yet I found myself wishing for a tighter edit and something to give the story more shape and clarity.
That said, I admire the ambition behind it. It’s a bold, unusual book, and even if it didn’t land for me, I can see how readers drawn to strange, dreamlike storytelling might find something to love here.
I did enjoy reading Jack’s perspective more than Anastasia’s; his sections felt a little more grounded and gave the story an anchor when I needed one. The idea itself is creative and full of potential, yet I found myself wishing for a tighter edit and something to give the story more shape and clarity.
That said, I admire the ambition behind it. It’s a bold, unusual book, and even if it didn’t land for me, I can see how readers drawn to strange, dreamlike storytelling might find something to love here.
November 29, 2024
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Hygge Book Tours.
I found this quite a unique and intriguing book, and it made an impression on me. I felt the storytelling had an otherworldly, eerie quality about it, and that was something which I enjoyed. While I was reading, I felt that I connected with Anastasia and some elements of her personality, such as her attitude towards loneliness.
This was quite a dark read, dealing with themes such as obsession, and there were times when I questioned the motives and thought processes of the characters. I have what I call reading moods, and sometimes I find that I'm in the mood for a darker read that plays with my emotions a little bit. I think the title is ambiguous, and the cover design is something that I would feel drawn to.
Thank you to Hygge Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
I found this quite a unique and intriguing book, and it made an impression on me. I felt the storytelling had an otherworldly, eerie quality about it, and that was something which I enjoyed. While I was reading, I felt that I connected with Anastasia and some elements of her personality, such as her attitude towards loneliness.
This was quite a dark read, dealing with themes such as obsession, and there were times when I questioned the motives and thought processes of the characters. I have what I call reading moods, and sometimes I find that I'm in the mood for a darker read that plays with my emotions a little bit. I think the title is ambiguous, and the cover design is something that I would feel drawn to.
Thank you to Hygge Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
December 1, 2024
Thanks to HyggeBookTour and the author for having me on this tour.
I absolutely loved diving into this book! The descriptive writing style, especially when it came to the Arctic fox, completely captivated me. The symbolism of the fox being inside her really struck a chord with me, evoking thoughts of lost things and the desire to regain them. Anastasia's struggle with loneliness really touched my heart, and I found her portrayal to be incredibly relatable. And Jack, what a unique character! Once I started reading, I simply couldn't tear myself away from the pages, even though the book delves into darker themes. This story truly left a lasting impression on me!
#HyggeBookTour #ArcticFox #Symbolism #Loneliness #CharacterDevelopment #EmotionalJourney #CaptivatingNarrative #LiteraryExploration #BookLovers #MustReads
I absolutely loved diving into this book! The descriptive writing style, especially when it came to the Arctic fox, completely captivated me. The symbolism of the fox being inside her really struck a chord with me, evoking thoughts of lost things and the desire to regain them. Anastasia's struggle with loneliness really touched my heart, and I found her portrayal to be incredibly relatable. And Jack, what a unique character! Once I started reading, I simply couldn't tear myself away from the pages, even though the book delves into darker themes. This story truly left a lasting impression on me!
#HyggeBookTour #ArcticFox #Symbolism #Loneliness #CharacterDevelopment #EmotionalJourney #CaptivatingNarrative #LiteraryExploration #BookLovers #MustReads
January 31, 2025
This was so wild, and not in my taste. I told my friend about it and she has already ordered it. So, not my cup of tea, but will work for those lovely weirdos out there. I did enjoy the ambience of the setting, very otherworldly (in a blurry confused kind of way, as our main characters are batty). I have mixed opinions on Anastasia, I think a lot of time with mental health professionals could help. I like foxes... but not in this way. Jack starts with an exciting story of escape, there is potential for adventure, but once he finds Anastasia there is some very toxic levels of obsession going on which stagnate his story. This was almost a good book for me, but the "revelatory, hallucinatory account of the growing insanity of two young people" was just way too much for me. LIKE I SAID--this is very interesting for others, but not this reader.
June 11, 2025
This is a story of mental health, Russia’s 1917 Revolution in St. Petersburg, and bizarre and unearthly happenings. Sounds like some weird stuff written on top of a real, live revolution, doesn’t it? I suppose it is.
This felt like I was living in a phantasmagorical dream. I always felt a little off balance while reading Anastasia’s Midnight Song. Its overall story exists, but a swirling, dizzying sort of unreal cloud was going on around my head. Anastasia, believing that a fox lives in her womb, and poor, gangly, pale and ugly Jack somehow make quite a focus of the story.
Having said all that, I must say that Laszlo’s writing is somewhat poetic and dreamlike. What seems strange and esoteric to me has nothing to do with his writing skill. This is a well-constructed, surreal story that I think will strike many people in many different ways.
This felt like I was living in a phantasmagorical dream. I always felt a little off balance while reading Anastasia’s Midnight Song. Its overall story exists, but a swirling, dizzying sort of unreal cloud was going on around my head. Anastasia, believing that a fox lives in her womb, and poor, gangly, pale and ugly Jack somehow make quite a focus of the story.
Having said all that, I must say that Laszlo’s writing is somewhat poetic and dreamlike. What seems strange and esoteric to me has nothing to do with his writing skill. This is a well-constructed, surreal story that I think will strike many people in many different ways.
January 22, 2025
The perfect book to try and get me out of my reading slump and it did! When I first saw the book I thought it was gonna be a nice easy children’s book however I was wrong but in a good way. The plot was really intriguing and I found myself tripping over each page and really enjoying the presentation of the characters, especially Anastasia. I thought her thought process was really unique and I think it was really interesting to see her character progression throughout the book. It was definitely like no other book that I’ve really read before but I thought it was really interesting to get more of an inside into peoples minds and how our brain works how life can take us in different directions. I’m really excited to see what comes from the author in the future
June 12, 2025
This is a standalone novel, set in the past (Russia) in 1919 and revolves around 2 characters - one who believes there is an imaginary fox living in her womb.
This is an interesting concept, though I admit that it took me a while to understand and get my head around it.
The cover of the book is perfectly fantasy based on a nod to the historical element of the book and just looks absolutely amazing. If I'm honest, it was the cover that drew me to this one initially.
The characters are also intriguing, and it is interesting to see them develop over time.
It is evident that a lot of research was out into this book as part of researching the time period and location, as everything was very detailed.
It is an interesting story that historical lovers will like!
(Rounded up to 4)
This is an interesting concept, though I admit that it took me a while to understand and get my head around it.
The cover of the book is perfectly fantasy based on a nod to the historical element of the book and just looks absolutely amazing. If I'm honest, it was the cover that drew me to this one initially.
The characters are also intriguing, and it is interesting to see them develop over time.
It is evident that a lot of research was out into this book as part of researching the time period and location, as everything was very detailed.
It is an interesting story that historical lovers will like!
(Rounded up to 4)
December 13, 2024
What an interesting cover, this drew me as a reader right away! In this book we have two characters named Anastasia and Jack. The book is very dreamlike and I liked reading the in between reality and fantasy.
The world building was fantastic and the author really has a way of bringing you into the story as a reader. You really feel Anastasia's lonely feelings in this story. You relate to her as a character right off the bat. The book is for a reader like myself who likes a dark read and wants to go on a dark journey as a reader. I love a good dark book and this one was it for me.
I would be very interested in reading more of the author's work in the future!
The world building was fantastic and the author really has a way of bringing you into the story as a reader. You really feel Anastasia's lonely feelings in this story. You relate to her as a character right off the bat. The book is for a reader like myself who likes a dark read and wants to go on a dark journey as a reader. I love a good dark book and this one was it for me.
I would be very interested in reading more of the author's work in the future!
January 18, 2025
📚Book Review
📚Anastasia’s Midnight Song by M Laszlo
This book is very different to what I have read before. So disorienting in a way that I couldn’t stop reading.
It was mesmerising, yet uncomfortable to read both Anastasia’s story, and that of Jack. The line between their reality and hallucinations was thin. And it was sometimes difficult to see the truth.
However, I loved following Anastasia and her story. I loved the setting too. St. Petersburg and its foggy, eerie streets took me right there, into the story.
If you want something psychologically dark, then this one is for you.
Very good read.
I gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Literary PR for my chance to be on the tour.
📚Anastasia’s Midnight Song by M Laszlo
This book is very different to what I have read before. So disorienting in a way that I couldn’t stop reading.
It was mesmerising, yet uncomfortable to read both Anastasia’s story, and that of Jack. The line between their reality and hallucinations was thin. And it was sometimes difficult to see the truth.
However, I loved following Anastasia and her story. I loved the setting too. St. Petersburg and its foggy, eerie streets took me right there, into the story.
If you want something psychologically dark, then this one is for you.
Very good read.
I gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Literary PR for my chance to be on the tour.
January 21, 2025
Anastasia's Midnight Song by M. Laszlo is a haunting exploration of two troubled souls in St. Petersburg, 1917. Anastasia, grappling with her identity and the whimsical notion of an Arctic Fox within, crosses paths with Jack, a coward running from the war. Their intertwining narratives, filled with longing and delusions, reveal the fragility of sanity in tumultuous times. Laszlo masterfully blends fantasy with stark reality, creating an immersive experience that challenges the characters' moral compasses. The stunning cover beautifully complements this thought-provoking tale. Highly recommended for those who appreciate literary depth and psychological complexity.
An easy 5 stars
An easy 5 stars
June 10, 2025
This is an interesting yet unusual book. There are many elements of the plot which are typical fantasy fiction, but the author takes it up a level with blurred boundaries going on between different levels of reality within the plot which certainly made it an interesting and unusual read. I did find at times could be difficult to decipher, so I think it is more of a slow and considered read, that way you can ensure you get the most out of the writing. I really enjoyed the way the story progressed through time and locations.
Thanks to LiterallyPR for sending me a copy for an honest review.
Thanks to LiterallyPR for sending me a copy for an honest review.
January 22, 2025
Set between St Petersburg, Sinai, Cairo and London in 1917 and 1918 this is the story of 19 year old French Huguenot Anastasia T. Grace and 18 year old English Jack Wylye. Anastasia is trying to rid her womb of an Arctic Fox that lives there and Jack is avoiding being conscripted to The Great War. They are both lonely and alone with a shared love of music and a faulty biochemistry. They meet in and around reality, dreams, hallucinations, magic and music. This is not my usual genre of choice but I enjoyed this book a great deal and was captivated to the very end.
January 29, 2025
I've not read anything like this story before, it's certainly thought provoking. As a psychology student it really piqued my interest, especially as both protagonists offers a raw account of schizophrenia.
The authors writing is such that you are unaware at times as to what's reality and what's an hallucination. It's a mesmerising journey which feels uncomfortable at times, but quickly snapped back to reality.
The characters are well presented and the writing is atmospheric making it the perfect wintry read. Really enjoyed this unique read.
The authors writing is such that you are unaware at times as to what's reality and what's an hallucination. It's a mesmerising journey which feels uncomfortable at times, but quickly snapped back to reality.
The characters are well presented and the writing is atmospheric making it the perfect wintry read. Really enjoyed this unique read.
March 15, 2025
This well-paced and interesting tale shifts seamlessly between reality and fantasy, intertwining the character arcs of Anastasia and Jack, before they meet, when their fates collide, and afterwards.
With matching far-reaching imaginations and troubled souls, the pair become romantically entwined to try to assuage their loneliness, descending into a world that's more unreal than ever. At times, it felt like I was tumbling into madness with the characters as it was so well described. The writing has a dark, mesmerising quality and is full of symbolism. It's a gripping read.
With matching far-reaching imaginations and troubled souls, the pair become romantically entwined to try to assuage their loneliness, descending into a world that's more unreal than ever. At times, it felt like I was tumbling into madness with the characters as it was so well described. The writing has a dark, mesmerising quality and is full of symbolism. It's a gripping read.
June 10, 2025
If you’re looking for a mesmerising and haunting read then you’re in the right place.
Anastasia’s Midnight Song should be in a genre of its own as it’s like nothing I’ve ever reading before, I think I’d describe it as Fairytale Fantasy.
I didn’t quite know what to think when i started reading this story but the more I read the more I understood and the more I became enthralled.
The love story between Anastasia and Jack is ethereal and beautiful and you’ll be obsessed with them just like i was.
If you want a thought provoking experience grab a copy of Anastasia’s Midnight Song.
Anastasia’s Midnight Song should be in a genre of its own as it’s like nothing I’ve ever reading before, I think I’d describe it as Fairytale Fantasy.
I didn’t quite know what to think when i started reading this story but the more I read the more I understood and the more I became enthralled.
The love story between Anastasia and Jack is ethereal and beautiful and you’ll be obsessed with them just like i was.
If you want a thought provoking experience grab a copy of Anastasia’s Midnight Song.
December 18, 2024
This was an intriguing read as well as a little confusing. Both Anastasia and Jack had their own journeys, crossed paths with each other, and continued on. I found the mental back and forth for both a little crazy but saw a spiritual connection and maybe a lesson. There were moments I felt for them, though Jack was lazy while Anastasia worked hard, mostly to rid herself of her internal creatures.
I received a copy through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews