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Midnight Gate: An epic fantasy romance

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If she wants a life on the outside, she must survive a season at Midnight Gate.

Nevena Nightfall is a cursed woman, locked in a tower since childhood with only one to cremate the dead. On Ranking Eve, she finally makes an escape. And makes her first enemy—Edric Silvan, an alluring stranger who aids her until she reveals her name.

Forgotten and unnoticed, Nevena manages to compete for a Rank—and freedom. But when Edric sabotages her result, the Council appoints Nevena as Protector to the most dangerous town in Veligrad.

Midnight Gate. Along with Edric.

When Midnight Gate is repeatedly attacked by the Cursed Fae, Nevena undergoes a spell that connects her to Edric and their superior, the seemingly-charming Hartley, in exchange for a protective shield around the town.

But as the spell unexpectedly draws Nevena to the man who hates her, she must fight desires lying beneath her hard exterior. And while the secrets of her bloodline spill out, Nevena is led to question who poses a greater threat—the Cursed Fae, or the Council of Veligrad?

Midnight Gate is a spicy, slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romantasy perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, From Blood and Ash and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

368 pages, Paperback

Published February 13, 2025

382 people are currently reading
10123 people want to read

About the author

S. K. Stapar

2 books46 followers
S. K. Stapar is an adult romantasy author specialising in cursed magic, gripping secrets and agonising romance.

Her stories blend elements of Slavic tales and culture into original fantasy worlds, rife with tension. When not writing, you will find her endlessly reading romantasy, gardening or chauffeuring her little pup Ivy to cafe dates with her husband.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Tainee (theveiledreader).
106 reviews8 followers
April 15, 2025
DNF @ 58%

I was gifted this eArc by MTMC Tours.

As this is my first eArc by MTMC tours, I was so excited and I wanted to love this book so much. Unfortunately, I had to DNF after realising that it was giving mr anxiety and stress at the thought of finishing it.

If you are the kind of person that reads just for vibes and you love fourth wing, Acotar, and the like, this might be for you, so feel free to skip my review as the issues I have with this book is mostly personal.

The whole premise was interesting. A Rapunzel retelling where she saved herself from the tower they locked her in. But it was also so much more. We have cursed Faes, and magic that I found interesting.

However, what truly turned me away from the book is the sprinkle of modern words here and there; sweater, leggings, jacket. While I understand that this is fantasy, and not historical fiction, seeing these modern words just take me out of the story.

And then, there is the random spouting of poetry out of nowhere by our main love interest, Edric(?), if I even remember his name well. It just felt forced and pretentious. Don’t get me wrong, I love when this was done in If We Were Villains. After all, they were theatre kids. This just felt forced.

I felt that the author was trying too hard to sell this as a “full of yearning between enemies to lovers” that she even had to throw the word “Yearning” into the book to convince us that it’s full of yearning.

“To run before the yearning inside me made me do something I would regret…”
In my opinion, it’s just lust. It was in fact, insta lust from the FMC’s side at least. I also honestly do not buy the “Romance” between the two. I need a build up. I need actual yearning. This was not it.

I don’t even believe that it’s a true enemies to lovers story. They seem to be lusting over each other too quick. Talking about lust,

“Thigh clenchingly huge” threw me off. I am no longer a fan of male love interests being described as Huge or big or whatever.

Anyways, do not get me started on FMC. I am not a fan of her. She just feels too much like a Mary Sue. There’s also the fact that the author is trying to sell the “feminine rage” trope through her far too much, but it fell flat. Much like the “yearning”, the word “rage” was also thrown into the fray to try and sell it. Honestly, I do not get her rage, so there is that. Makes no sense.

I think I have ranted enough. I don’t want to write anymore.
Profile Image for Abbey.
7 reviews
January 23, 2025
I’m soooo thankful I messaged this amazing author and asked for an ARC!! I read the blurb on her insta and was immediately hooked and let me say, I was not disappointed.

With enemies to lovers who exchange quotes from their favourite poems like sword strokes, Midnight Gate fulfils my need for intelligent and witty writing in fantasy.

The expansive world building reminded me of Fourth Wing, easy to follow but so incredibly unique and intriguing.

We’re given a main female lead who is somehow fragile yet powerful, a main male lead who screams green flag alpha material (is that even a thing? Well it is for me) and a bunch of side characters who aren’t just there for filler scenes but actually each have their own little stories that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I pride myself on guessing twists but I was shooketh by some of the twists and turns this book threw my way. Also can I just say I’m so bloody glad I chose this book as the very first book I’ve read on my new kindle because it was an absolute page turner and damn those pages turn quick on the kindle!!

This incredible debut comes out 13 February 2025, if your goal this year is to read more indie books I highly recommend Midnight Gate ❤️

Profile Image for Ruby Kentwell.
74 reviews4 followers
April 3, 2025
Proud to say this author is a friend of mine ❤️ So ready for book two!!
Profile Image for Melissa Kincaid.
Author 4 books83 followers
April 19, 2025
I was generously provided an eARC by the author and I am happily, and voluntarily, leaving my review! ❤️ Thank you!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = 5 stars!

Okay, look, I need a moment to reign in my absolute crushing OBSESSION with this book! I Freaking LOVED it!

Midnight Gate is the first in an epic romantasy series that centres around Nevena Nightfall, a cursed woman, locked in a tower since childhood with only one job, to cremate the dead. On Ranking Eve, she finally makes an escape. And makes her first enemy—Edric Silvan, an alluring stranger who aids her until she reveals her name. She’s the one who killed his brother, and that begins the start of one delectable enemies-to-lovers dance!

Edric is absolutely swoon-worthy! Dark-haired with stormy blue eyes, built like a warrior, and... into poetry? Yes, please! He’s the perfect mix of brooding strength and unexpected tenderness that makes your heart race. Throw in some expertly written spice, a few dagger-to-throat (and other parts) moments, and you’ve got the ultimate MMC. He’s the kind of character who keeps you on edge, equal parts dangerous and alluring, and utterly unforgettable.

I absolutely LOVE Nevena! She’s self-assured despite the gaps in her memory, and her strength, magical prowess, and overall intrigue make her such a compelling character. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at some of her hilariously awkward moments (like, “Don’t worry about me or my little hammer, you – you giant dick!”). Oh my gosh, she’s such a gem! While she has a touch of selfishness rooted in self-preservation, it’s clear how deeply she cares for others, especially her friends. (And ohhhh, Malina! Cue my ugly sobbing here.)

Hartley is part of this intricate web—a charismatic male character who constantly keeps you guessing with his seemingly ulterior motives. I found myself caught in a whirlwind of emotions toward him: liking him, then hating him, only to find myself liking him again. That kind of complexity is a testament to the author’s masterful character development.

S.K.'s writing is nothing short of brilliant—vivid, beautifully descriptive, and effortlessly engaging. The story’s magic system is fascinating, and the integration of Slavic folklore is masterfully done (seriously, the vukodlak are terrifying!). The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is executed brilliantly, with compelling tension and emotional depth. I particularly appreciated Nevena’s introspective flashbacks, where she grapples with her actions involving Edric’s brother and confronts the morally ambiguous nature of her powers. These moments add incredible depth to her character, highlighting her internal struggles and bringing new layers of complexity to her relationship with Edric.

The pace of the book was fantastic, keeping me fully engaged from start to finish. There was always something happening, with the perfect balance of action and intrigue to hold my attention. The author masterfully incorporated slow reveals throughout the story, building suspense and leaving me eagerly turning the pages. By the time I reached the ending, I was left gasping in awe at how cleverly everything came together.

Another strong part of the book was the friendships along the way. It’s obvious that Nev finds it hard to trust, but she lets some of the side characters in, and I’m eager to know more about them as the series progresses, because I see lots of potential there.

What to expect:
• Slavic Folklore Elements
• Fae, Witches and Vampires
• LOTR inspired forest town setting
• Strong, axe wielding FMC
• Enemies to Lovers
• Fated Mates
• Travel through magical gates
• Intricate Magic System
• ‘He crawls to her’
• Slow burn & spice
• Fresh twist on Rapunzel fairytale
• A different twist on your typical love triangle, with a clear ‘winner’

If you’re captivated by the Slavic folklore elements of The Witcher, adore the fierce ‘ride or die’ friendships of Fourth Wing, revel in the sizzling romance of From Blood and Ash, and cheer for the epic enemies-to-lovers dynamics of A Court of Thorns and Roses, then Midnight Gate is an absolute must-read for you!

This was an incredible start to what promises to be an unforgettable series.

I’ve been following SK Stapar’s journey for a while now, and I’m beyond grateful to have witnessed part of the incredible ride leading to her debut fantasy. Congratulations on this amazing achievement—I can’t wait to see where you take the story next. Consider me a forever reader, fully committed for the long haul!

Thank you, SK!


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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
5 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2025
ARC REVIEW

Midnight Gate by S.K. Stapar ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


ARE. YOU. KIDDING. ME.

My first reaction upon finishing this book was to scream. And my first question was HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT ?!?!?

This book is fire.

The characters, the world building, the magic, the burn, the banter, the tension, the inner monologue, the writing style.. I could continue listing all the things I love about this book!


Blurb:

Nevena Nightfall is a cursed woman who's been kept against her will and forced to cremate the dead since childhood. She finally makes an escape on Ranking Eve and meets Edric Silvan, who she soon finds out is her enemy.
Nevena competes for a rank in hopes of securing her freedom and is placed as a Protector of Midnight Gate, the most dangerous town in Veligrad. Along with Edric.
They must learn to work together to protect the town from the cursed fae, all the while fighting their desire for each other and searching for a cure.


My thoughts:

Let's start with the characters...

Nevena Nightfall, our FMC, is sassy, caring, strong & fragile, all at the same time. Her inner monologue throughout the book is my favourite that I've read so far. Her thought process feels so natural and had me giggling on many occasions.

Edric, our MMC, is an alpha. He's strong, confident, assertive, and a bit grumpy. He is protective and supportive of those he cares about, and he is so very smooth with his words. Also, did I mention that he reads and recites poetry?!

Our side characters all play their own important role and are a great support to the story.

The yearning, the tension, and the burn between our main characters is delicious torture. I loved every single exchange between Edric and Nevena, right from the very beginning.

The world of Veligrad is beautiful and unique. I found the world building to be easy to follow, and the magic system is intriguing. There are twists and turns that I did not see coming. The spice fits well with the storyline, and I think it is well written.

This book has many good tropes, including enemies to lovers, cursed magic, slow burn, touch her and die, and another that I will not mention. It was a surprise for me, and it shall remain a surprise for you. You'll just have to read it to find out!

This story isn't over, and I can hardly wait for the next installment!!

I will recommend Midnight Gate to anyone! Especially romantasy lovers, and those who are here for the vibes!
Profile Image for Amy Josephine.
137 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2025
My romantasy lovers, you NEED to pick up this book!
- Unique Magic system ✅️
- Amazingly strong minded FMC ✅️
- MMC of dreams ✅️
- incredivle slow burn romance with some of your favourite tropes including my new favourite- He crawls to her ✅️
- Incredible details that had me visualising each and every scene ✅️

Honestly, loved this book so much and cannot wait for the second instalment!!

Do 👏 yourself 👏 a 👏 favour! 👏
Profile Image for jlreadstoperpetuity.
516 reviews19 followers
February 19, 2025
One thing that stood out to me was the infusion of Slavic folklore—it added a unique flavor to the narrative that I hadn't encountered before. The romance subplot was sweet and didn't overshadow the main storyline, which I appreciated.

If you're into fantasy tales with a touch of romance and cultural mythology, "Midnight Gate" might just be up your alley. It's a solid start to what could be an intriguing series.
Profile Image for TheSeasonedReader.
92 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2025
Thank you to S.K.Stapar for an ARC of this AMAZING story!

This captivating tale immerses you in a world rich with Slavic folklore, mythology, and traditions, adding an intriguing depth to both the plot and its characters. The author's writing style pulls you in effortlessly, bringing scenes to life and making every emotion and action feel incredibly real.

Nevena, or Nev to those closest to her, is a cursed Mortician who has been confined to a tower in Amber Gate for thirteen years. In a bid for freedom, she escapes to compete in the upcoming Ranking, a chance to become a Protector of one of Veligrad's cities (gates), of which Midnight Gate is one of.

On the night of her escape, she encounters Edric, a mysterious, powerful man with ocean-blue eyes, and soon discovers they share a somewhat loose connection.

What follows is a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, filled with tender moments and occasional mildly spicy encounters.

Nev and Edric, together, work as Protectors of Midnight Gate, and then explore the connection between the Curse and Leden, the cruel leader of Amber Gate. Does he have a Heightened Power?

The pacing is perfect, and the story is impossible to put down, keeping you hooked from start to finish.

This is a story I wish I could read for the first time, over and over.

I can't wait for the next part to this wonderful tale.
Profile Image for jessanotherlovestory.
74 reviews
February 12, 2025
Received an ARC from MTMC Tours for an honest review. There are witches, fae, and vampires in Midnight Gate. I love romantasy and enemies to lovers but the romance in this story fell flat. It lacked tension and yearning between Nevena and Edric. Nevena was a mortician for 13 years, in a locked tower. When they both win a competition for an assigned post, they are tasked with protecting Midnight Gate. Edric deems her as the enemy, but they sort of brush it under the rug when they become reluctant allies. As a reader, I wanted their romance to develop in a steady pace but it seemed to happen sporadically.

The action finally picked up at the last 20-25% of the story. Once her Heightened Power is revealed, Edric rejects Nevena. The trope of fated mates seemed rushed and came out of nowhere. They try to break the Curse. He also urges her to not use her power, believing that they can defeat the villain without it. I was not a fan of Edric when this happened. We don't find out why they're true enemies until close to the ending of the book. However, the cliffhanger was well done at the end. I did love Edric's sweet nickname "nightmare" for Nevena.
Profile Image for Carlie.
2 reviews
January 23, 2025
Midnight Gate is fucking GREAT. So great!
Held our attention from start to cliffhanger finish and we are not ok that we have to wait for book two.The world of Veligrad is bleak and dire and exquisitely described. We have not read any Slavic-inspired romantasy so this felt fresh and unique. We wonder how much of the book was inspired by fairytales and stories that the author heard growing up?

It’s got everything we want in a romantasy - fae, witches, curses, evil power-hungry kings, cool magic system, found family, an FMC that captivates with her heart and mind as much as her good looks, a broody but instantly-lustable MMC plus all the tropes we squeal over.

When we hit the one-bed-in-the-inn scene, Carlie kicked her legs like an excited child.

Enemies to lovers - it’s a slow burn that teases and gives us just enough but not everything at just the right moments.

The plot is seamless, the story is constantly pushed forward by the characters and the decisions they make so that the pacing felt on point.

Let’s talk about Edric - that man is impeccable. Perfection. He didn’t put a foot wrong with Nevena, even when terrified of her or confused by her. The fierce protection and reminders of her strength as well as those hands *swoon*.S.K. writes tension really, really well. It’s a strong point of her writing and it definitely has us both clenching our thighs and breathing a little faster.

There are strong side characters, beautiful prose, enchanted imagery, villains hidden as leaders and so much more. It was easy to walk into her world and swirl around there, feeling all the emotions and stepping into the shoes of our spirited and kind-hearted FMC.

In a nutshell - it hit all the romantasy buttons!
Profile Image for Magg.
297 reviews3 followers
May 9, 2025
4⭐️ 1🌶️
I enjoyed this book a lot! I think it was a unique story and had some really nice themes woven into the narrative. The world was different and I enjoyed the concept of the curse so I did think it was creative. And the ending?! I LOVED IT it was shocking and thrilling and I’m so excited for the next book!
There were some points where I felt like the transitions between settings and scenes weren’t smooth though. The characters and romance felt a little lacking also. Overall, I will definitely be reading the second book and would recommend it!

TROPES
Medium burn
Forced proximity
Opposites attract
Fated mates

THEMES
The themes of control and choosing your own path were really well done in this book and were seamlessly woven into the story from the first chapter. I loved seeing Nevena’s need for control and how her perception of control changes throughout the book. It added a lot of depth to her character which took the writing of this book a step above.
The imagery of water and its stillness, movement, and ability to shape its own path was also perfectly embedded in the story. From Nev’s desire to move to the ocean, to the poetry that she and Edric recite, to his ocean-colored eyes, to the river at Midnight Gate, the water imagery was everywhere and it was so symbolic of Nev choosing her own path and making her own future for herself.
The political notes of not trusting anyone with overzealous followers, or anyone who leads with arrogance rather than knowledge, really resonated. I think a lot of readers will enjoy the fantastical take on this message and will appreciate the way that the author has framed this to the audience in a meaningful way.

THE CHARACTERS
Nevena’s character development was noted a lot through the themes which I LOVED. It was such a profound way to give her character growth and depth while keeping the writing style whimsical and thought-provoking.
Edric on the other hand, had a lot less development, which is to be expected as this is the first book in the series and it’s written from Nev’s point of view. I was glad to learn more about him at the end and his backstory at the last chapter had my jaw on the floor. However, I would have liked to see more personal growth from him rather than a lot of the “one step forward two steps back” ordeal.
The side characters were all a little lacking in my opinion. While they had some personality, they didn’t get enough time on the page to really stand out.

THE ROMANCE
I have mixed feelings on the romance because at times it felt like insta-love from their first interaction and too many things in common, but then the CRAWLING?!? IT WAS SO GOOD
So I’m a bit torn. I wish the romance had more development, more banter, and more time for them to connect on a level that wasn’t physical or due to the binding spell bringing them closer together. I would call it a medium burn because of this.
I also wouldn’t call this an enemies to lovers because they did have the same goal from the start and were always on the same side. It also doesn’t feel like a reluctant allies to lovers story though. It just felt like a “they hated eachother and then they didn’t”.
The yearning was over exaggerated in the writing but didn’t come across through the emotions, but there were a few really good scenes (have I mentioned THE CRAWLING?!) that did make me love our MMC and kick my feet a bit. I just wish it wasn’t as rushed.

QUOTES: THEMES

“Although Leden was the only one of Veligrad's seven Casters not to possess a Heightened Power, he bandied mortal powers just as compelling as magic-fear, zealotry, respect. Dangerous powers against anyone who tried to oppose his rule.”

"Beware those who demand you devote your entirety to a cause. Assuredness is often arrogance disguised as knowledge."

"A river dammed is still water flowing. Battering rain makes a tranquil lake."

“Rivulets may disappear while
Rivers spill into seas high.
One defines existence while
Another defines itself.”

"You were the river that kept flowing when dammed. You were the lake that held itself while it was battered." His teeth were glaring metal as he parted his lips. "Hartley did not save you. You saved yourself."

"I feel like I know you." Those lips still tugged upwards, but something more serious lay behind the playfulness.
Something warm and firm and safe. "You're a rivulet. While a river rages on without control, you disappear onto your own course. You define yourself."

QUOTES: THE CHARACTERS

“Being powerful is not what makes you special, Nevena. What makes you special is being able to discern right from wrong, and whether or not you act on your values - regardless of any power you possess.”

“It was as though two beasts reared their heads within me. One uncurled from deep within my gut with flames snorting from its nose, threatening to tear at any notion of defiling the values I held close. The other beast dropped from the depths of my mind with graceful agil-ity, analysing the most practical course.
At least both beasts were my own. The choice lay solely with me.
I threw the bitter, floral liquid down my throat.
The first beast roared with rage, adding to the corrosive guilt and shame in my stomach. It was a consequence I would have to deal with, damaging my own values to prevent more damage to others.”

QUOTES: THE ROMANCE

"Touch her again," Edric purred, "and I'll break off your hands. I'll string your knuckles on a pretty necklace, then I'll offer it to her as a gift. That is the only way your rancid fingers will ever meet her skin again."

“Why? Maybe it was the ropes of tension we had tied between us, fibres too taut and ready to snap. Maybe it was the curiosity from our very first meet-ing, desperate to be satisfied. Was that all it took to ignite a spark?”

1 review
January 20, 2025
Absolutely smashed through this epic Romantasy, the world building, the lore, the magic system - all top notch. We also get a firey enemies to lovers?? 👏👏 amazing.
Profile Image for Rachel.
23 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2025
Wholy shit balls that was so so good!
Incredibly atmospheric and beautiful writing 👏🏻
64 reviews
May 27, 2025
this took way too long to get good, seriously if you can make it to page 300 you'll be fine
Profile Image for Tia.
1,113 reviews23 followers
June 2, 2025
DNF @ p65 this book is complete and utter nonsense
Profile Image for Holly.
3 reviews
August 20, 2025
Incredible, page turner from the start. The world gets bigger and bigger with each chapter, as do the characters. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Kay Jay.
96 reviews
April 26, 2025
Magical, original, addictive, stunning. MUST READ! I ate it up! Easy 5 stars
1 review
April 21, 2025
Absolutely loved it! Beautiful written with a bit of spice, romance, action, battles and all of the good stuff in between.

Bring on book 2 already!! ❤️
Profile Image for Chelsea Dyer.
1 review1 follower
April 16, 2025
LOVEEE! It’s been a while since a book completely captured me, but Midnight Gate did just that. I was hooked right from the beginning and found myself constantly thinking about the story, so eager to jump back into its magical world. S.K. Stapar has such a gift for storytelling—her writing is vivid, poetic, and incredibly immersive. I felt genuinely transported. This was such a joy to read; I’m still carrying the feeling of it with me and am dying to know what happens in the sequel. I couldn’t recommend this book more!
9 reviews
April 15, 2025
Wow

Very different to other fae/magic Romantasies I have read before. Loved it and hope don’t have to wait too long for the next one!
Profile Image for Tegan Jansen.
18 reviews
April 8, 2025
Enemies to lovers, faes witches political plays, poetry and repunzel ?!? This book was so impressive being written by an indie author, I’m so glad I picked this up and it was a page turner from day one. The best part of this book was the love story that blossomed, the kindness and validation from Edric about exactly who Nevena is at her core. What more could you want in a love story. I cannot wait for the next one!!!
Profile Image for M.G. Hunt.
Author 3 books17 followers
March 29, 2025
An incredible adventure with a unique magic system. Will go down as one of my favourite books I have read!
Profile Image for KK Reads.
188 reviews40 followers
February 8, 2025
Nevena Nightfall is trapped in a tower, until she escapes to join the Ranking in hopes of becoming a protector. Edric Silvan lost his brother when Nevena took him for Cursed and killed him to protect herself. The two wind up as Protectors at Midnight Gate together and have to learn to work together or people could get hurt. The Cursed were once fae and now are vampire like creatures who prey upon the townsfolk whenever their guard is down, and it's the Protectors job to keep them out of the towns.

Nevena has been locked away and secretly training for the day she could escape and become a protector, she has great motivation to beat out the other competitors in the Ranking but she still manages to make a friend in Kavi. Edric is understandably awful to Nevena after the death of his brother but they bond over a shared love of poetry and begin to grow closer as they spend time together in their roles as Protectors.
The setting in this book is dark and has a folklore feel, with the people of Midnight Gate living in the forest and adhering to superstitions to keep safe from the Cursed.
I enjoyed the writing style for this book, it's straightforward and easy to read but still poetic at times. I found myself highlighting different phrases that caught my attention, which doesn't happen a lot!
The storyline centres around the Cursed and the protection of the townsfolk but there is an interesting subplot around the miran nectar, a magical substance which heals / saves lives but can only be harvested at certain times of the year, and only where the flowers grow.
I feel like everything flowed and made sense in this story, and I was definitely surprised by the plot twist toward the end.
I was a big fan of this story - I had a feeling when I saw it coming out that I would really enjoy it and I was spot on! I will be eagerly looking forward to book 2 in the story.

Profile Image for Queer Queen.
13 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2025
Devoured this in less than 24 hours. That's the highest praise I can give a book.

This is the perfect mix of beloved tropes and originality. I usually hate the stereotypical male love interest in this genre but, you know what, Edric's okay with me. ❤️

Plot heavy with lots of lore (which I love) but written with a sophisticated hand so it is never cumbersome, always fun.

Oh and the poetry! Perfection.
Profile Image for Kristina Brutsch.
58 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2025
Midnight Gate included enemies to lovers, slow burn, some spice, witches, vampir, and fae. I absolutely enjoyed reading it! I was thankful to be gifted an eARC of this epic fantasy romance. If you are a fan of ACOTAR, then I would definitely recommend giving this a read.

Nevena Nightfall was trapped in a tower since childhood with no recollection of who her family was and where she was from. She was known as the Mortician because she was in charge of burning bodies that were found killed by Vukodlak, werewolf-like monsters. She was able to escape and become a 'Protector' in another village (Midnight Gate).

Edric is another Protector who works alongside Nevena but despises her because she had killed his brother. He is completely enthralling to her with his brooding demeanor and strength and how he spits out random poetry. They had some heated moments that had me panting a little and wanting more. But the build-up romance between these two was worth it!

I'm looking forward to reading a continuation of this story because the end left me shocked. Where is Edric? How is there a whole nother Gate with fae people that no one knew about? What happened to the rest of the Nightfall coven?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Maria Cabrera.
169 reviews5 followers
March 16, 2025
I fought a lot with Midnight Gate; it took me so many days to really get into the story, which didn't capture my attention with the first chapters. In fact, at chapter 16 I was convinced it would be a big fat DNF, but I pushed myself because I was already in the middle of it... So, what didn't work for me?

Although it has a well-planned plot with a new magic system and is inspired by Slavic folklore, for me the main characters felt flat and underdeveloped and lacked charisma; their relationship and dynamic didn't sell me either. Enemies to lovers is one of my favourite tropes – and I'm pretty critical of it – but they become reluctant allies/lovers right away despite their shared past, so for me it lacked tension and yearning. I hate to be such a Debbie Downer, but the slow pacing didn't help either, even if the conclusion to the cliffhanger helped to speed the plot forward.

The moral of the story. Don't force yourself into finishing books you don't like right away, because you end up wasting your time and writing shitty reviews of an objectively okay book that probably will be liked by many readers.
78 reviews
January 24, 2025
Oh, Vuk.

I really am struggling to find the words for how much I adored Midnight Gate.

You know when a book just whisks you up and places you right within the very essence of a story?
That's what happened here.
Right into a story where words are wielded as often and as well as the unique power these characters carry.
Into a story with a main character I resonated with in a multitude of ways.
Into a story with one of the most beautiful settings I have ever visited where I felt like I was within the treehouses and walking along the tooth lined paths myself.
Into a story filled with intriguing cursed magic amongst witches & Fae.
Into a story where Nevena Nightfall battles for a sense of choice and control in a world that does not want to give it to her.

I cannot state enough how much Midnight Gate touched me and I wholeheartedly recommend it to absolutely everyone 🖤
Profile Image for M Dub.
112 reviews
February 13, 2025
I dont even know where to begin. I devoured this book in one day I just had to know what happened. I’m already dying for the next book to jump back into this world with these characters.

I will say that the world is a bit confusing at the beginning but trust me when I say to hang in there because it will all come together. The world of Veligrad is unique with an interesting magic system and the MMC Edric is everything (he has my whole heart). I also love the character growth we see from Nevena as she escapes her tower and finds herself.

That cliffhanger was perfect, and that’s coming from someone who HATES cliffhangers. But it was done very well in that it was a natural stopping point in the story and it didn’t feel rushed or incomplete.

Thank you MTMC Tours and S.K. Stapar for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.



Profile Image for Jade Coulcher.
135 reviews11 followers
February 16, 2025
“Rough wind shoved strands of thin, ebony hair into my eyes as I gripped the crumbling ledge of the Amber Gate tower.”

I really loved this concept, with the Gates and the way magic is distributed and used within the world. It was so interesting to read and decipher everyone’s place in the overall story. We had humans, Fae, witches, vampir, and kinda werewolf-style monsters.

Nevana’s growth in the story, as she comes into herself, makes friends and wrangles with her complicated relationship with broody and dangerous Edric who seems hell bent on killing her. It was enjoyable watching her go from strength to strength and overcoming challenges while still maintaining her values.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable story and I can’t wait to see what is coming next!

Thank you to S. K. Stapar and MTMC Tours for the opportunity to read and review this story.
Profile Image for Stephie.
162 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2025
Wow. Love love love.

❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
🌶 A bit of spice
💎 Magic
🧚🏻‍♀️ Fae
🔮 Witches
🕯 Curses
🐺 Vukodlak

This was such a refreshing read. Not the same ole same ole fantasy romance stuff, something different! I love the magical system, the gates & the dragul crystals. The mirin nectar. The building suspense of something big happening.

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my honest feedback about the book as an avid reader.*

The ending is definitely a cliffhanger but in SUCH a good way! It leaves you desperately wanting to flip the page even though the book is over.

I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. I really really enjoyed this! Thank you to the author & MTMC Tours for sending this out & letting me read such a fantastic book! 💜
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