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The Witches of Halstett #2
Tonight, I Bleed
In this dark and decadent sequel to Tonight, I Burn, a witch finds herself face to face with death as she stands at the center of a magical rebellion and back to back with her enemies as she falls deeper into a seductive romance.
Penny Albright has burned night after night to keep her soul free of Malin's contract. Now, she's at the stake again, and this time, it's her freewill about to burn. As the ashes settle over the temple inferno, Halstett faces the Samhain ball and attendance is mandatory. At midnight, when the veil between Life and Death is at its thinnest, the Warden means to destroy magic and the witches who wield it. With her family missing and her friends lost, Penny turns to the Sorcerer chained on the mysterious ninth floor of the library for aid.
He offers a a legion to fight the Warden in exchange for her blood.
Just one drop into the eternal fires will end the Warden's reign and set the Sorcerer free. But as Alice's visions fail and Malin fights the lifeline bond Penny forged to save him, one drop of blood might destroy them all. And with the Warden using Penny’s circle of Resistance witch friends as a shield, Penny is forced to choose between the friends she loves and the covens she belongs to.
A single night might spark a war that will tear the world—or Penny's heart—apart.
Penny Albright has burned night after night to keep her soul free of Malin's contract. Now, she's at the stake again, and this time, it's her freewill about to burn. As the ashes settle over the temple inferno, Halstett faces the Samhain ball and attendance is mandatory. At midnight, when the veil between Life and Death is at its thinnest, the Warden means to destroy magic and the witches who wield it. With her family missing and her friends lost, Penny turns to the Sorcerer chained on the mysterious ninth floor of the library for aid.
He offers a a legion to fight the Warden in exchange for her blood.
Just one drop into the eternal fires will end the Warden's reign and set the Sorcerer free. But as Alice's visions fail and Malin fights the lifeline bond Penny forged to save him, one drop of blood might destroy them all. And with the Warden using Penny’s circle of Resistance witch friends as a shield, Penny is forced to choose between the friends she loves and the covens she belongs to.
A single night might spark a war that will tear the world—or Penny's heart—apart.
Paperback
First published March 25, 2025
60 people are currently reading
1272 people want to read
About the author
Katharine J. Adams
2 books176 followersKatharine worked in medical imaging until moving to the glorious Kapiti Coast in Aotearoa where she spends her days writing, playing taxi to her children, and making space for just one more book on overflowing shelves. She’s passionate about positive LGBTQ+ representation in literature and genuinely thought everyone secretly liked all genders for an embarrassingly long time. If she’s not out mountain biking or hiking with her family, she’s often found hiding in the garden where she accidentally kills more plants than she does characters in her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 20, 2025
So while I’ve given this 3.25 and been honest about how I feel , I am invested in finishing this series . Where book 1 was solid and linear book 2 felt very hard to follow . There were a lot of irons in the fire and nothing was getting tied up or even alluded to finishing and for a 2 out of 3 book trilogy I wanted to feel like we were getting somewhere. Penny and malins relationship also feels toxic AF and what was the whole Dante nonsense . Even the twist at the end didn’t feel like a twist because Dante is so wishy washy as a character and we don’t really know much about him or what could motivate him . The first 100 pages also belonged in book 1 , not book 2 .
February 1, 2025
Penny is a thorn witch, walking Death is her birthright, but the Warden is keeping her locked away, his pet Death Weaver. The Resistance continue to fight the Warden, while Malin sits by his side. Penny has to try to save Alice and her coven from the Warden, and decide whether to ally with an old magic to do so.
ARC REVIEW 🖤
4.5 ⭐️
I started reading Tonight, I Bleed directly after finishing Tonight, I Burn and I'm so sad I now have to wait to continue Penny's story! I loved seeing the development of Penny's relationship with her family in this book. Penny, Ella and Mila are closer than ever and put their trust in one another to do what needs to be done, to support each other even when they are scared.
Penny continues to try to protect Alice from the Warden, and sees Malin sitting beside the Warden and wonders if she can still trust him. Dante, one of the guards, plays a bigger part in this story, as a member of the Resistance and in supporting Penny.
I don't want to say too much and give spoilers for book one or for this story, but I loved seeing Penny find her strength and advocate for herself, even against those she loves (who want to protect her). I could feel the pressure on Penny from the tenuous situation with Death and the Gilded and it shows what sort of character she is, when she won't let anyone deter her from her desire to save her friends and family.
I loved staying in this world and I look forward to returning again. @katharinejadams paints a vivid picture of Hallstatt and Death and her characters and I loved immersing myself in it for a few more days.
ARC REVIEW 🖤
4.5 ⭐️
I started reading Tonight, I Bleed directly after finishing Tonight, I Burn and I'm so sad I now have to wait to continue Penny's story! I loved seeing the development of Penny's relationship with her family in this book. Penny, Ella and Mila are closer than ever and put their trust in one another to do what needs to be done, to support each other even when they are scared.
Penny continues to try to protect Alice from the Warden, and sees Malin sitting beside the Warden and wonders if she can still trust him. Dante, one of the guards, plays a bigger part in this story, as a member of the Resistance and in supporting Penny.
I don't want to say too much and give spoilers for book one or for this story, but I loved seeing Penny find her strength and advocate for herself, even against those she loves (who want to protect her). I could feel the pressure on Penny from the tenuous situation with Death and the Gilded and it shows what sort of character she is, when she won't let anyone deter her from her desire to save her friends and family.
I loved staying in this world and I look forward to returning again. @katharinejadams paints a vivid picture of Hallstatt and Death and her characters and I loved immersing myself in it for a few more days.
May 29, 2025
One of my favorite things about this book is its cover, it's absolutely stunning! Unfortunately, I’m sad to say that I didn’t enjoy the story as much as I had hoped. I struggled with several aspects of Tonight, I Burn. I was looking for more in-depth world-building and stronger character development, but sadly, that wasn’t the case.
There were moments when I felt drawn into the story, only to be quickly pulled out again. Adams has so many intriguing ideas, but much of it felt underdeveloped. Often, a person or concept would be introduced abruptly, leaving me confused. This disrupted the pacing and made it difficult to stay engaged. At times, characters we barely know suddenly had major roles to play, which made things feel confusing and inconsistent. I think the overall world Adams created is interesting, and there’s a strong foundation with a lot of potential. However, I feel the plot could use more polish.
I also had trouble connecting with the romance(s), just as I did in the first book. I couldn’t feel the chemistry, and some aspects came off as a bit toxic. On the bright side, I really enjoyed the main character’s relationships with her sisters, which is a big positive throughout both books.
Overall, I’m disappointed with this book. I had hoped the issues I had with book one would be resolved in book two, but instead, I found myself even more confused. The book felt too long, and I’m not sure I’ll continue with the series.
Thank you, Orbit, for the finished copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
There were moments when I felt drawn into the story, only to be quickly pulled out again. Adams has so many intriguing ideas, but much of it felt underdeveloped. Often, a person or concept would be introduced abruptly, leaving me confused. This disrupted the pacing and made it difficult to stay engaged. At times, characters we barely know suddenly had major roles to play, which made things feel confusing and inconsistent. I think the overall world Adams created is interesting, and there’s a strong foundation with a lot of potential. However, I feel the plot could use more polish.
I also had trouble connecting with the romance(s), just as I did in the first book. I couldn’t feel the chemistry, and some aspects came off as a bit toxic. On the bright side, I really enjoyed the main character’s relationships with her sisters, which is a big positive throughout both books.
Overall, I’m disappointed with this book. I had hoped the issues I had with book one would be resolved in book two, but instead, I found myself even more confused. The book felt too long, and I’m not sure I’ll continue with the series.
Thank you, Orbit, for the finished copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
June 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Tonight, I Bleed picks up from where we were left in Tonight, I Burn. Adams wastes no time getting into the crux of what Penny and the resistance are setting out to achieve. It’s epic and brutal.
Then we face the question: What happens after the fateful deal has been made to evict evil from power? Penny will learn the true price of winning a battle in what will be a war.
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette ANZ for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
To read my full review, visit my Wordpress blog at https://eviethebookworm.wordpress.com...
Tonight, I Bleed picks up from where we were left in Tonight, I Burn. Adams wastes no time getting into the crux of what Penny and the resistance are setting out to achieve. It’s epic and brutal.
Then we face the question: What happens after the fateful deal has been made to evict evil from power? Penny will learn the true price of winning a battle in what will be a war.
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette ANZ for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
To read my full review, visit my Wordpress blog at https://eviethebookworm.wordpress.com...
January 30, 2025
4.5
I was hooked from the first book and not having to wait to see where this story went, was a fantastic perk of being able to read this ARC.
The second book continues to follow Penny, our Thorn Witch, Princess to the Thorn Queen, the Warden’s Death Weaver…I absolutely adore Penny’s strength, her loyalty, and her inability to watch others hurt. She is still young, sheltered from the world, due to that, I feel like she second guesses herself a lot as well as her ability to ask trust, she either does it too willingly or not at all. Overall, it makes her more vulnerable and easier for the audience to connect with.
There is a love triangle of sorts between Penny, Alice, and Malin. So that is still progressing slowly, these relationships drive Penny but it’s not solely the focus on the plot,
Malin, is juggling a lot of after this “return” and his intentions are sometimes confusing but his loyalty seems to be linked to Alice ( Warden’s Spinner) and Penny. They have a very interesting dynamic and a lot of unanswered questions surrounding them.
Alice, she is a mystery all by herself, there is a lot more to her than people realize. She has been forced to be the “Warden’s Pet” for so many years, that’s all people see. There is a history between her and Malin, it’s complicated and the foundation is love, but still unsure what type of love regardless of what either of them say. Regardless, Alice is loyal to Penny and Malin.
The storyline is interesting and well developed, I am enjoying watching the story unfold. The witches are trying to get their freedom back, or at least a small band of people who are tried of living under the evilness of the Warden. He has stolen everything from them and now they want it back. This story has political engagement, betrayal, violence, and painful moments for the characters. The flow of the story was nicely paced.
The character interactions felt real and organic, they flowed with each other, even the hatred you could truly feel it. There has been some minor growth with the characters, I feel like not enough time has passed within the book to see too much development but they stay true to who they are.
I was hooked from the first book and not having to wait to see where this story went, was a fantastic perk of being able to read this ARC.
The second book continues to follow Penny, our Thorn Witch, Princess to the Thorn Queen, the Warden’s Death Weaver…I absolutely adore Penny’s strength, her loyalty, and her inability to watch others hurt. She is still young, sheltered from the world, due to that, I feel like she second guesses herself a lot as well as her ability to ask trust, she either does it too willingly or not at all. Overall, it makes her more vulnerable and easier for the audience to connect with.
There is a love triangle of sorts between Penny, Alice, and Malin. So that is still progressing slowly, these relationships drive Penny but it’s not solely the focus on the plot,
Malin, is juggling a lot of after this “return” and his intentions are sometimes confusing but his loyalty seems to be linked to Alice ( Warden’s Spinner) and Penny. They have a very interesting dynamic and a lot of unanswered questions surrounding them.
Alice, she is a mystery all by herself, there is a lot more to her than people realize. She has been forced to be the “Warden’s Pet” for so many years, that’s all people see. There is a history between her and Malin, it’s complicated and the foundation is love, but still unsure what type of love regardless of what either of them say. Regardless, Alice is loyal to Penny and Malin.
The storyline is interesting and well developed, I am enjoying watching the story unfold. The witches are trying to get their freedom back, or at least a small band of people who are tried of living under the evilness of the Warden. He has stolen everything from them and now they want it back. This story has political engagement, betrayal, violence, and painful moments for the characters. The flow of the story was nicely paced.
The character interactions felt real and organic, they flowed with each other, even the hatred you could truly feel it. There has been some minor growth with the characters, I feel like not enough time has passed within the book to see too much development but they stay true to who they are.
January 2, 2025
Full disclosure, as the author's agent I'm extremely biased. But I have no chill, and I can't wait for you all to read this incredible book. Add it to your want-to-read shelf RIGHT NOW!
January 24, 2025
Eeeek! I was SO thrilled when I got to read this book I was nearly vibrating. I loved the first one and the ending of the first left me desperate for more. I've been following Katharine J. Adams progress on Instagram and was floating when I was approved for the e-ARC.
This book picks up where the first left off and pretty soon afterwards goes into the nitty gritty details of what happens in the aftermath of a huge revolutionary act. I thought this was a very interesting perspective to take since not many stories follow this plot line.
There was more Mila, more Ella, more Tobias, and Alice and Malin and best of all more BOOK SPRITES! Bloodthirsty babies I imagine as the soot sprites from Spirited Away lol. Penny's journey throughout this book and the first and experience with Death is so unusual. The inclusion of mythology and fairytales from within the Halstett Universe was also a great plot device.
I found the story intriguing and surprising with twists and turns I DID NOT see coming. Unfortunately I'm now in another desperate situation where I've finished and am dying for more!
I would absolutely recommend this book and have had it pre-ordered since the moment a release date was announced.
Thank you to Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book picks up where the first left off and pretty soon afterwards goes into the nitty gritty details of what happens in the aftermath of a huge revolutionary act. I thought this was a very interesting perspective to take since not many stories follow this plot line.
There was more Mila, more Ella, more Tobias, and Alice and Malin and best of all more BOOK SPRITES! Bloodthirsty babies I imagine as the soot sprites from Spirited Away lol. Penny's journey throughout this book and the first and experience with Death is so unusual. The inclusion of mythology and fairytales from within the Halstett Universe was also a great plot device.
I found the story intriguing and surprising with twists and turns I DID NOT see coming. Unfortunately I'm now in another desperate situation where I've finished and am dying for more!
I would absolutely recommend this book and have had it pre-ordered since the moment a release date was announced.
Thank you to Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2025
I feel that this author often introduces random plot points into her stories. While incorporating surprises or unique plotlines can be effective, they need to make sense and be properly developed. I shouldn’t be left questioning the relationships between characters or wondering about the sudden appearance of a character who has not been previously developed. Additionally, I dislike feeling confused about the story's direction and what the main characters are facing. I believe this author needed to develop and plan out the story more thoroughly.
March 12, 2025
Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for letting me read an ARC!
This is the sequel that I needed to Tonight I Burn! And I was definitely happy i had to wait for it
You will definitely be left on another cliffhanger for the next book but definitely worth the read!
The more we learn about the characters in this story the sucked into the story you get. And you will find out not everything is what it seems
Can't wait for the next one!
This is the sequel that I needed to Tonight I Burn! And I was definitely happy i had to wait for it
You will definitely be left on another cliffhanger for the next book but definitely worth the read!
The more we learn about the characters in this story the sucked into the story you get. And you will find out not everything is what it seems
Can't wait for the next one!
March 3, 2025
I was so excited to receive this arc, as I was one of the lucky ones to read Tonight, I Burn as an arc too. I love this story line. It’s unique and completely engaging. I do feel, however, that this one felt a little lacking but I still did enjoy it. Katharine J Adams is really good at sucking you in and i hope those who read this feel the same way I did. It was quite an adventure!
March 25, 2025
Tonight I bleed! Wow what a thrill. We follow our FMC Penny. The family bond is so great to see between Penny and her sisters Mila and Ella.
Penny will do whatever it takes to make sure Alice is safe and happy. But can she trust Malin and Dante?
Cliff hanger! But who doesn’t love a good cliff hanger!
If you like witches and sorcerers and a good love story, than this is for you!
Penny will do whatever it takes to make sure Alice is safe and happy. But can she trust Malin and Dante?
Cliff hanger! But who doesn’t love a good cliff hanger!
If you like witches and sorcerers and a good love story, than this is for you!
December 23, 2024
What a great sequel to Tonight I Burn! 🔥
Yes this will leave you on another cliffhanger for the next book but definitely worth the read!
We learn more about the characters in this story and not all is what it seems.
Make sure you add this little gem to your TBR pile x.
Yes this will leave you on another cliffhanger for the next book but definitely worth the read!
We learn more about the characters in this story and not all is what it seems.
Make sure you add this little gem to your TBR pile x.
July 5, 2025
4.5 STARS
In ‘Tonight, I Bleed’ by Katharine J. Adams, we follow Penny Albright as she picks up the pieces of the dramatic ending in ‘Tonight, I Burn’ and finds herself face to face with death as she stands at the centre of a magical rebellion. As Halstett faces the Samhain ball, a time when the veil between Life and Death is at its thinnest, the Warden means to destroy magic and the witches who wield it. With little choices remaining to overcome the devastation the Warden has promised, Penny must consider the Sorcerer’s deal of an army in exchange for her blood. With her decisions made and actions conducted, Penny must use her head and her heart to navigate those close to her, figuring out who to trust and how to save Halstett. With Alice playing a huge role in the success of this adventure, Penny and Malin must ensure her safety, whilst managing the growing forces both in life and in death.
This book was kinda crazy. A lot happened in the first half and then not much happened in the second half, but it still kinda did… if you’ve read it you know what I mean. This series has so much going on all the time, with the myriad of relationships between Penny and her family, Alice, Malin, Dante, Tobias, and so many more - there is always something going on that keeps you guessing. Adams has done an amazing job of both drawing you into these characters but also making you SO suspicious of every decision they make. It’s hard to review this book without spoilers honestly so I’m just going to say, this book has got me really excited for the final book in the trilogy. It had enough going on, and character growth, to feel a bit more than just a filler middle book.
In ‘Tonight, I Bleed’ by Katharine J. Adams, we follow Penny Albright as she picks up the pieces of the dramatic ending in ‘Tonight, I Burn’ and finds herself face to face with death as she stands at the centre of a magical rebellion. As Halstett faces the Samhain ball, a time when the veil between Life and Death is at its thinnest, the Warden means to destroy magic and the witches who wield it. With little choices remaining to overcome the devastation the Warden has promised, Penny must consider the Sorcerer’s deal of an army in exchange for her blood. With her decisions made and actions conducted, Penny must use her head and her heart to navigate those close to her, figuring out who to trust and how to save Halstett. With Alice playing a huge role in the success of this adventure, Penny and Malin must ensure her safety, whilst managing the growing forces both in life and in death.
This book was kinda crazy. A lot happened in the first half and then not much happened in the second half, but it still kinda did… if you’ve read it you know what I mean. This series has so much going on all the time, with the myriad of relationships between Penny and her family, Alice, Malin, Dante, Tobias, and so many more - there is always something going on that keeps you guessing. Adams has done an amazing job of both drawing you into these characters but also making you SO suspicious of every decision they make. It’s hard to review this book without spoilers honestly so I’m just going to say, this book has got me really excited for the final book in the trilogy. It had enough going on, and character growth, to feel a bit more than just a filler middle book.
August 31, 2025
SO GOOD
Malin has me in a CHOKE HOLDDDD
also Dante maybe becoming my second favourite 🤭
I hope the next book is 600 pages+ cause I NEED MORE.
Malin has me in a CHOKE HOLDDDD
also Dante maybe becoming my second favourite 🤭
I hope the next book is 600 pages+ cause I NEED MORE.
October 2, 2025
Pacing was a bit slower in this one but it’s obviously getting things ready for the final in the trilogy. I’m looking forward to reading that one when it’s released.
January 2, 2025
Full disclosure, as the author's agent I'm extremely biased. But I have no chill, and I can't wait for you all to read this incredible book. Add it to your want-to-read shelf RIGHT NOW!
June 11, 2025
Sometimes, when I continue with a series where the first book did not wow me, a sequel will disappoint me even further. While I never feel regret for finishing a book, I rue the time spent finishing said sequel when I could have read something else. Yet, most of the time, I find myself enjoying it immensely and continue to finish the series. Such is the case with Katharine J. Adams' TONIGHT, I BLEED, the second book in The Witches of Halstett series.
What bothered me the most about the first book was largely absent in TONIGHT, I BLEED, which may be why I liked it more than the series opener. I took issue with the polyamory angle, not because I have problems with polyamory, but because it felt like an unnecessary plot point. It felt like something added at the last minute to make the story more diverse and therefore more buzz-worthy. Ms. Adams never properly explains the relationship dynamic, so it was easy to explain it away as something nice to have for diversity, but completely unnecessary to the plot.
To some extent, I still feel that way, but in TONIGHT, I BLEED, Ms. Adams does provide us a modicum of explanation regarding two of the characters' pasts to help explain them now. Her explanation did ease my concerns a little, but only a little. Since this aspect of the story is mostly moot given that one of the characters is missing for most of the story, I'm not certain it was enough for me to overcome my feelings about this potential throuple. The explanation makes sense, but I need these characters to have a direct conversation without having to rush somewhere else for once.
Direct conversations are a rare thing in TONIGHT, I BLEED. So many people are keeping secrets that it feels as if everyone is speaking in code the entire time. As we see the story unfold through Penny's eyes, this makes her one of the most clueless heroines you will find. No matter how hard she tries, almost everyone avoids giving her answers to a multitude of questions. We do get some, thankfully. Those few answers are enough to stave off what is, to me, the worst trope, the dreaded "lack of communication" trope. Each time I started to get impatient that the story was veering into that area, Penny pins down someone else and gets a few answers out of them. Never enough to satisfy her lack of understanding or our curiosity, but it was enough. (I seriously hate that trope. It is so stupid and contrived.)
It may seem like I didn't like TONIGHT, I BLEED at all based on these comments, but I really did enjoy it. Penny starts to grow a spine and become less passive. Even without knowing all of the secret plans and suspicions bouncing around the palace, she holds her own when tested. She takes action instead of sitting around waiting for the action to come to her. Plus, we get out of the palace and visit the town of Halstett. We learn more about magic in this world and its origins. As a bonus, we learn more about Warden's origins, which makes you question everything you thought you knew about him.
The events that unfold and the answers we do receive, plus the absence of the polyamory angle, are enough to push TONIGHT, I BLEED into the "like a lot" category. I'm invested in Penny's fate now and curious to see how all the threads weaving around Penny come together. There are certain trust issues I'm anxious to see resolved, and I want to see if anyone can overcome the Big Bad they face. I need to know how it ends, which, to me, is always a sign of a good series.
What bothered me the most about the first book was largely absent in TONIGHT, I BLEED, which may be why I liked it more than the series opener. I took issue with the polyamory angle, not because I have problems with polyamory, but because it felt like an unnecessary plot point. It felt like something added at the last minute to make the story more diverse and therefore more buzz-worthy. Ms. Adams never properly explains the relationship dynamic, so it was easy to explain it away as something nice to have for diversity, but completely unnecessary to the plot.
To some extent, I still feel that way, but in TONIGHT, I BLEED, Ms. Adams does provide us a modicum of explanation regarding two of the characters' pasts to help explain them now. Her explanation did ease my concerns a little, but only a little. Since this aspect of the story is mostly moot given that one of the characters is missing for most of the story, I'm not certain it was enough for me to overcome my feelings about this potential throuple. The explanation makes sense, but I need these characters to have a direct conversation without having to rush somewhere else for once.
Direct conversations are a rare thing in TONIGHT, I BLEED. So many people are keeping secrets that it feels as if everyone is speaking in code the entire time. As we see the story unfold through Penny's eyes, this makes her one of the most clueless heroines you will find. No matter how hard she tries, almost everyone avoids giving her answers to a multitude of questions. We do get some, thankfully. Those few answers are enough to stave off what is, to me, the worst trope, the dreaded "lack of communication" trope. Each time I started to get impatient that the story was veering into that area, Penny pins down someone else and gets a few answers out of them. Never enough to satisfy her lack of understanding or our curiosity, but it was enough. (I seriously hate that trope. It is so stupid and contrived.)
It may seem like I didn't like TONIGHT, I BLEED at all based on these comments, but I really did enjoy it. Penny starts to grow a spine and become less passive. Even without knowing all of the secret plans and suspicions bouncing around the palace, she holds her own when tested. She takes action instead of sitting around waiting for the action to come to her. Plus, we get out of the palace and visit the town of Halstett. We learn more about magic in this world and its origins. As a bonus, we learn more about Warden's origins, which makes you question everything you thought you knew about him.
The events that unfold and the answers we do receive, plus the absence of the polyamory angle, are enough to push TONIGHT, I BLEED into the "like a lot" category. I'm invested in Penny's fate now and curious to see how all the threads weaving around Penny come together. There are certain trust issues I'm anxious to see resolved, and I want to see if anyone can overcome the Big Bad they face. I need to know how it ends, which, to me, is always a sign of a good series.
August 9, 2025
Thank you to Orbit and Oliver Wehner for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was a bit fuzzy on the story, since I read the first book as an ARC as well. As usual, I did a reread on the audiobook and I discovered that I liked the first book even more the second time around, and then jumped into this one ready to love it.
During my reread of book 1, I felt more strongly connected to Penny, and the story picks up right after the last one left off. The pace starts out strong and stayed pretty consistent throughout the story, with the exception of a bit in the middle that dragged a bit. But then it picked up the pace again, and I wasn’t complaining.
I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. Adams has a fantastic way of creating these characters who tug on my heartstrings, make me want to keep reading about them, and can even make me hate them with every fiber of my being. The Warden is probably one of the best villains that I’ve seen in a long time, and I could understand all the desperate measures the characters take in order to take him down.
One of my least favorite parts of the story was the love triangle aspect. I’m not usually a fan of love triangles, and this one kind of left me cold. Penny’s relationship with Malin was giving me red flags, and I struggled to see the connection between these two at times. I liked the whole Penny-Alice connection, as two women who have had their names taken by the Warden, yet still maintain their identities. However, the relationship between Penny and Alice seemed more like the bonds formed between prisoners (probably because they are), but not heavy on the romance.
As far as my favorite aspect of the book, that would be the relationship between Penny, Ella, and Mila. They are sisters who survived, and she clings to those relationships with everything she has. These are the people who are the most important to her in the world, and they’re her biggest source of strength and support. I love seeing how the relationships deepen and evolve as the women become adults, get out of isolation, and face challenges.
Overall, this was a fantastic follow up to book 1, and by the end I felt more strongly connected to Penny. Adams does a fantastic job of elevating the world-building and showing us some more of the setting, as well as introducing a range of new characters. At times, I had a difficult time keeping up with the new characters, some of whom quickly became major players in the story. I’m looking forward to another new book in the series that has quickly become one that I treasure.
I was a bit fuzzy on the story, since I read the first book as an ARC as well. As usual, I did a reread on the audiobook and I discovered that I liked the first book even more the second time around, and then jumped into this one ready to love it.
During my reread of book 1, I felt more strongly connected to Penny, and the story picks up right after the last one left off. The pace starts out strong and stayed pretty consistent throughout the story, with the exception of a bit in the middle that dragged a bit. But then it picked up the pace again, and I wasn’t complaining.
I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. Adams has a fantastic way of creating these characters who tug on my heartstrings, make me want to keep reading about them, and can even make me hate them with every fiber of my being. The Warden is probably one of the best villains that I’ve seen in a long time, and I could understand all the desperate measures the characters take in order to take him down.
One of my least favorite parts of the story was the love triangle aspect. I’m not usually a fan of love triangles, and this one kind of left me cold. Penny’s relationship with Malin was giving me red flags, and I struggled to see the connection between these two at times. I liked the whole Penny-Alice connection, as two women who have had their names taken by the Warden, yet still maintain their identities. However, the relationship between Penny and Alice seemed more like the bonds formed between prisoners (probably because they are), but not heavy on the romance.
As far as my favorite aspect of the book, that would be the relationship between Penny, Ella, and Mila. They are sisters who survived, and she clings to those relationships with everything she has. These are the people who are the most important to her in the world, and they’re her biggest source of strength and support. I love seeing how the relationships deepen and evolve as the women become adults, get out of isolation, and face challenges.
Overall, this was a fantastic follow up to book 1, and by the end I felt more strongly connected to Penny. Adams does a fantastic job of elevating the world-building and showing us some more of the setting, as well as introducing a range of new characters. At times, I had a difficult time keeping up with the new characters, some of whom quickly became major players in the story. I’m looking forward to another new book in the series that has quickly become one that I treasure.
March 21, 2025
3 stars
Content warning: murder, death, magical entrapment, magical torture, betrayal
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy to review. All thoughts are my own.
You know, I think in the case of this second book in the series, I messed up applying for it as an e-arc. I listened to book 1 as an audiobook, and I think I would have enjoyed this more, had I continued with the same format. But due to impatience, and having enjoyed the first book, I came into this with expectations and it quickly fell flat for me. Which is a huge shame, considering I really liked the magic system the author has created here.
I'm not sure if it was the further darkening and twisting of this storyline, or the character assassination that truly made me lose interest in this world, but I wasn't far into this sequel before I started to realise I had done myself a disservice picking it up as an ebook, and further, continuing the series. I believe that by this point in the story, Penny should be more clued on and less naive. I know she had some reasons for her actions, but it was exasperating to watch her flounder around, and grow suspicious of everyone without truly carrying a backbone. It took quite some time for her to start being clued on, and by that point it was too late for me to be interested in her as the main protagonist. I also struggled with Malin's character this time around, and felt rather uncomfortable with the amount of times he withheld information and yet Penny kept falling into his arms. The romance was not for me this time, sadly.
My two favourite characters from the first book spent the majority of this book not being actively there, so that also played into my serious lack of motivation to get through this book. I admit to skimming at times because it felt too dense and repetitive.
Again, I have to wonder if listening to this sequel would have kept me interested, and for that reason, I'm giving this book a higher rating than my actual enjoyment level.
Content warning: murder, death, magical entrapment, magical torture, betrayal
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy to review. All thoughts are my own.
You know, I think in the case of this second book in the series, I messed up applying for it as an e-arc. I listened to book 1 as an audiobook, and I think I would have enjoyed this more, had I continued with the same format. But due to impatience, and having enjoyed the first book, I came into this with expectations and it quickly fell flat for me. Which is a huge shame, considering I really liked the magic system the author has created here.
I'm not sure if it was the further darkening and twisting of this storyline, or the character assassination that truly made me lose interest in this world, but I wasn't far into this sequel before I started to realise I had done myself a disservice picking it up as an ebook, and further, continuing the series. I believe that by this point in the story, Penny should be more clued on and less naive. I know she had some reasons for her actions, but it was exasperating to watch her flounder around, and grow suspicious of everyone without truly carrying a backbone. It took quite some time for her to start being clued on, and by that point it was too late for me to be interested in her as the main protagonist. I also struggled with Malin's character this time around, and felt rather uncomfortable with the amount of times he withheld information and yet Penny kept falling into his arms. The romance was not for me this time, sadly.
My two favourite characters from the first book spent the majority of this book not being actively there, so that also played into my serious lack of motivation to get through this book. I admit to skimming at times because it felt too dense and repetitive.
Again, I have to wonder if listening to this sequel would have kept me interested, and for that reason, I'm giving this book a higher rating than my actual enjoyment level.
April 14, 2025
Let me start this by saying now that I’ve finished the book, I ADORE THE TITLE. Tonight, I Bleed by Katharine J. Adams pulls readers back into the realm of Hallstatt with Malin, Alice, and Penny facing down the task of bringing down the Warden. Malin basically must relearn how to interact with real life, as he’s been trapped in Death for so many years. Alice, no longer the Warden’s “Spinner,” must figure out how to be her own person. And Penny must balance the responsibilities of her family, her relationships with Malin and Alice, and her role in what fate is dealing out. Each time adulting forced me to put down Tonight, I Bleed, I screamed inside. It couldn’t be outside, otherwise I might’ve woken up my neighbors. I thoroughly enjoyed Adams’s newest novel and all its complexities, twists, and turns.
It's hard for me to review this book without spoilers, as Adams packs so much into it. One thing leads to another and another and another, and readers are left fighting for breath. Let’s just say that bringing down the Warden is not the only drama our band of heroes must face. On top of those high stakes, we experience Penny’s struggles with her as she learns to accept herself and the mask that is gilded onto her face. She also must confront the very close relationship between Alice and Malin and evaluate what effect it should—and does—have on her. Though it has been a year since I read Tonight, I Burn, I feel like I understand Penny far better from book two than I ever did in book one. Adams does a wonderful job of adding further details into her overarching plotline, leaving me desperate for the third book.
A big reason for that desperation? Tonight, I Bleed by Katharine J. Adams ends on a cliffhanger. A very, very, very perilous one. I didn’t shriek like I did when I finished Onyx Storm, but a whimper leaked out. Tonight, I Bleed is reads like the middle book in a series. A lot happens, yes, but it cannot stand alone. I wish I had reread Tonight, I Bleed beforehand because I was lost at so many points. Additionally, Tonight, I Bleed sets everything up for the third novel. If the series were a “paint-by-numbers” canvas, Adams filled in more of the spaces but not enough for someone to see the image in its colorful glory. We get the outline, not the full story. Sign me up for book three, though, regardless, as I want to see how Katharine J. Adams wraps it all up! I want to see the painting!
Note: I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher (thanks Orbit + NetGalley!) in exchange for my honest review. All views expressed are my own.
It's hard for me to review this book without spoilers, as Adams packs so much into it. One thing leads to another and another and another, and readers are left fighting for breath. Let’s just say that bringing down the Warden is not the only drama our band of heroes must face. On top of those high stakes, we experience Penny’s struggles with her as she learns to accept herself and the mask that is gilded onto her face. She also must confront the very close relationship between Alice and Malin and evaluate what effect it should—and does—have on her. Though it has been a year since I read Tonight, I Burn, I feel like I understand Penny far better from book two than I ever did in book one. Adams does a wonderful job of adding further details into her overarching plotline, leaving me desperate for the third book.
A big reason for that desperation? Tonight, I Bleed by Katharine J. Adams ends on a cliffhanger. A very, very, very perilous one. I didn’t shriek like I did when I finished Onyx Storm, but a whimper leaked out. Tonight, I Bleed is reads like the middle book in a series. A lot happens, yes, but it cannot stand alone. I wish I had reread Tonight, I Bleed beforehand because I was lost at so many points. Additionally, Tonight, I Bleed sets everything up for the third novel. If the series were a “paint-by-numbers” canvas, Adams filled in more of the spaces but not enough for someone to see the image in its colorful glory. We get the outline, not the full story. Sign me up for book three, though, regardless, as I want to see how Katharine J. Adams wraps it all up! I want to see the painting!
Note: I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher (thanks Orbit + NetGalley!) in exchange for my honest review. All views expressed are my own.
March 19, 2025
*ARC REVIEW*
This series might be one of my new favorites. I screamed, I cried, I felt all the feels. A lot of times, when books are promoted with “for fans of From Blood and Ash” I don’t always agree with the comparison (it’s also one of my favorites), but this book definitely scratches the FBAA itch!
The plot for this series is very well-developed! There wasn’t a single dull moment in this book—major action started almost immediately! This book is perfect for romantasy readers that also love a psychological thriller, because I spent almost the entire book questioning who to trust, and my opinions on each character’s trustworthiness shifted multiple times—I was constantly on the edge of my seat (and also screaming at my kindle).
This series follows a polyamorous trio, which is a relationship type I haven’t read before, and I found it interesting how the dynamics were constantly shifting within the group. One thing that became clear in this book is that there is no true balance in the relationship when the three aren’t united. With Penny’s inquisitive nature and determination, Alice’s optimism, and Malin’s strategic mind, together, they make a great team.
I also really like that this love story is being told in a YA context and that each relationship is built upon deep trust and companionship with less emphasis on the physical. While I love a good spicy romance, for this story, I really loved watching each person connect with the others as friends as a foundation.
This series might be one of my new favorites. I screamed, I cried, I felt all the feels. A lot of times, when books are promoted with “for fans of From Blood and Ash” I don’t always agree with the comparison (it’s also one of my favorites), but this book definitely scratches the FBAA itch!
The plot for this series is very well-developed! There wasn’t a single dull moment in this book—major action started almost immediately! This book is perfect for romantasy readers that also love a psychological thriller, because I spent almost the entire book questioning who to trust, and my opinions on each character’s trustworthiness shifted multiple times—I was constantly on the edge of my seat (and also screaming at my kindle).
This series follows a polyamorous trio, which is a relationship type I haven’t read before, and I found it interesting how the dynamics were constantly shifting within the group. One thing that became clear in this book is that there is no true balance in the relationship when the three aren’t united. With Penny’s inquisitive nature and determination, Alice’s optimism, and Malin’s strategic mind, together, they make a great team.
I also really like that this love story is being told in a YA context and that each relationship is built upon deep trust and companionship with less emphasis on the physical. While I love a good spicy romance, for this story, I really loved watching each person connect with the others as friends as a foundation.
April 7, 2025
Thank you to Katherine J. Adams, Orbit, and NetGalley for giving me an eARC of Tonight, I Bleed in exchange for my honest review.
Tonight, I Bleed is the second book, The Witches of Halstett. Tonight, I Bleed takes place a little after the conclusion to Tonight, I Burn. I enjoyed this book. One thing that I noted is that the character development felt much more flushed out in this book. I understood why each character was doing what I was doing. I did struggle a bit with the plot this time; it felt like this book was trying to get us from the introduction to the plot in book one to how the story is going to wrap up in the next book. Specifically, the overarching problems in the first book seem to wrap up fairly early in this book, but then there's a new problem that's adjacent but different. This book felt like the bridge, and I struggled with that because not much happened to move the plot along until the last 150 pages when things dramatically picked up. I did enjoy this book, and I do enjoy this series, but I just wanted a little more excitement. I can tell that Adams is going to be an outstanding author and a force in the fantasy world. The issues I had with the first book are better, and honestly, the issues that I had with this book were common ones for a fantasy trilogy, which speaks volumes about how far Adams has come. I am excited to see where the story goes from here because I do think the next book is going to be epic, and I will pick it up without a doubt. Even the tidbit we get at the end of book 3 has me SO EXCITED I can tell it is going to be outstanding; we just had to get to that point first.
3.5 Stars
Tonight, I Bleed is the second book, The Witches of Halstett. Tonight, I Bleed takes place a little after the conclusion to Tonight, I Burn. I enjoyed this book. One thing that I noted is that the character development felt much more flushed out in this book. I understood why each character was doing what I was doing. I did struggle a bit with the plot this time; it felt like this book was trying to get us from the introduction to the plot in book one to how the story is going to wrap up in the next book. Specifically, the overarching problems in the first book seem to wrap up fairly early in this book, but then there's a new problem that's adjacent but different. This book felt like the bridge, and I struggled with that because not much happened to move the plot along until the last 150 pages when things dramatically picked up. I did enjoy this book, and I do enjoy this series, but I just wanted a little more excitement. I can tell that Adams is going to be an outstanding author and a force in the fantasy world. The issues I had with the first book are better, and honestly, the issues that I had with this book were common ones for a fantasy trilogy, which speaks volumes about how far Adams has come. I am excited to see where the story goes from here because I do think the next book is going to be epic, and I will pick it up without a doubt. Even the tidbit we get at the end of book 3 has me SO EXCITED I can tell it is going to be outstanding; we just had to get to that point first.
3.5 Stars
April 12, 2025
This long-awaited sequel did not disappoint me! I was so happy to return to this world of magic that separates life and death on such a subtle level and brings the fantasy story to the next level! Not to mention the colourful characters' crew that I missed a lot!
Penny Albright, the Thorn Witch plots the impossible; the destruction of the Warden who holds his grip tight on this world. Many are bound to him as lifeless Gilded servants, motionless machines who obey all his orders without hesitation. He imprisoned Penny for releasing his son Malin from the Underworld by turning her into his obedient weapon like he earlier did to Alice, a witch who can see the future and spin it. Penny and Alice grew very close and together with Malin they team up to take the power away from the Warden. But he is too strong even for the three of them, so Penny enters a deadly bargain with Sorcerer, another powerful player in this game of magic, and all of this leads to a great mess.
The second part of this trilogy goes deeper into the world, the character's relationships and connections, and revelation of old traumas. Tables turn many times in this book, and some yesterday friends turn into traitors in the most unexpected moment. I enjoyed this wild ride very much and can't wait to read the next instalment!
Penny Albright, the Thorn Witch plots the impossible; the destruction of the Warden who holds his grip tight on this world. Many are bound to him as lifeless Gilded servants, motionless machines who obey all his orders without hesitation. He imprisoned Penny for releasing his son Malin from the Underworld by turning her into his obedient weapon like he earlier did to Alice, a witch who can see the future and spin it. Penny and Alice grew very close and together with Malin they team up to take the power away from the Warden. But he is too strong even for the three of them, so Penny enters a deadly bargain with Sorcerer, another powerful player in this game of magic, and all of this leads to a great mess.
The second part of this trilogy goes deeper into the world, the character's relationships and connections, and revelation of old traumas. Tables turn many times in this book, and some yesterday friends turn into traitors in the most unexpected moment. I enjoyed this wild ride very much and can't wait to read the next instalment!
April 25, 2025
I’m officially obsessed with this world. I picked up Tonight, I Bleed the second I finished Tonight, I Burn, and now I’m emotionally unwell that I have to wait to continue Penny’s story. This author knows how to build a world that sinks its claws in, you feel every shadow, every heartbeat in Hallstatt and beyond.
This book dives deeper into Penny’s connections, and the sisterhood between her, Ella, and Mila absolutely *shines*. Their loyalty, their quiet bravery, the way they lean on each other even when fear creeps in, it’s beautiful and raw.
And then there’s Penny. Still fierce, still fighting, but this time, she’s learning to speak up, even when it means pushing back against the people who love her. Her journey is laced with impossible choices, and the emotional weight of her ties to Death, the Gilded, and those she’s trying to protect hits hard.
We get more of Dante (a scene-stealer and soft revolutionary king), and Malin’s role becomes even more complicated. The questions of trust, power, and resistance weave through every chapter, keeping the tension sharp.
No spoilers, but if you love morally grey fantasy, protective heroines who grow into their power, and stories where love and loyalty are tested under fire,you need this series in your life.
This book dives deeper into Penny’s connections, and the sisterhood between her, Ella, and Mila absolutely *shines*. Their loyalty, their quiet bravery, the way they lean on each other even when fear creeps in, it’s beautiful and raw.
And then there’s Penny. Still fierce, still fighting, but this time, she’s learning to speak up, even when it means pushing back against the people who love her. Her journey is laced with impossible choices, and the emotional weight of her ties to Death, the Gilded, and those she’s trying to protect hits hard.
We get more of Dante (a scene-stealer and soft revolutionary king), and Malin’s role becomes even more complicated. The questions of trust, power, and resistance weave through every chapter, keeping the tension sharp.
No spoilers, but if you love morally grey fantasy, protective heroines who grow into their power, and stories where love and loyalty are tested under fire,you need this series in your life.
July 7, 2025
I should have DNF'd this @62% when I got here:
"The grey-robed man’s banner is a caduceus, two snakes wound around an open-winged staff. The Warden’s physician." HOW CAN YOU BE THIS WRONG ON TWO LEVELS??? 1. THE ROD OF ASCLEPIUS IS THE COMMON SYMBOL FOR HEALING/MEDICINE WITH ONLY ONE SNAKE ON A STAFF. 2. WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE HAS A CADUCEUS TO SYMBOLIZE BEING THE DOCTOR??? THERE IS NO HERMES, MESSENGER OF THE GODS HERE, BABE. THERE IS NO GREECE, IN FACT, AS THIS DOESN'T TAKE PLACE ON EARTH!!!
Alas, I saw it through to the end. Abysmal, but not nearly as infuriating (to me) as the laziness to use something of myth that is not actually canon to the realm the character is from.
I could lament about how much Penny regressed, but the wind has been taken out of my sails. I'm going to seethe over this for months, perhaps years, even though I want to pretend this book doesn't exist. I genuinely enjoyed the first one and was stoked to read this.
My head canon is Penny took Alice to the veil where they used their Decorating Cents like charm on Malin's Manor and became a full fledged throuple, no more hinge! They used the power of love to tether the Veil in place and free the witches from the Warden's clutches while preserving magic and everyone lived Happily Ever After.
"The grey-robed man’s banner is a caduceus, two snakes wound around an open-winged staff. The Warden’s physician." HOW CAN YOU BE THIS WRONG ON TWO LEVELS??? 1. THE ROD OF ASCLEPIUS IS THE COMMON SYMBOL FOR HEALING/MEDICINE WITH ONLY ONE SNAKE ON A STAFF. 2. WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE HAS A CADUCEUS TO SYMBOLIZE BEING THE DOCTOR??? THERE IS NO HERMES, MESSENGER OF THE GODS HERE, BABE. THERE IS NO GREECE, IN FACT, AS THIS DOESN'T TAKE PLACE ON EARTH!!!
Alas, I saw it through to the end. Abysmal, but not nearly as infuriating (to me) as the laziness to use something of myth that is not actually canon to the realm the character is from.
I could lament about how much Penny regressed, but the wind has been taken out of my sails. I'm going to seethe over this for months, perhaps years, even though I want to pretend this book doesn't exist. I genuinely enjoyed the first one and was stoked to read this.
My head canon is Penny took Alice to the veil where they used their Decorating Cents like charm on Malin's Manor and became a full fledged throuple, no more hinge! They used the power of love to tether the Veil in place and free the witches from the Warden's clutches while preserving magic and everyone lived Happily Ever After.
August 22, 2025
🩸Tonight, I bleed by Katharine J. Adams 🩸
Publication date: 26th March 2025
Publisher: Hachette Australia & New Zealand
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨️ Review ✨️
The novel tonight, I bleed, is the anticipated sequel to the debut novel, Tonight, I Burn, continuing the dark and enchanting narrative of the Witches of Halstett series.
Scheduled for publication on March 26, 2025, this instalment delves deeper into the life of Penny Albright, a thorn witch grappling with the complexities of rebellion, magic, and personal sacrifice.
In this sequel, Penny faces new challenges as she confronts the Warden's oppressive regime.
This book is believed to have highlighted the organic and compelling character interactions, noting that the relationships feel authentic and deeply engaging. The narrative is described as action-packed, with a strong emphasis on empowerment and resilience.
For those who were enthralled by the first book Tonight, I Burn, this sequel is poised to deliver a satisfying and immersive continuation of our favorite characters journey, blending suspense, romance, and a richly imagined world.
Thank you to Netgallery and Hachette Australia & New Zealand for allowing me to review this amazing sequel ❤️
Publication date: 26th March 2025
Publisher: Hachette Australia & New Zealand
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨️ Review ✨️
The novel tonight, I bleed, is the anticipated sequel to the debut novel, Tonight, I Burn, continuing the dark and enchanting narrative of the Witches of Halstett series.
Scheduled for publication on March 26, 2025, this instalment delves deeper into the life of Penny Albright, a thorn witch grappling with the complexities of rebellion, magic, and personal sacrifice.
In this sequel, Penny faces new challenges as she confronts the Warden's oppressive regime.
This book is believed to have highlighted the organic and compelling character interactions, noting that the relationships feel authentic and deeply engaging. The narrative is described as action-packed, with a strong emphasis on empowerment and resilience.
For those who were enthralled by the first book Tonight, I Burn, this sequel is poised to deliver a satisfying and immersive continuation of our favorite characters journey, blending suspense, romance, and a richly imagined world.
Thank you to Netgallery and Hachette Australia & New Zealand for allowing me to review this amazing sequel ❤️
March 19, 2025
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a review.
Review of Tonight I Bleed by Hannah Moskowitz – ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Tonight I Bleed (Book 2 in the Witches of Halstett) is a bold and haunting YA horror novel that explores the topics of identity, trauma, and power in a raw, emotional way.
What’s Good:
Unique Concept – A fresh take on horror and coming-of-age themes.
Emotional Depth – Deals with real struggles in a powerful way.
Strong Narration – The writing is raw and gripping.
Fast-Paced & Engaging – Keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Some moments feel intense and unsettling, but that’s part of what makes it work. A must-read for fans of feminist horror and dark, thought-provoking YA!
Tonight I Bleed by Hannah Moskowitz includes themes that might be triggering for some readers. Potential trigger warnings include:
Body horror (graphic descriptions of transformations and physical changes)
Menstruation-related horror
Self-harm themes (though not necessarily self-inflicted)
Trauma and emotional distress
Violence and gore
Themes of identity struggles
If you're sensitive to any of these topics, it might be good to check reviews or summaries before diving in.
Review of Tonight I Bleed by Hannah Moskowitz – ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Tonight I Bleed (Book 2 in the Witches of Halstett) is a bold and haunting YA horror novel that explores the topics of identity, trauma, and power in a raw, emotional way.
What’s Good:
Unique Concept – A fresh take on horror and coming-of-age themes.
Emotional Depth – Deals with real struggles in a powerful way.
Strong Narration – The writing is raw and gripping.
Fast-Paced & Engaging – Keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Some moments feel intense and unsettling, but that’s part of what makes it work. A must-read for fans of feminist horror and dark, thought-provoking YA!
Tonight I Bleed by Hannah Moskowitz includes themes that might be triggering for some readers. Potential trigger warnings include:
Body horror (graphic descriptions of transformations and physical changes)
Menstruation-related horror
Self-harm themes (though not necessarily self-inflicted)
Trauma and emotional distress
Violence and gore
Themes of identity struggles
If you're sensitive to any of these topics, it might be good to check reviews or summaries before diving in.
April 5, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for this eCopy to review
When I picked up Tonight, I Bleed, I was eager to dive back into the eerie, shadowy world Katharine J. Adams crafted in book one of the series. But as I turned the pages, I found myself struggling to fully reconnect with the story, despite its intriguing premise.
The novel picks up where the first instalment left off, thrusting our protagonist back into the depths of guilt, betrayal, and a world brimming with dark rituals and half-hidden truths. The plot hinges on Penny's relentless search for answers, navigating fraught relationships and veiled dangers along the way. There are moments when the tension ramps up, and Adams’ evocative prose does an excellent job of painting vivid scenes—but the pacing felt sluggish, and at times, I had to remind myself of the events in book one to follow along.
It’s clear that Adams has a talent for atmospheric storytelling, and the sense of foreboding that looms over every chapter is palpable. However, without a tighter narrative or more momentum, I felt myself losing steam as I read.
When I picked up Tonight, I Bleed, I was eager to dive back into the eerie, shadowy world Katharine J. Adams crafted in book one of the series. But as I turned the pages, I found myself struggling to fully reconnect with the story, despite its intriguing premise.
The novel picks up where the first instalment left off, thrusting our protagonist back into the depths of guilt, betrayal, and a world brimming with dark rituals and half-hidden truths. The plot hinges on Penny's relentless search for answers, navigating fraught relationships and veiled dangers along the way. There are moments when the tension ramps up, and Adams’ evocative prose does an excellent job of painting vivid scenes—but the pacing felt sluggish, and at times, I had to remind myself of the events in book one to follow along.
It’s clear that Adams has a talent for atmospheric storytelling, and the sense of foreboding that looms over every chapter is palpable. However, without a tighter narrative or more momentum, I felt myself losing steam as I read.
November 3, 2025
If there were half stars, I would have given this book 2.5. I could not bring myself to give it a 2, so here we are with a 3.
I enjoyed the first book in this series so was excited when this one hit the shelves. I love the creative reimagining of witchcraft and the relationship between life and death that this world brings. Finding a new twist to these ideas is a breath of fresh air. The main characters are a nice ensemble, and I like that the relationship between Penny and Malin develops without the flouncing and avoidable misunderstanding that some stories degenerate to.
I found this second book long winded. The beginning and end were great, and progressed the story well. I recognised that the author was building psychological suspense and levels of intrigue between the characters throughout the rest of the book, but it just plodded for me with a series of slow reveals that I am not sure mattered that much to the key story. A bit more pace would have helped, because Alice and the Sorcerer were the storyline I really wanted to follow and they became peripheral to side stories and only really rejoined at the end.
I enjoyed the first book in this series so was excited when this one hit the shelves. I love the creative reimagining of witchcraft and the relationship between life and death that this world brings. Finding a new twist to these ideas is a breath of fresh air. The main characters are a nice ensemble, and I like that the relationship between Penny and Malin develops without the flouncing and avoidable misunderstanding that some stories degenerate to.
I found this second book long winded. The beginning and end were great, and progressed the story well. I recognised that the author was building psychological suspense and levels of intrigue between the characters throughout the rest of the book, but it just plodded for me with a series of slow reveals that I am not sure mattered that much to the key story. A bit more pace would have helped, because Alice and the Sorcerer were the storyline I really wanted to follow and they became peripheral to side stories and only really rejoined at the end.
August 22, 2025
Note for self; re try this series when you want a lot of fluff, and feelings.
DNF at around page 136. For some reason I was dragging myself through this pages, and it just didn't interest me to finish. The story itself is good, but the romance was the main plot and I just didn't feel it to be that deep to begin with. It is a poly, but it kind of irked me that the fmc got with both, yet was jealous of them two having a potential interest in each other?? Like, it's fine for her to be with both, but neither of them are allowed to? She did get over it, but kind of dragged on a bit.
The story aside from the romance was good, but a lot of names thrown about, powers that somehow aren't ever utilized at any other time, and the whole thing taking being in one place for (where I got up to*) this seemed a bit anti climatic. Conveniently, who they needed to help them was locked in the library, which they had access to at any time. Lol.
But I digress. I may come back to this series, I may not, as it is, this book was a hard read for me, and I'm just going to to onto my other tbr's.
DNF at around page 136. For some reason I was dragging myself through this pages, and it just didn't interest me to finish. The story itself is good, but the romance was the main plot and I just didn't feel it to be that deep to begin with. It is a poly, but it kind of irked me that the fmc got with both, yet was jealous of them two having a potential interest in each other?? Like, it's fine for her to be with both, but neither of them are allowed to? She did get over it, but kind of dragged on a bit.
The story aside from the romance was good, but a lot of names thrown about, powers that somehow aren't ever utilized at any other time, and the whole thing taking being in one place for (where I got up to*) this seemed a bit anti climatic. Conveniently, who they needed to help them was locked in the library, which they had access to at any time. Lol.
But I digress. I may come back to this series, I may not, as it is, this book was a hard read for me, and I'm just going to to onto my other tbr's.
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