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Rise of Night
Every year in Swaylin, a group of young adults are summoned to the Night Realm.
No one knows why they are chosen, or what awaits them beyond the horizon.
Elliora's mother was one of the rare few to come back from the Night Realm. After returning home, she wasn’t the same—her mind was lost to the shadows, and her body held a secret that has yet to be revealed.
Now, the summons comes for Elliora herself. As she steps into the dark and unforgiving realm, she must confront the shadows of her past, and the truth about her origins. All while navigating a world unlike anything she imagined.
Elliora feels something watching in the darkness, and what she discovers there could change everything… that is, if it doesn't destroy her first.
No one knows why they are chosen, or what awaits them beyond the horizon.
Elliora's mother was one of the rare few to come back from the Night Realm. After returning home, she wasn’t the same—her mind was lost to the shadows, and her body held a secret that has yet to be revealed.
Now, the summons comes for Elliora herself. As she steps into the dark and unforgiving realm, she must confront the shadows of her past, and the truth about her origins. All while navigating a world unlike anything she imagined.
Elliora feels something watching in the darkness, and what she discovers there could change everything… that is, if it doesn't destroy her first.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2025
8 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Claire
5 books21 followersAshley Claire is a cliché millennial Disney adult and hardcore Swiftie. Residing in hell.. Oops, I mean sunny Arizona, she is the mother of two amazing kids and married to her best friend. She has always been an avid reader with a passion for books. Ashley started her journey teaching high school and eventually moved on to be an editor and content writer for many years before deciding to drop everything and risk it all by writing her own stories and novels.
Ashley enjoys coffee, nerds gummy clusters, and pickles. She loves planning and hosting book clubs, and hopes everyone finds a group of bookish friends to share life with. The more book clubs in the world—- the merrier!
Follow along for updates on what Ashley has planned next!
Instagram: @ashleyclairebooks
Facebook: ashleyclairebooks
Website: www.ashleyclairebooks.com
Ashley enjoys coffee, nerds gummy clusters, and pickles. She loves planning and hosting book clubs, and hopes everyone finds a group of bookish friends to share life with. The more book clubs in the world—- the merrier!
Follow along for updates on what Ashley has planned next!
Instagram: @ashleyclairebooks
Facebook: ashleyclairebooks
Website: www.ashleyclairebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 11, 2025
4.5⭐️
I was so excited to receive an ARC for this book! I instantly was sucked into the world and the characters. I truly didn’t know what was going to happen at the end, I’m so so upset I don’t get the next one in the series yet! I can’t wait to see where this series leads, I’m hooked!
I was so excited to receive an ARC for this book! I instantly was sucked into the world and the characters. I truly didn’t know what was going to happen at the end, I’m so so upset I don’t get the next one in the series yet! I can’t wait to see where this series leads, I’m hooked!
July 28, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! It’s been awhile since a romantasy story had me this hooked. The characters were compelling, the world-building was refreshingly unique, and that ending? jaw-dropping 😮. What a wild, unforgettable ride—highly recommend giving this one a read!
August 11, 2025
Let me tell you this right now, this book is going to make you read it in one day. It's not your decision. The book has already decided this for you.
Have you ever wondered what your life would look like if no one in your life gave you the time of day? Elliora does not know who her father is but she has lived her entire life feeling like she is not important to her mother and grandparents. There is no true relationship there well except for the small kindnesses her grandfather has shown her.
After she has been chosen to go to the Night Realm, Elliora's life changes completely. She makes friends and falls for the dark and broody guard.
Be warned, this book will tear your heart to shreds. I am warning you now because I was not prepared at all for what I was getting into. Good luck!
Thank you Ashley Claire for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Have you ever wondered what your life would look like if no one in your life gave you the time of day? Elliora does not know who her father is but she has lived her entire life feeling like she is not important to her mother and grandparents. There is no true relationship there well except for the small kindnesses her grandfather has shown her.
After she has been chosen to go to the Night Realm, Elliora's life changes completely. She makes friends and falls for the dark and broody guard.
Be warned, this book will tear your heart to shreds. I am warning you now because I was not prepared at all for what I was getting into. Good luck!
Thank you Ashley Claire for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2025
Rise of Night has officially changed the way I will look at the stars every night! The magic, sense of adventure, and the destiny they hold now. This story throws you right in, holding you in at each twist and you just feel so much for our main character. I cannot wait to see how she grows and where it takes her - I’m fully invested now! This is a fantasy read you won’t want to skip over, it’s true magic.
August 8, 2025
I think what I loved most about this book was that it wasn’t full of dark and evil vibes, and yet it def had a pretty dark story that unfolded.
It was hard to NOT get sucked into this story and characters, as I was always trying to figure out who was lying, holding back, or had major secrets.
The friendship that blossomed between characters was good and kept me on my toes, bc I was just waiting for the big betrayal at any minute.
However even when I was nearing the end and I thought I had it all figured out, I was completely blindsided and had my heart ripped out. 😭
Such a fun read with shifters and magic, and I can’t wait to continue the story when the next book comes out!
It was hard to NOT get sucked into this story and characters, as I was always trying to figure out who was lying, holding back, or had major secrets.
The friendship that blossomed between characters was good and kept me on my toes, bc I was just waiting for the big betrayal at any minute.
However even when I was nearing the end and I thought I had it all figured out, I was completely blindsided and had my heart ripped out. 😭
Such a fun read with shifters and magic, and I can’t wait to continue the story when the next book comes out!
August 11, 2025
Wow… what a frieken ride. My head is still spinning with questions. There’s magic and secrets, all wrapped up in a world that somehow feels familiar and totally new at the same time. Some moments broke my heart, others made me want to scream. The ending left me desperately wanting more…and that’s saying something for a girl that doesn’t read fantasy!
July 30, 2025
“The stars make it seem like anything is possible.”
Rise of night was such a wild ride of a fantasy read. I binged this on a red eye flight and it kept me awake the whole time, on the edge, needing to know what was going to happen next!
“When truth and reality blur, sanity doesn’t stand a chance.”
Elliora is from the daylight realm of Swaylin, having never seen a night sky but somehow she dreams of the stars night after night. When she turns 19 she is summoned to go to the night realm. No one really knows what happens there but her mother had gone and came back with her mind not all intact. El is nervous but excited at the adventure ahead of her. She makes new friends, learns more about herself than she ever knew, and there’s even a hunky protective night realm guard who has a keen interest in her 👀
Ashley Claire had me hooked from the prologue to the last page, which has left me shellshocked and in desperate need of more. This book had everything, a beautiful fantasy story with easy world building for a fantasy newbie like myself, characters you can easily connect with, magic, animals, and some slow burn tension 🔥
I loved this and cannot wait until I get the next installment. Highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Rise of night was such a wild ride of a fantasy read. I binged this on a red eye flight and it kept me awake the whole time, on the edge, needing to know what was going to happen next!
“When truth and reality blur, sanity doesn’t stand a chance.”
Elliora is from the daylight realm of Swaylin, having never seen a night sky but somehow she dreams of the stars night after night. When she turns 19 she is summoned to go to the night realm. No one really knows what happens there but her mother had gone and came back with her mind not all intact. El is nervous but excited at the adventure ahead of her. She makes new friends, learns more about herself than she ever knew, and there’s even a hunky protective night realm guard who has a keen interest in her 👀
Ashley Claire had me hooked from the prologue to the last page, which has left me shellshocked and in desperate need of more. This book had everything, a beautiful fantasy story with easy world building for a fantasy newbie like myself, characters you can easily connect with, magic, animals, and some slow burn tension 🔥
I loved this and cannot wait until I get the next installment. Highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
August 1, 2025
I sat down and read this book in about 4 hours. This was a fast paced read and the perfect cure for my Fantasy slump I’ve been in lately. Ashley is a phenomenal writer and knows exactly how to draw you in and keep you from wanting to put your book down.
Rise of Night you’ll find:
•fantasy/romance
•world building
•chosen family
•slow burn
•shifters
•dragons
The ending had me jumping up and down and screaming for more. Literally cannot wait for book two!
Rise of Night you’ll find:
•fantasy/romance
•world building
•chosen family
•slow burn
•shifters
•dragons
The ending had me jumping up and down and screaming for more. Literally cannot wait for book two!
July 28, 2025
OK HEAR ME OUT….
when i tell you you are going to want to read this book! the way i ate this book up is unreal. it was fast paced and kept me engaged the whole time. the magic system was easy to understand as was the world building. i found everyone suspicious and i felt like that was perfect. it kept me on my toes and wanting to know WHO, WHAT, WHY!! there were so many times i was yelling and screaming about this story! this is the perfect book for new to fantasy readers.
when i tell you you are going to want to read this book! the way i ate this book up is unreal. it was fast paced and kept me engaged the whole time. the magic system was easy to understand as was the world building. i found everyone suspicious and i felt like that was perfect. it kept me on my toes and wanting to know WHO, WHAT, WHY!! there were so many times i was yelling and screaming about this story! this is the perfect book for new to fantasy readers.
August 11, 2025
“Destiny is a heavy thing to wear, even when it glitters.”
I expected “Rise of Night” by Ashley Claire to be a good read, especially since I loved “Coffee People” by Ashley but I didn’t expect to be up until the early morning hours because I couldn’t put the book down! From the very first page, the author’s vivid imagery and use of descriptive language transported me into the story’s world.
As the plot unfolded, I found myself captivated by the characters, and falling in love. But it was truly the ending that left me stunned. The twists and turns were so unexpected and intense that I sat frozen for several minutes, trying to process what just had happened!
This book is a blend of imaginative story telling, and emotional depth. I’m already so excited for Book 2 to be released! I need to know what happens next!!
I expected “Rise of Night” by Ashley Claire to be a good read, especially since I loved “Coffee People” by Ashley but I didn’t expect to be up until the early morning hours because I couldn’t put the book down! From the very first page, the author’s vivid imagery and use of descriptive language transported me into the story’s world.
As the plot unfolded, I found myself captivated by the characters, and falling in love. But it was truly the ending that left me stunned. The twists and turns were so unexpected and intense that I sat frozen for several minutes, trying to process what just had happened!
This book is a blend of imaginative story telling, and emotional depth. I’m already so excited for Book 2 to be released! I need to know what happens next!!
August 12, 2025
Okay… HOW do I even recover from Rise of Night?? Ashley Claire was literally born to write fantasy. From page one, she had me suspicious of everyone! No one could be trusted, every character felt like they were hiding something, and I was living for the paranoia. The world building? Perfection. Not overdone, not full of unnecessary fluff, just the exact right amount of detail, and when she does slow down to describe something, you just know it’s going to be important later.
I was on my toes the entire time. The twists?? I didn’t see any of them coming, and they hit me like a freight train. I’m obsessed. This book ended with so many questions and now I’m just… sitting here, panicking, waiting for the next one. How am I supposed to survive until then??
I was on my toes the entire time. The twists?? I didn’t see any of them coming, and they hit me like a freight train. I’m obsessed. This book ended with so many questions and now I’m just… sitting here, panicking, waiting for the next one. How am I supposed to survive until then??
August 8, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
What the heck!!!
I needed this book to be at least 300 pages longer.
I devoured Rise of the Night in under 24 hours, and I’m so grateful for the ARC. It was completely addicting.
The writing and world-building flowed effortlessly, making it an easy yet immersive read. The storyline felt fresh and unique and unlike anything I’ve personally read before. It wasn’t overly complicated, but it had layers. I also appreciated that the author didn’t overload it with every trope imaginable.
And just when I thought I had it all figured out? Plot twist. I was so wrong and I loved it. The twists left me questioning everything and desperate for more. Had me texting my friend who already finished to discuss everything the second I finished the last page!!
Slow burn and a little spice
Found Family
Magic
I’d like the next book immediately, please and thank you.
What the heck!!!
I needed this book to be at least 300 pages longer.
I devoured Rise of the Night in under 24 hours, and I’m so grateful for the ARC. It was completely addicting.
The writing and world-building flowed effortlessly, making it an easy yet immersive read. The storyline felt fresh and unique and unlike anything I’ve personally read before. It wasn’t overly complicated, but it had layers. I also appreciated that the author didn’t overload it with every trope imaginable.
And just when I thought I had it all figured out? Plot twist. I was so wrong and I loved it. The twists left me questioning everything and desperate for more. Had me texting my friend who already finished to discuss everything the second I finished the last page!!
Slow burn and a little spice
Found Family
Magic
I’d like the next book immediately, please and thank you.
July 15, 2025
If you’re looking for your next favorite slump-busting fantasy read, Rise of Night is it. This book had everything that I love about a good fantasy book - beautiful scenery, a fast-paced plot, characters that you love, and also characters that you love to hate. As soon as I finished Rise I immediately wanted to dive in for a re-read… and that’s how you know you’ve found a new favorite.
August 11, 2025
Got to be an ARC for this book, Absolutely amazing work by Ashley, I can’t wait to see what more this author has in store!
I have to say a good fantasy book for me doesn’t have much world building, just throw me in and let my mind fill in the scenery and this grabbed me right in.
Book 2 better get out soon because I’ll be re reading this bad boy waiting for the next!!!
I have to say a good fantasy book for me doesn’t have much world building, just throw me in and let my mind fill in the scenery and this grabbed me right in.
Book 2 better get out soon because I’ll be re reading this bad boy waiting for the next!!!
July 28, 2025
ARC REVIEW: Um okay…so I have THOUGHTS. 😂 Bear with me here…
Okay first of all… WTF was that ending 😳🤯 (said with all the respect in the world 🫡). My jaw?? On. The. FLOOR. after that final chapter and epilogue 😭
This is the kind of fantasy I’d shove into everyone’s hands, especially if you’re new to the genre ✨ It’s fast-paced, super easy to get into, and literally never lets up. Like, I was strapped into a rollercoaster with no brakes, no chill, and at least five chaotic loops 😵💫🎢
When I say I got played… I. GOT. PLAYED. 🥸🥴
The twists?? 😮💨 The slow burn?? 🫠 The anticipation??? 😬🔥
The gasps I GUSPED!!!! 😱 were actually unhinged. And ended with an obvious full send crash out sesh. Just, no words but so many at the same time.
5/5 would recommend - read it immediately 💀📚💫
Okay first of all… WTF was that ending 😳🤯 (said with all the respect in the world 🫡). My jaw?? On. The. FLOOR. after that final chapter and epilogue 😭
This is the kind of fantasy I’d shove into everyone’s hands, especially if you’re new to the genre ✨ It’s fast-paced, super easy to get into, and literally never lets up. Like, I was strapped into a rollercoaster with no brakes, no chill, and at least five chaotic loops 😵💫🎢
When I say I got played… I. GOT. PLAYED. 🥸🥴
The twists?? 😮💨 The slow burn?? 🫠 The anticipation??? 😬🔥
The gasps I GUSPED!!!! 😱 were actually unhinged. And ended with an obvious full send crash out sesh. Just, no words but so many at the same time.
5/5 would recommend - read it immediately 💀📚💫
September 5, 2025
✨ Magical Elements
🫣 Hidden Intentions
🔥 Ssslllooowww Burn
❤️ Fated Mates?
🧬 Found Family
This is THE PERFECT BOOK for a weekend binge read! Elliora is well-written and super likable - I was happy when she finally felt at “home” with her new “family!”
I’m not going to lie though, I know that there is SO MUCH MORE to this story and just WOW… what an ABSOLUTE punch to the gut at the end! Ashley left book 1 a TOTAL MESS and I’m interested to see how the characters get out of it! 5/5 stars!
🫣 Hidden Intentions
🔥 Ssslllooowww Burn
❤️ Fated Mates?
🧬 Found Family
This is THE PERFECT BOOK for a weekend binge read! Elliora is well-written and super likable - I was happy when she finally felt at “home” with her new “family!”
I’m not going to lie though, I know that there is SO MUCH MORE to this story and just WOW… what an ABSOLUTE punch to the gut at the end! Ashley left book 1 a TOTAL MESS and I’m interested to see how the characters get out of it! 5/5 stars!
July 21, 2025
I was so lucky to grab an ARC of this book!! I’m not always a fantasy/romantasy fan but this one hit all the highs for me - world building without over complicating the story, found family, mystery, and quickly-paced timing. Can’t wait for #2 in the series!
August 13, 2025
Rise of the Night has everything you could want in a fantasy. Rich world building, well paced story, characters you fall for and others you despise with your entirety, and a good slow burn. I came for the unique plot but stayed for the found family and characters. I’m still left with so many questions and the ending had me on the edge of my couch. I’m fully invested in this and DYING for more!
July 28, 2025
TYSM for letting me proofread this story!
Rise of Night is Ashley's debut romantasy novel, and I am so excited for the rest of this series. Be careful, because you may just binge it in a day! I was immediately hooked with the world building, intrigued by Elliora's family dynamic, and obsessed with deciding what characters I could trust.
The basis of this world is a mystery and you learn more as you get deeper into the story. You start in Swaylin, where it is always day, and learn that a group of young adults are summoned to the Night Realm (we don't know why or how they are chosen). Naturally, Elliora is chosen, but is not sure what to expect because her mother was also one of the rare few that were summoned but then came back...pregnant and unstable.
You are introduced to a few characters that have you questioning their loyalty, if they can be trusted, and how they will become intertwined in Elliora's story. I absolutely LOVED the ending - I will tell you not all the alpha and arc readers had this same reaction - but I also love chaos 😉 I highly suggest you go back and read some of your highlights after "the moment" because then you may see why I loved what happened!
I will say, the epilogue was fantastic, it tied together the ending and filled in the gaps of lingering questions you had during the climax. I am so excited to see where this series goes and how it will all be tied together.
Tropes:
Slow burn romance
Found family
Dragon shifters
First in trilogy
Greek god inspired
Rise of Night is Ashley's debut romantasy novel, and I am so excited for the rest of this series. Be careful, because you may just binge it in a day! I was immediately hooked with the world building, intrigued by Elliora's family dynamic, and obsessed with deciding what characters I could trust.
The basis of this world is a mystery and you learn more as you get deeper into the story. You start in Swaylin, where it is always day, and learn that a group of young adults are summoned to the Night Realm (we don't know why or how they are chosen). Naturally, Elliora is chosen, but is not sure what to expect because her mother was also one of the rare few that were summoned but then came back...pregnant and unstable.
You are introduced to a few characters that have you questioning their loyalty, if they can be trusted, and how they will become intertwined in Elliora's story. I absolutely LOVED the ending - I will tell you not all the alpha and arc readers had this same reaction - but I also love chaos 😉 I highly suggest you go back and read some of your highlights after "the moment" because then you may see why I loved what happened!
I will say, the epilogue was fantastic, it tied together the ending and filled in the gaps of lingering questions you had during the climax. I am so excited to see where this series goes and how it will all be tied together.
Tropes:
Slow burn romance
Found family
Dragon shifters
First in trilogy
Greek god inspired
Read
August 11, 2025This was a good first foray into romantic fantasy for this author! I am so glad I was able to read this unique fantasy early as an ARC! It was truly a unique story that had very interesting elements to it that kept me wanting to read. I loved the celestial/constellation elements and names for everything as well! And the ending made me curious as to what will happen next and how the series and characters will progress. The ending scene got me intrigued for our FMC's growth!
I think there are definitely things that can be improved upon moving forward. It felt like there was too much telling and not showing, especially at the beginning, along with sections that felt like info dumps with topic jumps. I think the characters and the plot could have used more development overall. It felt very fast paced but also kind of slow at the same time because the scenes that could have been used to build up the characters and their relationships and the plot felt rushed/paraphrased or were skipped over. Overall, I think this was a good first attempt at fantasy and a fantastic and interesting idea that I hope gets developed more in future books!
I think there are definitely things that can be improved upon moving forward. It felt like there was too much telling and not showing, especially at the beginning, along with sections that felt like info dumps with topic jumps. I think the characters and the plot could have used more development overall. It felt very fast paced but also kind of slow at the same time because the scenes that could have been used to build up the characters and their relationships and the plot felt rushed/paraphrased or were skipped over. Overall, I think this was a good first attempt at fantasy and a fantastic and interesting idea that I hope gets developed more in future books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2025
Thank you Ashley for sending me an early copy of this book! I think this book has such a new and innovative twist on the normal fantasy genre that I haven’t seen anything even close to it! Once I started reading, I had to finish it immediately! The ending was jaw dropping and I’m so mad this book hasn’t released yet because that means I need to wait even longer to read the next book in the series! The characters were mostly lovable, (Atta might be my soulmate cause I’m obsessed with her) This book is definitely worth the read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
August 13, 2025⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
A stellar debut fantasy novel by Ashley Claire!
This book had me hook, line and SINKER. The world building in this book felt seamless and made me want to immerse myself in the Night Realm right away. There were so many twists and turns that left me with so many questions (in a good way) that I need answers to!
And not me over here thinking El and Pollux are end game - WRONG! I just know that I'm going to be Team Baddie in the next book in this series. This book is filled with mystery, badassery, and a nice sprinkle of romance dashed into the mix.
Take a chance on this book - you won't be disappointed!
🌶️🌶️
A stellar debut fantasy novel by Ashley Claire!
This book had me hook, line and SINKER. The world building in this book felt seamless and made me want to immerse myself in the Night Realm right away. There were so many twists and turns that left me with so many questions (in a good way) that I need answers to!
And not me over here thinking El and Pollux are end game - WRONG! I just know that I'm going to be Team Baddie in the next book in this series. This book is filled with mystery, badassery, and a nice sprinkle of romance dashed into the mix.
Take a chance on this book - you won't be disappointed!
August 15, 2025
I received an ARC for Rise of Night (thank you!) As a debut novel from Ashley Claire, I think it was a decent start to a larger story. The ending left me SHOOK and eager for more story! Can't wait to read Book 2!
November 28, 2025
That ending was very rude Ashley wth🥲
I *need* to know what happens next and also need Elliora to rageeeee 😩
I *need* to know what happens next and also need Elliora to rageeeee 😩
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews