NOCTIS The Realm of Night What is lost in darkness may never be found
Ivy Winterstone knows she’s destined for more than what Ternewell has to offer. When she encounters Leseldh, the air crackles with electricity and dark promise. He invites her to accompany him for an evening in Noctis, and fate’s call makes the choice a simple one.
Although Ivy has made the Portal Journey to the Realm of Night before, this trip alters her life forever. Not only does she find herself Created as a Vampire, she learns that her Sire is also her Mate. Could this be everything Ivy's been searching for?
But a newly Created Vampire is vulnerable until they complete the Ascension at the end of their first year. No one knows this better than Killian the Vampire known as the Hunter. He sets his sights on Ivy and is determined to bring about her Ending.
Once the Ascension is complete, Ivy and Leseldh can seal their Resonance bond – but can Ivy avoid the Hunter until then?
Advance Reader Review: Nights of Noctis is a rich, dark, world where Ivy finds herself at the mercy of a vampire with secrets and very specific intentions with her. Her wish for something outside the dull world propels her to follow along with his plans...until it becomes clear that her future may not be aligned with his plans.
This spicy romance takes you through the sort of underworld of Noctis where vampires are separated into waring factions and Ivy is caught in the middle.
It's a fresh take on a favorite genre and I'm so excited to see what's next.
Such a strong debut novel it inspired me to figure out my much neglected goodreads password after a decade! Yes it is a first novel and self published at that, but the combination of raw talent and commitment to the process has ensured that the plot and world building are cohesive and fluid and the overall experience feels seamless and professional. It’s a tough ask to write something unique in the vampire genre, and to leave your own mark on lore that readers can feel is already a known quantity, but the author has managed both with remarkable ease. What can feel like stumbling in early chapters turns out to be a clever use of the narrative to reflect the FMC’s own experience. As the story evolves and the characters develop you will be entranced by a complex, dynamic group of beings, and it’s hard to not choose favourites… But we all do. There’s some welcome queer representation, made stronger with a found family theme and a general vibe of bringing together people who have felt othered. The open door spice is well done without being the only reason to pick up the book, it complements the story without being overpowering. The first novel in this trilogy the ending left me both satisfied but desperately wanting more - the perfect combination. I’m looking forward to the official release of Nights of Noctis and I’ll be adding it to my friends TBR piles for Christmas, but I’m looking forward to book 2 even more!
What an incredible debut! The different realms, characters, drinks, Ivy’s dresses, vampire blood bars, creepy burials, animal familiars - they all came together to create an immersive world that’s sexy, fun, flirtatious yet dark, haunting, and wonderfully bloody.
From the moment Ivy made her first choice I knew we were in for a dangerously delicious ride with vampires at the helm. The multiple POVs added a seamless thread throughout, letting us see each characters wants, needs, and ambitions with clarity and depth.
What I loved most was the found family and fated mates (Resonants). These characters had me turning page after page, desperately seeking a resolution that kept feeling wholly out of reach.
This was such a fun read. It was full of drama, suspense, tension… everything I want in a fantasy book. The Vampires in this book are unique and I haven’t seen a story like this before- but if I had to reference something I’d say if you were a True Blood fan you will LOVE this book. The way Lauren has developed these vampires is *chefs kiss*. I loved how violent, unhinged, and territorial they are. (Yes, I said “they”😏😏). I LOVEEEE a good love triangle and this was done so well.
I am so in love with this story arc that I need the next book to come out like now. This is 5* for me and I know it will be for you too!
Summary: Tired of her dull routine and her mother’s meddling, a restless girl, Ivy, escapes to the magic district in search of excitement. But adventure comes at a price. When she’s whisked away by a mysterious stranger, she’s thrust into a journey that will change everything, including her heart. But as danger closes in, she begins to wonder if she’s fallen for the hero of her story or its villain.
Characters: When I tell you I can feel the emotions and personality in the way Finare sasses back at everyone, I mean it! Every character was built with such depth that it makes you sucked in within seconds.
Spice Level: This isn’t your typical 5 pepper spice, it’s a slow burn, but when it heats up… HOTTT! Hot vamp daddies, hot vamp heroine, what’s not to like?
Some of my favorite quotes: “We’re going to have a lot more fun before I’m through with you, Ivy” “Overwhelmed with a plethora of urges – to feed, to fight, to fuck, to run, to chase, to be chased” “The scent of your fear is intoxicating.”
A slooow burn lovers to enemies, enemies to lovers with a touch of Interview with a Vampire.
Set in Noctis - The Realm of Night, Ivy (FMC) finds herself as a newborn vampire created by Leseldh her alleged Resonant (fated mate). She spends her first year hunted by Killian the formidable Hunter of the Maurell clan. But not everything is what it seems and Ivy finds herself making unforseen choices. Because “Life is a series of choices that you make. If you’re not happy with where your life is going, maybe you need to start making different choices.” Dive into this world of nightlife, luxury, manipulation and more.
Its a wild ride that will have you yearning for more!
Received a copy of Nights of Noctis from the author Lauren M. Clark as a member of her street team. Started reading it on 9/29 and finished it today, 09/30. I looooooved it! I must say as soon as Leseldh and Voresta came into the picture, I knew something was up. Ivy rebelling against her mother's wants for her, goes drinking with a pal, and meets the two aforementioned names only to wake up the next day as a freshly made Vamp. Finare is by far the best broodmate and ride or die for Ivy. Killian, the Hunter, I knew was going to be something special for Ivy from the very first moment they interact! Ending is absolutely a cliff hanger and I can't wait!!! Have already recommended this book to my neice in law and cant wait for her to read it come release day!
𝔑𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔰 𝔬𝔣 𝔑𝔬𝔠𝔱𝔦𝔰 𝔟𝔶 𝔏𝔞𝔲𝔯𝔢𝔫 𝔐 ℭ𝔩𝔞𝔯𝔨 had me constantly peeking to the next page just to make sure I was okay... I admit, I was not okay… many times.
Hello, Ivy. 😮💨 we all know another Hello darling fellow…🤭 Killian is totally giving hate you but obsessed with you, stay the fvck away from me but also “Get the fvck away from her” energy. As soon as his name was birthed, I was like come get ur mannn!! Fvck the ‘Lover’ GIMME THE ENEMY!! 🔥🔥
“Don’t give me the easy way out. I want you silent. I want to learn from your body what it needs.”
Lauren has masterfully woven the Enemy to Lovers Arc. The witty banter between the FMC & MC will have you smirking your way through the entire book. He’s totally obsessed with her demise, it’s in his nature … yet he cannot simply stay away. The way he describes her as this ethereal angel with a dark halo around her is 💋 This man is conflicting but he LONGS & he Yearns. The moment he realises, he is done for!!
The other MC (we shall not name names) is seriously skin crawling & it’s not just because he’s a 400yr old Vampire with some serious Mommy issues…
Ivy is not naive, she is strong & I has felt way too much early on in her life. She is constantly faced with impossible choices & although some are questionable, we see her reflecting a lot in their outcomes. Her road is turbulent, but she trusts in her intuition & I love to see it!
The world building was so fun to read. The realm of Noctis is filled with the most vile & decrepit creatures. It had me shivering imagining what their lives were like.
Yes, it is a love triangle, buuuut just trust me on this one, ok? It’s tolerable.
“Tell me, Ivy. Does your heart race when Leseldh has you in his arms?”
Hehe, ok that’s enough!!! Totally just go & read, thank you so so much Lauren for having me apart of your Arc team! 𝔑𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔰 𝔬𝔣 𝔑𝔬𝔠𝔱𝔦𝔰 𝔟𝔶 𝔏𝔞𝔲𝔯𝔢𝔫 𝔐 ℭ𝔩𝔞𝔯𝔨 had me giggling & equal parts irked? 🤭💋⁺˚*•̩̩͙
3.5 ⭐️ read! The only thing that took this down for me (this is where I look dumb) I had to use the thesaurus on the kindle for some words, so it took me out of the story while I figured out what the words meant (not made up words, real English words).
This book was fun to read! We follow our FMC Ivy who lives as a human in a world where there are supernaturals! Ivy gets turned by her Sire who believes her to be his reincarnated love from over 100 years ago! She is hunted by another of our MMC’s.
Finare is the lovable side character who is definitely my favourite! He is loyal and honest and an all round good guy.
Can’t wait for book 2 to see where it takes us!
If you love Romantasy with a twist then this one is for you!!!
Ivy Winterstone knows she's destined for more than what her mundane life has to offer, but will she ever break free?
Everyone loves a good vampire love story and this book did not disappoint. Nights Of Noctis offers something both timeless and refreshing with its tenebrous world-building and phenomenally developed characters. The pace of the story flows impeccably and I never found myself bored or feeling like it was dragging on, it was perfectly balanced in all areas and I felt that every scene was created to further the plot without rushing the story unnecessarily.
Everything within Nights Of Noctis felt well thought-out and cohesive, there is a rich and complicated history within the book but it never feels confusing or like you're missing important knowledge. Every description and scene is vividly written and everything throughout the story feels so elegant and real. I thoroughly enjoyed the multiple POV, each perspective unlocks a piece of the puzzle and adds a new veil of mystery and excitement that keeps the pages turning. All the characters are respondent and complex, even the "bad" ones. Everyone in this story has a reason for doing what they're doing, no one is predictable and there are so many twists throughout the character development that really helps to bring them to life.
This is a story that will definitely stay in my head for a while and I can't wait for the next book.
I quite enjoyed this book, I liked that each of the characters had unique personalities and thought processes regarding things that occur throughout the book. The characters are also very well fleshed out with backstories that are revealed throughout the book to give insight as to why they are the way they are
I was also originally thinking the book is a reverse harem due to the multiple povs (it isn't).
I was quite pleased with how the book played out, and am intrigued to see where the author will take these characters!
Nights of Noctis The Resonance Saga Book 1 By Lauren M. Clark
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶🌶
🖤 Dark Romantasy 🥀 Gothic vibes 🖤 Urban fantasy 🥀 Multi POV 🖤 Morally Gray characters 🥀 Open door 🌶 🖤 Bi-rep 🥀 Slow burn 🖤 Fated mates 🥀 Love triangle 🖤 Found family 🥀 St@lking/hunting 🖤 Pet names 😍
LAUREN! Whatever spell you cast on this book it worked 😍 From the moment I saw this book being promoted I just knew I needed it in my life, and it had me in a ch0kehold from the very first page!
This book is about Ivy a human living a mundane life day to day wishing for more knowing she is meant for greatness. When she decides one night to convince her friend to head out to a place filled with night-life, they meet someone who changes EVERYTHING. When she wakes she wakes with not only bite 😉 but the man claiming she is his long lost love come back to spend forever with him, and that's great for him, except she is being hunted. And the hunter? Well let's just say things REALLY heat up.
Welcome to the Nights of Noctis where anything can happen 😍 This book is an absolute masterpiece! So beautifully written into an intricately immersive world full of gothic lore, magic, lust, and hidden parts of Lauren's soul.
If I could rate this higher than 5 I would absolutely do so, I cannot wait for the next instalment 😍
Super interesting world-building. Where the book started and ended was unexpected (didn't think I'd start rooting for one guy then despise him by the end). Some parts frustrated me a bit (Ivy, gurl why you keep putting yourself in harms way??) but overall I'm keen to see how the series goes.
Thanks for the ARC :) 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was absolutely amazing. From the very first chapter, Lauren M. Clark pulled me into a world that felt vivid, atmospheric, and full of possibilities. It’s the kind of world you want to linger in long after you turn the last page — and I truly did not want to leave it.
What stood out to me most was how thought-through and cohesive everything felt. The world building is layered and immersive without ever becoming heavy or confusing. The plot is smartly constructed, with twists that feel earned and often caught me off guard. I love when a story surprises me in ways that still feel true to the characters and the world, and this book did that more than once.
The characters are another highlight. We get the story through multiple POVs, and I adored that choice. Each perspective adds something new — a bit of insight, a shade of doubt, a touch of hope — and it gives the whole cast a sense of reality and depth. Every character feels human (even when they aren’t strictly human), with distinct strengths, flaws, and personal stakes. They don’t feel like archetypes; they feel like people.
The banter and tension among the characters were so well done. It’s sharp, clever, and often unexpectedly heartfelt, and it kept me deeply invested in their relationships. And the twists? Some I didn’t see coming at all, and that’s always a thrill.
The pacing deserves its own praise. The story flows seamlessly, never bogged down by info-dumps, but also never rushed. It’s the perfect balance between action, intrigue, and quieter, more emotional beats. I honestly found it hard to put the book down.
Although I generally prefer first-person POV, the third-person narration here was so immersive and fluid that I barely noticed the difference. It fit the story’s tone perfectly, giving just enough distance to show the bigger picture while still letting me feel close to the characters’ thoughts and emotions.
Another thing I appreciated is that you can feel from the beginning that this won’t be an “easy” story where everything falls neatly into place. There’s a sense that the characters will have to work for their ending, and that makes the journey more compelling and the stakes feel real.
I’m already eager to dive back into this world in book two. Lauren M. Clark has built something that feels both epic and intimate, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
A huge thank-you to Lauren M. Clark for this ARC it was a captivating, emotional, and thrilling read, and I’m so excited to see what’s to come.
This novel completely exceeded my expectations. While the vampire genre has been explored countless times, this book manages to feel both timeless and refreshingly original. From the opening pages, the story drew me into its shadowy, atmospheric world and kept me captivated until the very last line.
What stood out most to me were the characters. They’re not flat archetypes or predictable figures, but layered, flawed, and intensely compelling. The vampires are written with such depth—they are haunting and magnetic, dangerous yet achingly human. I found myself torn between fear, fascination, and sympathy, which is exactly what I want from a story like this.
The prose is elegant without being overwrought. The author has a gift for balancing lush, gothic description with sharp, modern pacing. Every scene is vivid, and the tension never lets up. The narrative weaves together mystery, romance, and suspense in a way that feels seamless, while also touching on deeper questions of morality, desire, and the cost of immortality.
What impressed me most is how the book lingers in the mind. Even after finishing, I find myself replaying key moments and thinking about the choices the characters made. It’s the kind of story that stays with you, leaving you both satisfied and hungry for more.
A brilliant reinvention of the vampire novel. Dark, atmospheric, and utterly addictive—I recommend it wholeheartedly to longtime fans of the genre as well as readers looking for something fresh and unforgettable.
If you love Sarah J Maas and Jay Kristoff you will love this!
I honestly didn’t expect to love this as much as I did. I even bought myself a night light so I could keep reading while my daughter sleeps! From the very beginning, I was completely drawn in, especially by the way Ivy is introduced and the tension in her relationship with her so called friend. It felt so relatable… I think we’ve all known at least one Annabel in our life!!!
The writing is beautiful so elegant without being overdone and it sets the perfect gothic tone. The pacing is spot on, with just the right balance of mystery, romance, and suspense to keep you turning pages late into the night (hence the night light!).
The characters are incredibly well crafted. You love them, then hate them, then love them again. Each one is layered, flawed, and deeply human even when they’re anything but. The emotional complexity kept me constantly torn between love, lust, care, fascination, and sympathy.
One line that really stayed with me was: “Life is a series of choices that you make. If you're not happy with where your life is going, maybe you need to start making different choices.” It’s a simple truth, but it hits hard especially in the context of Ivy’s journey.
This book doesn’t just entertain; it lingers in your thoughts long after. Whether you're a long time fan of the genre or just dipping your toes into something with a little more bite, this novel is absolutely worth picking up.
Nights of Noctis is an absolutely fantastic start to The Resonance Saga. The story unfolds in a modern fantasy world where portals connect multiple realms and humans, vampires, fae, and other creatures all coexist in a vivid, immersive setting.
At first, the pacing felt a little slow for me, but once I found my rhythm, I was completely hooked. I fell in love with the characters and the worldbuilding, and I could feel every emotion woven into the pages, the adrenaline, attraction, danger, and betrayal. Just when I thought I had reached the natural ending, a twist hit that left me absolutely speechless!
I really enjoyed the depth of connection between the characters, the loyalty, friendship, and found-family bonds, all layered within a world rich in lore and magic. The way the story balances heart-pounding action with emotional vulnerability made it such a satisfying read.
What started as a slow burn became an unforgettable adventure filled with unexpected turns, and I’m eagerly waiting for book two!
I received this book as an ARC, and this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
It’d been a while since I’d bitten into a vampire story like this one, and I am so glad I picked Nights of Noctis to break that streak.
This was everything I wanted in a vamp romance novel. Elegant prose. Rich, immersive world building. Sensuality, complicated characters, and a sexy villainous vampire straight out of my daydreams.
Ivy’s experience was real and relatable, and I loved that, while she struggled to adjust to her new life, she embraced the aspects of it that I would (I mean…come on! Great night life, supernatural beauty, and being surrounded by insanely attractive people all the time?! Sign me up!)
Lauren’s a master at wielding uncommon wordstock to paint a rich, gothic picture, and it made me want to step through a portal and leave all this behind. The story was engaging and twisty enough to keep me guessing, too, and the ending has me wanting more in the best way.
Night of Noctis was a fantastic introduction to a vibrant, exciting world full of fantastical creatures galore. Lauren is definitely an author to watch in the world of dark fantasy romance! I can’t wait to devour whatever she does next!
I had the pleasure of heading into the Realm of Night as an ARC reader. So firstly, Imma need to be friends with Ivy like… on the immediate. She’s a favorite FMC of mine now. A rebellious, impulsive, and flawed heroine will always have my heart.
From the very first page, Nights of Noctis was dark, twisty, and just phenomenally written. The world building and vamp lore was 10/10. The love triangle, the tension, tattoos with secret meanings, and The Resonant bonds… just UGH. WOW.
I’m fairly convinced that a colorful drink at the Tall Fiddle with Lisedhl would heal me. The writing was phenomenal. I loved the multi POV as well. A truly perfect debut.
Absolutely devoured this book in one go. It hooked me from the very start. There was humour, drama, suspense, tension and love. The character relationship development is amazing. Character development is perfect and the plot captivating. The plot is well thought out and while it completed a lot of the sub plot, the cliffhanger ending was perfect for the overarching plot. Fell in love with a side character and of course was rooting for the "enemy" I can't wait to continue the journey in the next book!
I'm convinced the author somehow imbued the pages of this book with some kind of vampire magic because I could not put it down! I became a creature of the night, staying up all night reading this!
I adore a vampire world that is dark, gritty, and filled with the kind of brutality we expect from vampires. With its modern, gothic atmosphere and ferocious characters, this delivered brilliantly!
Each character is written flawlessly. The pacing is tension filled perfection.The world building and magic are unique without being overwhelming.
I usually like to say something about the main characters, but I feel that would be a disservice to the book in this case. What I will say is Ms. Clark, you are a master of misdirection, and I applaud you for fooling me so entirely for so much of the book!
The cliffhanger hanger in this one has me feral for book two! I need answers!
✢ started: october 1, 2025 ✢ ended: october 1, 2025 — e-book/e-arc
Lauren lovely gave me the arc of her debut novel "Nights of Noctis" to read as apart of her Street Team and oh my god.
I don't think I have the physical amount of words to describe how much I adored and cherished this book—Lauren's writing style makes me giggle and laugh every time because of how much joy and passion the words are put into it.
The characterization of these characters (especially Ivy & Finare) was spectacular and amazing. The plot was incredibly eye-catching and addictive.
From the start, I was immediately drawn to Lauren's world of Noctis—already knowing such about the world but I will say that the lore and Creation of the Vampires was really unique and fun to explore on the page!
I am really hyped and excited to see more of Noctis next year!! Thank you again Lauren for giving me an ARC and letting be apart of your street team ! 🐦⬛🖤
Omg what a lovely journey this book took me on! I read Nights of Noctis twice (once as an alpha reader and once as an ARC reader) and am so excited to be finally sharing my review.
This book takes gothic modern fantasy with vampires and makes it cozy. Anyone who knows me knows I prefer books that I can curl up with and savor the world building of. This book was that for me (twice!). But that doesn't mean NoN is lacking action! There's fights, spice, and conflicts to keep you turning pages and wondering what is going to happen next.
The love story totally threw me for a loop in the best way. I thought I knew what was going on at first, and I was wrong. So. Deliciously. Wrong. No spoilers here, but the banter be bantering is all I'm gonna say. And the nickname the MMC has for the FMC? SWOON! Literally lives rent free in my head.
Clark is an incredibly talented writer, and definitely one to keep an eye on!