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Midnight Realm Duology #1
At the Mercy of Midnight
Amelia Winslow and Silas Finley are rival scholars who have spent years trying to outsmart one another, until a fateful discovery binds them together in a way neither is able to escape. When they are cut by a pair of ancient daggers, they become bonded against their will and transported to each other every night at midnight by a magic that seems to be unraveling before their eyes.
Desperate to break their bond, they discover darker truths and deeper bonds and wonder at whether the Midnight Blades are far more dangerous than either suspected. Hunted by a secret order and racing against the bounds of time, Amelia and Silas must work together or risk losing more than their freedom.
Because if they fail, midnight may never come again.
Desperate to break their bond, they discover darker truths and deeper bonds and wonder at whether the Midnight Blades are far more dangerous than either suspected. Hunted by a secret order and racing against the bounds of time, Amelia and Silas must work together or risk losing more than their freedom.
Because if they fail, midnight may never come again.
500 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2025
About the author
Chloe Cullen
2 books82 followersMum and Occupational Therapist by day, writer by night.
Author of:
At the Mercy of Midnight (2025), out now on Amazon in paperback and ebook editions.
Rise of the Legion (2021), out now on Amazon in paperback and ebook editions.
Author of:
At the Mercy of Midnight (2025), out now on Amazon in paperback and ebook editions.
Rise of the Legion (2021), out now on Amazon in paperback and ebook editions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
January 17, 2025
Of course I love it, it's mine =D x
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
RTC
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓dark academia romantasy
✓rivals to lovers
✓slow burn
✓forced proximity
✓protective MMC
✓yearning
Thank you to NetGalley and DK (Canelo Romance) for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
_____
Pre-read: Yay! Another Dramione fanfic is going trad!😍
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓dark academia romantasy
✓rivals to lovers
✓slow burn
✓forced proximity
✓protective MMC
✓yearning
Thank you to NetGalley and DK (Canelo Romance) for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
_____
Pre-read: Yay! Another Dramione fanfic is going trad!😍
September 14, 2025
Just a heads up for everyone diving into this: it’s not a standalone, so be ready for the cliffhanger at the end. 🙃
I didn’t know when I read it so it caught me off guard.
I didn’t know when I read it so it caught me off guard.
September 11, 2025
Full disclosure: the author is my best friend, so yes... I am biased, but I can say with the complete honesty and transparency, that this book stands on its own merits. Even if I didn’t know the person behind the pages, I’d still be raving about it.
I was lucky enough to be the first person to read the first draft, and from the opening chapter, I was completely hooked. I scribbled wild theories in the margins, underlined lines that made me laugh (or blush), and asked questions I desperately needed answered right now. There were a few changes as the book developed, but it was exciting predicting how it would end... and I did not see that coming... if you know, you know.
The characters are fully fleshed out in a way that made them feel real to me. I loved how Amelia operates from a place of logic and structure, while Silas leads more with emotional intelligence. It was such a refreshing flip of what we usually see. Their chemistry was believable, not forced, and watching them navigate tension, misunderstanding, and eventual vulnerability was such a satisfying arc.
The world-building was another strong point. It was vivid and immersive without dumping too much information on the reader. The different locations each felt distinct, and I especially loved the eerie beauty of the Rift, those scenes in the ruins stayed with me long after I closed the book.
The writing style is genuinely beautiful. There’s an emotional richness to the language that made even quiet moments feel full. At the same time, the dialogue was natural and often sharp. There were moments I laughed out loud or paused just to reread a particularly striking sentence. It’s the kind of writing that makes you feel with the characters, not just observe them.
Also, this was my first real dive into the "rivals to lovers" trope and I get the hype now. The slow burn, the tension, the subtle shifts in their dynamic... it was all handled so well. It felt earned.
So yes, I’m biased. But I’m also a picky reader, and I wouldn’t be writing all this if I didn’t genuinely believe in the story. This book has heart, depth, and something to say. I’m so proud of my friend for writing it. But more than that, I’m just excited for other people to get swept up in this world like I did... and did you know the story is only half complete... this book is a duo! So she better get writing because I want more answers.
I was lucky enough to be the first person to read the first draft, and from the opening chapter, I was completely hooked. I scribbled wild theories in the margins, underlined lines that made me laugh (or blush), and asked questions I desperately needed answered right now. There were a few changes as the book developed, but it was exciting predicting how it would end... and I did not see that coming... if you know, you know.
The characters are fully fleshed out in a way that made them feel real to me. I loved how Amelia operates from a place of logic and structure, while Silas leads more with emotional intelligence. It was such a refreshing flip of what we usually see. Their chemistry was believable, not forced, and watching them navigate tension, misunderstanding, and eventual vulnerability was such a satisfying arc.
The world-building was another strong point. It was vivid and immersive without dumping too much information on the reader. The different locations each felt distinct, and I especially loved the eerie beauty of the Rift, those scenes in the ruins stayed with me long after I closed the book.
The writing style is genuinely beautiful. There’s an emotional richness to the language that made even quiet moments feel full. At the same time, the dialogue was natural and often sharp. There were moments I laughed out loud or paused just to reread a particularly striking sentence. It’s the kind of writing that makes you feel with the characters, not just observe them.
Also, this was my first real dive into the "rivals to lovers" trope and I get the hype now. The slow burn, the tension, the subtle shifts in their dynamic... it was all handled so well. It felt earned.
So yes, I’m biased. But I’m also a picky reader, and I wouldn’t be writing all this if I didn’t genuinely believe in the story. This book has heart, depth, and something to say. I’m so proud of my friend for writing it. But more than that, I’m just excited for other people to get swept up in this world like I did... and did you know the story is only half complete... this book is a duo! So she better get writing because I want more answers.
November 7, 2025
This book is the best thing ever BUT WHY ISNT THE NEXT ONE OUT YET
January 10, 2026
I think this one probably should have stayed on A03. This rewrite is really cheesy and clunky. I’m stopped at 80% because I’ve rolled my eyes way too many times to keep going. Every plot point is riddled with ridiculous complications that, *gasp shock*, don’t actually matter! I think this was supposed to be a sweet story full of yearning, but sadly, I just don’t buy it.
October 2, 2025
2.5 stars. I read MMIDL and enjoyed it, but this wasn’t it for me. Fun concept, but something was missing in the character building and the pacing. I also don’t think it should’ve been broken into 2 books. Unfortunately, would not recommend.
October 15, 2025
Great book! Love Amelia & Silas. I’m hoping there will be a second book! 🥰
September 22, 2025
She scowled. “You’re insufferable.”
Silas smirked. “You’re distracted.”
✨✨✨
I absolutely adored the banter in this book! Seriously, I think 98% of my tabs/highlights are their banter with one another! I will always be a sucker for academic rivals that secretly yearn for one another. The ending had me on the edge of my seat & I need book two asap.
The only qualm I had with this book was the world building and magic system. I was confused and lost at some points throughout the story & think that the readers needed more in depth explanations about how the world, monoliths and magic work and come together. However, the dialogue, character development and plot were really well done! I loved the aspect of runes in this & the part they played!
I’ve read Chloe’s other works on ao3 & for this being my first read of her traditionally published works, I would say it’s a success & I’m looking forward to seeing how her writing grows & to continue Amelia & Silas’s story in book two! 💗
🗡️ Rival Scholars
✨ Forced Proximity
🗡️ Witty Banter
✨ Magic x Monoliths x Mages x Midnight
🗡️ “Who did this to you?”
✨ Ancient, Binding Daggers
🗡️ Posh Aristocrat x Swot Scholar 🥵
Silas smirked. “You’re distracted.”
✨✨✨
I absolutely adored the banter in this book! Seriously, I think 98% of my tabs/highlights are their banter with one another! I will always be a sucker for academic rivals that secretly yearn for one another. The ending had me on the edge of my seat & I need book two asap.
The only qualm I had with this book was the world building and magic system. I was confused and lost at some points throughout the story & think that the readers needed more in depth explanations about how the world, monoliths and magic work and come together. However, the dialogue, character development and plot were really well done! I loved the aspect of runes in this & the part they played!
I’ve read Chloe’s other works on ao3 & for this being my first read of her traditionally published works, I would say it’s a success & I’m looking forward to seeing how her writing grows & to continue Amelia & Silas’s story in book two! 💗
🗡️ Rival Scholars
✨ Forced Proximity
🗡️ Witty Banter
✨ Magic x Monoliths x Mages x Midnight
🗡️ “Who did this to you?”
✨ Ancient, Binding Daggers
🗡️ Posh Aristocrat x Swot Scholar 🥵
July 2, 2026
I loved this book! I’m a big fan of academic rivals especially when they are forced to collaborate together and this was the main trope of this book. The banter and yearning was so good ! Amelia and Silas are well thought-out characters and I enjoyed learning their background. The pacing was nice as it kept me engaged all throughout. I also liked the dual POVs. I read this in one evening, it was that good! I’m now impatiently waiting for the next book. The cliffhanger is crazy, so be prepared for that.
I definitely recommend reading this book if you enjoy forced proximity, rivals, a protective MMC, magical mysteries and a lot of plot twists!
Thank you to the publisher for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.
I definitely recommend reading this book if you enjoy forced proximity, rivals, a protective MMC, magical mysteries and a lot of plot twists!
Thank you to the publisher for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.
December 16, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐- Decided to read this after reading the author's original work in AO3 and I'm so glad I did. This is really well done and took her original inspiration and made it even better but also its own, unique story.
🌶️ - Not quite fade to black but we don't get sh*t this is almost an ultra slow but
🌶️ - Not quite fade to black but we don't get sh*t this is almost an ultra slow but
November 23, 2025
I have no words. One of the best books I’ve read all year. The world building, the dialogue, the SLOW BURN. 10/10, no notes, chef’s kiss. I need book #2 already like I need air.
February 27, 2026
I enjoyed this and the plot!
There were definitely plot points that I felt needed more time to settle and be fleshed out and also the pacing/development of character relationships could use a little more detail but overall it was so enjoyable and the plot twist at the end omg what a cliffhanger
There were definitely plot points that I felt needed more time to settle and be fleshed out and also the pacing/development of character relationships could use a little more detail but overall it was so enjoyable and the plot twist at the end omg what a cliffhanger
September 15, 2025
4.5stars. Please tell me there will be a book 2
September 28, 2026
At the Mercy of Midnight is book 1 of a duology revolving around two arcane scholars - Amelia and Silas, who are researching the disappearance of magic (not very good) and the expansion of the Rift (even worse). While on an expedition, they accidentally get cut by two ancient blades that curse them to teleport to each other at midnight.
There's a few of your standard romatasy tropes dotted about in this one. He falls first, rivals to lovers, light and dark, to name a few. And I must say, they're done very well. The book invests a lot on the relationship between the two leads and you get a real feeling of connection between the two from the get go. The banter is top notch and doesn't disappear when the relationship gets going which is refreshing. I absolutely loved the idea that our characters were arcane archaeologists, searching for a way to reverse the big bad at a dig site. I'm all for STEM in my fantasy novels.
That focus on the two main characters is a bit of a double edged blade. While it gives you a good sense of who, what, and where the main characters are, the book doesn't give the same time and care to the world-building and the side characters.
The world building starts off so strongly in the first few chapters. We get a good idea about the dig site, the Rift, and the Crawlers (big bads). But then the whole system disappears. We go in quick succession to two/three different areas that aren't too badly impacted by the lack of magic and the sprawling Rift which cheapens the whole scenario. Each time we travel, it's much for the same reason - to find a piece of text that would help solve the problem (a journal, a secret library, a paper-filled workshop). I was a bit disappointed that our archaeologists weren't archaeologing - looking for clues in other ruins or artefacts, dusting off old fossils or bones, consulting experts in the field that actually gave information rather than vague nothings and miscommunications.
Our side characters are very much left on the side lines. I can't really say that much about them - they're very underdeveloped and under utilised. A lot of their motivations behind their actions or why the main characters trust or don't trust them aren't explored very well. Where the side characters are explored, it is done through telling rather than showing. With this being a duology, I can only hope that there's a big expansion on their role in the second book.
It's a solid 3 star story, just watch out for the cliffhanger ending. It also has the potential to be even higher depending on the second book.
There's a few of your standard romatasy tropes dotted about in this one. He falls first, rivals to lovers, light and dark, to name a few. And I must say, they're done very well. The book invests a lot on the relationship between the two leads and you get a real feeling of connection between the two from the get go. The banter is top notch and doesn't disappear when the relationship gets going which is refreshing. I absolutely loved the idea that our characters were arcane archaeologists, searching for a way to reverse the big bad at a dig site. I'm all for STEM in my fantasy novels.
That focus on the two main characters is a bit of a double edged blade. While it gives you a good sense of who, what, and where the main characters are, the book doesn't give the same time and care to the world-building and the side characters.
The world building starts off so strongly in the first few chapters. We get a good idea about the dig site, the Rift, and the Crawlers (big bads). But then the whole system disappears. We go in quick succession to two/three different areas that aren't too badly impacted by the lack of magic and the sprawling Rift which cheapens the whole scenario. Each time we travel, it's much for the same reason - to find a piece of text that would help solve the problem (a journal, a secret library, a paper-filled workshop). I was a bit disappointed that our archaeologists weren't archaeologing - looking for clues in other ruins or artefacts, dusting off old fossils or bones, consulting experts in the field that actually gave information rather than vague nothings and miscommunications.
Our side characters are very much left on the side lines. I can't really say that much about them - they're very underdeveloped and under utilised. A lot of their motivations behind their actions or why the main characters trust or don't trust them aren't explored very well. Where the side characters are explored, it is done through telling rather than showing. With this being a duology, I can only hope that there's a big expansion on their role in the second book.
It's a solid 3 star story, just watch out for the cliffhanger ending. It also has the potential to be even higher depending on the second book.
Read
September 23, 2026Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
At the Mercy of Midnight by Chloe Cullen is a third person dual-POV forced proximity dark academia fantasy romance.
I would definitely put this in the fantasy romance category rather than romantasy or romantic fantasy. The story quite simply does not go without the romance and it revolves around a magical version of the forced proximity trope and is more romance-focused than I would expect of a romantic fantasy. While the romance and the fantasy elements impact each other, I wouldn't call this a romantasy (a fifty-fifty of romance and fantasy) as of this book, but might change my mind if book two has stronger fantasy worldbuilding and plotting.
The marketing calls this rivals-to-lovers and I do not agree for a very specific reason, but it is a big one: Silas has been in love with Amelia for years before the book opens and Amelia is essentially holding a one-sided rivalry while he just teases her. Rivals-to-lovers, in my opinion, should involve mutual rivalry that grows into mutual begrudging respect and then into romance or both parties are reluctantly attracted to each other and it's a dilemma on both sides as they sort out their feelings and it doesn't hit the trope if one party is not struggling with their changing feelings. As such, I would label this as forced proximity dark academia and leave it at that.
I'm hoping that book two further develops the careful analysis vs intuition and ‘hard science vs artistic approach’ that was described early in this book as being a key difference between how Amelia and Silas approach their field of study. I think there is something very interesting in exploring the line between art and science and how frustrating it can be for someone who is very data-minded to deal with someone who takes a more vibes-based viewpoint, especially when the vibes-based person does seem to have more knowledge.
I would recommend this to fans of fantasy romance that have a bit of a dark edge to it without fully leaning into horror and readers looking for a dark academia with a romance plot
At the Mercy of Midnight by Chloe Cullen is a third person dual-POV forced proximity dark academia fantasy romance.
I would definitely put this in the fantasy romance category rather than romantasy or romantic fantasy. The story quite simply does not go without the romance and it revolves around a magical version of the forced proximity trope and is more romance-focused than I would expect of a romantic fantasy. While the romance and the fantasy elements impact each other, I wouldn't call this a romantasy (a fifty-fifty of romance and fantasy) as of this book, but might change my mind if book two has stronger fantasy worldbuilding and plotting.
The marketing calls this rivals-to-lovers and I do not agree for a very specific reason, but it is a big one: Silas has been in love with Amelia for years before the book opens and Amelia is essentially holding a one-sided rivalry while he just teases her. Rivals-to-lovers, in my opinion, should involve mutual rivalry that grows into mutual begrudging respect and then into romance or both parties are reluctantly attracted to each other and it's a dilemma on both sides as they sort out their feelings and it doesn't hit the trope if one party is not struggling with their changing feelings. As such, I would label this as forced proximity dark academia and leave it at that.
I'm hoping that book two further develops the careful analysis vs intuition and ‘hard science vs artistic approach’ that was described early in this book as being a key difference between how Amelia and Silas approach their field of study. I think there is something very interesting in exploring the line between art and science and how frustrating it can be for someone who is very data-minded to deal with someone who takes a more vibes-based viewpoint, especially when the vibes-based person does seem to have more knowledge.
I would recommend this to fans of fantasy romance that have a bit of a dark edge to it without fully leaning into horror and readers looking for a dark academia with a romance plot
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2026
thank you to netgalley for my advanced copy! if you don’t care for heavy world building and you’re here for the romance then you might like this book. one of my issues with it is that the magic system and the world is mostly relying on vibes and aesthetic. even the characters around Silas and Amelia, feel incomplete and are there just to help out the main duo. i never felt like they had their own lives or personalities. for example, Amelia has a sort of mentor figure in Halpert but we don’t know why or how he does this. it’s just something told to us that we have to accept.
as supposed academics, a lot of the scenes of them researching or experimenting is more tell than show if that makes sense.
when it comes to the main characters’ dialogue, in the beginning when they’re supposed to be rivals, they’re kind of just bantering to banter. their rivalry starts on shaky legs that get resolved easily due to their bond. Even the bond is anticlimactic because it’s just them getting brought together physically every midnight.
the funniest part for me was when the two of them gather up their most trusted people to help solve and rework the ritual they’re supposed to do to end the magical bond and restore balance. i don’t think any of the characters did anything significant. they were just there for the vibes.
Lastly, the nickname Silas gives Amelia as “the storm” or “my storm” makes no sense and has no basis because he just throws it out early on in the book with no buildup and keeps mentioning it later. Like why is this the pet name you give her?
Needless to say, I think this book could’ve used more developmental edits in my opinion.
as supposed academics, a lot of the scenes of them researching or experimenting is more tell than show if that makes sense.
when it comes to the main characters’ dialogue, in the beginning when they’re supposed to be rivals, they’re kind of just bantering to banter. their rivalry starts on shaky legs that get resolved easily due to their bond. Even the bond is anticlimactic because it’s just them getting brought together physically every midnight.
the funniest part for me was when the two of them gather up their most trusted people to help solve and rework the ritual they’re supposed to do to end the magical bond and restore balance. i don’t think any of the characters did anything significant. they were just there for the vibes.
Lastly, the nickname Silas gives Amelia as “the storm” or “my storm” makes no sense and has no basis because he just throws it out early on in the book with no buildup and keeps mentioning it later. Like why is this the pet name you give her?
Needless to say, I think this book could’ve used more developmental edits in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley for this Arc copy
I LOVED this book!
Like with most fantasy, it took me a little while to settle into the world building and warm up to the characters. But once I did… I DID. I was completely hooked.
Our main characters, Amelia and Silas, are scientists tasked with researching why the magic system is failing. They hate each other initially, but when their research takes a turn they absolutely didn’t anticipate, they’re forced to work together to save an entire realm while fighting against their parents and the bad guys along the way.
And the yearning in this book?! Jesus Christ. 😭 JUST FUCK ALREADY. I genuinely cannot believe Silas held back for as long as he did. The tension was painful in the best possible way.
What made this stand out for me is that it felt completely unlike any fantasy I’ve read before, and that was so refreshing.
The magic system itself is surprisingly easy to follow and doesn’t feel unnecessarily complicated, which meant I could focus on what really hooked me, the characters, their relationship, and the complicated dynamics with their parents. There’s so much going on beneath the surface, The polt was plotting and I loved it. The twists kept coming, which I couldn’t predict, that made it infuriating and addictive!
By the end, I was completely invested, and this book has set itself up to potentially become one of my favourite duologies.
And THAT ending?!
I NEED BOOK TWO.
Chloe, could you please hurry up, finish Book 2 and email it directly to me? I feel like that’s a completely reasonable request. Thanks. 🤣
I LOVED this book!
Like with most fantasy, it took me a little while to settle into the world building and warm up to the characters. But once I did… I DID. I was completely hooked.
Our main characters, Amelia and Silas, are scientists tasked with researching why the magic system is failing. They hate each other initially, but when their research takes a turn they absolutely didn’t anticipate, they’re forced to work together to save an entire realm while fighting against their parents and the bad guys along the way.
And the yearning in this book?! Jesus Christ. 😭 JUST FUCK ALREADY. I genuinely cannot believe Silas held back for as long as he did. The tension was painful in the best possible way.
What made this stand out for me is that it felt completely unlike any fantasy I’ve read before, and that was so refreshing.
The magic system itself is surprisingly easy to follow and doesn’t feel unnecessarily complicated, which meant I could focus on what really hooked me, the characters, their relationship, and the complicated dynamics with their parents. There’s so much going on beneath the surface, The polt was plotting and I loved it. The twists kept coming, which I couldn’t predict, that made it infuriating and addictive!
By the end, I was completely invested, and this book has set itself up to potentially become one of my favourite duologies.
And THAT ending?!
I NEED BOOK TWO.
Chloe, could you please hurry up, finish Book 2 and email it directly to me? I feel like that’s a completely reasonable request. Thanks. 🤣
August 1, 2026
Thank you to DK, NetGalley, and the author for this advanced copy. This book sounded so interesting and it was so different from anything I’ve read before. Right off the bat, we get witty banter between Silas and Amelia. I loved their dynamic as academic rivals and the banter that follows.
This book was third person dual POV and getting to see how long Silas has yearned for Amelia for years had me in a chokehold. Throughout the story, Silas and Amelia try to figure out how to break the bond, then how to alter the ritual, and their relationship grows. The ending was heartbreaking and the cliffhanger was brutal.
This book is a hidden gem and I’ll definitely be looking forward to picking up the next installment.
This book was third person dual POV and getting to see how long Silas has yearned for Amelia for years had me in a chokehold. Throughout the story, Silas and Amelia try to figure out how to break the bond, then how to alter the ritual, and their relationship grows. The ending was heartbreaking and the cliffhanger was brutal.
This book is a hidden gem and I’ll definitely be looking forward to picking up the next installment.
October 5, 2025
THE CLIFFHANGER?!?! I thought this was a standalone, so I was pretty disappointed by the end. This book was very well written, but the magic system was very confusing to me. I had a hard time picturing what the Monoliths were and didn’t really understand the effect they had on that world. I loved the banter between the two main characters.
September 27, 2025
so sad my fave ff and most anticipated read of the year did this to me
January 5, 2026
No words just emotions and feral noises. I need the next one yesterday.
September 6, 2026
3.5 stars
November 3, 2025
I did not realize this was a duology so the ending was a little surprising to me. I did not read the original fanfic (FF) but I could tell this was Dramione coded from the beginning. That being said, the magical elements don’t make a lot of sense. Obviously the author has to rework this so it isn’t in the HP universe but there were gaps that I couldn’t fill with HP background and if you’re not a HP fan you would probably be very confused. The lack of explanation might have been ok if this was a standalone and action packed or shorter but in 2 books with a cliffhanger…more time should have been spent world building. I don’t even think explaining the magic needs to be complicated but I kept feeling lost. At some point, I started to skim sections because it felt repetitive without moving the story along. The ending felt rushed which is odd when it ends on a cliffhanger.
I enjoyed the first half of the book and banter between the MCs but that could be because I know it’s Draco and Hermione. I think this has potential to be a great story but some rework is needed to get it there and an easier read for a wider audience. I hope the author gets beta readers that aren’t into Dramione fanfic to help find and fill the gaps for the second book. Kudos on the actual editing though. No glaring grammatical errors or typos that are prevalent in self-published works.
I enjoyed the first half of the book and banter between the MCs but that could be because I know it’s Draco and Hermione. I think this has potential to be a great story but some rework is needed to get it there and an easier read for a wider audience. I hope the author gets beta readers that aren’t into Dramione fanfic to help find and fill the gaps for the second book. Kudos on the actual editing though. No glaring grammatical errors or typos that are prevalent in self-published works.
February 13, 2026
I was really trying to like this book. I didn't read the fanfic but I love the characters it was based on so I gave it a go. The concept was intriguing but the delivery was lacking. The plot had a lot of holes and the characters had no chemistry. It really felt forced and off. Also, I thought this was going to be a standalone but I was wrong. It left you on a unhappy cliffhanger! They end up both in a unpleasant place and I wasn't intrigued or invested enough to want to find out how they get out of their predicaments. I don't think I will read the second book if it comes out. I almost DNF it at 75% but I figured I was so close to just seeing the end but I was let down anyway. I see a lot of potential but there needs to have better pacing. This was just not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2025
4 out of 5 stars.
I come with another four-part review.
Having read ‘Meet me at midnight’ in my fanfic era, I wanted to checkout the novel it inspired.
Since I’ve read the fanfic first and it may influence me, I will do my best to review this story as a stand-alone (and putting a pin in the fact that this book is part of a duology). I will try my best to be spoiler-free and tag as required.
Part 1 – As a stand-alone Romantasy novel.
This subsection is about how this book fares as an individual independent romantasy book. Honestly, knocked it out of the park.
First thoughts? This book packs its contents in thoroughly and thoughtfully. I almost want to give kudos to the editor too, because nary a sentence or scene seemed out of place, or irrelevant to the story. From the very first page, I did not feel a single second of wasted screen-time until I put the book down. And this extends to the supporting characters as well. Although I did feel like I was dropped right in the middle of action (momentarily), that speaks more to the other books that I have read which grab your attention with the first sentence, then slow down for a chapter or two to introduce any sort of conflict, and allow the reader to steep in the world. So, I personally am fine with this introduction, but would suggest you to be on the lookout and do not trip. Another thing that hit me in the begninning itself was that the FMC was both refreshing and risky move. I, personally, like it.
There on, this book was not a roller coaster ride. And that’s a good thing here. Because the external plot device is a strong player that ensures the twists remain accessible and do not blindside the reader every 3 chapters or whatever. You see a character in action, and you wonder if this is relevant for later, and it is. I would not say this is predictability. These are not “clues hidden in plain sight” or “the author did not put an effort”. This is human behavior. This is the authors ability to connect the character’s actions to their backstory, and to the external plot with care. This is exactly why nothing feels redundant in this story. But this does not mean that the author did not put twists in that you never see coming. They do, only, they are more subtle. And for that reason, I think this is a book I will think about for a long time.
Pacing – Nothing is redundant. I’ve said it already. But another thing that is worth highlighting is that nothing drags on either. Every new day that the characters experience brought on something to add to the plot in terms of character growth, a resolution, or another problem. Even in the scenes where ‘time passes by’, story wasn’t repetitive, and the ticking of the clock was kept brief.
Characters – Amelia and Silas are not underwritten by any means. However, there is something that strikes me as different from other books of the genre - that is these characters are well rounded and human (sounds so wrong but don't mean it to be). Let me explain - in routine romance novels, there is one glaring trait of each main character (which is why having ‘a brooding hero’, or ‘a stubborn heroine’ is a matter of cliché). But our characters do not come with one. They come with multiple traits, although it’s not as pronounced in the beginning of the novel (it does feel like all they do is one up each other, or have futile arguments). Moreover, each trait has a range upon which the character walks on. Sometimes the trait is displayed at one end of the spectrum, while in other scenes, the depiction is milder. Which is very human, and I have not seen that in a lot of books in this genre. We are all defined by multiple traits, and even if we are sometimes ‘stubborn’, we are not equally stubborn about everything all the time. So, as of now, I am unsure if this leans towards positive or negative for me, and I'll make an opinion on my re-reads.
The author does justice with both POV’s of Amelia and Silas. I did not realize this was a dual POV book when I started reading, until I suddenly hit Silas’s POV a few chapters in. But even from Amelia’s POV the reader can clock in on cues about what Silas is feeling that Amelia doesn’t understand (and I say “doesn’t understand” because she leaves it at that, and doesn’t ‘misunderstand’ him either, which is another popular trope). Not to say there are no ‘misunderstandings’ – only that they arise in times of fear, or in case she does not know another part of him, so she is left to make judgements based on what she has seen him do. So the more she knows about him, the less she misjudges him over the course of the novel (again, very human. It’s almost disconcerting how realistic the characters felt, and they don’t follow the ‘usual plotline’ of two fantasy MC’s who push and pull all the time, rather, our character steadily grow towards each other). So once we get to Silas’s POV, everything we have figured out about him checks out.
In terms of resolution of external plot – Surprisingly, the one complaint I have with this book is that there is no proper ending. Yes, it is a part of a duology, but that shouldn’t mean there is no resolution. There is the major plot of the trouble at the rift and how it has affected not only Amelia and Silas, but the realm as well. Yet each book must have the main characters resolve a problem (lest they seem like NPC's affected by something bigger in their own book). This book did not have that fleshed out. . In my opinion, it would have been much better and satisfactory to the reader if there was any win they could count on. Maybe our MC's could have figured out anything that was their discovery.
Magical system – It’s not fleshed out at all. They say they have magic but apart from the way stones or way chips, there is nothing magical about anything. There are some runes that do some things if you say the word associated with it, but they work more like clicking a button and some action happening on a computer, it's not something every character can do – draw a rune and say a word - as far as I understood. But I might be wrong about it seeing how there is so little explanation about that. Mages are a thing, but our characters are not mages, so there’s that. And the fact that the synopsis says Amelia is studying arcane physics but it doesn’t get one mention or explanation in the book - wild. I mean, the author could have said Amelia and Silas were archaeologists in a world where magic exists, and the story would not have changed. The magic our main characters get access to later on, that’s a decent soft magic system based on intention. So I guess we can take a small win there.
Part 2 – Comparison with “Meet me at midnight”, The fanfiction that inspired "At the mercy of midnight”.
“At the mercy of midnight” is standing on its own, independent from the fanfiction. The only similarities amongst the two are ‘a plot device that transports one main character to another’. The similarities end there. Atleast as far as the first book reveals. The motivations of our characters are different, even of the villains, and the side characters are not replicated. Any similarities are limited and cannot be traced back to the fanfiction either (so far). So although the premise is similar, it is safe to say that the novel opens a door for the reader to enter a different world and be unpredictable for someone coming from the fanfiction world.
So, I’m excited to see where this story goes in the next book.
Part 3 – The Good –
Characters, character development, and the pacing. The slow-burn chemistry. The well thought-out plot. The yearning, and the stupid but sensible reason why there is yearning.
Part 4 – The Bad -
Dare I say lack of stronger motivations of our MC's? I like that they . I think the novel could have used a scene showcasing some destruction caused by . The arcane magic system.
Short n' sweet summary
Read it, it’s something like I’ve never read before !!
-PlantSuperpowers.
I come with another four-part review.
Having read ‘Meet me at midnight’ in my fanfic era, I wanted to checkout the novel it inspired.
Since I’ve read the fanfic first and it may influence me, I will do my best to review this story as a stand-alone (and putting a pin in the fact that this book is part of a duology). I will try my best to be spoiler-free and tag as required.
Part 1 – As a stand-alone Romantasy novel.
This subsection is about how this book fares as an individual independent romantasy book. Honestly, knocked it out of the park.
First thoughts? This book packs its contents in thoroughly and thoughtfully. I almost want to give kudos to the editor too, because nary a sentence or scene seemed out of place, or irrelevant to the story. From the very first page, I did not feel a single second of wasted screen-time until I put the book down. And this extends to the supporting characters as well. Although I did feel like I was dropped right in the middle of action (momentarily), that speaks more to the other books that I have read which grab your attention with the first sentence, then slow down for a chapter or two to introduce any sort of conflict, and allow the reader to steep in the world. So, I personally am fine with this introduction, but would suggest you to be on the lookout and do not trip. Another thing that hit me in the begninning itself was that the FMC was both refreshing and risky move. I, personally, like it.
There on, this book was not a roller coaster ride. And that’s a good thing here. Because the external plot device is a strong player that ensures the twists remain accessible and do not blindside the reader every 3 chapters or whatever. You see a character in action, and you wonder if this is relevant for later, and it is. I would not say this is predictability. These are not “clues hidden in plain sight” or “the author did not put an effort”. This is human behavior. This is the authors ability to connect the character’s actions to their backstory, and to the external plot with care. This is exactly why nothing feels redundant in this story. But this does not mean that the author did not put twists in that you never see coming. They do, only, they are more subtle. And for that reason, I think this is a book I will think about for a long time.
Pacing – Nothing is redundant. I’ve said it already. But another thing that is worth highlighting is that nothing drags on either. Every new day that the characters experience brought on something to add to the plot in terms of character growth, a resolution, or another problem. Even in the scenes where ‘time passes by’, story wasn’t repetitive, and the ticking of the clock was kept brief.
Characters – Amelia and Silas are not underwritten by any means. However, there is something that strikes me as different from other books of the genre - that is these characters are well rounded and human (sounds so wrong but don't mean it to be). Let me explain - in routine romance novels, there is one glaring trait of each main character (which is why having ‘a brooding hero’, or ‘a stubborn heroine’ is a matter of cliché). But our characters do not come with one. They come with multiple traits, although it’s not as pronounced in the beginning of the novel (it does feel like all they do is one up each other, or have futile arguments). Moreover, each trait has a range upon which the character walks on. Sometimes the trait is displayed at one end of the spectrum, while in other scenes, the depiction is milder. Which is very human, and I have not seen that in a lot of books in this genre. We are all defined by multiple traits, and even if we are sometimes ‘stubborn’, we are not equally stubborn about everything all the time. So, as of now, I am unsure if this leans towards positive or negative for me, and I'll make an opinion on my re-reads.
The author does justice with both POV’s of Amelia and Silas. I did not realize this was a dual POV book when I started reading, until I suddenly hit Silas’s POV a few chapters in. But even from Amelia’s POV the reader can clock in on cues about what Silas is feeling that Amelia doesn’t understand (and I say “doesn’t understand” because she leaves it at that, and doesn’t ‘misunderstand’ him either, which is another popular trope). Not to say there are no ‘misunderstandings’ – only that they arise in times of fear, or in case she does not know another part of him, so she is left to make judgements based on what she has seen him do. So the more she knows about him, the less she misjudges him over the course of the novel (again, very human. It’s almost disconcerting how realistic the characters felt, and they don’t follow the ‘usual plotline’ of two fantasy MC’s who push and pull all the time, rather, our character steadily grow towards each other). So once we get to Silas’s POV, everything we have figured out about him checks out.
In terms of resolution of external plot – Surprisingly, the one complaint I have with this book is that there is no proper ending. Yes, it is a part of a duology, but that shouldn’t mean there is no resolution. There is the major plot of the trouble at the rift and how it has affected not only Amelia and Silas, but the realm as well. Yet each book must have the main characters resolve a problem (lest they seem like NPC's affected by something bigger in their own book). This book did not have that fleshed out. . In my opinion, it would have been much better and satisfactory to the reader if there was any win they could count on. Maybe our MC's could have figured out anything that was their discovery.
Magical system – It’s not fleshed out at all. They say they have magic but apart from the way stones or way chips, there is nothing magical about anything. There are some runes that do some things if you say the word associated with it, but they work more like clicking a button and some action happening on a computer, it's not something every character can do – draw a rune and say a word - as far as I understood. But I might be wrong about it seeing how there is so little explanation about that. Mages are a thing, but our characters are not mages, so there’s that. And the fact that the synopsis says Amelia is studying arcane physics but it doesn’t get one mention or explanation in the book - wild. I mean, the author could have said Amelia and Silas were archaeologists in a world where magic exists, and the story would not have changed. The magic our main characters get access to later on, that’s a decent soft magic system based on intention. So I guess we can take a small win there.
Part 2 – Comparison with “Meet me at midnight”, The fanfiction that inspired "At the mercy of midnight”.
“At the mercy of midnight” is standing on its own, independent from the fanfiction. The only similarities amongst the two are ‘a plot device that transports one main character to another’. The similarities end there. Atleast as far as the first book reveals. The motivations of our characters are different, even of the villains, and the side characters are not replicated. Any similarities are limited and cannot be traced back to the fanfiction either (so far). So although the premise is similar, it is safe to say that the novel opens a door for the reader to enter a different world and be unpredictable for someone coming from the fanfiction world.
So, I’m excited to see where this story goes in the next book.
Part 3 – The Good –
Characters, character development, and the pacing. The slow-burn chemistry. The well thought-out plot. The yearning, and the stupid but sensible reason why there is yearning.
Part 4 – The Bad -
Dare I say lack of stronger motivations of our MC's? I like that they . I think the novel could have used a scene showcasing some destruction caused by . The arcane magic system.
Short n' sweet summary
Read it, it’s something like I’ve never read before !!
-PlantSuperpowers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Magically Bound and Emotionally Destroyed
I came for the academic rivalry and dangerous magic, stayed for nine years of secret yearning, and finished completely consumed by that brutal cliffhanger.
⭐ 4/5
🌶️ 3/5
"It was never the bond. It was always you... It was always me."
At the Mercy of Midnight by Chloe Cullen is a dark-academia fantasy romance and the first book in the Midnight Realm Duology. Told in dual third-person POV, it combines academic rivals, magical archaeology, forced proximity and a dangerous soul bond with sharp banter, hidden yearning and an increasingly complicated mystery.
Amelia Winslow and Silas Finley are rival scholars with opposing theories about magic and years of academic competition behind them. When an expedition to the Ruins of Veilthorne leads them to two mysterious daggers, they become magically bound and are pulled together every night at midnight. With Aethrial’s magic deteriorating and the Rift continuing to expand, understanding their connection quickly becomes far more important than either of them expected.
As the story moved beyond the immediate danger of the opening, I found myself becoming even more invested. The archaeological mystery and unstable atmosphere of the Rift initially caught my attention, but the magical experiments, character histories and growing romantic tension were what properly drew me in. Although the research sections are naturally quieter than the action, they never felt unnecessary because every experiment develops the magic, relationship or wider mystery.
The dark-academia elements are genuinely important to the plot rather than existing only for the aesthetic. Amelia and Silas test theories, investigate historical records and challenge conflicting interpretations of the bond. Their academic expertise actively drives the story, and I loved learning about the magic alongside them instead of receiving every answer through exposition.
Their opposing approaches also make them fascinating research partners. Amelia is analytical, controlled and determined to find evidence for everything, while Silas is more instinctive and open to possibilities that cannot yet be scientifically explained. They are intellectual equals, and their disagreements feel rooted in genuine differences rather than arguments created purely to produce romantic tension.
And the banter? 😍
Amelia and Silas are competitive, observant and extremely good at finding exactly the right way to irritate one another. Their teasing gradually becomes more affectionate without losing the intellectual chemistry that made their original rivalry so entertaining.
The romance develops independently of the magical bond, which was particularly important to me. The bond forces physical proximity and accelerates their intimacy by making avoidance impossible, but it does not create their shared history, attraction or compatibility. Both characters question whether their feelings genuinely belong to them, and the story distinguishes magical compulsion from the voluntary choices through which they begin trusting, comforting and pursuing one another.
Discovering that Silas has wanted Amelia for nine years completely changed how I interpreted his attention, teasing and fixation on their rivalry. He falls first and has apparently spent years finding ways to remain in her orbit while concealing how deeply he feels. His perspective reveals far more vulnerability and devotion than his outward confidence initially suggests.
As the story moved beyond the immediate danger of the opening, I found myself becoming even more invested. The archaeological mystery and unstable atmosphere of the Rift initially caught my attention, but the magical experiments, character histories and growing romantic tension were what properly drew me in. Although the research sections are naturally quieter than the action, they never felt unnecessary because every experiment develops the magic, relationship or wider mystery.
Their emotional vulnerability ultimately mattered more to me than the physical attraction. The moments in which they disclosed painful truths, offered reassurance and chose to care for one another made me properly believe in the relationship.
From the unstable and visually distinctive Rift to the gothic Finley estate, the different settings strengthen both the atmosphere and the story. Experiments, family secrets and forced proximity unfold against a world where magic is visibly deteriorating, while the twin Monoliths, missing mages and secret society gradually expand the conflict beyond Amelia and Silas. Each discovery raises further questions about the bond’s history and who can be trusted.
Nothing noticeably dragged for me, although the final sequence delivers several significant revelations and emotional developments very quickly. I remained completely gripped, but giving a few of those moments slightly more room to breathe could have strengthened their individual impact.
The ending is a substantial romantic and plot cliffhanger. It works as the first half of a duet because the world, relationship and central mystery all develop meaningfully, but it leaves the larger conflict unresolved and dramatically changes the characters’ circumstances.
I finished shocked, betrayed and emotionally wrecked.
Book Two cannot arrive quickly enough.
Tropes
Academic Rivals to Lovers
He Falls First
Years of Secret Yearning
Forced Proximity
Reluctant Allies and Research Partners
Light × Dark Magic
Mutual Protection
Hurt/Comfort
Touch Her and Die
Only One Bed
Secret Magical Society
Major Cliffhanger
Content warnings
Abusive and controlling parents
Childhood/adolescent magical experimentation
Forced body modification and magical scarring
Magical coercion and mind/body control
Kidnapping
Violence
Blood and injuries
Ritual sacrifice
Betrayal by trusted and parental figures
Trauma responses and panic attacks
Emotional abuse
Parental estrangement
Grief and death
Secret society/cult activity
I would recommend At the Mercy of Midnight to readers who enjoy dark-academia romantasy, academic rivals, dangerous magical bonds and slow-building romance. It will particularly appeal to anyone who loves intellectual equals, sharp banter, forced proximity, years of hidden yearning, a hero who falls first and relationships built through gradually earned trust.
It is also an excellent choice for readers who enjoy magical experiments, secret societies, complicated family histories, trauma-informed character development, betrayals and high emotional stakes. Be prepared for a significant duet cliffhanger that will leave you urgently wanting the conclusion.
Book Two cannot arrive quickly enough.
Thank you to Canelo and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I came for the academic rivalry and dangerous magic, stayed for nine years of secret yearning, and finished completely consumed by that brutal cliffhanger.
⭐ 4/5
🌶️ 3/5
"It was never the bond. It was always you... It was always me."
At the Mercy of Midnight by Chloe Cullen is a dark-academia fantasy romance and the first book in the Midnight Realm Duology. Told in dual third-person POV, it combines academic rivals, magical archaeology, forced proximity and a dangerous soul bond with sharp banter, hidden yearning and an increasingly complicated mystery.
Amelia Winslow and Silas Finley are rival scholars with opposing theories about magic and years of academic competition behind them. When an expedition to the Ruins of Veilthorne leads them to two mysterious daggers, they become magically bound and are pulled together every night at midnight. With Aethrial’s magic deteriorating and the Rift continuing to expand, understanding their connection quickly becomes far more important than either of them expected.
As the story moved beyond the immediate danger of the opening, I found myself becoming even more invested. The archaeological mystery and unstable atmosphere of the Rift initially caught my attention, but the magical experiments, character histories and growing romantic tension were what properly drew me in. Although the research sections are naturally quieter than the action, they never felt unnecessary because every experiment develops the magic, relationship or wider mystery.
The dark-academia elements are genuinely important to the plot rather than existing only for the aesthetic. Amelia and Silas test theories, investigate historical records and challenge conflicting interpretations of the bond. Their academic expertise actively drives the story, and I loved learning about the magic alongside them instead of receiving every answer through exposition.
Their opposing approaches also make them fascinating research partners. Amelia is analytical, controlled and determined to find evidence for everything, while Silas is more instinctive and open to possibilities that cannot yet be scientifically explained. They are intellectual equals, and their disagreements feel rooted in genuine differences rather than arguments created purely to produce romantic tension.
And the banter? 😍
Amelia and Silas are competitive, observant and extremely good at finding exactly the right way to irritate one another. Their teasing gradually becomes more affectionate without losing the intellectual chemistry that made their original rivalry so entertaining.
The romance develops independently of the magical bond, which was particularly important to me. The bond forces physical proximity and accelerates their intimacy by making avoidance impossible, but it does not create their shared history, attraction or compatibility. Both characters question whether their feelings genuinely belong to them, and the story distinguishes magical compulsion from the voluntary choices through which they begin trusting, comforting and pursuing one another.
Discovering that Silas has wanted Amelia for nine years completely changed how I interpreted his attention, teasing and fixation on their rivalry. He falls first and has apparently spent years finding ways to remain in her orbit while concealing how deeply he feels. His perspective reveals far more vulnerability and devotion than his outward confidence initially suggests.
As the story moved beyond the immediate danger of the opening, I found myself becoming even more invested. The archaeological mystery and unstable atmosphere of the Rift initially caught my attention, but the magical experiments, character histories and growing romantic tension were what properly drew me in. Although the research sections are naturally quieter than the action, they never felt unnecessary because every experiment develops the magic, relationship or wider mystery.
Their emotional vulnerability ultimately mattered more to me than the physical attraction. The moments in which they disclosed painful truths, offered reassurance and chose to care for one another made me properly believe in the relationship.
From the unstable and visually distinctive Rift to the gothic Finley estate, the different settings strengthen both the atmosphere and the story. Experiments, family secrets and forced proximity unfold against a world where magic is visibly deteriorating, while the twin Monoliths, missing mages and secret society gradually expand the conflict beyond Amelia and Silas. Each discovery raises further questions about the bond’s history and who can be trusted.
Nothing noticeably dragged for me, although the final sequence delivers several significant revelations and emotional developments very quickly. I remained completely gripped, but giving a few of those moments slightly more room to breathe could have strengthened their individual impact.
The ending is a substantial romantic and plot cliffhanger. It works as the first half of a duet because the world, relationship and central mystery all develop meaningfully, but it leaves the larger conflict unresolved and dramatically changes the characters’ circumstances.
I finished shocked, betrayed and emotionally wrecked.
Book Two cannot arrive quickly enough.
Tropes
Academic Rivals to Lovers
He Falls First
Years of Secret Yearning
Forced Proximity
Reluctant Allies and Research Partners
Light × Dark Magic
Mutual Protection
Hurt/Comfort
Touch Her and Die
Only One Bed
Secret Magical Society
Major Cliffhanger
Content warnings
Abusive and controlling parents
Childhood/adolescent magical experimentation
Forced body modification and magical scarring
Magical coercion and mind/body control
Kidnapping
Violence
Blood and injuries
Ritual sacrifice
Betrayal by trusted and parental figures
Trauma responses and panic attacks
Emotional abuse
Parental estrangement
Grief and death
Secret society/cult activity
I would recommend At the Mercy of Midnight to readers who enjoy dark-academia romantasy, academic rivals, dangerous magical bonds and slow-building romance. It will particularly appeal to anyone who loves intellectual equals, sharp banter, forced proximity, years of hidden yearning, a hero who falls first and relationships built through gradually earned trust.
It is also an excellent choice for readers who enjoy magical experiments, secret societies, complicated family histories, trauma-informed character development, betrayals and high emotional stakes. Be prepared for a significant duet cliffhanger that will leave you urgently wanting the conclusion.
Book Two cannot arrive quickly enough.
Thank you to Canelo and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Mummy meets academic rivals, ancient magic and an archaeological expedition that goes terribly, terribly wrong.
If that sounds like your kind of fantasy, let me introduce you to At the Mercy of Midnight by Chloe Cullen. 🖤
Having originally read the indie version, it's been lovely to see this story find a publisher and reach more readers. After finishing it this weekend, I can confidently say that it deserves to be on so many more people's TBRs.
One of my favourite things about this book is the world Chloe has created. The magic system feels genuinely original, with its own rules, history and mythology, and I loved discovering how everything worked alongside the characters. The story has a strong archaeological adventure element, taking us through ancient temples, mysterious artefacts and dangerous expeditions as Amelia and Silas attempt to uncover the source of a spreading dark magic. There's a wonderfully atmospheric sense of danger, particularly when darkness falls and the threat lurking within it becomes all too real.
If you've ever loved The Mummy movies, I think you'll appreciate the adventure and mystery here. There is so much more to uncover than what initially meets the eye, and the further the characters investigate, the more complicated things become.
Amelia was a particular highlight for me. She's intelligent, capable and incredibly steadfast, with a determination that never allows her to be easily dismissed. As a woman working in an academic environment where she's accustomed to being overlooked, she has to work hard to make sure her expertise is recognised. Yet she never lets that undermine her confidence in her own abilities. She's at the top of her field for a reason, and I really appreciated that Chloe allows her to be both fiercely competent and quietly vulnerable. There are hints that Amelia has experienced things that have left their mark on her, which add another layer to her character without taking away from her strength.
Then there's Silas, her academic rival of nine years. He's six-foot-four, platinum blonde, ridiculously intelligent, cocky, quick-witted and exceptionally good at reading people. He also has a chest tattoo, which feels like a detail worth mentioning. Each to their own, of course. 😂
His instinctive approach to their work clashes beautifully with Amelia's more analytical nature, and their dynamic is one of my favourite parts of the story. The banter is sharp, the tension is entertaining, and the little moments between them are just as compelling as the bigger, more dramatic ones. Neither is particularly keen to admit they might need the other, which makes being forced to work together all the more enjoyable. I also loved how their relationship develops alongside the central mystery rather than feeling disconnected from the adventure around them.
The supporting cast deserves some appreciation, too. The side characters bring personality and warmth to the story, while the different groups with competing interests make the wider conflict feel increasingly complex. Not everyone is working towards the same goal, and as Amelia and Silas get closer to understanding what's happening, it becomes harder to know who they can trust.
The pacing also deserves a mention. The mystery unfolds gradually, giving you time to piece things together with the characters, but the stakes keep rising as the story progresses. By the final stretch, I was completely invested in finding out how everything could possibly come together. The twists and betrayals kept me guessing, and I genuinely struggled to predict where the story was heading.
And that ending! I knew this was a duology, but knowing there was another book coming did absolutely nothing to prepare me for the cliffhanger. I finished the book with a broken heart, a head full of questions and an almost immediate need to know what happens next. It's the sort of ending that makes you want to start discussing theories with someone immediately, preferably someone who has also just finished reading it.
Overall, At the Mercy of Midnight was such an immersive read. Between the distinctive magic system, the archaeological mystery, the atmospheric setting and the relationship at the heart of the story, Chloe has created something that feels fresh and engaging. I especially enjoyed how the world-building and romance complement one another, with the external danger adding real weight to the characters' choices.
If you enjoy fantasy romance with academic rivals, forced proximity, ancient mysteries, clever banter and a slow burn set against genuinely high stakes, I would absolutely recommend adding this one to your TBR.
And if you're anything like me, you may want to make sure you have something else lined up afterwards, because waiting for the next instalment is going to be a challenge.
Chloe Cullen, I'm very much looking forward to seeing where this story goes next. 🖤
* Thank you Canelo and Chloe for sending me an early copy. This review is entirely my own opinion and I haven’t been paid to post it.
If that sounds like your kind of fantasy, let me introduce you to At the Mercy of Midnight by Chloe Cullen. 🖤
Having originally read the indie version, it's been lovely to see this story find a publisher and reach more readers. After finishing it this weekend, I can confidently say that it deserves to be on so many more people's TBRs.
One of my favourite things about this book is the world Chloe has created. The magic system feels genuinely original, with its own rules, history and mythology, and I loved discovering how everything worked alongside the characters. The story has a strong archaeological adventure element, taking us through ancient temples, mysterious artefacts and dangerous expeditions as Amelia and Silas attempt to uncover the source of a spreading dark magic. There's a wonderfully atmospheric sense of danger, particularly when darkness falls and the threat lurking within it becomes all too real.
If you've ever loved The Mummy movies, I think you'll appreciate the adventure and mystery here. There is so much more to uncover than what initially meets the eye, and the further the characters investigate, the more complicated things become.
Amelia was a particular highlight for me. She's intelligent, capable and incredibly steadfast, with a determination that never allows her to be easily dismissed. As a woman working in an academic environment where she's accustomed to being overlooked, she has to work hard to make sure her expertise is recognised. Yet she never lets that undermine her confidence in her own abilities. She's at the top of her field for a reason, and I really appreciated that Chloe allows her to be both fiercely competent and quietly vulnerable. There are hints that Amelia has experienced things that have left their mark on her, which add another layer to her character without taking away from her strength.
Then there's Silas, her academic rival of nine years. He's six-foot-four, platinum blonde, ridiculously intelligent, cocky, quick-witted and exceptionally good at reading people. He also has a chest tattoo, which feels like a detail worth mentioning. Each to their own, of course. 😂
His instinctive approach to their work clashes beautifully with Amelia's more analytical nature, and their dynamic is one of my favourite parts of the story. The banter is sharp, the tension is entertaining, and the little moments between them are just as compelling as the bigger, more dramatic ones. Neither is particularly keen to admit they might need the other, which makes being forced to work together all the more enjoyable. I also loved how their relationship develops alongside the central mystery rather than feeling disconnected from the adventure around them.
The supporting cast deserves some appreciation, too. The side characters bring personality and warmth to the story, while the different groups with competing interests make the wider conflict feel increasingly complex. Not everyone is working towards the same goal, and as Amelia and Silas get closer to understanding what's happening, it becomes harder to know who they can trust.
The pacing also deserves a mention. The mystery unfolds gradually, giving you time to piece things together with the characters, but the stakes keep rising as the story progresses. By the final stretch, I was completely invested in finding out how everything could possibly come together. The twists and betrayals kept me guessing, and I genuinely struggled to predict where the story was heading.
And that ending! I knew this was a duology, but knowing there was another book coming did absolutely nothing to prepare me for the cliffhanger. I finished the book with a broken heart, a head full of questions and an almost immediate need to know what happens next. It's the sort of ending that makes you want to start discussing theories with someone immediately, preferably someone who has also just finished reading it.
Overall, At the Mercy of Midnight was such an immersive read. Between the distinctive magic system, the archaeological mystery, the atmospheric setting and the relationship at the heart of the story, Chloe has created something that feels fresh and engaging. I especially enjoyed how the world-building and romance complement one another, with the external danger adding real weight to the characters' choices.
If you enjoy fantasy romance with academic rivals, forced proximity, ancient mysteries, clever banter and a slow burn set against genuinely high stakes, I would absolutely recommend adding this one to your TBR.
And if you're anything like me, you may want to make sure you have something else lined up afterwards, because waiting for the next instalment is going to be a challenge.
Chloe Cullen, I'm very much looking forward to seeing where this story goes next. 🖤
* Thank you Canelo and Chloe for sending me an early copy. This review is entirely my own opinion and I haven’t been paid to post it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Accidentally stayed up until 3AM last night to finish this book, so safe to say I thoroughly enjoyed. Honestly I don't think the description does this book justice, but if you like "enemies"-to-lovers (but actually secret yearning), forced proximity, and dark academia that really leans more PhD-level archaeology & mythology studies then this book is for you. Definitely contains vibes of The Mummy, Indiana Jones, The Librarians, even Doctor Who.
Amelia Winslow and Silas Finley have spent their entire adulthood in academic competition, adding a layer of verbal sparring to their scholarly pursuits that inevitably develops into a type of bond between them that simply can't be avoided when interacting with someone for nearly a decade. When the opportunity to investigate the Rift arises, they both jump at the chance to explore the land of unstable, mysterious magic that is slowly consuming their realm. Their quest for both knowledge and superiority predictably becomes dangerous and the rivals suddenly find themselves the victims of a literal magical bond that is somehow tied to the two sources of magical energy that may have come from a different world.
In order to break the bond and hopefully find a way to stop the Rift from causing further harm, Amelia and Silas must put aside their differences and work together to solve the mysteries of their universe or else be stuck together for the rest of their lives. Should be easy enough for two of the most ambitious scholars of their time, right? Well maybe it would have been, if there weren't contentious familial interference, mages going missing, or secret societies hunting them down.
The characters and their relationship was definitely my favorite part of this book. They're really well-developed and make choices that consistently align with their personalities. The banter and snark levels were perfect in my opinion, and the romantic tension was so good that I couldn't put the book down. I appreciate that the book is dual POV so we get to see the perspective of both leads, which gave visibility into the absolute yearning from Silas. His POV demonstrates that he truly knows, understands, and appreciates who Amelia is as a person despite not having much exposure to her outside of academic settings. Frequently, especially in stories that feature a magical bond, I find that the romantic relationship is fairly surface-level and underdeveloped or rushed, so it is really refreshing to read something that actually demonstrates true care and appreciation rather than just lust and relying on the bond to do the romantic heavy-lifting. On the other hand, the pair bonding aspect of this book was doing the heavy-lifting on the magical side of the plot and felt a little forced. I am not yet sure exactly how to feel about it since we don't know enough about how the magic of the world operates and what the ultimate purpose of the bonds will be, so I'm hoping that book 2 will have more world-building and explain things in a way that's satisfying. In the sequel, I'd love to learn more about the side characters and particularly Silas's family and how they tie into the mystery.
Can't wait for the sequel!
Overall Rating: 4/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Vibes: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Worldbuilding: 3/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Romance for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Amelia Winslow and Silas Finley have spent their entire adulthood in academic competition, adding a layer of verbal sparring to their scholarly pursuits that inevitably develops into a type of bond between them that simply can't be avoided when interacting with someone for nearly a decade. When the opportunity to investigate the Rift arises, they both jump at the chance to explore the land of unstable, mysterious magic that is slowly consuming their realm. Their quest for both knowledge and superiority predictably becomes dangerous and the rivals suddenly find themselves the victims of a literal magical bond that is somehow tied to the two sources of magical energy that may have come from a different world.
In order to break the bond and hopefully find a way to stop the Rift from causing further harm, Amelia and Silas must put aside their differences and work together to solve the mysteries of their universe or else be stuck together for the rest of their lives. Should be easy enough for two of the most ambitious scholars of their time, right? Well maybe it would have been, if there weren't contentious familial interference, mages going missing, or secret societies hunting them down.
The characters and their relationship was definitely my favorite part of this book. They're really well-developed and make choices that consistently align with their personalities. The banter and snark levels were perfect in my opinion, and the romantic tension was so good that I couldn't put the book down. I appreciate that the book is dual POV so we get to see the perspective of both leads, which gave visibility into the absolute yearning from Silas. His POV demonstrates that he truly knows, understands, and appreciates who Amelia is as a person despite not having much exposure to her outside of academic settings. Frequently, especially in stories that feature a magical bond, I find that the romantic relationship is fairly surface-level and underdeveloped or rushed, so it is really refreshing to read something that actually demonstrates true care and appreciation rather than just lust and relying on the bond to do the romantic heavy-lifting. On the other hand, the pair bonding aspect of this book was doing the heavy-lifting on the magical side of the plot and felt a little forced. I am not yet sure exactly how to feel about it since we don't know enough about how the magic of the world operates and what the ultimate purpose of the bonds will be, so I'm hoping that book 2 will have more world-building and explain things in a way that's satisfying. In the sequel, I'd love to learn more about the side characters and particularly Silas's family and how they tie into the mystery.
Can't wait for the sequel!
Overall Rating: 4/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Vibes: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Worldbuilding: 3/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Romance for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of At the Mercy of Midnight in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really wanted to love At the Mercy of Midnight. The premise immediately caught my attention, and I really enjoyed Chloe Cullen’s writing style. There’s definitely an interesting fantasy world being established here, and I think there’s a lot of potential in the story and its magic system.
Unfortunately, I struggled quite a bit with the pacing. The plot felt quite drawn out to me, and I found it increasingly difficult to keep picking the book back up. It ended up taking me over a month to finish, which is unusual for me, and I think that ultimately affected how connected I felt to both the story and the characters.
I also struggled to connect with Amelia. I never quite felt as invested in her feelings or her relationship with Silas as I wanted to be. I actually found myself connecting much more with Silas, which is a first for me! I did really enjoy how clear his feelings for Amelia were. There’s a moment when Amelia wonders whether the bond between them is responsible for her feelings of lust and affection, only for Silas to admit that he has felt this way about her all along. I really appreciated that we didn’t fall into a drawn-out miscommunication trope here. That honesty from Silas was refreshing.
Going into the book, I was also expecting more of an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, which is something I usually really enjoy. However, we find out fairly early on that Silas has liked Amelia for quite some time, so the anticipation I was hoping for from the romance was missing a little for me. This may simply be personal preference, as I don't usually gravitate towards the “he fell first” dynamic.
I also found myself wanting more from some of the wider plot points. I was particularly curious about Silas’s dad’s journal and the purpose of the daggers, but I didn’t feel as though we got quite as far with these elements as I had hoped. That said, I did struggle to pick the book up consistently, so it’s entirely possible that some of these details didn’t stick with me as well as they might have if I had been more immersed in the story.
Despite my struggles, there are definitely things I appreciated. I liked the writing style, and I thought it was refreshing that our leads aren’t simply incredibly powerful characters who can do everything with magic. There’s a more grounded approach to the magic, and I think the world-building has a lot of potential for fantasy readers.
Ultimately, although I really wanted to love this book, I just didn’t connect with it or the characters enough to feel compelled to continue with the next instalment. I don’t think I’ll be picking up the sequel, as I’m not particularly invested in continuing Amelia’s story.
I do think there’s a solid fantasy world being built here, and the writing is definitely there. For readers who enjoy fantasy romance, particularly a “he fell first” dynamic and a slower introduction to a larger fantasy world, this could be worth picking up. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t quite the book for me.
I really wanted to love At the Mercy of Midnight. The premise immediately caught my attention, and I really enjoyed Chloe Cullen’s writing style. There’s definitely an interesting fantasy world being established here, and I think there’s a lot of potential in the story and its magic system.
Unfortunately, I struggled quite a bit with the pacing. The plot felt quite drawn out to me, and I found it increasingly difficult to keep picking the book back up. It ended up taking me over a month to finish, which is unusual for me, and I think that ultimately affected how connected I felt to both the story and the characters.
I also struggled to connect with Amelia. I never quite felt as invested in her feelings or her relationship with Silas as I wanted to be. I actually found myself connecting much more with Silas, which is a first for me! I did really enjoy how clear his feelings for Amelia were. There’s a moment when Amelia wonders whether the bond between them is responsible for her feelings of lust and affection, only for Silas to admit that he has felt this way about her all along. I really appreciated that we didn’t fall into a drawn-out miscommunication trope here. That honesty from Silas was refreshing.
Going into the book, I was also expecting more of an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, which is something I usually really enjoy. However, we find out fairly early on that Silas has liked Amelia for quite some time, so the anticipation I was hoping for from the romance was missing a little for me. This may simply be personal preference, as I don't usually gravitate towards the “he fell first” dynamic.
I also found myself wanting more from some of the wider plot points. I was particularly curious about Silas’s dad’s journal and the purpose of the daggers, but I didn’t feel as though we got quite as far with these elements as I had hoped. That said, I did struggle to pick the book up consistently, so it’s entirely possible that some of these details didn’t stick with me as well as they might have if I had been more immersed in the story.
Despite my struggles, there are definitely things I appreciated. I liked the writing style, and I thought it was refreshing that our leads aren’t simply incredibly powerful characters who can do everything with magic. There’s a more grounded approach to the magic, and I think the world-building has a lot of potential for fantasy readers.
Ultimately, although I really wanted to love this book, I just didn’t connect with it or the characters enough to feel compelled to continue with the next instalment. I don’t think I’ll be picking up the sequel, as I’m not particularly invested in continuing Amelia’s story.
I do think there’s a solid fantasy world being built here, and the writing is definitely there. For readers who enjoy fantasy romance, particularly a “he fell first” dynamic and a slower introduction to a larger fantasy world, this could be worth picking up. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t quite the book for me.
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