At the Mercy of Midnight

Midnight Realm Duology #1

by Chloe Cullen

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.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fan Fiction, Fantasy Romance, Dark Academia, Enemies To Lovers

500 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

Mum 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.

Reviews

[Chloe Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course I love it, it's mine =D x

[Violette · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Kenny Reeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[ReneeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Love Amelia & Silas. I’m hoping there will be a second book! 🥰

[Dilyn-Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the best thing ever BUT WHY ISNT THE NEXT ONE OUT YET

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 🥵

[kitty · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐- 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

[Brit Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5stars. Please tell me there will be a book 2

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Dessa Finley · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[madison · Rating 2 out of 5]

so sad my fave ff and most anticipated read of the year did this to me

[Shelby Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words just emotions and feral noises. I need the next one yesterday.

[Tokeshia · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[PlantSuperpowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 expresses her dislike towards the MMC in the very first paragraph 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. The ending where they perform the ritual as the book spelled out, and it has the expected negative effect of losing Silas to the midnight realm feels more like an intermission point/the lowest point, rather than a resolution. Even the reveal that Lyana was manipulating them both is underwhelming because our characters lose more. Plus they didn’t so much as discover it, rather, are informed by Lyana herself. Amelia being controlled by her parents once again was another loss. 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 something about the rift, or something like entering it on purpose or 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 wanted to save each other, but really wish them wanting to save the world was not a fleeting thought. I think the novel could have used a scene showcasing some destruction caused by expansion of the rift and the people getting hurt by it, but then our characters' magic saves them temporarily somehow, so that could have shown that our characters are doing something for the world (but it was refereshing that the characters wanted to save themselves/their loved one - a refereshing take). The arcane magic system.

Short n' sweet summary

Read it, it’s something like I’ve never read before !!


-PlantSuperpowers.

[Ainsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

For as long as they've known each other, Amelia Winslow and Silas Finley have been at war with each other. Rival scholars, researchers hellbent on outsmarting each other, always working to be one step ahead of the other in the academic world.

They find themselves on the brink of a new revelation within The Rift — the unpredictable lands that divide Aethrial into Northern and Southern communities, where magic is unstable and the terrors grow deadly at the stroke of midnight, every night.

Amelia is keen to keep her distance from Silas, hoping to be the first to make a discovers, but when they're cut by twin daggers during a descent into the ruins, she finds herself magically drawn to Silas every night. And if they try to refuse? Pain ensues and — always — failure.

But breaking this curse is more difficult than it seems, and the deeper they delve into their research, the deadlier the games become. Will they break themselves of this bond, or let it destroy them once and for all?

I could not put this book down. From the witty banter that had me giggling and kicking my feet to the backstories that brought me to near tears, At the Mercy of Midnight is the perfect example of what the "romantacy" genre should be — a blend of magic, world building, plot, and romance.

The world of Aethrial was thoughtfully crafted and wonderfully executed. The magic systems are intriguing though not convoluted or unnecessarily complex for the sake of being so. It kept my attention in a vice-like grip as I followed their journey to breaking the curse.

And can we talk about the relationship dynamics? Amelia is brilliant and stubborn with a complex background that has strengthened her resolve. She is brave and intelligent and self-sustaining. Silas is witty and charming and stoic. He is the definition of the strong silent type who yeeeaaarns. Like, off the charts yearning folks. 10/10.

If you are looking for a romantacy with the perfect balance of plot and romance, that'll tug at your heartstrings and have you falling for characters that are mature yet flawed, At the Mercy of Midnight needs to be your next read.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, readers, this is a duology and I did not know that going into this book. CHLOE! 😩 how could you do this to us?! I say this in jest, of course. Second, I really enjoyed book one of the Midnight Realm duology and can’t wait for the next.

📚 Amelia Winslow is our scholarly and research focused MFC. Closed off, sharp witted, logical, purely academic swot.

📚 Silas Finley is our posh scholar MMC who likes to push Winslow’s buttons. Sarcastic, emotional intelligence lead, open.

Both dealing and struggling with their own past traumas, while in scholarly rivalry with each other. They are thrown into a magic bonding they must work together to either break or solve its meaning. They grow to understand each other in the process.

If you’re a fan of any of the following themes or tropes, add this to your TBR!

• Academic Rivals to reluctant allies to lovers
• Ancient mysteries & magic bonds
• Witty Banter
• Forced Proximity
• He fell first
• "Who did this to you?"
• Only one bed
• Spice: 🌶️

“Would you like me to explain and demonstrate, scientifically of course, why it couldn’t possibly be the bond?” 🥵

[Kaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good rivals to partners pairing. I would not personally call this 'dark academia', BUT I recently heard about 'light adademia' and I think it fits this book. Although I have a feeling the next one will be devoid of all lightness.

Book starts with them bickering. I was absolutely loving the dynamic between the two of them. Even though we don't have every historical dynamic over the past 10 years we understand that there is a deep loathing between the two of them. Or is there....
We learn in the beginning that they are starting an expedition in a dangerous and magically unstable place in their land called the Rift.
It is revealed early on that the magic of their land is unstable and projected to collapse. Discovering what is going on with the Rift could be a way to fix their magic and save their world.
We don't really know why the magic is going haywire but that's why they're researching.

I gave this five stars because I don't have a rating system and I thoroughly enjoyed it. what else is there to a book? I read by vibes

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A likeable book, but with a magic system I didn't really grasp even at the end. How does it work? The monoliths are somehow involved, but who are all of the other magic users? We met one of them very briefly. Also, the MCs gain this new power and they are practicing it for a month but for me it was a bit too much of simply telling they had practiced and not really showing how they worked hard on it.

As many other readers for this particular book, I had also read the ff and I am sorry to say that I felt that the characters for this OG fell a bit flat for me. Silas is supposed to have this crush on Amelia for almost a decade by now, but they don't actually know each other. And yet again, I felt that the author told us they had grown closer, but I guess I wasn't simply invested enough to really get their connection. It felt a bit forced.

Also, what is with the cliffhanger?!?! If a book is the first in a series, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE mark it accordingly so readers are prepared.

[Audio Athena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reads like a stand alone novel until the very end. The author easily could have resolved the story and ended it there and it would have felt complete. Instead, there's a cliffhanger and a second book to buy to know how it ends. I hate that. It wasn't advertised as being part of a series. It feels like a money grab by the author.

Everything else about the story was good! A neat magic system and world. Decent characters. A fun "The Mummy" vibe. But, there's a plot hole and typo here or there. The book needs another run through with the spell check software. Otherwise, it was enjoyable and a well done adaptation of a fan-fic in the sense that only the barest plot point overlaps the original fic and the characters are softened and deepened away from their originals.

[in a world of ink · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize that this was a duology going into this, and that was my fault for not researching it but OMG I adored this story. I can't wait for the conclusion to release.

I absolutely fell in love with Silas and Amelia. Their banter and arguments are top tier. I go crazy for academic rivals and enemies to lovers; and their chemistry?! 😍

“Would you like me to explain and demonstrate, scientifically of course, why it couldn’t possibly be the bond?” 😏😏

This was such a unique story, between the magic system, the monoliths, and the bond I was entranced.

“My ego evaporated the moment I walked into the Spire when I was seventeen years old and saw you reading in the corner by yourself. I was done for.”

[Sandrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the Mercy of Midnight by Chloe Cullen 🗡️🗡️
📱Kindle📱
⭐️ 3 Stars

This book has been on my list for awhile because this author wrote a popular Dramione fanfic that I LOVED! It was cute read for sure. It took me a bit to get into it and understand the magic and world but, once I did I was definitely really interested. I think the concept with the twin blades and the bond was new and fun to read about. THE CLIFFHANGER at the end was not what I was expecting tbh. I loved the fanfic written by this author but, something in this book didn’t like click into place if that makes sense. I think maybe the characters building IDK STILL A GOOD READ!

[Abby Hersh · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantasy academia - one of my fav genres! let this be your next KU read booktokers!

amelia and silas - such fun, interesting characters that flow with life off of the page.

its refreshing finding a FMC that doesnt annoy you but instead asks for you to constantly root for and defend them- amelia does that. she's competent and capable and most of all relatable! her push and pull with silas is delicious to read about.

while i wish this was a standalone, i cannot wait for book 2! the magic, the story, the characters just leap off of the page and demand your attention. Kudos all around for chloe cullen.

[Blair Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting to become as emotionally invested in this book as I did. I also did not realize that it was a duology until the day before I finished the book. I had started this book as I am a fan of Dramione, and I did not read the fanfiction this is based on, but I need to after reading this and crying as I did. I did enjoy this book. It did end on a cliffhanger, and I want to read the second one to know what happens. I love the trauma in this book, as it really shows why the characters are who they are and shows how they fall for each other. My favorite character has got to be Silas btw <3 Always be the storm.

[Lil Annina · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!
First 5 ⭐️ read of 2026

I stumbled across this book on KU and I am so happy I did!
If you like these tropes this book is for you:
🗡️ academic rivals to friends to lovers
🗡️pair bonded
🗡️ yearning
🗡️he falls first (and hard)
🗡️sacrifice and betrayal


This author did a great job in introducing the magic system in an interesting but palatable way. The yearning is next level, you can truly see how devoted Silas is to Amelia. Forewarning that this is book 1 in a duology/series(not quite sure) and it does leave on cliffhanger. I was quite literally shouting “NOOOOO” at my kindle towards the end of this book!

Hoping the next book isn’t too long of a wait!

[JoAnn W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the tension. Loved the banter. Absolutely adored the changing setting, this felt like a true fantasy. The atmosphere was everything… dark, foreboding at times, light others. The slow burn, rivals to lovers is perfection. And guys there is a literal, “Who did this to you!” scene for all my trope lovers!

Knowing this began as a Dramione fanfiction only made me love the book more, in fact, that’s why I bought it in the first place! I am here to support my Fanfiction writers out there!

Pick this one up guys! You will fall in Instalove from page one!

[Alessandra Di Giovanni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Non mi aveva entusiasmato la ff ne mi ha entusiasmato questa, però comunque più di Meet me at midnight.
Tra l'altro con che faccia viene definito slow burn quando una delle due parti è innamorato da secoli dell'altra ? Rivals lo sono per cinque pagine e poi amiconi.
La mezza scena spicy non aveva alcun merito di stare li considerato che ha preso una piega, su quel verso, completamente diversa dalla ff (meglio), ed è stata mezza per beccarsi mezzo peperoncino nelle recensioni delle booktoker considerato che ormai nessuno legge se non volano cazzi ogni tre pagine.

[Samantha Patience · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ From Meet Me at Midnight to a full-fledged indie novel that stands on its own — and it absolutely delivered. I devoured this in a single day, and now I’m stuck impatiently waiting for book two in the duology!
I absolutely loved it — the story felt so unique, the writing flowed beautifully, and the banter between the FMC and MMC was just perfect. Their dynamic had me smiling the whole way through.