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The House of Midnight
Magic. Artisan. Combat. Crafter. Epic.
These are the Fates that define us.
And the Fates we sell to survive.
a sprawling city governed by four Great Houses more powerful than kings, where Fates are bought and sold, and Fateweavers trade in futures. In the fog-drenched streets of the Narrows, three friends are bound by a terrible truth and the loss of one of their own.
Zuri, a fateless girl with a talent for cons and nothing to lose.
Tryder, a charismatic thief willing to die for his sister.
Jarek, a gifted fighter hunting a mysterious killer.
Their search for answers uncovers a secret war that has been brewing for centuries, where kidnappings and murder point to a group of fanatics desperate for the return of a long-dead king. But when their game of intrigue draws the attention of the rumored House of Midnight, the trio from the slums must learn a single truth to survive.
There is no House of Midnight.
These are the Fates that define us.
And the Fates we sell to survive.
a sprawling city governed by four Great Houses more powerful than kings, where Fates are bought and sold, and Fateweavers trade in futures. In the fog-drenched streets of the Narrows, three friends are bound by a terrible truth and the loss of one of their own.
Zuri, a fateless girl with a talent for cons and nothing to lose.
Tryder, a charismatic thief willing to die for his sister.
Jarek, a gifted fighter hunting a mysterious killer.
Their search for answers uncovers a secret war that has been brewing for centuries, where kidnappings and murder point to a group of fanatics desperate for the return of a long-dead king. But when their game of intrigue draws the attention of the rumored House of Midnight, the trio from the slums must learn a single truth to survive.
There is no House of Midnight.
515 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Ben Hale
53 books358 followersAs an avid snowboarder from Utah, Ben grew up with a passion for learning. This thirst for knowledge led him to sports, music, and academic endeavors. After a year of college, he did volunteer work in Brazil and became fluent in three languages. Graduating from the University of Central Florida, he started and ran several successful businesses before publishing his first novel in June of 2012. By the end of the year he'd sold almost ten thousand copies of The Second Draeken War, and he began writing full-time. Now spanning 10,000 years, ten titles, and two series, The Chronicles of Lumineia represents a sprawling YA series that has sold over fifty thousand copies, and continues to expand its readership across all ages. Each of his books has been inspired by his wonderful wife and five beautiful children.
To contact the author, discover more about Lumineia, or find out about upcoming novels, check out his website at Lumineia.com. You can also follow Ben on twitter @ BenHale8 or on Facebook.
To contact the author, discover more about Lumineia, or find out about upcoming novels, check out his website at Lumineia.com. You can also follow Ben on twitter @ BenHale8 or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 10, 2026
3.5/5. ✨ Can we please stop lowkey slagging certain genres off in books?
Our main character walks into a library and finds romance, adventure, fairy tales - and the narrative treats that as a disappointing selection. Not enough substance, apparently. I noted it, raised an eyebrow, and kept reading because the writing was vivid enough to earn the benefit of the doubt.
It was a promising start otherwise. Zuri taking her fate into her own hands, a found family forming in the chaos, a multi-POV world that builds without losing you. The characters collide in all the right ways: chosen one, ancient evil, friendships forged under pressure. Familiar tropes, handled with enough energy to feel fresh. The first half delivers.
By the final 75% the story loses its footing. The memory log device - used to deliver answers the narrative couldn’t earn organically - flattens what should have been revelation. What follows is action-packed on the surface, emotionally hollow underneath. Fantasy-by-numbers. The kind of ending where telling replaces showing, the emotional stakes dissolve, and a male-dominated battle sequence swallows everything the first half built.
Zuri herself holds up. She starts by taking her fate into her own hands and ends by walking into danger entirely on her own terms. The story respects her enough for that. It just doesn’t respect itself enough to give her a moment of power worthy of it.
A word on the narration though… it’s genuinely brilliant. Every character is distinguishable, the voice work carries the world-building in a way the prose alone doesn’t always manage, and honestly? I’d have rated this lower without the audiobook. If you’re going to read this one, listen to it.
I received an advance listening copy from Podium Audio in exchange for an honest review.
Our main character walks into a library and finds romance, adventure, fairy tales - and the narrative treats that as a disappointing selection. Not enough substance, apparently. I noted it, raised an eyebrow, and kept reading because the writing was vivid enough to earn the benefit of the doubt.
It was a promising start otherwise. Zuri taking her fate into her own hands, a found family forming in the chaos, a multi-POV world that builds without losing you. The characters collide in all the right ways: chosen one, ancient evil, friendships forged under pressure. Familiar tropes, handled with enough energy to feel fresh. The first half delivers.
By the final 75% the story loses its footing. The memory log device - used to deliver answers the narrative couldn’t earn organically - flattens what should have been revelation. What follows is action-packed on the surface, emotionally hollow underneath. Fantasy-by-numbers. The kind of ending where telling replaces showing, the emotional stakes dissolve, and a male-dominated battle sequence swallows everything the first half built.
Zuri herself holds up. She starts by taking her fate into her own hands and ends by walking into danger entirely on her own terms. The story respects her enough for that. It just doesn’t respect itself enough to give her a moment of power worthy of it.
A word on the narration though… it’s genuinely brilliant. Every character is distinguishable, the voice work carries the world-building in a way the prose alone doesn’t always manage, and honestly? I’d have rated this lower without the audiobook. If you’re going to read this one, listen to it.
I received an advance listening copy from Podium Audio in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2026
Another Epic novel by Ben Hale, the world-building of the novel is magnificent and character development is fabulous, this author knows how to create a masterpiece of words, and keeps getting better.
A 5-Star novel cause that’s the highest level I can give it.
A 5-Star novel cause that’s the highest level I can give it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I listened to the audiobook and let me start by saying Kevin Kemp did an excellent job creating voices for all genders and ages, each with a very distinct personality! I had zero issues with distinguishing who's talking and I loved the attention to details - whether it's acting out a fight scene, or someone talking with their mouth full :D - the effort invested really helped with the immersion.
As for the plot itself, there was a lot of mystery surrounding The House of Midnight, and how having a Fate works in this world, and as we shift between the POVs and timelines I was so hooked to learn more. However, the stellar character work overshadowed everything else for me. The love and comradery between the characters made it all so endearing in a way, despite the world being quite grim. I love seeing stories about siblings who care for each other deeply. While that siblings love between Tryder and Zuri is the catalyst for the story, there was also a strong found-family center, and friendships that enriched the story. I also enjoyed the witty banter and sarcasm. There was enough humour to lighten the mood a bit without taking anything away from the story.
As for the plot itself, there was a lot of mystery surrounding The House of Midnight, and how having a Fate works in this world, and as we shift between the POVs and timelines I was so hooked to learn more. However, the stellar character work overshadowed everything else for me. The love and comradery between the characters made it all so endearing in a way, despite the world being quite grim. I love seeing stories about siblings who care for each other deeply. While that siblings love between Tryder and Zuri is the catalyst for the story, there was also a strong found-family center, and friendships that enriched the story. I also enjoyed the witty banter and sarcasm. There was enough humour to lighten the mood a bit without taking anything away from the story.
May 9, 2026
Absolutely incredible!!! One of my new favorite audiobooks and I can't wait to see where the story takes us next! The narrator did a great job of bringing this story to life and I loved his accent!! I do wish Audiobooks came with the map, the only negative I have.
I loved following 3 different POV & storylines that wove in and out of each other and brought together at the end.
I was biting my nails the last 30% or the book truly not knowing what was going to happen next.
The world building was incredible but also easy to understand. Also gave me some Harry Potter/ Fourth Wing vibes.
All I know is I need book 2 NOW!!
I loved following 3 different POV & storylines that wove in and out of each other and brought together at the end.
I was biting my nails the last 30% or the book truly not knowing what was going to happen next.
The world building was incredible but also easy to understand. Also gave me some Harry Potter/ Fourth Wing vibes.
All I know is I need book 2 NOW!!
May 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The House of Midnight absolutely hooked me from the very beginning!! This audiobook was action packed right from chapter one and kept me fully invested the entire time. The world building, the tension, the magic and the nonstop momentum made this such an addictive listen.
Kevin Kemp did an amazing job with the narration.
This feels like the start of an incredible series and now I’m already desperate for the next book because I NEED to know what happens next!!
Huge thank you to Podium Entertainment for the ALC! 🖤
The House of Midnight absolutely hooked me from the very beginning!! This audiobook was action packed right from chapter one and kept me fully invested the entire time. The world building, the tension, the magic and the nonstop momentum made this such an addictive listen.
Kevin Kemp did an amazing job with the narration.
This feels like the start of an incredible series and now I’m already desperate for the next book because I NEED to know what happens next!!
Huge thank you to Podium Entertainment for the ALC! 🖤
May 12, 2026
This was amazing as audiobook! Kevin Kemp does such a great job narrating these characters, and there is a LARGE cast. So kudos to him!
This is a true epic fantasy with world building and lore, plot builds and twists with lots of action scenes, battles and quests. There are many underlying layers that lead to clues in the overall mystery. I was pleasantly surprised throughout. I did not see any of those plot drops coming.
Highly recommend.
No spice but fun love interests with flirting and teasing.
This is a true epic fantasy with world building and lore, plot builds and twists with lots of action scenes, battles and quests. There are many underlying layers that lead to clues in the overall mystery. I was pleasantly surprised throughout. I did not see any of those plot drops coming.
Highly recommend.
No spice but fun love interests with flirting and teasing.
May 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format:🎧
I finished House of Midnight by Ben Hale and omg it was so good 😭🎧
The audiobook narration was amazing. He did such a great job with all the characters and it made the story even more addictive.
This book was so action packed and I was fully invested the entire time. I was listening at work and literally didn’t get anything done because I could not stop listening 😂
I seriously cannot wait for book 2 because I need more NOW.
Format:🎧
I finished House of Midnight by Ben Hale and omg it was so good 😭🎧
The audiobook narration was amazing. He did such a great job with all the characters and it made the story even more addictive.
This book was so action packed and I was fully invested the entire time. I was listening at work and literally didn’t get anything done because I could not stop listening 😂
I seriously cannot wait for book 2 because I need more NOW.
May 18, 2026
Great read
The book kept me interested and reading until late and the world and the characters were all great
Looking forward to the next book.
The book kept me interested and reading until late and the world and the characters were all great
Looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews