Night Tide (Standard Edition): Night Tide Trilogy, Book 1

Night Tide #1

by Lexi Ryan

#1 New York Times bestselling author Lexi Ryan makes her adult romantasy debut with this sultry, gothic-infused tale of a magic-wielding princess bound to a shadow-cursed kingdom—and the dangerously irresistible prince whose secrets could destroy them both—in the vein of Fourth Wing meets The Vampire Diaries. Embrace the dark.

Aurora Evanselier’s graduation from Invictus Mage Academy is meant to be the most unforgettable night of her life. The glittering ball is supposed to begin with music and dancing and end with a single which of the empire’s four ruling kingdoms she’ll serve with her formidable magic.

As the emperor’s daughter, everyone expects Aurora to choose Daybreak, the most powerful kingdom in the empire. But when her father collapses, only one man can save him—Malek Ravenstorm, the brooding, magnetic prince of Night Tide. Malek has never forgiven the emperor for executing his brother, but he offers Aurora a his healing magic, in exchange for her allegiance. Desperate to save her father, she agrees.

Now Aurora is bound to a kingdom rumored to harbor witches and vampires, where the castle hides forbidden wings, and nothing is what it seems—especially Malek. He’s infuriating. Irresistible. Dangerous. And determined to keep her in the dark.

But Aurora didn’t trade her freedom to become a pawn. As whispers of a curse stir and Night Tide’s mysteries deepen, she uncovers a truth that threatens everything she thought she knew. Because the darkest secret of all isn’t Malek’s. It’s hers.

Night Tide begins a steamy, high-stakes romantasy trilogy where magic is power, desire is dangerous, and the shadows hold answers that can’t survive in the light.

TROPES YOU'LL FIND IN NIGHT TIDE:

Magical academyBrother rivalry (with Vampire Diaries' Stefan-Damon vibes)Enemies-to-lovers romanceFound friendshipRoyals with secret identitiesMysterious creatures that roam the nightBound by curses and fate

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Vampires, Fiction, Adult, Fantasy Romance

432 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 23, 2027

About the author

Award-winning author Lexi Ryan is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of hot contemporary romance and sexy, action-packed YA fantasy. Her books have sold over a million copies. A former English professor, she considers herself lucky to have traded stacks of grading for emotionally charged storytelling. She is happiest when at home in Indiana with her husband and two children, where you can find her lifting weights, reading copiously, hanging out with her family, and thanking her lucky stars.

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

How do I explain that this was completely predictable but I still liked it?

Two chapters in and it’s one cliché after another: Aurora gets pinned against a wall (twice!), Malek sneaks into her room while she’s half-dressed, and there’s even the classic line about how she'll be thinking about him in bed tonight. It was the most basic succession of events to happen in under fifty pages, and easily the part I least enjoyed. If you’re looking for a romance with real yearning and tension, this isn’t it.

But.

The story still pulled me in. There’s a mystery and a curse surrounding the kingdoms and Aurora spends most of the book trying to find answers. I’ve had the worst time with romantasy lately, but this one kept me hooked.

That said, I predicted so much early on and it bummed me out a bit toward the end. All that buildup just for things to play out exactly how I expected felt a little disappointing, and waiting for Aurora to catch up got repetitive.

As for the romance, I’m still not sure how I feel. Sometimes I liked it, sometimes I thought it moved too fast, and other times it felt like a pileup of clichés. I also expected a much stronger Stefan/Damon style rivalry between the brothers, but it ended up being pretty mild.

The more I sit with it, the more flaws I notice, but while I was reading it, I enjoyed it for what it was. I think this is a 3.5/5 for me.

✎ᝰ. pre-read: i refuse to give up on romantasy so the hunt for a 5 star continues 😤 the vampire diaries vibes are giving me high hopes for this one!

💌 Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the arc!

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

No because you don’t understand. One of the characters name is Malek Ravenstorm and he has shadows. Like how more on the nose can you get? 10/10 living for it I am fucking sat😭😭

Wow, actual wow reaction!! The last chapter left me speechless and screaming in despair on the floor, raising my shaking fist and asking “whyyyy oh whyyyy did I have to read this early and be stuck with this cliffhanger for what seems to be an eternity???”

Now that the dramas out of the way, let’s move on to what I loved 😂 first of all, THE STORY. There is a slight Medusa aspect to it that I won’t be explaining further, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the definition of a new adult romantasy imo. It’s very fast paced, with a ton of giggling kicking your feet moments, and even the slow parts aren’t that slow. I felt like we had definitely cooled off around the middle a bit, but even then I was completely engaged with the events and the details.

I guessed some of the big reveal at around 60% and had to wait till the end of the book to actually get into it and all the details, but honestly I wasn’t bothered by it. It’s just one of those stories where you want to keep reading regardless because you’re genuinely having a good time with the characters themselves. And there was a lot more to it than just what I expected, which really helped secure the plot and make me 100% sure I will be reading the next book the moment it’s available to me. There was a bit of predictability, but like I’ve mentioned, for me this was very NA and I’m a seasoned reader in the genre. In the end I was still left wanting for more and with zero regrets about the time I spent reading. I didnt think the book was too tropey or formulaic which are usually my biggest icks.

Now, the love triangle. The part I feel most entitled to speak about, as a love triangles self appointed connoisseur *flicks hair with misplaced self importance*. It’s delicious. Both the MMCs are very flirty and forward, and it’s veeeery TvD coded. I think I know where this is headed but at the same time I love that I can’t pick either way. The only part Im iffy about, even tho it’s been used to promote the book, knowing about the type of triangle it is is a minor spoiler and yet one more reason why I heavily dislike trope marketing. It didn’t ruin it at all thankfully and I don’t know which team I am, I just know I am eating this shit up every single time like a starving hedgehog. There is so much tension id need my fancy Japanese filet knife to cut it with and it hits so good every single time.

Minor spoiler ahead don’t read.

As final thoughts, FALLEN *obscure reference*. Spectacular, give me 14 more.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc!

[Ceacea · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Genre: Fantasy Romance
⭐️3.5/5
🌶2/5
Cliffhanger: Yes
Noteworthy: Book 1 of an incomplete trilogy. Single first-person POV. Expected publication date is 2/23/2027.

This book surprised me in a lot of ways starting with the magic system. All children who test positive for magic are sent to an academy to learn and basically compete with each other as mages. After they graduate they each chosen via draft into one of the various kingdoms to which they tether. Once tethered they learn the specific magic of the kingdom. It's a really cool premise.

Our FMC is a princess who's emperor father is dying and for whom she would do anything to save. She's full of determination, secrets and often times is her own worst enemy. She becomes entrenched in web of lies, curses and mysteries that untangle as we go along.

There are so many aspects of this book I liked. I enjoyed the slow burn mystery even though a well read fantasy reader will likely clock the twists well in advance. But I was still hooked enough to want to know how we got to where we were so obviously heading.

The romance was not my cup of tea. I don't mind a love triangle as long as it's done a certain way and this wasn't it for me. The characters often felt more like they were in their teens causing the story to feel a little YA at times. While the characters felt more mature with other subject matter they felt the opposite when the romance took center stage. If Elaina Gilbert made you want to tear your hair out then Aurora may have you wanting to do the same.

However, if you like a love triangle where the center has real feelings for both ends simultaneously then this trilogy is right up your alley. I also recommend this book if you like Karen Lynch or Lexi's previous books but wanted a little more spice in the story.

Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Lexi Ryan for the gifted eARC.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for an arc of this book.

I really enjoy Lexi Ryan’s books and writing, so I had high expectations for this book. It did not disappoint. Dark, intriguing, fun book. The story drew me in right away, and I just wanted more. I don’t think I agree with the enemies to lovers trope in this book, but I get why it’s marked as it is, but don’t go in expecting a true enemies to lovers. I did also guess the major plot of the book, but it actually made it more fun, because I wasn’t sure, I just couldn’t see another way. This ending though had me more surprised, and now I have a problem. I have to wait a long time until the next book. I need it now.

[My Reading Era · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book in just two days! I was completely hooked on Aurora’s story from the very first page, and the moment Malek showed up, it was game over for me! I loved his confidence and the arrogance he so effortlessly exudes. The undeniable pull between him and Aurora had me completely invested and dying to uncover the mystery behind their connection.

I also loved getting to know all the characters in the Night Tide Kingdom, especially Tru and Rourke! I’m particularly intrigued by Rourke and can’t wait to learn more about his past and the history he shares with Aurora.

Needless to say, I am absolutely dying for book two!

Thank you, Lexi Ryan and Avon for the ARC.

[Morgan Brenneman · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

*review of eARC gifted from the publisher via NetGalley**

I ate this up!! Became way more fast paced after the halfway point. 100% Vampire Diaries coded, so I’m obviously OBSESSED. Some mystery and a little Medusa mixed in there, it was wonderful!! A super cruel cliffhanger 🥹😅so I’ll be counting down the days until book 2. THANK YOU Avon for the opportunity!!

[Juls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing romantasy from start to finish. That love triangle is still driving me crazy and that ending!! 😬 Can’t wait for the sequel!!!

[Lou (fairytales.and.fantasy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

Written review pending

[Heather Pacella · Rating 3 out of 5]

All mage graduates in the Helion Empire are selected for service by one of four kingdoms upon their graduation: Daybreak, High Sun, Twilight, and Night Tide. In exchange for their service, these graduates gain access to their respective kingdom’s magical grid, gifted by the gods in exchange for peace among the empire. Only Princess Aura, top graduate of the mage academy, is able to choose which kingdom she will be pledged to. Desperate to save her ailing father, the emperor, Aurora has always been planning to select the Daybreak kingdom, where she will use her apprenticeship to learn from the best healers in the empire and find a way to finally cure his mysterious (and worsening) ailment.

But when the emperor is suddenly struck down on the night of the selection, Aurora is forced to make a deal with Malek Ravenstorm, the secretive Night Tide prince, in exchange for her father’s life: he will heal the emperor, as long as Aurora chooses to serve Night Tide. With no other choice, Aurora abandons her plans for the future and agrees to the deal - even though she can’t understand what the prince could possibly want with her. Little is known about this mysterious kingdom, and Aurora soon finds herself in a strange and haunted place, where the very land itself seems to be cursed and deadly creatures stalk the night. When it is discovered that she herself may be the key to freeing Night Tide, Aurora must decide who she can trust - and who she’s willing to sacrifice - to save the empire before it’s too late.

Night Tide is the first book in a new romantasy trilogy by author Lexi Ryan (as well as her adult fantasy debut). My thoughts on various aspects of the story are given below.

*World-building/Plot: I loved the idea of the mage graduates being drafted into service by the four kingdoms of the empire - fantasy is fairly inundated with books where one is either born into or selects their own “house” to rule, so I liked the different approach used here. I also really liked the idea that service to a particular kingdom was the only way to access a magical grid, making the selection process much more high stakes. Though the initial focus was on Aurora’s attempts to learn enough about healing to save her father, the plot quickly became so much more than that. I will not go into further details to avoid spoilers, but the world of Night Tide (and the larger empire) is full of strange powers, mysterious creatures, and dangerous prophecies that lead to an explosive finale. Though Aurora’s training in Night Tide was a bit claustrophobic at times (with a lot of time shut away in the castle/being kept in the dark by others), it seems like the world will be even more expansive in the next installments in the series, which I am excited for! I feel like the author did a great job of using familiar fantasy elements (supernatural beings, mythology, magic, etc) in a new, unique way, which was refreshing.

*Character Development: Though I thought the world-building in this book was very interesting, I had a harder time getting attached to the characters. The book is told entirely from Aurora’s POV. We are told repeatedly that the princess is extremely intelligent and we get to see brief glimpses of how powerful she is, but Aurora (to me at least) felt like a tween girl. This was exacerbated by the fact that she was seemingly the last one to figure out any of the goings-on in Night Tide (even though these “twists” were obvious to the reader many pages before). Though I thought there was some interesting potential with the love triangle between her, Prince Malek, and enigmatic bad-boy Rourke, most of their time together is spent with the boys throwing out some cringe-y innuendo and Aurora blushing and struggling to come up with a witty comeback. I really do think that if one or two explicit scenes were taken out of this book, it would have been a perfect YA story - I had to continually remind myself that all these characters were supposed to be in their twenties, and not younger. Aurora’s relationships with her friends and fellow apprentices were a bit more meaningful (especially with her roommate, Tru), so I wouldn’t mind those being more central in the next book.

*Pacing/Writing Style: The first 50% of Night Tide was quite slow, to the point where I really had a hard time getting into the story, but the action picked up considerably in the second half of the book and was much more enjoyable. This was the first book I have read by Lexi Ryan, and I thought it was well-written - my only complaint is that I *really* don’t like when modern, “real world” slang and phrases make their way into fantasy books - it really takes me out of the story - and there was definitely a lot of that here (e.g., “draft pick”, “VIP”, “thirsty”). This also (IMO) contributed to the more juvenile feel of the book for me, which I was already struggling with.

Night Tide was an interesting read and I would recommend it for romantasy readers who are looking for a unique fantasy world (and are big fans of love triangles!). Though I thought the book read a bit too YA for my personal taste, it did end on a cliffhanger that has me intrigued enough to check out the next book in the series and see what happens.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Night Tide will take you on a whirlwind fantasy full of magic, vampires, witches, and mages blended with mystery and hidden identities. You’ll leave questioning how far you’d go for the ones you love.

Princess Aurora is top of her class and ready to pledge her loyalty to the Daybreak court when her father collapses. She begs the help of the Night Tide prince, Malek, who heals him on the condition she join Night Tide. The secretive kingdom of Night Tide may hold the answers Aurora is looking for to save her father, so she agrees. In Night Tide, Aurora learns that she is more than just the emperor’s daughter as she begins to understand her true powers and unlock her deeply hidden memories.

There’s a lot to unpack in this story, but not a lot happens until around the 60% mark, and then everything happens. The Medusa element is interesting, and I wish Aurora had discovered her past earlier. I think the little hints in her dreams are a neat way of exploring past lives. If you don't like snakes, this might not be the book for you.

For someone who is supposed to be intelligent and top of her class, Aurora is terrible at figuring things out. I kept yelling at her to ask better questions and stop being so self-involved. I did figure out most of the twists, except the one about Malek’s brother. I didn’t know anything about the comparisons to The Vampire Diaries until later, so I didn’t expect it. Yes, there were some minor Vampire Diaries vibes, but I'd hardly call it a love triangle. I actually think the book is better not knowing the comparison. I really felt like we needed more development of Malek, Rourke, and Aurora rather than relying on Aurora’s past life memories.

Tru has great best friend energy, and I wish she and Aurora had spent more time together.

Overall, Night Tide is a bit predictable, and it’s definitely an adult book (not YA). It had quirky and “wow” moments that made it an interesting read. The end is one of the more jaw-dropping cliffhangers I’ve read in a while. While I felt like the book dragged on a bit, I liked the overall plot, characters, and twists; and I definitely want to know what happens next.

ARC provided by NetGalley. Night Tide releases February 23, 2027

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a HUGE fan of Lexi Ryan’s These Hollow Vows series, so I was beyond excited to see she was debuting her first adult romantasy. This book pulled me in so hard and took me on the most entertaining ride! Now was almost every single aspect of this book predicable? Yes. Did I think the main “twist” was glaringly obvious from the start? Also, yes. However, somehow that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book like it usually would. I still stayed up until 2:30am in the morning reading this because I was having the absolute best time! I was just so immersed in the storyline and these characters, and I was so entranced by the journey of how we were going to get to these reveals.

Aurora has spent her whole life knowing exactly what she wanted to do and where she wanted to end up. However, when her father falls gravely ill, she is forced to make a choice that upends all her carefully laid out plans. Transported to a shadow realm that’s haunted by a mysterious curse, Aurora’s future is more uncertain than it ever has been. She quickly begins to realize that things may not be as they seem, nor do they appear to be the way she grew up believing. What is clear is that people are lying to her, truths are being hidden, and she is determined to figure out exactly what secrets are being kept from her.

I am obsessed with this new world Lexi has created! I loved the magical system and the different forms that it took. I really liked Aurora and how true to herself she stays under any circumstance. I was enamored by Malek the second he was introduced. I mean who doesn’t love a mysterious dark broody man?! Then I met Rourke and there was just something about him that immediately grabbed my attention. It felt like he reached his hand out of the pages, grabbed my chin, and said “pay attention to me.” There’s something so commanding and magnetic about his presence that makes me not want to look away. That ending had me begging for more! I am more curious than ever to see what else Aurora will uncover in the next book!

This was such an incredibly fun time! It had banter, magic, hot men who are not afraid to say exactly what is on their mind, and a level of tension that had me kicking me feet! You guys are going to love this one!

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My review is based solely on my own opinion, and I’m honored for the chance to read This Night Tide by Lexi Ryan.

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a while since a book kept me on my toes quite like this one!

The twists, the turns, THAT ENDING! Seriously, I had so much fun trying to figure out where this story was going.

You know those books where you think you've figured out the big twist? And then you turn out to be PARTIALLY right, so you're sitting there feeling pretty proud of yourself... only to discover that you figured out just one piece of the puzzle? And the other part? Yeah, you didn't see that coming! That's this book. And I LOVED it.

The beginning isn't exactly slow, but it's not heart-pounding either. There's a lot of world building and character development happening, and it's important to the story. But once all of that is in place? BAM! The story takes off, and suddenly you need to keep reading.

I absolutely loved Aurora and Malek. The tension, their interactions, everything between them had me hooked. And don't even get me started on Kaden, Tru, Broderick, and Rourke. They may be side characters, but I loved (and hated) them in equal measure. I always appreciate when side characters have an actual purpose and play an important role in the story rather than just existing in the background. These characters definitely bring something to the table!

Then there's the plot itself. How do you keep the peace when there are people actively trying to tear it apart? Add in dark academia vibes, witches, vampires, and a whole lot of twists, and I was completely hooked.

Now, here's where things get a little painful.

This is the FIRST book in a TRILOGY. A TRILOGY! And after THAT ending, I could have the next book in my hands right now and it STILL wouldn't be soon enough.

I need answers. I need to know what happens next. And I need to know NOW!

If you enjoy twisty fantasy, complicated characters, dark academia vibes, and a story that keeps you guessing, I highly recommend picking this one up.

Just be prepared to spend the ending staring at the book wondering how long you have to wait for the next one!

[Aarjavi · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Thank you to Lexi Ryan, HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley for gifting me this early copy of Night Tide to read!

NO NO NO! This cannot be how the book ends 😭 You can’t just leave me hanging like that! I need book 2 ASAP.

This follows Aurora as her graduation from the mage academy changes her entire life. She was supposed to choose to serve the Daybreak Kingdom, but instead, she has to choose Night Tide to save her father. Night Tide is the mysterious and dangerous kingdom of the empire, and now Aurora has to serve there… and the story goes from there.

Oh my god… I absolutely loved the FMC. She was hilarious, witty, and just so entertaining. And the MMCs?! They have me in a chokehold. I genuinely don’t know who I prefer and it’s messing with my brain! Malek knew exactly what he wanted and went after it, while Rourke gave me ALL the pining vibes (although Malek definitely had them too 👀).

We have found family, curses, a mystery, and a brotherly rivalry that gave me major Damon–Stefan vibes from The Vampire Diaries.

The writing style was beautiful. The author described everything so eloquently that I could picture the structures, surroundings, and characters so clearly.

The world building was quite dense, but it was necessary. The way everything played out, with all the threads and Easter eggs left throughout the book connecting in such a vital way, has me absolutely gobsmacked. The plot twists were amazing and so well thought out!

And I cannot deal with the ending of this novel… it’s so good that I’m genuinely speechless.

Honestly please read this if you want something gothic and unique! You won’t be disappointed!

[Pía · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you, NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager, for letting me get an e-ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.

5/5 — stars

This book made me both hate and love getting ARCs. What do you mean I was so invested in a book, only for it to end on that cliffhanger, and now I have to wait who knows how long for the second book? (Kidding about hating ARCs. I love them, and I’m grateful for them, but I need the second book RIGHT NOW.)

This book was everything you could want from a romantasy. It was fast-paced, had such lovely moments, and featured a love triangle. I also love that it really felt like The Vampire Diaries. Sometimes, I read books that feel like they belong in a TV show, but I’m left thinking, “Did I miss something?” That wasn’t the case with this one.

I love Aurora (not only because of her name, which I think is great. I love a good name) but also because she was so easy to connect with. I loved the Medusa stuff, but I’m not going to say more and spoil it. She was such a treat to read about.

Then there’s Malek, who is the right choice in the love triangle (BTW, all the names in this book were also top-tier). I fell in love with him.
I can’t wait for the second book, and I need ten more after that.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, and I’d recommend going in blind. Just read it. You won’t regret it.

And I need the next book ASAP. I’m crossing my fingers that it comes out sometime next year. Here’s to hoping.

- Enemies to lovers
- Magical academy
- Love triangle

[Caty · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and Avon Harper Voyager in exchange for an honest review.

My first intro to Lexi Ryan was from these hollow vows so I have not read much of her work aside from that duology. That being said, I see many similarities in this but I can also see some growth. It’s hard to do a review on my true thoughts without any spoilers so I will keep it short.

The world in this story is very cool, but I would have liked more worldbuilding and more expansion on the magic. While we know about tethering, we aren’t told much else about the types of magic or the possibilities and I think the story could have benefited from that. Additionally, I think that at times this world feels like a hodge podge of fantasy creatures and cliches. Hopefully, that will be handled well in the next book and doesn’t feel forced or overfilled.

As for the characters, I liked most of them. I have an issue with “found family” always feeling forced upon me and that was definitely prevalent in this. It’s always a lonely main character who meets their life changing bff in their new home and suddenly they’re inseparable and have this weird connection without knowing the first thing about one another. I like rourke and malek (this name is so common in romantasy now) and hope that Aurora grows on me because she was pretty annoying at times.

Overall, this was a decent read and I’m interested to see where it goes!

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wooo! Okay, the last third was a hell of a ride.
Don’t look at my tags if you don’t want to be spoiled about some things. It’s for my sorting system but it could be a spoiler for you!

I liked it in general but some things, especially in the first third, were bugging me. I don’t know if some plot or character traits were supposed to be informations or revelations but a lot of them were ill timed, like a ‘oh, by the way’ thing and it made the reading experience confusing and a bit clunky in the beginning.
I think the magic system deserved another round of edits to really tighten it up.

I think Aurora was a little bit too dumb. Like, some plot twists were stretched just because she would leave mid conversation or were too slow about everything. So that was a bit annoying.

Other than that, I really liked the book! I liked the overall story and tone and themes and I can’t wait for book 2!!!

Final note : I do hate the tropes marketing strategy because one literally spoils the story (it’s revealed at around 40%), one is seriously a reach and I hate another one (personal preference). I think I know how this is going to play out if I go by her previous series but wait and see…

[jordon lane · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I knew it, god I knew it and majority of the book I’m yelling at her and I was right and that ending!!! This book was so good, the secrets and history that need to be unraveled and revealed for the truth to come to the light. The magic system and the different magics for the different kingdoms was done well, even tho we don’t know much about the other kingdoms magics besides the basics at this point since they are not the focus of the story. The use of witches and vampires and even Greek mythology made this a twisting tale and I loved how it all came together. I am extremely distraught with that ending especially considering this book isn’t even out until February 2027🥴 I cannot wait for the rest of this series and am so grateful to Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC and opportunity to read this amazing book early!

[Hannah (The Book Snek)]

​I enjoyed this opener to a new series from Lexi Ryan. I’ve loved everything I've picked up from this author thanks to her fast paced, organic, and plot focused storytelling, and this book is no exception, you're thrown into the action straight away. I loved how the main mystery unfolded through the FMC's perspective. There are a lot of recognisable tropes and, as a frequent reader of this type of fantasy, it did evoke a lot of familiarity with other big titles I've read; however, it was unique in its own way. This was down heavily to the mystery elements of the plot. I really liked the way they were teased out in fragments, and I was surprised by the payoff.

[Teresa · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

This was fun and easy to read but also predictable with some of the twists. I still enjoyed the book a lot even though I knew most of what was going to happen. Some secrets did get me though!

I also liked the magic in this. Aurora going to a cursed (not cursed?) kingdom and being shown her possible futures was a nice touch. But also trying to navigate a kingdom where everything is new and no one trusts you? Yikes.

This was also a love triangle? Love square? Whatever it is, I am team Rourke.

This was a single POV, enemies to lovers romance.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the ARC.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley.! Wow! I jumped into this book without really knowing what it was about, and was taken on a journey from the start. I’ve read a lot of fantasy books recently, and this one is definitely top-tier. The world building, character development, and storyline had me wanting to read every chance I got. The ending has me panicked and needing the second book immediately. Absolutely one of the best books I’ve read so far this year.

[Melissa Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to HarperCollins Publishers and Netgalley for this ARC!!


OMG!!!! 5000 ⭐️s I am SICK that I’ll have to wait forever for the next installment! This has EVERYTHING. Dark academia, fae, witches, vampires, talking to the dead, I could say more, but I don’t want to ruin anything. If you love high fantasy, if you loved the Salvatore brothers, if you delight in the angst of a slow burn, this is absolutely for you.

[Jenni Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn’t for me, and the pace was slow and hard to get into. I struggled to connect with Aurora and felt bored. The world is really fascinating and the lore was cool. Malek and Aurora felt forced to me. Overall, there were a lot of interesting ideas but I didn’t feel pulled in.

Thanks to NetGalley for the early advance copy!

[Leslie Cunningham · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

Okay, I have SO many mixed feelings about this book.

There is a LOT going on here, and some of it works for me and some of it doesn’t. I don’t want to say the writing is bad, because it’s not, but it does feel very surface-level at times, and there’s quite a bit of modern language that pulled me out of the world. Aurora being referred to as a “VIP” absolutely killed me, and there were a few other moments like that throughout. The writing is very conversational, which is fine, but I wanted it to be pushed just a little further.

That being said, there are some really unique world-building elements. I liked the magic system, and we NEED more books with witches. Aurora was a solid FMC, and I liked Malek too.

SPOILERS AHEAD: I am also a sucker for a love triangle, and it definitely seems like that’s what we’re setting ourselves up for, so you have my attention.

The plot moves quickly, but again, there is just SO much happening. We have fae, gods, curses, snakes, witches, and elements that seem to pull from a lot of different sources. I actually liked a lot of those pieces individually, but I think the story could have benefited from paring some of them back and giving the strongest elements more room to breathe.

My feelings about this book changed approximately 15 times while reading it. At various points I thought I wasn’t going to finish it, then decided I’d finish but definitely wouldn’t read the next one, and then somehow got sucked back in enough that now I know I’ll pick up the sequel.

So… did I like it? I think so? Would I recommend it? Maybe?? 😂 It’s messy and a little overstuffed, but ultimately it was a fun read—and apparently intriguing enough that I need to know what happens next.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 whole stars. No notes. Perfection. Did I stay up until 2am absolutely devouring this? Yes I did and I have 0 regrets!

The world building was so easy to follow and I found myself fully immersed almost instantly. I love it when an author trickles in the world building throughout the story, and this is exactly what Lexi does.

How on earth am I able to talk about the characters without addressing the tension first?! Like whaaaat!? I loved the interactions between Malek and Aurora, their chemistry was everythingggg! And to make this book a love triangle too?! I mean, we all know who is right for Aurora, that’s pretty obvious, but I still ate it up 👏🏻

This book really took turns that I wasn’t even expecting and kept me guessing right up until the ending (I’m still guessing now not gunna lie) I loved the atmosphere, the characters, the tropes, the magic, literally everything about this book, I loved!

This is exactly what I want and need in a romantasy, and I’m so glad I found it in this book.

I cannot thank the publisher enough for accepting my NetGalley request for this as I think I have found my book of the year! The only downside is that I have to wait so long to find out what happens next 😭

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure I’m going to be in the minority which is fine I love that other readers had a good time but unfortunately it felt like this took years to get through when it could have been cleared up much much faster.

“Night Tide” begins with a draft and no one is more excited that Princess Aurora to stand with Daylight but when she strikes a deal to save her father she finds herself tethered to the Night Tide where she has little faith or trust in Prince Malek other than his promise to teach her how to heal. As she works to uncover the secrets buried in this shadowed kingdom she finds that there is far more that goes bump in the night than she could have imagined and if she’s not careful she may find herself in far more trouble than a few failed classes.

This book is so exposition heavy while at the same time keeping us just as in the dark as Aurora. Some of it you can see coming a mile away but there were so many moments that felt repetitive while at the same time not propelling the story any further. So much of the conflict could have been avoided if the characters just spoke to each other instead of running off or flirting. And yes some of that decision is explained but at the same time the other characters not in favor kept playing that sort of game long after the jig was up.

I wish there was a character here to root for so it at least grounded the story but unfortunately I couldn’t connect to any of them. Part of that is because they make such stupid decisions to run instead of confronting or owning up to the issue at hand but they also felt very flat. Not a lot is given to the training for me to understand just how powerful Ro was getting and when she got close she would pass out to the point that her friends just left notes instead of waiting by her bedside because they too recognized it was becoming too much.

I can see the appeal for this and I truly wish I could have found something to latch on to but this just did not work for me.

**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

[Kristen Mickins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley and Avon and Harper Voyager for being approved as an ARC reader!! Aurora makes a promise to Malek, the prince of the Night Tide’s after he saves her father. This promise entails that Aurora moves to the Night Tide’s and learns to use her powers for healing. But nothing is what it seems, and Aurora must uncover truths that are opposite of all she was taught.

I struggle to accurately rate this book. Night Tide is Lexi Ryan’s adult romantasy rebut. The first 55% of the book reads a bit young to me. Up to about 60%, this could possibly be labeled as young adult. Aurora felt like a very young FMC and I did not truly fall in love with her as a character. I really didn’t connect with these characters. Malek was intriguing at first until she moves to Night Tide. From this point on, he was not as mysterious nor was the relationship and chemistry developed – it almost felt assumed [by the author]. Rourke was somewhat intriguing but again, it felt like it was face value. The twists in the story were good and I kind of realized after the 65% mark what could possibly happen. There seemed to be quite a few villains of the story with the main one being kind of obvious. I like how the lore in the book was tied into the story, furthering the world building. Lastly, the first 50% of the book felt out of sorts. I had a hard time locking in and caring what was going on in the story. I do think the plot has so much potential and the spice is chef’s kiss. But the true action really began around 75% of the book.

This book is a solid 3 stars for me. I liked the book for what it was. I think there’s a lot of potential and it does make me curious about the trilogy will play out.

[Laura Vignals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Lexi Ryan, Magpie, HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐

Night Tide was exactly the kind of dark romantasy that can become dangerously easy to binge. Between the cursed kingdom, forbidden magic, vampires and witches, royal secrets and a romance built on mistrust, there was almost always something keeping me curious. What surprised me most, though, was that I ended up caring just as much about Aurora’s personal story and the mysteries surrounding Night Tide as I did about the romance.

Aurora was a heroine I really enjoyed following. As the emperor’s daughter, her future has essentially been decided for her before the story even begins. Everyone expects her to pledge her magic to Daybreak after graduating from Invictus Mage Academy, until her father collapses and she is forced into a bargain with Malek Ravenstorm: his healing magic in exchange for her allegiance to Night Tide.

What I liked about Aurora is that she doesn’t simply accept becoming someone else’s pawn. She makes compromises because she loves her father, but there is still a stubbornness underneath that sense of duty. She constantly wants answers, especially once she realises how much information has been deliberately kept from her. Her journey gradually becomes less about discovering what Malek is hiding and more about questioning everything she has been taught about herself and her own world.

Malek, meanwhile, was exactly the sort of morally ambiguous romantic lead this atmosphere needed.

He has every reason to resent Aurora’s family after the emperor executed his brother, which immediately makes his decision to help her father suspicious. I liked that I spent a large part of the book wondering how much of his behaviour was genuine and how much was strategic. He can be infuriatingly secretive, but that secrecy actually fits the story rather than feeling like information is being withheld purely to create drama.

And the chemistry between Aurora and Malek is one of the strongest parts of the book.

There is attraction almost immediately, but there is also resentment, suspicion and a huge imbalance in how much each of them knows. I enjoyed that combination because their romantic tension never felt completely safe. Even when I wanted them together, I was still questioning whether Aurora should trust him.

The supporting cast also deserves some attention. One thing I particularly appreciated was that the secondary characters didn’t feel like they existed purely to push Aurora and Malek toward each other. Tru especially added personality and warmth to a story that can otherwise become quite dark, and the friendships gave Aurora connections outside the central romance. Early ARC readers have similarly highlighted Tru and the supporting cast as standouts.

The worldbuilding was probably my other favourite element.

The empire is divided into four ruling kingdoms with different magical identities, while Night Tide itself has this almost gothic quality: a kingdom trapped in shadow, rumours of witches and vampires, forbidden areas of the castle and mysterious creatures roaming after dark. It created exactly the atmosphere I wanted from the title and cover.

I especially liked that the darkness surrounding Night Tide isn’t merely aesthetic. There is history behind it, a curse to unravel and a sense that the official version of the kingdom’s past cannot necessarily be trusted. That made exploring the setting much more interesting than simply arriving in another beautiful fantasy castle.

Lexi Ryan’s writing style worked very well for me here. The prose is accessible and fast-moving rather than overly dense, which makes the world easy to enter despite the amount of magic, political history and mythology being introduced. At the same time, the darker scenes have enough atmosphere to give Night Tide a distinct identity.

The writing is probably strongest when Ryan combines romance and suspense. Conversations between Aurora and Malek often feel like they are operating on two levels: what they are actually discussing and everything one of them is refusing to reveal. That constant uncertainty kept the dialogue interesting.

I also thought the pacing was strong overall. There are mysteries introduced early enough that I always had something I wanted answered, and the later revelations come quickly. A couple of twists were easier for me to anticipate than others (which is one of the reasons this didn’t quite reach five stars) but there were still enough surprises that I never felt like I had completely figured the story out. Other early readers have also noted that some twists are more predictable while others land much more unexpectedly.

My other small reservation is that the romance occasionally moves closer to familiar romantasy territory than I would have liked. Brooding prince, dangerous attraction, secret identities, curses and enemies-to-lovers are all tropes I enjoy, but there were a few moments where I could predict the emotional direction because I have read similar dynamics before. The book itself is explicitly positioned around those tropes.

Still, the characters and the mystery surrounding Aurora kept it from feeling like a simple collection of familiar tropes.

Most importantly, the story made me want answers. I wanted to understand Aurora’s magic, the truth about Night Tide, Malek’s secrets and the larger history connecting all of them. And because this is the first book in a trilogy, there is clearly much more waiting beneath the surface.

Dark, romantic, atmospheric and extremely addictive, Night Tide was a very strong start to a new romantasy series. I came for Aurora and Malek’s dangerous chemistry, but the mythology, secrets and shadowy world of Night Tide were what really kept me invested.

[Amber Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review! Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the opportunity to provide this unbiased and independent Arc review.

This book was phenomenal and I could not put it down! From chapter one we had immediate drama and action and tension, banter, and propositions between the FMC and MMC! The plot pacing never slowed and the plot twists were non-stop! Just when I thought I had it figured out, a new twist was uncovered! I can’t say enough about all the mystery and secrets this book had that kept me on my toes! I mean, with Gods, fae, forbidden witches, vampires, curses, court politics and power grabs.. how could there not be enough drama to keep this plot interesting! With that being said, this book was so focused on revealing and colliding past and present, I feel like there needs to be a lot of present movement in the plot for book 2 because book one was so focused on catching the FMC and reader up to speed on what is actually going on. That being said, the action and plot twists in book 1 kept me 100% invested which is all credit to Lexi Ryan and her fabulous writing. I especially loved how she used folk lore, rumors, myths, legends, ect. to create mystery and to enhance the plot twists and reveals.

I loved the magic and court system and the world building was intricate and detailed but revealed in a way that completely made sense and at a pace that flowed flawlessly.

I loved our MMC! He was mysterious and so obviously obsessed with our FMC, shamelessly so! It makes so much more sense later on but I enjoyed all the flirting, tension, and banter from chapter one. There was one part of the book I felt like was too close of a knock-off of a very very popular series… it was where he said “my court, my castle, my bed.” It just felt too forced and copycat.

Our FMC was all sunshine and heart of gold but often times to the detriment of herself and others which got a bit annoying at times. I mean, some things were so obvious but she could not put the pieces together and other times, she insisted on being loyal to people who clearly didn’t deserve it. Her loyalty became a liability.

As for the relationship between the FMC and MMC, it was pretty surface level and physical attraction and pull for the whole of this book but that was because they were on two very different pages with two very different knowledge and experience bases. However, the tension, pull, and banter were perfect and I didn’t feel any disconnect because, as a reader, I already kind of knew what was going on, at least for the important points that gave me perspective of the true depth that exits but just was not revealed until the end. If the plot pacing allows, I would like to see more emotional depth between the MCs in the next book now that we had so many important reveals in book one.

I loved the side characters and am so curious about Rourke and that past history. I hope we get more in the next book!

That cliffhanger had me wanting to throw my kindle across the room though! What the heck! Ugh! I don’t want to wait for book 2! I need it ASAP!

Congratulations to Lexi Ryan on this phenomenal book and I can’t wait to see where this series takes us as a reader!

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★½
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Lexi Ryan for the ARC!!!!

Night Tide is the literary version of saying, “I’ll read two chapters before bed,” and then realizing it is 2:00 a.m., your phone is on 4%, and you have been emotionally subcontracted into solving a cursed-kingdom conspiracy. This book moves. Every chapter drops a new secret, a new betrayal-adjacent decision, or a man offering exactly one vague sentence instead of the full explanation he very obviously has.
Aurora Evanselier worked for me immediately. She has fears, she has questions, and she has a deeply inconvenient amount of responsibility on her shoulders—but she does not spend the book trapped in a loop of self-doubt. Her father needs saving, her brother needs help, she is bound to Night Tide, the curse is doing whatever it wants, and apparently every person in this kingdom has signed an NDA about the truth. She is busy. She pays attention. She asks the questions I was asking.

Now, the men.

I cannot decide if Lexi Ryan is writing a love triangle or discreetly laying the groundwork for a why-choose situation, but either way, I am seated. There are loaded looks, crossed wires, suspiciously intense moments, and enough chemistry circulating among the relevant parties that I would like Aurora to explore all available options before anyone makes her choose. This is my formal request for her future to include a sexy three-way and zero unnecessary restrictions.

Malek Ravenstorm is a cursed prince with a bad attitude, complicated family history, oddly precise rules, and the energy of someone who could solve most problems by explaining himself for thirty consecutive seconds. Naturally, I was interested. The other romantic tension is also very much present, but I will behave and avoid spoilers. Just know that I have theories, concerns, and a strong need for the next installment to include MMC POVs. Aurora is assembling a puzzle from scattered clues; I need access to the group chat, the deleted messages, and the boys’ private confessionals.

The book is pretty Vampire Diaries-coded: cursed bloodlines, morally gray men, family drama, found-family dynamics, ancient power struggles, and so many secrets. The world-building and magic system did feel a little chaotic at times. That said, this is clearly the opening move in a larger series, and I am hoping those unanswered questions become deliberate payoff rather than permanent fog

A few twists were visible from a distance—Thea, babe, I clocked you—but the reveals still landed because the fallout kept widening. I am especially curious to see the other kingdoms, how their magic differs from Night Tide’s, and what Aurora’s connection to all of it actually means.

My one complaint is entirely selfish: I read the this ARC too early! Now I am supposed to wait years for the ending while carrying around multiple theories about cursed princes, kingdom politics, and whether this romantic configuration is about to become far more interesting. Four and a half stars for the compulsive pacing, the secrets, the tension, the mess, and the fact that I am already waiting impatiently for book two.

[Kaitlyn Ashley ♡ · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Opening premise: MC Aurora, princess to the emperor, has worked her ass off to be the top of her class of mages. The prize being the chance to choose which kingdom she serves- an obvious choice is Day Break, where her future husband rules, and where she can learn healing magic to someday cure her father's secret illness. All her grand plans are toppled when she has to strike a bargain with the Night Tide prince to save her father from his failing health on the day of her choosing ceremony. He heals the emperor in exchange for her commitment to serving the Night Tide kingdom instead of Day Break. His motives? Mysterious, for sure. Possibly related to her secret witching powers, (illegal and ostracized), a curse on Night Tide's kingdom, or petty revenge- who knows? Once in Night Tide, Aurora discovers much more than she bargained for about her kingdom, her family, friendships, romance, and herself, the scope of which is on course to change the entire empire, for better or worse...

Thoughts:

AGHHHHH. I LOVED THIS. I was prepared for another cookie cutter romantasy with all of the usual tropes and elements mashed together in a slightly new way... While there IS a ton of the typical romantasy elements, (princess, chosen one, hidden powers, love triangle), it feels like a new, thrilling story that I couldn't get enough of. The unraveling of the history over time, the breadcrumbs the author leaves us to discover the reveal throughout, the suspense... chef's kiss 💋

Aurora is easy to love and root for. Born into privilege, but not spoiled by it, she works for what she wants in life. She sacrifices for her family, sees the good in people, and wants a simple dream of a better world for all. I do wish she had caught on to the obvious twist much earlier, but given how complicated it is, I can see her reluctance to realize the truth as realistic.

SPOILER, LOOK AWAY****
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The Malek and Rourke dynamic is CRAZY. Making a love triangle with brothers is beyond messy, and my only big-ish gripe with the story. But honestly, I don't care, it was an incredible build up throughout the book. I do think how the author explains and plays that out will be very make or break for the series as a whole.

Sweet baby Tru! I riot if she's not okay 🥲

The other minor cons: yes, okay, it's predictable in many places. Yes, it gets annoying/repetitive waiting for Aurora to catch on. Yes, sometimes the snarky dialogue is a little cringe, (the comment about her clothes looking better on his bedroom floor? Please...). But I don't care about any of that! I had a great time and no one can take that from me 😂

And lastly- that cliffhanger? Illegal. ILLEGAL under the laws against cruel and unusual torture! I may be unwell until I have book 2 in my hands.