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The Midnight Spy #1
The Midnight Spy
She would risk her life to escape...
“What have we here? A midnight spy?”
Nica lifted her chin and hoped he couldn’t feel her knees shaking. “Release me.”
Instead of releasing her, his eyes narrowed as he examined her features. “I didn’t know Mosaba had a daughter,” he said softly. “You wouldn’t be a spy and a liar, would you?”
TRAPPED IN AN unbearable existence, Nica Santos risks her life to escape from her father, only to be captured by one of his soldiers—
until the most unlikely of allies comes to her assistance — but not before she realizes she has traded one prison for another…
As war explodes around her, Nica becomes ensnared in a confusing web of intrigue, romance, betrayal and ancient magic...
“What have we here? A midnight spy?”
Nica lifted her chin and hoped he couldn’t feel her knees shaking. “Release me.”
Instead of releasing her, his eyes narrowed as he examined her features. “I didn’t know Mosaba had a daughter,” he said softly. “You wouldn’t be a spy and a liar, would you?”
TRAPPED IN AN unbearable existence, Nica Santos risks her life to escape from her father, only to be captured by one of his soldiers—
until the most unlikely of allies comes to her assistance — but not before she realizes she has traded one prison for another…
As war explodes around her, Nica becomes ensnared in a confusing web of intrigue, romance, betrayal and ancient magic...
417 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2015
1 person is currently reading
1766 people want to read
About the author
Kiki Hamilton
17 books673 followersKiki Hamilton is the award-winning author of THE MIDNIGHT SPY-named One of the Best Books of 2015 by Kirkus Reviews; THE FAERIE RING series and several contemporary novels. Kiki lives near Seattle, though she loves to travel and is most likely plotting her next adventure - in more ways than one! :-)
Visit her website at: www.kikihamilton.com
Visit her website at: www.kikihamilton.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
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February 26, 2017 KIRKUS BEST BOOKS OF 2015
Here's what Kirkus had to say about THE MIDNIGHT SPY:
Compelling characters, riveting tension, and rich, complex worldbuilding make this a must-read for fantasy fans.”
“Hamilton’s prose shines on the page, delivering brilliant descriptions and fast-paced plotting with plenty of tension. The prophetic quatrains are based on the 16th-century writings of Nostradamus, lending authenticity to the story. Nica is brave and strong, but her flaws and vulnerability make her a compelling heroine for whom it’s easy to cheer.
Likewise, Shanks and his best friend, Sebande, are complex, intriguing heroes who are equally as dynamic. The trio drives the book, resulting in unexpected plot turns, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and moments of tension-relieving laughter.
The way Hamilton cleverly layers in pieces of information that become important later is excellent, creating a tightly plotted storyline in a detailed, lush fantasy world. The ending calls upon inner strength and bravery from the young trio, but plenty of loose ends promise another book in the outstanding series." - Kirkus Reviews
Here's what Kirkus had to say about THE MIDNIGHT SPY:
Compelling characters, riveting tension, and rich, complex worldbuilding make this a must-read for fantasy fans.”
“Hamilton’s prose shines on the page, delivering brilliant descriptions and fast-paced plotting with plenty of tension. The prophetic quatrains are based on the 16th-century writings of Nostradamus, lending authenticity to the story. Nica is brave and strong, but her flaws and vulnerability make her a compelling heroine for whom it’s easy to cheer.
Likewise, Shanks and his best friend, Sebande, are complex, intriguing heroes who are equally as dynamic. The trio drives the book, resulting in unexpected plot turns, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and moments of tension-relieving laughter.
The way Hamilton cleverly layers in pieces of information that become important later is excellent, creating a tightly plotted storyline in a detailed, lush fantasy world. The ending calls upon inner strength and bravery from the young trio, but plenty of loose ends promise another book in the outstanding series." - Kirkus Reviews
October 17, 2015
I absolutely love this book! Definitely a must read! Kiki Hamilton did an amazing job crafting the characters. I especially loved Nica. She was an awesome heroine. Can't wait to read more about her. And the romance was very well done. Nica and Shanks fit perfectly together. This book is one of my new favorites. I can't wait for the second book: Liar,Thief, Pirate, Spy. Keep writing Miss Hamilton, your doing a great job!!!! :)
July 30, 2015
I’ve come to expect intricate plot twists and wonderful world building from Kiki Hamilton and her newest book, The Midnight Spy, did not disappoint. I was drawn right into the richly developed Kingdoms fraught with war, political corruption, deceit, murder, and kidnapping and of course, romance. The main character, Nica, hooked me from the moment she donned men's clothing and stepped out onto the ledge to spy. Kiki kept me guessing throughout, who was loyal to whom, who loved who, and just when I thought I had it figured out - another twist would make me doubt (along with Nica) who to trust.
I strongly recommend this book. If you love books like, The False Prince (by Jennifer Nielsen), The Thief (by Megan Whalen), and Star Crossed (by Elizabeth Bunce) then you will love The Midnight Spy.
October 20, 2015
ARC Review
The Midnight Spy is a compelling medieval story with a brave heroine Nica that had me rooting for her from page one. We meet her in a precarious perch on the ledge of her castle and are left to wonder why she has to spy on her own father. The unveiling of mysterious family connections and ancient prophecies that are suddenly coming true keep this story zipping along. The story has challenging word puzzles to be solved, battles to be fought, and romances to be kindled. Nica has some good company along for the ride with her male travel companions, Shanks and Sebande.
This is the first book by Kiki Hamilton that I've read, but I'll be back to follow the trilogy.
The Midnight Spy is a compelling medieval story with a brave heroine Nica that had me rooting for her from page one. We meet her in a precarious perch on the ledge of her castle and are left to wonder why she has to spy on her own father. The unveiling of mysterious family connections and ancient prophecies that are suddenly coming true keep this story zipping along. The story has challenging word puzzles to be solved, battles to be fought, and romances to be kindled. Nica has some good company along for the ride with her male travel companions, Shanks and Sebande.
This is the first book by Kiki Hamilton that I've read, but I'll be back to follow the trilogy.
April 16, 2016
4.5 out of 5: Great characters + wonderful worldbuilding + an intriguing adventure = one awesome story.
More detailed review to come...
More detailed review to come...
August 10, 2022
DNF. Rating 2.5
There really wasn’t anything bad about this book, I was just bored with the story. There were a lot of names I couldn’t pronounce, the relationships seemed a little surface level and I didn’t want to drag my feet through the whole book just to be disappointed in a love triangle and a war/villain I didn’t really care about.
So that’s it for me!
There really wasn’t anything bad about this book, I was just bored with the story. There were a lot of names I couldn’t pronounce, the relationships seemed a little surface level and I didn’t want to drag my feet through the whole book just to be disappointed in a love triangle and a war/villain I didn’t really care about.
So that’s it for me!
September 20, 2015
ARC Review
I really enjoyed this book! There was plenty of mystery, adventure, and romance. Nica is a very strong character and it was great seeing her develop during the story, especially given her sad upbringing. There were a lot of other great characters too. I loved Shanks & Sebande, so much fun :)
The romance was very sweet and I loved to see the interaction between Nica & Shanks. There were so many scenes that my me sigh, Nica is a lucky girl! The plot was really interesting as well, there was definitely a lot going on. I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
I really enjoyed this book! There was plenty of mystery, adventure, and romance. Nica is a very strong character and it was great seeing her develop during the story, especially given her sad upbringing. There were a lot of other great characters too. I loved Shanks & Sebande, so much fun :)
The romance was very sweet and I loved to see the interaction between Nica & Shanks. There were so many scenes that my me sigh, Nica is a lucky girl! The plot was really interesting as well, there was definitely a lot going on. I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
September 2, 2015
I liked this book. To begin with, I had troubles with the setting - the author based the story in a made up land and I never really had the details of said land. I had trouble with imagining the place. Of course that is just me. The story line was great. Ms. Hamilton's writing never disappoints. I am very excited for the next installment.
January 17, 2016
Very predictable story line, not too original. AND THERE WERE TYPOS!!!! One or two is ok, but there were SO MANY.
March 4, 2016
This book was okay. I got bored near the end.
March 12, 2017
Page turner! Great reading.
January 18, 2018
Ugh, I just realized I'd accidentally swiped something on my tablet to mark this as read and then somehow hit one star!
I'm actually only 1\4 of the way through, and enjoying it! Just can't seem to get my tablet to register that properly, so I'm adding this review lest anyone got the wrong idea. 😕
I'm actually only 1\4 of the way through, and enjoying it! Just can't seem to get my tablet to register that properly, so I'm adding this review lest anyone got the wrong idea. 😕
May 13, 2020
An intriguing tale with lots of riddles and hidden secrets to unravel.
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September 24, 2015I had a great experience reading this book. Not only did it have to do spying and saving the world, the whole story took place in a whole new world. Although there wasn't that much world building, it could still be seen in the small doses that were given. Traveling through different places, down to finding the stone tablet of the gods, this book was a great adventure.
The summary is misleading. But I won't say how! It's actually for a good thing that it's misleading, since I had my doubts in the first chapters. The confusing parts were when they spoke the other languages, because sometimes the direct translation wasn't given, we just had to guess from the way the forest people reacted to Nica but other than I liked the book. It had a great storyline, and even if I found Jaaniyah annoying and a brat for pursuing Shanks even though it was obvious he liked Nica. On the other hand, the search for the stone was interesting, and figuring the clues and deciphering what the quastraints were saying as they pertained to the future. Honestly, without giving too much away, it was a great story.
I'm not too sure about the next book. This one reads more like a standalone- it has a proper ending and everything was resolved. I'm quite sure what the conflict will be in the sequel, maybe it will be centered around Sebande and Jaaniyah, but either way I think I'll be happy if it's Nica and Shanks centered too.
The summary is misleading. But I won't say how! It's actually for a good thing that it's misleading, since I had my doubts in the first chapters. The confusing parts were when they spoke the other languages, because sometimes the direct translation wasn't given, we just had to guess from the way the forest people reacted to Nica but other than I liked the book. It had a great storyline, and even if I found Jaaniyah annoying and a brat for pursuing Shanks even though it was obvious he liked Nica. On the other hand, the search for the stone was interesting, and figuring the clues and deciphering what the quastraints were saying as they pertained to the future. Honestly, without giving too much away, it was a great story.
I'm not too sure about the next book. This one reads more like a standalone- it has a proper ending and everything was resolved. I'm quite sure what the conflict will be in the sequel, maybe it will be centered around Sebande and Jaaniyah, but either way I think I'll be happy if it's Nica and Shanks centered too.
October 15, 2015
The Midnight Spy by Kiki Hamilton is a really intriguing book. I have not read anything else by Kiki Hamilton but I think that I will after reading this book. It's a tale of a lost princess found. A pirate King and two other kings ate also involved. There's royal intrigue there's a little tiny bit of magic there some romance and those are really horrific betrayals. Once I started reading this book I couldn't stop. I will admit that it took me three chapters to truly driving to the story. But once I was hooked the story of Nica and Shanks had me hooked.
Hamilton's world building was quite good. I did have some difficulty with the fact that she had so many different names for so many different things but the flora and fauna had basic names like bird and monkey.
But there was enough difference in the story that I didn't feel like I was just reading another alternate Earth story.
I was pleased to get to the end of the story which did not have an annoying cliffhanger. And then I learned that there is a second book coming out in the fall of 2016. That will definitely be on my list to buy.
Hamilton's world building was quite good. I did have some difficulty with the fact that she had so many different names for so many different things but the flora and fauna had basic names like bird and monkey.
But there was enough difference in the story that I didn't feel like I was just reading another alternate Earth story.
I was pleased to get to the end of the story which did not have an annoying cliffhanger. And then I learned that there is a second book coming out in the fall of 2016. That will definitely be on my list to buy.
March 6, 2020
Please don’t let the terrible synopsis turn you away from this book. This is probably one of my favorite YA fantasy books I’ve read this year. Read the full review here
June 27, 2016
Espionage, betrayal, Pirates, quests, true love; I'm in!
September 14, 2015
So good!!!
January 11, 2017
Adventure, romance, an ancient puzzle - this book has it all, along with a strong female protagonist. Think the DaVinci code for young adults, with a lot more heart and romantic sizzle!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews