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Midnight Series #1
The Midnight Circle
Clara Winters, a non-practicing witch, has been living the life of an old woman in the body of a twenty-two-year-old ever since fated to everlasting life in 1919. With the unexpected death of her beloved aunt, the easy life on her southern plantation is over. Grief awakens hiding ghosts—in the form of age-old magic and thirsty vampires.
Long ago, powerful magic entangled and stole Clara’s great love, Wesley Russell, when he became a vampire. Wesley rises from banishment, forcing Clara to resist the temptation of a renewed life together by reminding him of the consequences that come to those who defy the spell of the Midnight Circle.
Mysterious mountain visions and guidance from her deceased aunt lead Clara on a journey to friendship and love, reintroducing her to the passions of youth. But as evil lurks and the Circle shows signs of unraveling, Clara becomes desperate to escape the spell without harming those she holds dear.
Long ago, powerful magic entangled and stole Clara’s great love, Wesley Russell, when he became a vampire. Wesley rises from banishment, forcing Clara to resist the temptation of a renewed life together by reminding him of the consequences that come to those who defy the spell of the Midnight Circle.
Mysterious mountain visions and guidance from her deceased aunt lead Clara on a journey to friendship and love, reintroducing her to the passions of youth. But as evil lurks and the Circle shows signs of unraveling, Clara becomes desperate to escape the spell without harming those she holds dear.
- GenresRomance
399 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2016
15 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 23, 2016
After reading The Midnight Circle, I learned this is Jaylene Jacobus’ first novel; my opinion, she was born to write. Readers will be hooked from the beginning. I couldn’t put this book down; if it were not for my eyesight blurring from tiredness, I would have read this 400 page book in one sitting.
The imagery was perfect, the plot was unique, and the characters were well developed; I instantly connected with Clara, and shared her feelings, good and bad, for all the characters. The story is written expertly, giving readers just enough information to keep the story at edge. It’s a beautiful story of love of all kinds; from sisterly love to Fatherly love, from love between friends to the love shared in marriage. Love creates both problem and solution, in a world of vampires and witches, unlike any I’ve ever read.
Overall rating for The Midnight Circle: 5 Huge Boundless Stars. The Midnight Series is the start of a new favorite series; I can’t wait for her next book....Beth
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The imagery was perfect, the plot was unique, and the characters were well developed; I instantly connected with Clara, and shared her feelings, good and bad, for all the characters. The story is written expertly, giving readers just enough information to keep the story at edge. It’s a beautiful story of love of all kinds; from sisterly love to Fatherly love, from love between friends to the love shared in marriage. Love creates both problem and solution, in a world of vampires and witches, unlike any I’ve ever read.
Overall rating for The Midnight Circle: 5 Huge Boundless Stars. The Midnight Series is the start of a new favorite series; I can’t wait for her next book....Beth
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
December 31, 2016
All too often genre guides readers away from what matters most in literature—brilliant writing. Author Jaylene Jacobus’ debut novel, “The Midnight Circle” (the first in the Midnight Series trilogy), is a read deserving of the attention of readers with eyes that crave prose written with a purpose that allows it to flow with natural grace page after page. “The Midnight Circle” is far from the typical paranormal romance. Jacobus has filled the pages with eloquent writing that is the hallmark of her style and is establishing herself among the finest debut indie authors of 2016.
Jacobus has crafted a story drawn along the lines of earthen-witchcraft, vampire-lore, American regional peculiarities, and of course, romance. But there is nothing cliché or worn about “The Midnight Circle,” as Jacobus has taken these themes and weaved a tale that is fresh and captivating in a genre that all too often is filled with tired plots and worn literary devices. Jacobus is a gifted storyteller whose dedication to the craft of writing elevates this genre to a new level.
“The Midnight Circle” is evocative in its sensory appeal to the reader. Sound, sight, smell, taste, and touch: Jacobus makes each sense a concrete experience to the reader. For this reader especially, I was drawn back nearly a decade to my last taste of wild huckleberries. Jacobus’ description of the fruit revived its flavor across my palate. There are very few writers that can elicit such vivid sensory experiences, but for Jacobus this is a strength of her writing that flows throughout “The Midnight Circle.”
“The Midnight Circle” is a novel that any discerning reader should consider for the sheer enjoyment of experiencing a writing style that is beautiful in its exposition upon the page. “The Midnight Circle” is an amazing debut novel from Jaylene Jacobus, whose captivating writing will leave the reader desiring more after the last page is turned. With two more books in the Midnight Series, and a literary fiction novel upcoming as well, readers have much to anticipate from author Jaylene Jacobus in the near future.
Jacobus has crafted a story drawn along the lines of earthen-witchcraft, vampire-lore, American regional peculiarities, and of course, romance. But there is nothing cliché or worn about “The Midnight Circle,” as Jacobus has taken these themes and weaved a tale that is fresh and captivating in a genre that all too often is filled with tired plots and worn literary devices. Jacobus is a gifted storyteller whose dedication to the craft of writing elevates this genre to a new level.
“The Midnight Circle” is evocative in its sensory appeal to the reader. Sound, sight, smell, taste, and touch: Jacobus makes each sense a concrete experience to the reader. For this reader especially, I was drawn back nearly a decade to my last taste of wild huckleberries. Jacobus’ description of the fruit revived its flavor across my palate. There are very few writers that can elicit such vivid sensory experiences, but for Jacobus this is a strength of her writing that flows throughout “The Midnight Circle.”
“The Midnight Circle” is a novel that any discerning reader should consider for the sheer enjoyment of experiencing a writing style that is beautiful in its exposition upon the page. “The Midnight Circle” is an amazing debut novel from Jaylene Jacobus, whose captivating writing will leave the reader desiring more after the last page is turned. With two more books in the Midnight Series, and a literary fiction novel upcoming as well, readers have much to anticipate from author Jaylene Jacobus in the near future.
January 4, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Likes: For being a romance and a vampire novel this is a surprisingly clean read! Every once and a while it is refreshing to read a romance that shows the beauty of love all on its own without sexual content. Love is the central theme in this book whether it is familial, friendly, or romantic. The bonds between characters are well written.
Dislikes: While the book is eloquently written, it has a very slow pace that often had my mind wandering to other books. The writing style just didn’t sit well with me.
Rating: This really is a beautiful book, but I can’t overlook the slow pace, and for that reason, I give it three roses.
Likes: For being a romance and a vampire novel this is a surprisingly clean read! Every once and a while it is refreshing to read a romance that shows the beauty of love all on its own without sexual content. Love is the central theme in this book whether it is familial, friendly, or romantic. The bonds between characters are well written.
Dislikes: While the book is eloquently written, it has a very slow pace that often had my mind wandering to other books. The writing style just didn’t sit well with me.
Rating: This really is a beautiful book, but I can’t overlook the slow pace, and for that reason, I give it three roses.
February 10, 2017
I loved "The Midnight Circle", the first book in Jaylene Jacobus' amazing saga of Clara Winters, a non-practicing witch. This well-written book starts out with the death of Clara's mother, and an ironclad spell that will eventually send Clara on a journey from her plantation in South Carolina, to the rugged Tetons of Wyoming. There, she makes new friendships and reunites with her one true love, Wesley Russle, a vampire who has fallen under the curse of the Midnight Circle.
In order to break the curse so that Clara and Wesley can be together, one of them must die. This is the first in what will be a three-book series and like Jacobus' other readers, I am anxiously awaiting Book Two, "Midnight Lines". C.M.
In order to break the curse so that Clara and Wesley can be together, one of them must die. This is the first in what will be a three-book series and like Jacobus' other readers, I am anxiously awaiting Book Two, "Midnight Lines". C.M.
May 15, 2016
This is a supernatural suspense joining romance, mystery and a journey into what I would call a really good novel I know readers will like, Follow along with Clara as she takes her journey to uncover supernatural mysteries after her Aunt Emma passes away. I found this story compelling and I think a lot of readers are going to want to get lost in what looks like a very intriguing series.
October 19, 2020
This book kind of fell flat to me. It kept me reading because it really felt like it was building up to something more interesting and it never really did. It’s main focus is on relationship building.
October 21, 2020
Just one spell, but is it a curse?
A witch that has a spell cast that wards off vampires... But that witch loses her loved ones and is soon alone. This brings together love and friendship to banish those dark holes.
A witch that has a spell cast that wards off vampires... But that witch loses her loved ones and is soon alone. This brings together love and friendship to banish those dark holes.
December 31, 2020
Beautiful story with more of a literary mystery feel than a traditional witch and vampire book.
July 11, 2016
Jaylene Jacobus’ first novel, "The Midnight Circle," starts with the birth of a baby girl on New Year’s Eve in 1896. Only, this isn’t any normal delivery. This is the night Clara Winters – a ‘natural witch’ – is born into a world of magic, mystery and romance.
"The Midnight Circle" is the epic story of a family of powerful witches. Women who are comfortable in the modern world, but more at peace in the natural one.
The main character, Clara, is a century-old witch locked in time at the age of twenty-two. Although she seems a bit lonely at first, she does have one true love: a charismatic rake named Wesley Russell. It’s obvious they’re made for each other – but something is holding them apart. What? And so the mystery of "The Magic Circle" begins to unwind.
We learn that witches have natural enemies: vampires. In particular, a feud with an aristocratic vampire clan has put the Winters family in danger for generations. It’s a rich, complex plot full of history and depth. But just when you think you have it figured out, a new twist takes place. Whether that’s an impromptu wedding celebration in Vegas (yes, Vegas!) with Clara’s newfound friends, or a dream-induced transportation back to the past, "The Midnight Circle" keeps you guessing.
At its heart, however, this is a romance. Jacobus is a brilliant wit and an accomplished wordsmith; the sparring between Clara and Wesley brings Shakespeare to mind. Not only is the banter sublime – but Wesley is a vampire! So they’re like a supernatural Romeo and Juliet: mortal enemies, madly in love. (Or ‘immortal’ as the case may be.)
As for the prose, it’s clean, evocative and eloquent. Whether Jacobus is describing the aromas of making breakfast, a walk through the forest, or a tender love scene, she writes with grace and skill.
Although it’s an entertaining book, it’s not an easy one. Certainly not a romance to be devoured in one sitting. The author seems to have a very clear vision for this story – and she doesn’t care to move at a James Patterson pace. It’s not that the book is too slow. It’s just that the questions that arise are like drums pounding in your head. The answers can’t seem to come fast enough. Meanwhile Jacobus, like a sly impresario smiling just off-stage, reels everything out at her own pace.
As important as family and friendship are to the book, it’s the romance that sticks with me. I want to see more of Clara and Wesley! He’s such a sexy, romantic character, he reminds of a cross between Heathcliff and Count Dracula. Again, high-minded literary references, but the book deserves them. Part Emily Bronte, part Bram Stoker, it’s an erudite, sensuous and wildly romantic read – especially when it comes to our star-crossed lovers. Well done!
"The Midnight Circle" is the epic story of a family of powerful witches. Women who are comfortable in the modern world, but more at peace in the natural one.
The main character, Clara, is a century-old witch locked in time at the age of twenty-two. Although she seems a bit lonely at first, she does have one true love: a charismatic rake named Wesley Russell. It’s obvious they’re made for each other – but something is holding them apart. What? And so the mystery of "The Magic Circle" begins to unwind.
We learn that witches have natural enemies: vampires. In particular, a feud with an aristocratic vampire clan has put the Winters family in danger for generations. It’s a rich, complex plot full of history and depth. But just when you think you have it figured out, a new twist takes place. Whether that’s an impromptu wedding celebration in Vegas (yes, Vegas!) with Clara’s newfound friends, or a dream-induced transportation back to the past, "The Midnight Circle" keeps you guessing.
At its heart, however, this is a romance. Jacobus is a brilliant wit and an accomplished wordsmith; the sparring between Clara and Wesley brings Shakespeare to mind. Not only is the banter sublime – but Wesley is a vampire! So they’re like a supernatural Romeo and Juliet: mortal enemies, madly in love. (Or ‘immortal’ as the case may be.)
As for the prose, it’s clean, evocative and eloquent. Whether Jacobus is describing the aromas of making breakfast, a walk through the forest, or a tender love scene, she writes with grace and skill.
Although it’s an entertaining book, it’s not an easy one. Certainly not a romance to be devoured in one sitting. The author seems to have a very clear vision for this story – and she doesn’t care to move at a James Patterson pace. It’s not that the book is too slow. It’s just that the questions that arise are like drums pounding in your head. The answers can’t seem to come fast enough. Meanwhile Jacobus, like a sly impresario smiling just off-stage, reels everything out at her own pace.
As important as family and friendship are to the book, it’s the romance that sticks with me. I want to see more of Clara and Wesley! He’s such a sexy, romantic character, he reminds of a cross between Heathcliff and Count Dracula. Again, high-minded literary references, but the book deserves them. Part Emily Bronte, part Bram Stoker, it’s an erudite, sensuous and wildly romantic read – especially when it comes to our star-crossed lovers. Well done!
November 20, 2024
At its heart, The Midnight Circle is a story of a potentially tragic romance, between its main character and her “summer boy”.
Clara Winters is a ‘natural witch’ and a woman frozen in time. She has been in her twenties for decades, ever since the night before she was left at the altar. Her great love, Wesley Russell, is the man who abandoned her years ago. And a vampire.
Even though the two of them love each other deeply, the spell of the Midnight Circle keeps them apart. Originally intended to protect, once Wesley becomes a vampire, he cannot remain near her without suffering pain and sickness. The relationship between these characters; the word game they frequently play when together, the deep love and unspoken resentment felt is richly detailed and very real.
Despite the main character being a witch, it didn’t seem like there was a great deal of magic being performed, other than the titular spell. Clara tends to rely mainly on her power of persuasion, either to deflect questions or to convince others to follow her suggestions. What magic there is mainly comes in the form of dreams and visions, which Clara uses to guide her after the loss of the aunt who raised her.
Loss is also big part of the book. It opens with the death of the last of Clara’s relatives, in addition to her ongoing feelings of abandonment from Wesley leaving her. But as Clara follows her visions and begins to reconnect with the world away from the family home, there is a strong sense of hope that she won’t be left alone in the world and that there will be a way to undo the spell so she and Wesley can be together.
The writing is quite beautiful and evocative, particularly when discussing scenery, although it may not be to everyone’s taste. Even though I came to enjoy it, I did find it a little hard going initially. But I’m glad I stuck with it because the Midnight Circle is a rewarding read. And like all good books, leaves enough unanswered questions to leave you wanting more.
Clara Winters is a ‘natural witch’ and a woman frozen in time. She has been in her twenties for decades, ever since the night before she was left at the altar. Her great love, Wesley Russell, is the man who abandoned her years ago. And a vampire.
Even though the two of them love each other deeply, the spell of the Midnight Circle keeps them apart. Originally intended to protect, once Wesley becomes a vampire, he cannot remain near her without suffering pain and sickness. The relationship between these characters; the word game they frequently play when together, the deep love and unspoken resentment felt is richly detailed and very real.
Despite the main character being a witch, it didn’t seem like there was a great deal of magic being performed, other than the titular spell. Clara tends to rely mainly on her power of persuasion, either to deflect questions or to convince others to follow her suggestions. What magic there is mainly comes in the form of dreams and visions, which Clara uses to guide her after the loss of the aunt who raised her.
Loss is also big part of the book. It opens with the death of the last of Clara’s relatives, in addition to her ongoing feelings of abandonment from Wesley leaving her. But as Clara follows her visions and begins to reconnect with the world away from the family home, there is a strong sense of hope that she won’t be left alone in the world and that there will be a way to undo the spell so she and Wesley can be together.
The writing is quite beautiful and evocative, particularly when discussing scenery, although it may not be to everyone’s taste. Even though I came to enjoy it, I did find it a little hard going initially. But I’m glad I stuck with it because the Midnight Circle is a rewarding read. And like all good books, leaves enough unanswered questions to leave you wanting more.
July 29, 2016
The Midnight Circle starts off with an intriguing spell and a dying witch and her niece who is frozen in time (1919) due to a glitch of being exposed to a vampire. Clara Winters, because of the spell kills any vampire who bites her and makes gravely ill any vampire who ventures too close. Clara is a lovely, kind "nature witch" who is frozen forever at the age of 22 and who takes the reader on her unforgettable journey through the Midnight Circle and how it affects her epic romance with Westley Russell. And I mean epic because Westley is a vampire. Their love started over a century ago, and has been nothing short of tragic. Westley's first entrance into the book had me swooning. I loved him! He comes alive and off the page being both dark and light. I can't even describe him! He's so well written and when he shows up later on... it's one of my favorite scenes of all times in any book. He loves Clara, yet she physically makes him ill, yet he still comes after her.
After her beloved aunt's death at the start of the book Clara has clear visions of the Grand Tetons and feels compelled to travel to Wyoming even though she has no idea what she is going there for. There she meets four friends who become center to what her visions are about. Oh how this author weaved around a story of suspense, betrayal, love-both romantic and familial. There is vampires and witches and spells but also such a realistic telling of them that you feel you are there with Clara and Westley. How the visions, the spell, Westley and Clara ultimately collide... left me breathless and unable to tear my eyes away from the page. In a word? Excellent. The ending is resolved and so satisfying... but left with just enough hints of the next book... that I CAN NOT WAIT FOR IT!!
I highly recommend this to anyone.
**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
After her beloved aunt's death at the start of the book Clara has clear visions of the Grand Tetons and feels compelled to travel to Wyoming even though she has no idea what she is going there for. There she meets four friends who become center to what her visions are about. Oh how this author weaved around a story of suspense, betrayal, love-both romantic and familial. There is vampires and witches and spells but also such a realistic telling of them that you feel you are there with Clara and Westley. How the visions, the spell, Westley and Clara ultimately collide... left me breathless and unable to tear my eyes away from the page. In a word? Excellent. The ending is resolved and so satisfying... but left with just enough hints of the next book... that I CAN NOT WAIT FOR IT!!
I highly recommend this to anyone.
**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
July 15, 2016
Starting out I hated the authors' writing style. HOWEVER, her characters are solid and made me like them. I do nit like how the backstory is kept from me. It is like being friends with a liar. I thought I could do it, but I cannot be put thru another book like this. The story is good.. The style is not a good fit. So I am admitting it's one and done. My advice is to not try and weave a mystery into a love story, its overkill. Four generous stars.
Want to read
June 24, 2016Just couldn't do it, I tried I really did but the writing was just too hard to get past for me. I was interested in the story itself but the writing just got in the way too much. Maybe I'll try again someday...
June 13, 2016
Good read
I am looking forward to the next book. So glad for a clean read that showed the beauty of love without all the sexual details and without so much language. It is possible to tell a good story without either. Thank you
I am looking forward to the next book. So glad for a clean read that showed the beauty of love without all the sexual details and without so much language. It is possible to tell a good story without either. Thank you
July 6, 2016
This is a great blend of literature and paranormal romance. The word games between the two main characters were fun and witty. I found myself thinking about the story each night, wondering what was going to happen next.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews