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Fantasyland #5
Midnight Soul
Against his will, Noctorno Hawthorne, an undercover vice cop, finds himself embroiled in magic, mayhem and parallel universes. Too late, he meets an amazing woman only to find she’s destined for his identical twin in another world.
And things aren’t going real great there.
Noc is recruited to help save that world.
What he doesn’t know is his destined love resides there.
Franka Drakkar wears a mask. A mask she never takes off to protect herself in a world of malice, intrigue and danger.
When Franka meets Noc and he discovers her secrets, convinced she carries a midnight soul, having shielded herself from forming bonds with anyone, she struggles with accepting his tenderness and care.
When Noc meets Franka, over wine and whiskey, her masks slips and Noc knows it’s her—only her—and he has to find a way to get her to come home with him.
And then make her want to stay.
And things aren’t going real great there.
Noc is recruited to help save that world.
What he doesn’t know is his destined love resides there.
Franka Drakkar wears a mask. A mask she never takes off to protect herself in a world of malice, intrigue and danger.
When Franka meets Noc and he discovers her secrets, convinced she carries a midnight soul, having shielded herself from forming bonds with anyone, she struggles with accepting his tenderness and care.
When Noc meets Franka, over wine and whiskey, her masks slips and Noc knows it’s her—only her—and he has to find a way to get her to come home with him.
And then make her want to stay.
Audible Audio
First published August 15, 2016
708 people are currently reading
7597 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Ashley
134 books39.5k followersKristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 845 reviews
Want to read
May 25, 2017I wasn't going to read this...but I heard that Lahn's twin shows up...
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After 5-staring the first 3 books in this series and then not loving Broken Dove, I'm on the fence with this one...
But I'll probably still read it.
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After 5-staring the first 3 books in this series and then not loving Broken Dove, I'm on the fence with this one...
But I'll probably still read it.
August 14, 2016
But there was a reason I carried a midnight soul, for the evil contained in both my parents set their souls to cinders years ago. It was not a wonder I'd inherited the blackness.
What a bittersweet book this was for me to read. Midnight Soul marks the conclusion of one of my favorite Kristen Ashley series. After all, it's the series that brought me The Golden Dynasty, only my top favorite KA book of ALL time.
This is not a series I recommend reading out of order. You need the entire backstory and it's one that develops with each story arc and later carries over into the next. Yes, there's a new couple in each book, but it just wouldn't be the same experience to read them as standalones.
I have to admit I was nervous reading a book with Franka as the heroine. Considering the woman has sharpened her claws on plenty of previous heroines, I had to wonder how KA could redeem someone like her. While she wasn't quite a villain, she wasn't exactly a nice person and she certainly wasn't someone you'd root for in the previous books either. After the culmination of events at the end of Broken Dove, I also wondered where the story had left to go. The ultimate baddies had been beat. Everything was right in the world and most questions answered.
If you're expecting a book much like the rest of the Fantasyland series, don't. This was as different as it gets and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I certainly enjoyed the flip side of the switch here. I don't want to give you too many details and ruin it for you, but let's just say I appreciated the slight reversal Kristen took with the last book in the series. It was most fitting.
I loved the mix of the heroine being the one from the 'other' world and the hero being the modern one as well. It was different and refreshing. Plus, let's be real, I loved me some Noc. There's also a secondary romance that happens on a mix of in and off the pages here that I would have absolutely loved more page time for. I was hoping to get more of them towards the end, but alas they were mostly just loosely mentioned.
So why not a higher rating? Well, I just didn't get the oomph here that I've come to rely on this series. There's not much in the way of things happenings. After the resolution in the first 20%, the rest reads like the typical second half of a KA book. The relationship development, the hero and heroine getting to know each other. It was a lot of pages of their day to day lives, and while it wasn't quite boring, it wasn't exciting either. I kept waiting for the typical conflict at the end, but there wasn't much in that respect either. To me, it read like one long epilogue. There wasn't much conflict past the revelation in the first 20% and that may work for some or not.
I loved the way the author redeemed Franka and made her into a heroine to root for pretty much right away. You get the true heart of her and you understand they why's of what she did in the past. No, this wasn't the action packed thrill ride that some of the other books in the series were, but it was by no means a bad thing...just different. The epilogue at the end is nothing short of what I've come to expect from Kristen and definitely managed to bring a tear to my eye. So while this may not have been my favorite book in the series, it was still a fitting ending to what had come to be one of my favorite series and one I strongly recommend to any lovers of fantasy romance.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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May 20, 2017
The fifth, and final (?), book in the 'Fantasyland' series, 'Midnight Soul' tells the story of Franka Drakkar and Noctorno "Noc" Hawthorne. Like earlier books in the series, this book features two characters that are from parallel worlds. There is plenty of magic and fantastical elements throughout. Yet, despite all of that, I found this to be just an "okay" read.
While Kristen Ashley worked hard to redeem Franka Drakkar in this book, for me the damage was done. I pitied her, but I never really grew to like her. As a result, I never really felt fully invested in her story.
Similarly, "Noc" was not a character that I ever really felt a strong connection with. After all, wasn't he supposedly in love with Cora just a couple of books back? He was a nice guy, but to me, he came off as kind of desperate and lonely. Franka seemed to be the only option because all the "better" heroines had already been spoken for.
Even though I never felt bonded to these characters, I did appreciate having Franka's history revealed. My heart went out to her and it explained a lot about her nasty behavior. She wasn't a character that was easy to love, but at least I felt like I understood why she worked so hard to push people away.
This book also stood out from the others in that Franka goes to Noc's world and not the other way around. I guess it is consistent in the sense that the woman always seems to follow the man to his world, but Noc was the first hero from this world. As a result, this book had a different "feel" to it.
While this book is supposed to be the last in the series, I wonder if that is "firm". There were several teases and loose ends left over. Mainly, this book seemed to pave the way for another book centered on the other Circe and Dax.
If this is truly the last book, then I'm a little bummed. Theirs is a story that I'd love to read. If another book isn't coming, it seems kind of cruel to tease us readers like that. Maybe we'll get a novella or something at least.
Overall, this was a middle of the road type of story. I liked it, but nothing about it was particularly compelling. I listed to all of the audiobooks for this series back to back, so it could be that I was just on 'Fantasyland' overload by the time I got to 'Midnight Soul'. Whatever the reason, this one ended up being my least favorite of all the books in the series. It was okay, but nothing that I couldn't live without.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
While Kristen Ashley worked hard to redeem Franka Drakkar in this book, for me the damage was done. I pitied her, but I never really grew to like her. As a result, I never really felt fully invested in her story.
Similarly, "Noc" was not a character that I ever really felt a strong connection with. After all, wasn't he supposedly in love with Cora just a couple of books back? He was a nice guy, but to me, he came off as kind of desperate and lonely. Franka seemed to be the only option because all the "better" heroines had already been spoken for.
Even though I never felt bonded to these characters, I did appreciate having Franka's history revealed. My heart went out to her and it explained a lot about her nasty behavior. She wasn't a character that was easy to love, but at least I felt like I understood why she worked so hard to push people away.
This book also stood out from the others in that Franka goes to Noc's world and not the other way around. I guess it is consistent in the sense that the woman always seems to follow the man to his world, but Noc was the first hero from this world. As a result, this book had a different "feel" to it.
While this book is supposed to be the last in the series, I wonder if that is "firm". There were several teases and loose ends left over. Mainly, this book seemed to pave the way for another book centered on the other Circe and Dax.
If this is truly the last book, then I'm a little bummed. Theirs is a story that I'd love to read. If another book isn't coming, it seems kind of cruel to tease us readers like that. Maybe we'll get a novella or something at least.
Overall, this was a middle of the road type of story. I liked it, but nothing about it was particularly compelling. I listed to all of the audiobooks for this series back to back, so it could be that I was just on 'Fantasyland' overload by the time I got to 'Midnight Soul'. Whatever the reason, this one ended up being my least favorite of all the books in the series. It was okay, but nothing that I couldn't live without.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
August 27, 2016
4-4,5 STARS
It's been a long time since I've read a book by Kristen Ashley and I missed her writing so much! This series is one of my favorites and I can tell you that I adored this one!
Noc was a fantastic hero! Sweet, protective, friendly and sexy. And Franka, well I wasn't sure if I liked her but it happened and pretty fast! Noc and Franka together had an amazing relationship, first as friends creating an amazing build up!
If you haven't read this series yet you are missing all the magic! Start it now, after all it's Kristen Ashley you'll never be dissapointed by her! Kristen Ashley delivers a sweet, romantic and beautiful story!
It's been a long time since I've read a book by Kristen Ashley and I missed her writing so much! This series is one of my favorites and I can tell you that I adored this one!
Noc was a fantastic hero! Sweet, protective, friendly and sexy. And Franka, well I wasn't sure if I liked her but it happened and pretty fast! Noc and Franka together had an amazing relationship, first as friends creating an amazing build up!
If you haven't read this series yet you are missing all the magic! Start it now, after all it's Kristen Ashley you'll never be dissapointed by her! Kristen Ashley delivers a sweet, romantic and beautiful story!
September 6, 2016
** 2-2.5 STARS **
“You don't think you're perfect but you are, Frannie. Every inch.”
REASONS THIS BOOK JUST DID NOT WORK FOR ME:
1) I apparently had really high hopes for Noc, but he had absolutely NOTHING special. He was just another KA type alpha male.
2) The sudden difference in character of Frannie was shockingly unrealistic. I didn't buy her reasons for the way she was for the past 4 books.
3) The dull storyline. I came really close to DNFing for 4 times, because forcing yourself to read a 600-page-long book is incredibly challenging guys. OMG.
OVERALL: So disappointed. This incredible journey shouldn't have ended in such an underwhelming way. How the hell did this happen?
Want to read
July 24, 2016OMG. Noctorno Hawthorne. I loved him in Fantastical and Broken Dove. Can't wait for his book.
Read
August 26, 2016DNF @ 53%
This book is written by my favorite author and this is one of my favorite series by her so I’m feeling awful about my failure to get through it. So it's either the story is a major snoozefest or I've lost my KA mojo because this was so darn boring for me.
I’m tapping out at 53 % from utter boredom (which is probably over two hundred pages in my defense). Perhaps if the hero Noc wasn’t so darn unoriginal and the story ‘this is pizza’ lacked luster to keep me reading on like a chore instead of enjoyment.
This book is written by my favorite author and this is one of my favorite series by her so I’m feeling awful about my failure to get through it. So it's either the story is a major snoozefest or I've lost my KA mojo because this was so darn boring for me.
I’m tapping out at 53 % from utter boredom (which is probably over two hundred pages in my defense). Perhaps if the hero Noc wasn’t so darn unoriginal and the story ‘this is pizza’ lacked luster to keep me reading on like a chore instead of enjoyment.
February 8, 2021
#1 Wildest Dreams — 3.5 Stars
#2 The Golden Dynasty — Infinity of Stars
#3 Fantastical — 4 Stars
#4 Broken Dove — 3.5 Stars
#5 Midnight Soul — 3 Stars
Instead of Noc and Franka, the author should’ve just made this all about Lahn’s twin (aka Dax of this world with Circe of the alternate universe) cause this poor excuse of a book is sooo pedestrian. Noc is bae but nothing special that sets him apart from the rest of KA heroes. The switch in Franka’s character from villain or antagonist in the first four books to misunderstood protagonist who’s suddenly liked by everyone in this one is shockingly swift and laughable or laughably unrealistic. Lastly, how this can be a 600 pages long book but (still) has nonexistent plot is beyond me. It’s not bad, it’s just flavorless.
(Read as an Audiobook)
#2 The Golden Dynasty — Infinity of Stars
#3 Fantastical — 4 Stars
#4 Broken Dove — 3.5 Stars
#5 Midnight Soul — 3 Stars
Instead of Noc and Franka, the author should’ve just made this all about Lahn’s twin (aka Dax of this world with Circe of the alternate universe) cause this poor excuse of a book is sooo pedestrian. Noc is bae but nothing special that sets him apart from the rest of KA heroes. The switch in Franka’s character from villain or antagonist in the first four books to misunderstood protagonist who’s suddenly liked by everyone in this one is shockingly swift and laughable or laughably unrealistic. Lastly, how this can be a 600 pages long book but (still) has nonexistent plot is beyond me. It’s not bad, it’s just flavorless.
(Read as an Audiobook)
August 24, 2016
3.5 stars
I love being right. I really do. In this case I wouldn't have minded being wrong. Though it wasn't as bad as I feared.
Unfortunately I didn't really become invested in this couple. It was a good, enjoyable read but nothing to marvel at. And the lack of excitement for them persisted throughout the book. I knew KA would redeem Franka and as I said below I actually really liked her more acerbic nature. Franka turned into homemaker and her sharp tongue was curved for the most part after her redemption and getting together with Noc. At least she didn't call him "honey".
I was rooting way more for the secondary couple and I really wanted their POV. Actually I would prefer to read a whole book (600+ pages) about them rather than Franka&Noc. Again unfortunately we didn't get even a smidge of their POV or how exactly they got together which again I would have loved to read.
As usual for KA we had a lovely epilogue but it still left me with some questions mostly regarding Valentine and her HEA. All in all it was a step up from her last two books but not close enough to the glory of her earlier works.
Prior to reading
May 2016
WARNING unpopular opinion ahead
Am I the only one not really looking forward to this?
I mean Franka? Really? For Noc?! She was great as a dubiously immoral, selfish cow and I know KA will find a way to twist it all and make her prickly personality make sense through some past traumatic events or some such. The thing is, I liked hating Franka! She was honest and bitchy and hoity-toity and frankly kinda fun. Now she's gonna be a grieving persona that will shed her grief and bitchiness and be all sparkly,gutsy and homemaker for Noc...
I will read this just so KA can prove me wrong. Though, I don't think so.
I just wanted someone else for Noc. Anyone else.
August 16, 2016
NOW LIVE!!! http://amzn.to/2aUNuf7
3.5-4 stars
"You don't think you're perfect but you are, Frannie. Every inch."
Midnight Soul, the final book in the Fantasyland series, is the story of Franka and Noctorno Hawthorne. Noc, the parallel universe (our universe) of the Tor from book 3, has traveled from our modern world into the Fantasyland one. Franka has a dark past, known for being conniving she recently had been guilty of treason in an effort to save her lover. After helping out in the events at the end of book 4, Franka has redeemed herself of her crimes but not of her reputation. Noc sees through her hard facade for the woman she is beneath and the two begin a wonderful friendship.
Franka holds a secret past no one could have ever imagined, and once it comes to light her options have changed. Noc wants Franka to come with him to his world and Franka wishes for a new adventure. It's just a matter of her overcoming her grief and of Noc convincing her to stay...
Misunderstood heroines are my favorite kind of heroines. Franka is a character who in the past had been introduced as a villain and has been unkind to other characters. I love that we got her side of the story, how she showed others what she wanted them to see and not who she really was. I loved that Noc saw through her act for who she was, even when no one else did. From the beginning he was a great hero, and the best part? He didn't act like a dick in this book. Yippee!!
This book was definitely different from the other books in the series (which I recommend reading in order). It was almost a reversal with Franka discovering what we consider our world instead of being placed in the fantasy world as the previous 4 books are. I really loved the redemption of Franka, but I felt like Noc and Franka lost the focus of the story once that was over. Much of the story was about the other Circe and Dax, and even Valentine. I would have loved this book more if the focus has remained on the main couple and their love story rather than their involvement in the lives of others.
Fantasyland is hands down my favorite series by Kristen Ashley, I've never read anything like it. If you haven't read this series, you need to!!!
"I love you."
"Thank fuck."
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
3.5-4 stars
"You don't think you're perfect but you are, Frannie. Every inch."
Midnight Soul, the final book in the Fantasyland series, is the story of Franka and Noctorno Hawthorne. Noc, the parallel universe (our universe) of the Tor from book 3, has traveled from our modern world into the Fantasyland one. Franka has a dark past, known for being conniving she recently had been guilty of treason in an effort to save her lover. After helping out in the events at the end of book 4, Franka has redeemed herself of her crimes but not of her reputation. Noc sees through her hard facade for the woman she is beneath and the two begin a wonderful friendship.
Franka holds a secret past no one could have ever imagined, and once it comes to light her options have changed. Noc wants Franka to come with him to his world and Franka wishes for a new adventure. It's just a matter of her overcoming her grief and of Noc convincing her to stay...
Misunderstood heroines are my favorite kind of heroines. Franka is a character who in the past had been introduced as a villain and has been unkind to other characters. I love that we got her side of the story, how she showed others what she wanted them to see and not who she really was. I loved that Noc saw through her act for who she was, even when no one else did. From the beginning he was a great hero, and the best part? He didn't act like a dick in this book. Yippee!!
This book was definitely different from the other books in the series (which I recommend reading in order). It was almost a reversal with Franka discovering what we consider our world instead of being placed in the fantasy world as the previous 4 books are. I really loved the redemption of Franka, but I felt like Noc and Franka lost the focus of the story once that was over. Much of the story was about the other Circe and Dax, and even Valentine. I would have loved this book more if the focus has remained on the main couple and their love story rather than their involvement in the lives of others.
Fantasyland is hands down my favorite series by Kristen Ashley, I've never read anything like it. If you haven't read this series, you need to!!!
"I love you."
"Thank fuck."
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
August 17, 2016
Sad to say this was at best boring and uninspiring. I never thought I would say that about a KA book but the last few haven't been anywhere near half as good as her earlier works. It started off really well, and I didn't even mind the but the good didn't last long before it felt like I was wading through the boredom just to be able to call it done.
I struggled with Franka's total 180 in the space of a few pages, from super bitch to super sweet was just beyond belief. I'm thinking there is no way this new and improved Franka could be the same revolting bitch she had been for THE ENTIRE REST OF THE SERIES. Nope, no way did that sit right with me, regardless of her tragic past. A person can't switch personalities like that, it's impossible to believe - fantasy or not!
So, 4 stars for the beginning, 1 for the majority of the rest of the book, I'm calling this one 2 humdrum stars.
I struggled with Franka's total 180 in the space of a few pages, from super bitch to super sweet was just beyond belief. I'm thinking there is no way this new and improved Franka could be the same revolting bitch she had been for THE ENTIRE REST OF THE SERIES. Nope, no way did that sit right with me, regardless of her tragic past. A person can't switch personalities like that, it's impossible to believe - fantasy or not!
So, 4 stars for the beginning, 1 for the majority of the rest of the book, I'm calling this one 2 humdrum stars.
August 23, 2016
***3.5 Midnight stars***
We met Franka Drakkar in previous books of the Fantasyland series she was a hateful woman who we all love to hate but when it comes to Franka the phrase “Don’t judge a book by it cover” comes to mind.
As we discover early on in Midnight Soul why Franka is the way she is, she is hiding behind a mask not letting anyone get to close to her but when the truth is discovered everyone even Frey is there to take her back to take care and protect her and her brother from the evil in their lives.
Noc Hawthorne came to Lunwyn the parallel universe to help battle the dark magic. After the battle he is planning on staying for a few months exploring before going home to his own world and starting a new life in New Orleans.
After Noc finds Franka and saves her he is determined to get to know the REAL Franka Drakkar they start spending time together getting to know each other only as friends as Franka is still mourning the loss of her lover.
With time Franka tears down the walls she surrounded herself with and begins to mix with everyone making amends for her previous ways. She makes plans for her and Josette her aid for their own adventure in the future but when Kristian discovers this he forbids it allowing her only to travel to the other world with Noc so she can have her new life and adventure.
After months apart Franka spending it with her brother and his family, Noc on his adventure with Frey and Finnie. Franka and Josette are transported to NOLA with help from Valentine, Franka arrives literally in Noc’s arms and from there their relationship soon HOTS up.
This was an enjoyable read my highlights were
getting to know the real Franka and spending time with Franka and Noc
how Frannie and Jo take to their new environment
I loved catching up with all the previous couples from this series
Valentine and their meddling to get the other Circe and other Dax Lahn together
and of course the epilogue is classic KA.
The only thing missing for me with Midnight Soul is it did not have the exciting edge of your seat adventure element to the story like the previous books, this is just about Franka and Noc.
I only read this series this year and I loved them all and now I am sad that yet another series has come to an end.
We met Franka Drakkar in previous books of the Fantasyland series she was a hateful woman who we all love to hate but when it comes to Franka the phrase “Don’t judge a book by it cover” comes to mind.
As we discover early on in Midnight Soul why Franka is the way she is, she is hiding behind a mask not letting anyone get to close to her but when the truth is discovered everyone even Frey is there to take her back to take care and protect her and her brother from the evil in their lives.
Noc Hawthorne came to Lunwyn the parallel universe to help battle the dark magic. After the battle he is planning on staying for a few months exploring before going home to his own world and starting a new life in New Orleans.
After Noc finds Franka and saves her he is determined to get to know the REAL Franka Drakkar they start spending time together getting to know each other only as friends as Franka is still mourning the loss of her lover.
With time Franka tears down the walls she surrounded herself with and begins to mix with everyone making amends for her previous ways. She makes plans for her and Josette her aid for their own adventure in the future but when Kristian discovers this he forbids it allowing her only to travel to the other world with Noc so she can have her new life and adventure.
After months apart Franka spending it with her brother and his family, Noc on his adventure with Frey and Finnie. Franka and Josette are transported to NOLA with help from Valentine, Franka arrives literally in Noc’s arms and from there their relationship soon HOTS up.
This was an enjoyable read my highlights were
getting to know the real Franka and spending time with Franka and Noc
how Frannie and Jo take to their new environment
I loved catching up with all the previous couples from this series
Valentine and their meddling to get the other Circe and other Dax Lahn together
and of course the epilogue is classic KA.
The only thing missing for me with Midnight Soul is it did not have the exciting edge of your seat adventure element to the story like the previous books, this is just about Franka and Noc.
I only read this series this year and I loved them all and now I am sad that yet another series has come to an end.
June 27, 2020
friends-turned-lovers and slowburn romances are really my thing, sue me.
November 15, 2016
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★Book Basics★
Genre : - Paranormal Romance
Series : - 5th in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 3 stars
★Review★
I have to say, I was so not looking forward to this book.
And ok, so maybe I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
But that is only because for me, Franka in this book, was SO different from her character in previous books that it was pretty much like a brand new character, only with the occasional thought given to how horrible she used to be. And a pretty awful abusive past given to explain away why she used to be so horrible. But in reading it, there was just no connection between the Franka here and the Franka we knew. She managed to morph into the typical KA heroine.
I enjoyed the difference from the previous books, as in we had the heroine from the other world coming to ours, I just felt like it took too long to get to that point (but you know, we had to have all the previous couples come to the realisation they had been WRONG about her).
And in all honesty, it felt like the romantic relationship between Noc and Franka just appeared with little development. Yes they were friends, and yes she was clearly attracted to him, but all of a sudden he is telling her she is coming to his world, and BAM they have a relationship. Just because I knew this book is about them, does not mean I don't want some actual real build up to a relationship.
Previous characters from the series were mentioned but pretty much just used as scenery, example, Dax Lahn, Noc etc. Not even sure they even had a word to be spoken here, just used as background and as they would be expected to be there.
I did get all excited about seeing our world Dax Lahn and would have loved that side romance, if it had not pretty much all happened off page, and therefore actually not even sure why it was added. I felt teased with what could have been a brilliant side romance, but was left disappointed that we actually got hardly anything of it.
All in, it was an ok end to the series, I enjoyed having the heroine come to our world and seeing that, it was a nice little end to the series, but it felt like I was reading a new to me heroine.
Ohh, and I do feel a bit like she messed with the HEA of Dax Lahn and Circe and Korwahk etc. mentioning in the epilogue the MAJOR change Lahn makes to his world and what it would mean for the lives of his people etc, and how it will pretty much lead to uprisings/a possible civil war? I was felt a bit put out at that really. Everyone is supposed to be happy and riding off into the sunset at the end of a series. Not heading into a civil war/unrest that we will never read about. (and ofc yes, we know it will all be alright, but really, I cannot help feeling like a HEA has been slightly tarnished with that)
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Paranormal Romance
Series : - 5th in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 3 stars
★Review★
I have to say, I was so not looking forward to this book.
And ok, so maybe I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
But that is only because for me, Franka in this book, was SO different from her character in previous books that it was pretty much like a brand new character, only with the occasional thought given to how horrible she used to be. And a pretty awful abusive past given to explain away why she used to be so horrible. But in reading it, there was just no connection between the Franka here and the Franka we knew. She managed to morph into the typical KA heroine.
I enjoyed the difference from the previous books, as in we had the heroine from the other world coming to ours, I just felt like it took too long to get to that point (but you know, we had to have all the previous couples come to the realisation they had been WRONG about her).
And in all honesty, it felt like the romantic relationship between Noc and Franka just appeared with little development. Yes they were friends, and yes she was clearly attracted to him, but all of a sudden he is telling her she is coming to his world, and BAM they have a relationship. Just because I knew this book is about them, does not mean I don't want some actual real build up to a relationship.
Previous characters from the series were mentioned but pretty much just used as scenery, example, Dax Lahn, Noc etc. Not even sure they even had a word to be spoken here, just used as background and as they would be expected to be there.
I did get all excited about seeing our world Dax Lahn and would have loved that side romance, if it had not pretty much all happened off page, and therefore actually not even sure why it was added. I felt teased with what could have been a brilliant side romance, but was left disappointed that we actually got hardly anything of it.
All in, it was an ok end to the series, I enjoyed having the heroine come to our world and seeing that, it was a nice little end to the series, but it felt like I was reading a new to me heroine.
Ohh, and I do feel a bit like she messed with the HEA of Dax Lahn and Circe and Korwahk etc. mentioning in the epilogue the MAJOR change Lahn makes to his world and what it would mean for the lives of his people etc, and how it will pretty much lead to uprisings/a possible civil war? I was felt a bit put out at that really. Everyone is supposed to be happy and riding off into the sunset at the end of a series. Not heading into a civil war/unrest that we will never read about. (and ofc yes, we know it will all be alright, but really, I cannot help feeling like a HEA has been slightly tarnished with that)
own-need-to-read
July 7, 2016Can. Not. Wait!!!!!!!
Against his will, Noctorno Hawthorne of our world, an undercover vice cop, finds himself embroiled in magic, mayhem and alternate universes. Too late, in Fantastical, he meets the Cora Goode of his world only to find she's destined for his twin in the alternate universe. What he doesn't know is, his destined love resides in another dimension. And when he meets her, he's not only stunned, he's faced with introducing her to a new reality and coaxing her to want to stay.
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If you're already a Kristen Ashley addict, or interested in checking out her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!
August 22, 2016
I’m sad to be experiencing Fantasyland for the last time.
Well, this is the end. I’m sure I’ll be going back to visit every now and again but this will be the last time that Fantasyland will be new and exciting for me. There’s a tear in my eye, but joy in my heart that the journey these characters haven taken prove that Love is everything.
Geez, what an emotional goose I sound…but I have an excuse. I’ve got a cold. I was supposed to be having a Friday Night KA Party Night and I had the wine and nibbles all sorted. Then my nose started running and after half a glass of wine, I knew that the party wasn’t going to work out as I planned. Which, I found in hindsight, was a blessing in disguise. See, I started reading Midnight Soul and I was COMPLETELY LOST! I mean…who??? What??? HUH??? I couldn’t remember who all the players were, what they were all doing and why they were all doing it. Ummm… I'm pretty sure the dude with the sated look on his face from getting it on is supposed to be the hero of this book? I didn’t want to see him looking invigorated and satisfied by a woman other than the heroine. What has KA done? Where is she going with this? How will I cope? Well, the answer becomes clearer later on, but it still stuck in my craw a bit, to be honest.
So, Friday night ended up being a research night. I went back and read the last couple of chapters of Broken Dove and then did a search on Franka’s name. What was surprising for me was that I didn’t hate her as much after re-reading about her. Yes, Franka was nasty, but we all know that nobody is perfect and even I can be a bit awful before my first cup of coffee. My words are not like daggers as Franka’s are, but I’m sure that my 9-year-old thinks I’m being nasty when I say at 6:30 in the morning that I don’t CARE about last nights footy scores.
So, I woke up Saturday morning ready to get cracking on Midnight Soul. I decided to reserve my judgement and just take the ride. Half an hour later and I’m a blubbering mess. Poor Franka, I did not see that coming. It was hideous and disgraceful and I wanted to reach into my kindle and knock some heads together. Luckily, I didn’t need to do that because Noc, Frey and a few of the guards sorted it all out. Now, this is where things start to get a little interesting. Everyone is looking at Franka a wee bit differently. They’re questioning everything they’ve seen and heard from her. Are the sympathy and new found humour in her cutting remarks right? Should we forgive her her foul deeds because of what we now know about her torturous upbringing from the age of 5?
I think the life Franka has lead up to now excuses some of her decisions but definitely not all. Did Frey, Finnie, Cora and the rest forgive her too quickly? Yes, but you could tell it was still with a little trepidation. I think her part in saving the world and the wives of Frey, Lahn, Tor and Apollo probably helped.
It was interesting to see Noc being her shield from attack and also the person who helped her the most. I could see that he had his heart in the right place, but I struggled to forget the first page of the book. Is this just his way of helping her and becoming her friend or does he really want to be her man?
Noc, you’re going to have to convince me you’re the hero of this story.
There were parts I loved and parts I did not love in Midnight Soul but all of it was told in Kristen Ashley’s usual style so I enjoyed it all the same. Yes, maybe it was a little long and maybe it wasn’t like the rest of the Fantasyland series, but it was the story that Kristen Ashley wrote. I get that this was different because instead of one of us going to a new world to experience new things and adventures, it was the flipside. But, see we live on the flip side, so to us, it’s not an adventure or new experiences. I tried to look at it from Franka’s eyes and I managed to have some good laughs, while also seeing that we may have done some major damage to our beautiful world. So, Midnight Soul did not disappoint me or let me down, it just made me look at things in a different way.
Now, here is my honesty…I wish Kristen Ashley had switched the storylines around. I myself would have loved to have read a full story of Mr Dax Lahn…The Savage meeting and falling in love with Circe in our world, and Franka and Noc being the additional storyline. BUT…I got over it and managed to set aside a couple of minutes (a good half hour) to go searching for Jason Momoa in a suit pictures because he’s my Lahn. I wanted to know more of Mr Dax Lahn, the shrewd, sly, razor-sharp and ruthless attorney. I wanted to see the big man and how he talked the very scared Circe into trusting him. I got a bit…I just wanted…no…needed...more. But that… is my cross to be bear. ;)
I really enjoyed Midnight Soul but I’m sad to see this wonderful series come to an end. As per usual, I have probably gone overboard with my ramblings, but I struggle to read a KA and not have overwhelming thoughts and feelings at the end. I still get the high from finding a Kristen Ashley book pop up on my kindle and I’m pretty sure that will keep happening for as long as she keeps writing.
To buy Midnight Soul from Amazon - http://amzn.to/2byUDpp
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
December 20, 2020
Disappointed! It was the last book, I was expecting a "grand finale". Not this! I think KA is getting lazy lately. Her last books aren't like the first ones. "The
Magic" is missing. I'm so sad about that. :(
Ok. The book.
Spoilers ahead
First half was dragging. Second one was better. Sexy time makes everything better and I have to admit, KA really writes beautiful love and sex scenes. But it wasn't enough. The characters were boring. The plot was missing. No twists, no nothing. Only drama, drama, drama! Two years and we get this?! I feel so cheated!
I would have liked Franka, if KA wouldn't have changed her character. She was a villain. A villain can be likeable. Many authors can write amazing books about their villains and i have rated them better ( Lothaire from Immortals after Dark- Kresley Cole).
Why did you have to transform her into entirety another woman? She wasn't the same Franka. I didn't like how her story developed. I really wanted to see a happy ending more than Franka choosing her new shoes. But the ending was so rushed! Really KA? This book was the Finale! We deserved something more.
I didn't even like Noc. I couldn't feel the chemistry between them. Ok, love scenes were great, but I failed to see the feelings. Franka claimed to be experienced and know everything but in the bed she behaved so "virginal". I didn't see her charms. She was so annoying. Behaving like an ignorant and all, she did get in my nerves. The worst couple in the fantasyland series.
The only ones that saved the book were Dax and Circe, of this world and the other one. They were amazing! Flawless! I would have loved to read more about them. Their chemistry was off the charts.
I don't know if I'll read again a KA book. I'm not finding her books extraordinary anymore. I'll be sceptical and I'll wait for my GR friends' reviews, before reading another work of her.
20/05/2016
Dammit, it's Franka. I don't know how to feel about this :/, but I loved Noc. Cover is nice, though.
WhOOAA! We have a title! Finally! I feel like I've been waiting since forever for this book!
#1 on my to-read shelf.
Magic" is missing. I'm so sad about that. :(
Ok. The book.
Spoilers ahead
First half was dragging. Second one was better. Sexy time makes everything better and I have to admit, KA really writes beautiful love and sex scenes. But it wasn't enough. The characters were boring. The plot was missing. No twists, no nothing. Only drama, drama, drama! Two years and we get this?! I feel so cheated!
I would have liked Franka, if KA wouldn't have changed her character. She was a villain. A villain can be likeable. Many authors can write amazing books about their villains and i have rated them better ( Lothaire from Immortals after Dark- Kresley Cole).
Why did you have to transform her into entirety another woman? She wasn't the same Franka. I didn't like how her story developed. I really wanted to see a happy ending more than Franka choosing her new shoes. But the ending was so rushed! Really KA? This book was the Finale! We deserved something more.
I didn't even like Noc. I couldn't feel the chemistry between them. Ok, love scenes were great, but I failed to see the feelings. Franka claimed to be experienced and know everything but in the bed she behaved so "virginal". I didn't see her charms. She was so annoying. Behaving like an ignorant and all, she did get in my nerves. The worst couple in the fantasyland series.
The only ones that saved the book were Dax and Circe, of this world and the other one. They were amazing! Flawless! I would have loved to read more about them. Their chemistry was off the charts.
I don't know if I'll read again a KA book. I'm not finding her books extraordinary anymore. I'll be sceptical and I'll wait for my GR friends' reviews, before reading another work of her.
20/05/2016
Dammit, it's Franka. I don't know how to feel about this :/, but I loved Noc. Cover is nice, though.
WhOOAA! We have a title! Finally! I feel like I've been waiting since forever for this book!
#1 on my to-read shelf.
September 10, 2016
Hearts and flowers all the way in this last books in the Fantasyland series.
Noctorno Hawthorne is not in our universe anymore, he’s found himself fighting the good fight in a parallel one where electricity and cell phones do not exist but magic and his soul mate do. After he meets her and discovers her secrets he’s convinced they belong together, but can he persuade her to go back with him to his world?
Franka Drakkar has deep, dark secrets which she’s learned to live with since she was a child by putting on a cold, conniving and even ruthless guise to protect herself, but after a few drinks with Noc it slips and now she’s faced with his sweet tenderness, protectiveness and exciting invitation to go back with him. Can she admit she’s worthy of such things and accept his offer?
Midnight Soul was an unexpected but welcome story. I had read the first four books in the Fantasyland series back to back a while back and loved, LOVED, LO.VED. them, especially The Golden Dynasty. I could happily re-read that book a million times. I honestly thought that book #4 was the end of the series even knowing there were still some loose ends, mainly regarding the doppelgangers from the series that were in our world with unresolved love lives, so this is really a great read for Fantasyland fans because we get exactly that: a resolution of our world loves. Unfortunately though, this resolution, which I’ll not spoil you with, takes a bit away from our main characters.
Poor Franka, honestly, she got the short end of the stick with her parents and life in general. I met her in the previous books and wasn’t really a fan because she was painted in a very selfish, heartless light even though she did redeem herself and I wasn’t the only one who thought so. Every character in the Fantasyland series thought so except Noc, from our world, who saw through her mask and helped her and everyone else see the same goodness which everyone easily accepted after her secrets were revealed. Noc had his work cut out when it came to convincing Franka herself of her inner goodness.
Noc was the quintessential Kristen Ashley hero. A take charge alpha male through and through, sweet, tender and absolutely sexy with a slight grammar quirk. He’s patient, thoughtful and just all around perfect. Perhaps too perfect, which would explain the lack of angst, drama or anything else actually happening after he discovers Franka’s secrets at the beginning of the story. Don’t get me wrong, I loved having all the previous couples in the series back, especially Dax Lanh and Circe. It was great reading about how Noc introduced Franka into our world, but it’s mostly like an extended epilogue. So Fantasyland fans rejoice, for this is a wonderfully sweet ending to a most excellent adventure.
Midnight Soul is the fifth and last book in the Fantasyland series by Kristen Ashley. It is a standalone, full-length romance with lots of sizzling hot sexy times and ridiculously sweet loving moments which I STRONGLY recommend be read in order after the first 4 books. Told from several points of view, with a happy ending.
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. *
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Noctorno Hawthorne is not in our universe anymore, he’s found himself fighting the good fight in a parallel one where electricity and cell phones do not exist but magic and his soul mate do. After he meets her and discovers her secrets he’s convinced they belong together, but can he persuade her to go back with him to his world?
Franka Drakkar has deep, dark secrets which she’s learned to live with since she was a child by putting on a cold, conniving and even ruthless guise to protect herself, but after a few drinks with Noc it slips and now she’s faced with his sweet tenderness, protectiveness and exciting invitation to go back with him. Can she admit she’s worthy of such things and accept his offer?
“But there was a reason I carried a midnight soul, for the evil contained in both my parents set their souls to cinders years ago. It was not a wonder I'd inherited the blackness.”
Midnight Soul was an unexpected but welcome story. I had read the first four books in the Fantasyland series back to back a while back and loved, LOVED, LO.VED. them, especially The Golden Dynasty. I could happily re-read that book a million times. I honestly thought that book #4 was the end of the series even knowing there were still some loose ends, mainly regarding the doppelgangers from the series that were in our world with unresolved love lives, so this is really a great read for Fantasyland fans because we get exactly that: a resolution of our world loves. Unfortunately though, this resolution, which I’ll not spoil you with, takes a bit away from our main characters.
Poor Franka, honestly, she got the short end of the stick with her parents and life in general. I met her in the previous books and wasn’t really a fan because she was painted in a very selfish, heartless light even though she did redeem herself and I wasn’t the only one who thought so. Every character in the Fantasyland series thought so except Noc, from our world, who saw through her mask and helped her and everyone else see the same goodness which everyone easily accepted after her secrets were revealed. Noc had his work cut out when it came to convincing Franka herself of her inner goodness.
"You don't think you're perfect but you are, Frannie. Every inch."
Noc was the quintessential Kristen Ashley hero. A take charge alpha male through and through, sweet, tender and absolutely sexy with a slight grammar quirk. He’s patient, thoughtful and just all around perfect. Perhaps too perfect, which would explain the lack of angst, drama or anything else actually happening after he discovers Franka’s secrets at the beginning of the story. Don’t get me wrong, I loved having all the previous couples in the series back, especially Dax Lanh and Circe. It was great reading about how Noc introduced Franka into our world, but it’s mostly like an extended epilogue. So Fantasyland fans rejoice, for this is a wonderfully sweet ending to a most excellent adventure.
Midnight Soul is the fifth and last book in the Fantasyland series by Kristen Ashley. It is a standalone, full-length romance with lots of sizzling hot sexy times and ridiculously sweet loving moments which I STRONGLY recommend be read in order after the first 4 books. Told from several points of view, with a happy ending.
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
September 10, 2016
THE LAND OF SECOND CHANCES OR FRANKA'S JOURNEY
There is this extraordinary woman. Nobody has managed to touch the centre of her sorrow. A woman who has delivered betrayal, fear and pain very successfully -I have to say- because she is Drakkar and Drakkars know how to hurt and betray others since they have a dark soul. All of them.
Apparently, deep down Franka only needed someone to show him her pain and her secrets. That someone will not try to change her. He will teach her the adventure of being alive and he will show her his world. A world of magic without magic
My favourite moments in this book were both Franka's moments and they show her bravery and the strength of her character:
1. When she accepted the chests with the gold and the jewels in front of a bunch of judgmental people waiting for her to fail the "test". Really, why and how some of my favourite characters in Fantasyland become so judgmental? Like all of them were perfect, innocent and faultless.
2. When she decided to keep her scars (although the elves could make them disappear) because "she has earned them". There is strength and honor in these scars!
The book may be slightly (just only a teeny-tiny bit) not as engaging as the other Fantasyland books, HOWEVER it is still so much better than most of the fantasy books I have read.
I strongly believe it does not deserve a rating less than five.
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Before reading the book:
Bitch Franka Drakkar meets her match....hmm....
I really liked Franka's bitchiness in the previous books, but I think I am the minority here.
Anyhow, I hope she is not much too transformed here and she doesn't become sweet and delicate, because I will be very very very displeased!
There is this extraordinary woman. Nobody has managed to touch the centre of her sorrow. A woman who has delivered betrayal, fear and pain very successfully -I have to say- because she is Drakkar and Drakkars know how to hurt and betray others since they have a dark soul. All of them.
Apparently, deep down Franka only needed someone to show him her pain and her secrets. That someone will not try to change her. He will teach her the adventure of being alive and he will show her his world. A world of magic without magic
My favourite moments in this book were both Franka's moments and they show her bravery and the strength of her character:
1. When she accepted the chests with the gold and the jewels in front of a bunch of judgmental people waiting for her to fail the "test". Really, why and how some of my favourite characters in Fantasyland become so judgmental? Like all of them were perfect, innocent and faultless.
2. When she decided to keep her scars (although the elves could make them disappear) because "she has earned them". There is strength and honor in these scars!
The book may be slightly (just only a teeny-tiny bit) not as engaging as the other Fantasyland books, HOWEVER it is still so much better than most of the fantasy books I have read.
I strongly believe it does not deserve a rating less than five.
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Before reading the book:
Bitch Franka Drakkar meets her match....hmm....
I really liked Franka's bitchiness in the previous books, but I think I am the minority here.
Anyhow, I hope she is not much too transformed here and she doesn't become sweet and delicate, because I will be very very very displeased!
August 19, 2016
***3.5 Stars***
”We balance worlds.”
And so the time has come to bid farewell to another KA series. This series has been a favorite…especially the first two books (a moment to reflect on all that is Frey Drakkar and Dax Lahn….wait, give me a few more moments…just a couple of more…alright, that’s enough…for today).
Alright, back to my thoughts on THIS book. This book is LONG….like, REALLY long (600+ pages). When I opened my kindle and saw my reading time was 13+ hours, I knew I had to buck up and make the commitment that for the next few days it was going to be nothing but work, sleep and read.
So, I'm just going to give you the highlights of what I liked and unfortunately, what I didn’t.
♥ Franka’s Character Arc – I have to be 100% honest, I don’t really remember much of the havoc she wreaked in the previous books. I remember her being a bitch and sneaky and manipulative…but other than that, I didn't remember specifics. But seeing the life she’s lived, the torment and torture she’s endured and the love she has for her brother…well, I found it easy to forgive her. Her POV was honest. She was so accustomed at living a life of self preservation, that when everything was out in the open, she didn’t know how to deal with all of the emotions coming at her. But with Noc’s help, and others, she was able to discover who she truly was underneath the mask and armor that she always wore. It wasn’t a gradual change, but a slow acceptance that kindness, generosity and affection also lived within her.
♥ Noc’s Patience and Persistence – Noc had sweetness, patience and protectiveness in spades. He gave Franka the time and space she needed to accept her new reality. He helped her navigate through muddled feelings of grief, despair, fear, gratefulness, insecurity, hope and longing. He was Franka’s helping hand, her support and her biggest champion.
”The final chapter, Frannie. The end of that book. Period. Dot. You’re done. You do this, you show them they didn’t break you, they never broke you, sweetheart, you walk away, close that book and move on.”
♥ Josette - I LOVED this chick!! I loved her kindness, her spirit, her excitement, her sense of adventure, her caring nature….everything. Two words describe Josette perfectly…
♥ Discovering "Our" World - THIS seriously had me laughing my ass off! From the phenomenon that is the toilet, to the discovery of pizza and tacos, to reality television and the list goes on and on. It really made me think about how we take some things for granted and how far technology has come (though I grasp that notion every time I watch my 80 year old grandpa play on "his" iPad).
♥ Seeing the Past Couples - Any time any of the couples from the previous books made an appearance my heart was happy. I loved seeing them and catching up. The way KA incorporates her other characters in a story truly feels like catching up with old friends. Frey and Finnie, Circe and Lahn, Tor and Cora and Maddie and Apollo...it was great seeing them all.
♥ The Epilogue - I'm an HEA whore...and nothing makes me happier then when I get those glimpses five years down the road....and this look made my heart pitter patter with glee.
So...the downside...
Valentine's POV - Why? Why was it here? It added nothing...absolutely nothing. No extra layer to the story, no extra emotion...nothing. Her "storyline," if you can call it that, wasn't even fully developed for you to get invested in. Including small snippets of what was going on with her (though being completely vague about it) completely confused me because I thought it would tie in with something down the line. All it did was add more words and hike up the page count.
Lack of a Real Plot in the Second Half- The first half of this book was filled with lots of emotion and anticipation, but once that was all sorted....there was nothing left to keep you engaged. No momentum, no point in the future that you were moving towards. No conflict, no climax you were building to. Nothing. I can handle a quiet story, something more character driven...but not for over 600 pages.
Underdeveloped Secondary Love Story - I was squirming with anticipation when I saw we would get a little match making between Circe of the other world and Lahn of "our" world. Especially, when I saw that he was this high powered attorney. Oh man, the alpha vibes poured off the page. Time was devoted to explaining the setup, actually setting up the setup, seeing the initial meet, seeing the "first date," and then they were an afterthought. Cue the disappointment. Why devote so much time to them if you're not going to follow through and actually make them a secondary plot? Four words, my friends...more words, more pages.
I have to be honest and say, if this book was trimmed down about 200 pages, this would have probably been close to a 4.5 - 5 star read. I loved the emotion in the first half, the slow burn, the self discovery, the perfect balance of heart and humor....but there was too much extra thrown in that was completely unneeded.
I'm sad to see this series end, but with the beautiful epilogue we were given, I closed my kindle with a tear in my eye and a smile on my face.
August 15, 2016
❝One night months ago, I sat down to wine and whiskey with a beautiful woman and by the time I watched her walk out of that room, she had me wrapped around her finger.❞
The magical conclusion to the 'Fantasy Land' series, 'Midnight Soul' is a slow burn romance that will have you laughing, crying and begging for more.
No matter when you finished reading 'Broken Dove (Fantasyland #4)', you will not be lost nor confused with this next book in the series, starring Franka and Noc. Because Kristen Ashley does a fabulous job reviewing the events of all previous books, without making you feel like you are reading a review of the previous books.
Coming to the rescue of a world that is under threat of the wicked, Noc finds more than he bargains for. He meets Franka. At first sight, he knows there's more to her than her defenses, and he's intrigued.
Noc is the perfect book boyfriend, the perfect male character, the perfect hero! He is patient, kind, thoughtful and a sexy alpha male! He knew the healing Franka needed and signed up to be her healer.
❝He was excellent company. Engaged. Amusing. Affectionate. Attentive. Thoughtful. Caring. And very much not hard to look at.❞
I love her inner struggle, not only can you see it, but you can feel it. She is fighting the urge to be the old Franka, stone cold and brutal with her tongue like a snipers rifle, honing in on her foe's weaknesses. Because this Franka has feelings and is nice, kind and empathetic. Franka fears these feelings and changes. She doesn't believe she deserves love or kindness from others. So she tries to push them away.
❝You should not be kind to me,❞
I whispered.
His expression changed.
It did not go wary.
It warmed with a gentleness that made it feel my insides were unravelling.
❝Franka,❞ he whispered back.
❝You should not be kind to me,❞ I repeated.
❝Babe---❞
❝I've done terrible things.❞
We are outsiders looking in as Franka transforms, and Noc breaks down her walls revealing the true Franka. Franka is smart, curious, and inherently funny! She had me rolling with laughter. Watching her experience new things and new languages was heart-warming and fun. Kind of like watching a toddler experiencing their world for the first time. There wasn't anything about Franka I didn't like. Her spunk made their banter fabulous, their discussions of their different languages, hilarious and it provided sparks to their relationship.
So, I said this was a slow burn, and I mean that! It takes a long time for them to kiss, let alone come together. But I appreciated that Ashley didn't rush things between these two. She allowed for Franka to heal, and start over, before proceeding with a relationship.
My FAVORITE scene (aside from the Epilogue) was when Franka confronts her parents at about 25%. That was THE BEST PARAGRAPH EVER! It instantly made me think of 'Rise Up' by Andra Day. The strength that took for her to do it is beyond comprehension to me. Yet she did it and became stronger because of it!
I don't think I can say it too many times, Kristen Ashley can write the heck out of an Epilogue! I know other fans will agree. And the Epilogue in this book, completely wrapped up this series into one beautiful package. Her Epilogues are like novella's, stories unto themselves. The only problem with them is they make you want more, and when a series is ending, this is a bad thing!!
Well, crap! My goal was to write a shorter review. Seems I've failed. Suffice it say, I loved this book, this series, and these characters!
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review and did not influence my opinion of the book.
August 27, 2017
Blog Tour Review: http://sweptawaybyromance.com/midnigh...
4 Soul Searching Stars!!
Midnight Soul is the conclusion of the Fantasyland series with our world’s Noctorno (Noc) Hawthorne and the dreaded Franka Drakkar, which I have to say was quite a surprise, after all Franka, in previous books, seemed to have no redeeming qualities. Well, now we get a different side to her, her true side. She has a persona of being greedy, selfish, and cunning, but in reality, she’s a loyal protector. Franka does the things she does to protect the people who are most important to her, namely her brother Kristian and his family all the while she has hidden a secret from everyone…a horrible secret that makes her the woman we know from all the previous books.
Noc is also a protector. He takes things for what they are but in Franka he sees beyond what she shows everyone. A friendship is formed, grudgingly on Franka’s side, whether she likes it or not. As Noc goes on to have an otherworld adventure and Franka makes plans for her future, they are never far from one another’s mind, and when Noc proposes an adventure to Franka, it’s much too exciting for her to pass up and Franka Drakkar is introduced to our world.
Noc and Franka’s relationship, trust, and chemistry come easily once Franka’s secrets are exposed and she learns to trust Noc’s feelings and he definitely brings out the best in her. Beloved past characters make appearances and a little side story is developed involving our worlds Dax Lahn that will melt your heart and have you falling in love with another Dax Lahn.
All in all, Midnight Soul is an endearing and heartwarming finale to another fantastic Kristen Ashley series. As usual, we get a fantastical KA signature epilog, and I can say with all honesty this one will definitely be memorable to readers. My only issue is I wanted to see what will become of Valentine…hopefully we’ll get a novella down the road.
August 18, 2016
Well Congratulations KA. You win the second one star award I gave out this week , for this crap fest. Congratulations on ruining another one of your book series by slapping a craptastic book on the end of it.
Although that mug should be filled with whiskey, the couple in this books drink of choice, that they drank the entire book. My guess is KA was really hitting that whiskey bottle herself while writing this one. Here's an example of this fantastic writing:
"mean, I thought…uh, well, you know, you and Circe seem like…are you…do you…?”
He put her out of her misery by sharing, “Circe and me, that was what it was and what it was was between us. She’s an amazing woman. We’ll keep in touch when we go back to our world. But she doesn’t want that and I’m not looking for it either. We both knew that going in. We both knew what we wanted going in. We both got that. And that part’s done.”
“I don’t actually get any of that,” she admitted."
I don't actually get any of that either Cora, welcome to Kristen Ashley's world of nonsensical writing. Her writing has really changed since she wrote your book Cora........
Shall we continue? So boring boring boring drunk drunk drunk. That sums up the first 2/3rds of the story. Noc and Franka are a remake of Sadie and Hector from rock chicks. But they are a bad remake. Noc can't even speak complete sentences. Franka somehow transforms into this beautiful " midnight soul" blah blah blah after being a she bitch from hell in previous books in this series. The rest of this book is remade scenes from KA's other books all thrown together. In the middle of this dribble, all of the sudden we see a Lahn of this world sighting. Now I loved loved Golden Dynasty. So, seeing Lahn of this world now has my interest. Just when I think Lahn is gonna show, I'm interrupted by my real life.
My sixteen year old son walks downstairs and says with a shaking voice " mom I've made a terrible mistake, Joe ( my thirteen year old son) and I were fooling around with the play samurai sword and I actually stabbed myself in the chest" He holds up his shirt and there is a gaping wound right over his heart bleeding all over the kitchen floor. So eight hours later we are home from ER, my son alive, and I think" wow one more inch and he would have died today. " I'm not wasting another second on this book, life is too short to waste it on this crap. But then......Lahn. So I keep reading.
So then I'm even more pissed. Because, we don't actually get to see Lahn and Circe together. We are TOLD they are together. So instead of spending time with the Golden couple, I'm stuck reading about drunky couple.
I had given up on KA and didn't read her last two books. Her writing got so bad I couldn't even understand what she was saying. But I caved on this one because...Lahn. Then we didn't really get him. What a sad thing , reading this was.
KA then puts down the bottle long enough to write a halfway decent ending. But that's the only good thing I can say about it. I remember a time when my buddy reading friends and I would stalk Amazon at midnight on a KA book release day. I buddy read this with them and all of us are so sadly dissapointed. Now we most likely won't even bother reading her books anymore.
Although that mug should be filled with whiskey, the couple in this books drink of choice, that they drank the entire book. My guess is KA was really hitting that whiskey bottle herself while writing this one. Here's an example of this fantastic writing:
"mean, I thought…uh, well, you know, you and Circe seem like…are you…do you…?”
He put her out of her misery by sharing, “Circe and me, that was what it was and what it was was between us. She’s an amazing woman. We’ll keep in touch when we go back to our world. But she doesn’t want that and I’m not looking for it either. We both knew that going in. We both knew what we wanted going in. We both got that. And that part’s done.”
“I don’t actually get any of that,” she admitted."
I don't actually get any of that either Cora, welcome to Kristen Ashley's world of nonsensical writing. Her writing has really changed since she wrote your book Cora........
Shall we continue? So boring boring boring drunk drunk drunk. That sums up the first 2/3rds of the story. Noc and Franka are a remake of Sadie and Hector from rock chicks. But they are a bad remake. Noc can't even speak complete sentences. Franka somehow transforms into this beautiful " midnight soul" blah blah blah after being a she bitch from hell in previous books in this series. The rest of this book is remade scenes from KA's other books all thrown together. In the middle of this dribble, all of the sudden we see a Lahn of this world sighting. Now I loved loved Golden Dynasty. So, seeing Lahn of this world now has my interest. Just when I think Lahn is gonna show, I'm interrupted by my real life.
My sixteen year old son walks downstairs and says with a shaking voice " mom I've made a terrible mistake, Joe ( my thirteen year old son) and I were fooling around with the play samurai sword and I actually stabbed myself in the chest" He holds up his shirt and there is a gaping wound right over his heart bleeding all over the kitchen floor. So eight hours later we are home from ER, my son alive, and I think" wow one more inch and he would have died today. " I'm not wasting another second on this book, life is too short to waste it on this crap. But then......Lahn. So I keep reading.
So then I'm even more pissed. Because, we don't actually get to see Lahn and Circe together. We are TOLD they are together. So instead of spending time with the Golden couple, I'm stuck reading about drunky couple.
I had given up on KA and didn't read her last two books. Her writing got so bad I couldn't even understand what she was saying. But I caved on this one because...Lahn. Then we didn't really get him. What a sad thing , reading this was.
KA then puts down the bottle long enough to write a halfway decent ending. But that's the only good thing I can say about it. I remember a time when my buddy reading friends and I would stalk Amazon at midnight on a KA book release day. I buddy read this with them and all of us are so sadly dissapointed. Now we most likely won't even bother reading her books anymore.
November 4, 2023
4.5 STARS
This quote from Broken Dove haunted me for so long. Each time I came across the highlighted passage on my kindle, I had a feeling the mysterious woman would be Franka Drakkar. Despite the fact I loathed her character, I always believed she could prove worthy of the gallant Noctorno Hawthorne’s affections. I could have done cartwheels when learning Franka was destined for Noc, finally getting the chance to tell her story in the series finale ~ Midnight Soul.
Now if you’re a fan of the series, you might think I’m whacked, getting all excited over Franka. After all, she’s one fierce and traitorous shrew. Honestly, I loved hating her villainous, manipulative ways. Regardless, Franka fascinated me. I wanted to see what circumstances caused her to be so openly cruel. I craved to see Noc work his way through her defenses. Most importantly, no one writes a story of redemption quite like Kristen Ashley, the likes of which are my favorite type of read. In Midnight Soul, gone was the Franka I once despised and in its place, a strong heroine I’ve come to respect and adore.
Noc and his “Frannie” were truly destined for each other and perfect together. They were two broken souls in need of healing and I was an emotional wreck seeing not only the life-long horrors Franka endured, but also Noc’s insufferable pain.
All her life, Franka believed she carried darkness within her soul, But through all the beauty that was Noc ~his gentleness, patience and love ~ Franka discovered her true self while starting over in a foreign world. I admired the person that was hidden behind the mask. Her strength, her bravery, her willingness to right all the wrongs, the sacrifices she made, learning to put trust in others and the way she supported Noc during his time of need... I was amazed how her character flourished into a lovingly kind and often humorous woman. In the end, I felt absolutely guilty for despising her in the first place.
Noc was incredibly sexy and tenderhearted. A man with a heart of gold, troubled by his own darkness, yet selflessly tended to the needs of his woman before all else. I loved the way he consistently gave what Frannie needed ~ comfort, understanding the woman she needed to be in order to survive, support, time to mourn and the freedom to drop all her defenses and just be. His gentleness and compassion were limitless. And when Franka’s circumstance came to light, I instantly fell for the way Noc stepped up to guard and protect her. He was a true noble hero in every sense of the word.
Franka and Noc’s romance was inspiring as well as beautiful. Midnight Soul was a powerful, slow burn love story of passion, forgiveness, healing and self-discovery. Low on angst in comparison to the other books within this series, the story told mainly focused on Noc and Franka’s journey from friendship to love. Kristen Ashley never ceases to overwhelm me with her magical story telling talents, which touches my soul and always leaves me wanting more from her imagination. (One character in particular ~ Valentine. I need her story). It saddens me that this great series has come to an end. But, I enjoyed seeing all the past couples heavily involved within the storyline, as well as meeting new and lovable characters. And that epilogue…WOW! As I expected, Ashley brought me to tears yet again.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
August 9, 2016
It’s no secret that one of my favorite series EVAH is Fantasyland. So I am pleased and a bit humbled to tell you just how much I adored the love that fills the pages of Midnight Soul. It’s unexpected and almost decadent, but I am getting ahead of myself…
When someone has been abused, hurt, or saddened, they can be fearful of more pain, causing them to lash out or put on an iron mask of no emotion. It takes a keen eye and a sense of understanding to notice this in others.
Noctorno Hawthorne is just the man to recognize and provide protection for Franka. Seeing right through her façade, he has dubbed her Frankie (to her utter dismay). Noc will give her his unconditional support and friendship until her walls begin to crumble and he can help rebuild the beauty that is within her.
Midnight Soul is completely unexpected and wildly fulfilling, and a rather sweet and endearing addition to the Fantasyland Series; an absolute treat. But have no fear – with an alpha like Noc, the spice will be just as strong as it is sweet. A perfectly balanced summer read with a kick!
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When someone has been abused, hurt, or saddened, they can be fearful of more pain, causing them to lash out or put on an iron mask of no emotion. It takes a keen eye and a sense of understanding to notice this in others.
Noctorno Hawthorne is just the man to recognize and provide protection for Franka. Seeing right through her façade, he has dubbed her Frankie (to her utter dismay). Noc will give her his unconditional support and friendship until her walls begin to crumble and he can help rebuild the beauty that is within her.
Midnight Soul is completely unexpected and wildly fulfilling, and a rather sweet and endearing addition to the Fantasyland Series; an absolute treat. But have no fear – with an alpha like Noc, the spice will be just as strong as it is sweet. A perfectly balanced summer read with a kick!
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July 25, 2016
Full review to be posted at afterdarkbooklovers.com closer to release date.
-Where do we go from here? Ok, so I’m a big Buffy fan and yes, I was humming that song during the opening of this book. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, this is the song https://youtu.be/7XdAQpq_1Xw , but really the show? Awesome. Anyhoodle, I digress.
Since the big overarching storyline of the series had been pretty well concluded at the end of Broken Dove, I just wasn’t sure what could possibly be coming up next. What I got was a charming exploration of Noc and Franka’s HEA, while giving long-time readers a taste of the HEAs for their favorites. There’s some stuff to unpack, so here goes.
-In this fifth installment of the Fantasyland series, you get a nice glimpse of what happens after the big conflict at the end of Broken Dove, from the perspective of reformed villainess Franka. She’s definitely on the outside looking in, as she’s not exactly buddied up with any of the heroes and heroines from the previous books and let’s face it, she perfected the art of bitchdom, so it's no surprise that she's not hanging out for the victory cheer. The things she’s done, while never so heinous that it would be irredeemable, nevertheless showed that sharp edge that Franka had honed at the feet of her worthless parents. You get to know, very quickly, why Franka did the things she did. She opens herself up to friendships and family, as well as a new adventure in Noc’s world, and along the way romance happens.
-Noc and Franka work well together. From their very first moment sharing a drink after the big bads were vanquished, neither were in a position for a romance, but their friendship was close and easy, allowing the reader to enjoy their little buildup. Now, there might be concern because it seemed that Noc’s future was going be decidedly different, but from the very beginning Noc is focused on Franka and Franka alone. There is no OW/OM drama and their attitudes towards their past relationships is handled in a mature manner.
-The conflict, concern and resolution to Franka’s past actions was also pretty much wrapped up in a pretty bow and the transition to Franka and Noc’s romantic relationship happens fairly quickly. The potential for some meaty, emotional fallout was there, but not exactly explored beyond what was necessary to move on and get to that happy ending. Which leads me to….
-The back nine is epilogue-heaven: The back half of this tale takes place in our modern day ‘verse, focusing on Franka’s wonder at all the little differences between the worlds. It was charming and definitely a nice mirror to Finnie’s trip in the first book, but there was a decided lack of tension. If you love Ms. Ashley’s epilogues, you’ll be in heaven here and it’s sweet and even the last minute touch of emotional drama for Franka and Noc is very safe.
-And that’s my issue. This could just be me, and I know that there’s plenty of folks who love seeing the aftermath/HEA play out and getting all the good feels for it. I do too, but I wanted a bit more of the buildup and obstacles to feel as if that HEA was really earned by both hero and heroine. Also, the part that excited me, and ultimately left me wanting more, was not Franka and Noc’s relationship, but the relationship that witch-Circe is destined for, and I had wished fervently to see more of it. That held me back from rating this higher, even if I did enjoy the read. Honestly, I’d read three quarters of this book hoping that she would get her own book. However, you get to see the development of that relationship only from a distance, and considering I’d felt so badly for all the pain and suffering witch-Circe had gone through, I’d just hoped to see more of her own romance.
The Bottom Line [3 stars]
I liked it, even if I’d hoped for something slightly different from Noc and Franka. In the end, this a gift for longtime fans, wrapped up in a big, rainbow and dove-covered bow.
**ARC provided by author for review**
For more reviews, visit
-Where do we go from here? Ok, so I’m a big Buffy fan and yes, I was humming that song during the opening of this book. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, this is the song https://youtu.be/7XdAQpq_1Xw , but really the show? Awesome. Anyhoodle, I digress.
Since the big overarching storyline of the series had been pretty well concluded at the end of Broken Dove, I just wasn’t sure what could possibly be coming up next. What I got was a charming exploration of Noc and Franka’s HEA, while giving long-time readers a taste of the HEAs for their favorites. There’s some stuff to unpack, so here goes.
-In this fifth installment of the Fantasyland series, you get a nice glimpse of what happens after the big conflict at the end of Broken Dove, from the perspective of reformed villainess Franka. She’s definitely on the outside looking in, as she’s not exactly buddied up with any of the heroes and heroines from the previous books and let’s face it, she perfected the art of bitchdom, so it's no surprise that she's not hanging out for the victory cheer. The things she’s done, while never so heinous that it would be irredeemable, nevertheless showed that sharp edge that Franka had honed at the feet of her worthless parents. You get to know, very quickly, why Franka did the things she did. She opens herself up to friendships and family, as well as a new adventure in Noc’s world, and along the way romance happens.
-Noc and Franka work well together. From their very first moment sharing a drink after the big bads were vanquished, neither were in a position for a romance, but their friendship was close and easy, allowing the reader to enjoy their little buildup. Now, there might be concern because it seemed that Noc’s future was going be decidedly different, but from the very beginning Noc is focused on Franka and Franka alone. There is no OW/OM drama and their attitudes towards their past relationships is handled in a mature manner.
-The conflict, concern and resolution to Franka’s past actions was also pretty much wrapped up in a pretty bow and the transition to Franka and Noc’s romantic relationship happens fairly quickly. The potential for some meaty, emotional fallout was there, but not exactly explored beyond what was necessary to move on and get to that happy ending. Which leads me to….
-The back nine is epilogue-heaven: The back half of this tale takes place in our modern day ‘verse, focusing on Franka’s wonder at all the little differences between the worlds. It was charming and definitely a nice mirror to Finnie’s trip in the first book, but there was a decided lack of tension. If you love Ms. Ashley’s epilogues, you’ll be in heaven here and it’s sweet and even the last minute touch of emotional drama for Franka and Noc is very safe.
-And that’s my issue. This could just be me, and I know that there’s plenty of folks who love seeing the aftermath/HEA play out and getting all the good feels for it. I do too, but I wanted a bit more of the buildup and obstacles to feel as if that HEA was really earned by both hero and heroine. Also, the part that excited me, and ultimately left me wanting more, was not Franka and Noc’s relationship, but the relationship that witch-Circe is destined for, and I had wished fervently to see more of it. That held me back from rating this higher, even if I did enjoy the read. Honestly, I’d read three quarters of this book hoping that she would get her own book. However, you get to see the development of that relationship only from a distance, and considering I’d felt so badly for all the pain and suffering witch-Circe had gone through, I’d just hoped to see more of her own romance.
The Bottom Line [3 stars]
I liked it, even if I’d hoped for something slightly different from Noc and Franka. In the end, this a gift for longtime fans, wrapped up in a big, rainbow and dove-covered bow.
**ARC provided by author for review**
For more reviews, visit
August 17, 2016
It pains me to give KA only two stars but this was a LONG book about NOTHING.
I kept hoping it will get better but it didn't. Given the characters' background story and Franka's actions in the previous books of the series, her story had so much potential but it seemed KA decided on writing Franka and Noc's book then didn't know what to do with them. In this book, Franka is suddenly a saintly character whose horrible actions were caused by the evil of others, she was really being selfless.
We read about Franka's life before Noc, but what about Noc's. He did mention his parents but what about friends, previous relationships-did he have a life before Franka?!!! That little drama with him added at the end felt like an after thought, What we had were endless descriptions of spas, toilets, TVs, repetitive inner thoughts and no plot; A whole lot of nothing.
The intimate scenes are exactly what we have read over and over in her previous books, nothing new. I didn't have high hopes going in but I never expected to be this bored.
The appearance of our heroes from the series may have helped a bit. The two stars are for both 'Dax's, especially Lahn's twin from Noc's world and even though he was hardly in the book, he made it tolerable. I am being a bit generous with 2 stars but I still love KA. I keep hoping she will find her way back to writing good books, wishing for the old KA magic.
I kept hoping it will get better but it didn't. Given the characters' background story and Franka's actions in the previous books of the series, her story had so much potential but it seemed KA decided on writing Franka and Noc's book then didn't know what to do with them. In this book, Franka is suddenly a saintly character whose horrible actions were caused by the evil of others, she was really being selfless.
We read about Franka's life before Noc, but what about Noc's. He did mention his parents but what about friends, previous relationships-did he have a life before Franka?!!! That little drama with him added at the end felt like an after thought, What we had were endless descriptions of spas, toilets, TVs, repetitive inner thoughts and no plot; A whole lot of nothing.
The intimate scenes are exactly what we have read over and over in her previous books, nothing new. I didn't have high hopes going in but I never expected to be this bored.
The appearance of our heroes from the series may have helped a bit. The two stars are for both 'Dax's, especially Lahn's twin from Noc's world and even though he was hardly in the book, he made it tolerable. I am being a bit generous with 2 stars but I still love KA. I keep hoping she will find her way back to writing good books, wishing for the old KA magic.
March 23, 2023
**March 23, 2023**
Okay, I don't know what kind of very bad mood I must have been in the first time I read this book, but I loved this, this second time around! I almost feel like this must have been rewritten. I loved how Noc and Franka's story played out. I actually liked Franka. I absolutely LOVED seeing "The Savage"!! And I loved how his story played out. I absolutely loved Circe's story. Se deserved all the good things. The epiloge was fantastic. The last bit with Circe and a surprise!!! Oh my goodness. *sobbing
"Love is everything..."
I'm so glad I reread this book thanks to some very good friends buddy reading the series with me. Them for the first time. The book was still pretty long, and Noc's little blowup was unnesessary, but overall, it was awesome! Happy reading!
3 1/2 "We balance worlds." Stars!
Ok, well here are my thoughts.
First of all, this book is no Wildest Dreams or no where even remotely close to not just my favorite book in this series, but one of my favorite books ever, The Golden Dynasty. Or even the other two books in this series actually, but after I accepted that Franka is "Glenda the Good Witch" rather than "The Wicked Bitch Witch of Lunwyn", I for the most part liked this book and I enjoyed reading it. When I started it, there were three things I was hoping would happen:
1) To at least kind of like Franka because I really wanted Noc to be happy, and of course I hated Franka before. CHECK! Though she wouldn't become my bestie
2) To know the Circe formally of the other world, now of our world is happy and doing well. CHECK!
3) To meet the Lahn of our world. CHECK! Though I admit I would have liked to have many more pages dedicated to "The Savage". But I had to remember this is not his book. So oh well on that.
Now did all those things happen just how I would have liked them to? No, not exactly, or even close in some cases, but they did all happen. And as I read and had questions about things, eventually all but one of them was answered. Sometimes it was pretty cheesy and wrapped up pretty with a big bow, but hey, that's ok too. The book was also a bit slow, but in this case I think it was called for. Plus when things kicked off they were off to the races.
There were a lot of run on sentences and sentences I had to read a couple times to get the meaning. And I wish KA heros could learn to speak English, but I don't think that will ever happen. Honesty it just doesn't bother me as much as it clearly does other readers. I think she has written this way from the beginning and after so many books it has gotten old for a lot of readers. Basically, overall I liked it. Kristen Ashley tells a good story. Even Franka's history and excuse for her past behavior had some merrit if you are willing to accept it. Actually, for me, what turned this book into 3 stars rather than 4 was Noc's "Midnight Soul". Me no likey this part! I thought that was COMPLETELY unnecessary drama and emotionally immature. It was so out of character for Noc. It just gave him his opportunity to be a KA jerk. I don't know why she feels it is necessary for the men to be complete jerks at least one time in the story...
Any who, the whole book kind of felt like a 645 page epilogue. (Yeah... 645 pages... too dang long!) I say that because I think the series could have ended with Broken Dove but so many people including myself wanted to see Noc find his HEA and to know what happen to the other Circe. Now Noc has his HEA and we know what happen to Circe. Not all of it was great, but most of it was good and I enjoyed reading it. The actual epilogue was very good, and it wrapped up the series nicely. Happy reading!
Oh yeah... I have to say I think this cover is kind of terrible.
And oh yeah again... The series should be read in order. This is definitely not the book to start the series with. Reading order: Wildest Dreams, The Golden Dynasty, Fantastical, Broken Dove, Midnight Soul
Okay, I don't know what kind of very bad mood I must have been in the first time I read this book, but I loved this, this second time around! I almost feel like this must have been rewritten. I loved how Noc and Franka's story played out. I actually liked Franka. I absolutely LOVED seeing "The Savage"!! And I loved how his story played out. I absolutely loved Circe's story. Se deserved all the good things. The epiloge was fantastic. The last bit with Circe and a surprise!!! Oh my goodness. *sobbing
"Love is everything..."
I'm so glad I reread this book thanks to some very good friends buddy reading the series with me. Them for the first time. The book was still pretty long, and Noc's little blowup was unnesessary, but overall, it was awesome! Happy reading!
3 1/2 "We balance worlds." Stars!
Ok, well here are my thoughts.
First of all, this book is no Wildest Dreams or no where even remotely close to not just my favorite book in this series, but one of my favorite books ever, The Golden Dynasty. Or even the other two books in this series actually, but after I accepted that Franka is "Glenda the Good Witch" rather than "The Wicked Bitch Witch of Lunwyn", I for the most part liked this book and I enjoyed reading it. When I started it, there were three things I was hoping would happen:
1) To at least kind of like Franka because I really wanted Noc to be happy, and of course I hated Franka before. CHECK! Though she wouldn't become my bestie
2) To know the Circe formally of the other world, now of our world is happy and doing well. CHECK!
3) To meet the Lahn of our world. CHECK! Though I admit I would have liked to have many more pages dedicated to "The Savage". But I had to remember this is not his book. So oh well on that.
Now did all those things happen just how I would have liked them to? No, not exactly, or even close in some cases, but they did all happen. And as I read and had questions about things, eventually all but one of them was answered. Sometimes it was pretty cheesy and wrapped up pretty with a big bow, but hey, that's ok too. The book was also a bit slow, but in this case I think it was called for. Plus when things kicked off they were off to the races.
There were a lot of run on sentences and sentences I had to read a couple times to get the meaning. And I wish KA heros could learn to speak English, but I don't think that will ever happen. Honesty it just doesn't bother me as much as it clearly does other readers. I think she has written this way from the beginning and after so many books it has gotten old for a lot of readers. Basically, overall I liked it. Kristen Ashley tells a good story. Even Franka's history and excuse for her past behavior had some merrit if you are willing to accept it. Actually, for me, what turned this book into 3 stars rather than 4 was Noc's "Midnight Soul". Me no likey this part! I thought that was COMPLETELY unnecessary drama and emotionally immature. It was so out of character for Noc. It just gave him his opportunity to be a KA jerk. I don't know why she feels it is necessary for the men to be complete jerks at least one time in the story...
Any who, the whole book kind of felt like a 645 page epilogue. (Yeah... 645 pages... too dang long!) I say that because I think the series could have ended with Broken Dove but so many people including myself wanted to see Noc find his HEA and to know what happen to the other Circe. Now Noc has his HEA and we know what happen to Circe. Not all of it was great, but most of it was good and I enjoyed reading it. The actual epilogue was very good, and it wrapped up the series nicely. Happy reading!
Oh yeah... I have to say I think this cover is kind of terrible.
And oh yeah again... The series should be read in order. This is definitely not the book to start the series with. Reading order: Wildest Dreams, The Golden Dynasty, Fantastical, Broken Dove, Midnight Soul
August 16, 2016
Disclaimer: Proceed with caution, cause if there are spoilers here and there in my very depressed ramblings that is NOT my fault. I completely blame it on my addled brain caused due to the disbelief that I didn't like a KA book...!!!
2.5 Stars...!!
I was holding my breath for this book for so long that I learnt how to survive without oxygen...! But alas after reading 440 pages of Kristen Ashley treat I'm so depressed to give this review of 3 stars...! ;(
Apart from 'The Promise' all the KA books have been either a 4 or 5 star read. Hell, half of them were 6 stars. I can't even count how many times I have read Motorcycle Man. Kane "Tack" Allen is my hero, my one and only.
All this being said you can see how difficult it is for me to actually type this review! I feel like I'm betraying my favourite author....! :(
God, Why o Why did this not do for me? Why did I not like it..?? Why?
Okay since I am giving this book 2.5 Stars I feel the need to justify myself. So here it goes.....
The beginning of the book was bang on. The first three chapters were so awesome that I was damn sure I'd be giving this little sucker a 5 star... Uff... dreadful expectations..!
Anyway from here the fun begins. ( I hope my sarcasm isn't lost here..!)
The first third of the book was so eerily familiar to one of my all time favourite KA books that I actually had to turn pages and check whether the protagonist were Hector and Sadie.....
That's right remember Rock Chick Regret... The seventh book of rock chick series... Now set that in a fantasy land and you somewhat get Midnight Soul...
Then there is also Franka..
I love it when bitches become the heroine and get their redemption or in this case salvation.
But the way KA turned her character from fire breathing, snarling cow to practically a girl who shares breakfast in bed with her maid was confounding to say the least. There was no transition there (like in Sadie's case) but rather an abrupt conclusion. Her character development was like an equation
Franka + meet Noctorno = Kind, compassionate, blushing, caring woman. *scoff*
Anyway it was a KA book and I didn't dare finish it in the middle. It was the same feeling that chandler had when
And now lets come to the middle of the book.
I would have actually loved this book if the conversation between the protagonists and their mannerisms weren't painfully, mind numbingly, cripplingly familiar (I HATE this word right now...!)
I totally dig the KA formula for romance or else I wouldn't have 5 and 4 stars for 90% of her books. But even though all her books are a little similar they all have their separate character, spine and story. I love each one of them.
But Midnight Soul sadly, just felt like an imitation of all her earlier, more awesome books... ;(
At this point of time I was mostly like
And I humbly request KA to give some break to the Grin-Glare conversations. What are those you ask.... Well let me give you a gist of them:
I try to be mean
He looks amused
I glare
He grins
I glare harder and maybe add a growl
His grin broadens
I say something snarky or sarcastic
He bursts out laughing
Well, there you go. That's the blueprint of majority of conversation between Noc and Franka in the book.
I get it okay? I really do. These conversations are cute. When Tyra glared and Tack grinned I was right there along with the thousands of woman saying "Oh, how cute!" with a cheesy smile on my face.
But, come on. A girl can take only so much. I'm not against KA using her usual MO, but is it a crime to expect something different and unique from an author as talented as her...???
The only part of the story I like without any conditions was Circe and Dax. They were cute...!!!
So, Is this what heartbreak feels like hmm?? Like I've just been told Christian Bale is replaced by Ben Affleck. (Shock+Heartsick+WTF??)
Oh well I can bitch only so much about one of my favourite authors. Right now I've got this whole scorned lover thing down to the pat, but still KA is one of the best and always will be. I just hope she comes out her comfort box sooner rather than a fifty books later..!
With all this I just feel a little like this girl right now.....
2.5 Stars...!!
I was holding my breath for this book for so long that I learnt how to survive without oxygen...! But alas after reading 440 pages of Kristen Ashley treat I'm so depressed to give this review of 3 stars...! ;(
Apart from 'The Promise' all the KA books have been either a 4 or 5 star read. Hell, half of them were 6 stars. I can't even count how many times I have read Motorcycle Man. Kane "Tack" Allen is my hero, my one and only.
All this being said you can see how difficult it is for me to actually type this review! I feel like I'm betraying my favourite author....! :(
God, Why o Why did this not do for me? Why did I not like it..?? Why?
Okay since I am giving this book 2.5 Stars I feel the need to justify myself. So here it goes.....
The beginning of the book was bang on. The first three chapters were so awesome that I was damn sure I'd be giving this little sucker a 5 star... Uff... dreadful expectations..!
Anyway from here the fun begins. ( I hope my sarcasm isn't lost here..!)
The first third of the book was so eerily familiar to one of my all time favourite KA books that I actually had to turn pages and check whether the protagonist were Hector and Sadie.....
That's right remember Rock Chick Regret... The seventh book of rock chick series... Now set that in a fantasy land and you somewhat get Midnight Soul...
Then there is also Franka..
I love it when bitches become the heroine and get their redemption or in this case salvation.
But the way KA turned her character from fire breathing, snarling cow to practically a girl who shares breakfast in bed with her maid was confounding to say the least. There was no transition there (like in Sadie's case) but rather an abrupt conclusion. Her character development was like an equation
Franka + meet Noctorno = Kind, compassionate, blushing, caring woman. *scoff*
Anyway it was a KA book and I didn't dare finish it in the middle. It was the same feeling that chandler had when
And now lets come to the middle of the book.
I would have actually loved this book if the conversation between the protagonists and their mannerisms weren't painfully, mind numbingly, cripplingly familiar (I HATE this word right now...!)
I totally dig the KA formula for romance or else I wouldn't have 5 and 4 stars for 90% of her books. But even though all her books are a little similar they all have their separate character, spine and story. I love each one of them.
But Midnight Soul sadly, just felt like an imitation of all her earlier, more awesome books... ;(
At this point of time I was mostly like
And I humbly request KA to give some break to the Grin-Glare conversations. What are those you ask.... Well let me give you a gist of them:
I try to be mean
He looks amused
I glare
He grins
I glare harder and maybe add a growl
His grin broadens
I say something snarky or sarcastic
He bursts out laughing
Well, there you go. That's the blueprint of majority of conversation between Noc and Franka in the book.
I get it okay? I really do. These conversations are cute. When Tyra glared and Tack grinned I was right there along with the thousands of woman saying "Oh, how cute!" with a cheesy smile on my face.
But, come on. A girl can take only so much. I'm not against KA using her usual MO, but is it a crime to expect something different and unique from an author as talented as her...???
The only part of the story I like without any conditions was Circe and Dax. They were cute...!!!
So, Is this what heartbreak feels like hmm?? Like I've just been told Christian Bale is replaced by Ben Affleck. (Shock+Heartsick+WTF??)
Oh well I can bitch only so much about one of my favourite authors. Right now I've got this whole scorned lover thing down to the pat, but still KA is one of the best and always will be. I just hope she comes out her comfort box sooner rather than a fifty books later..!
With all this I just feel a little like this girl right now.....
August 28, 2016
Where did it all go wrong?
Before I start my actual review I have to say Kristen used to be one of my favourite authors and some of her books are still amongst my most re-read but lately she's lost her edge, her books are all just weaker versions of her earlier ones and after disappointment after disappointment I've stopped reading her books completely but 'Golden Dynasty' and Lahn in particular was fabulous and the thought of missing his twin was too much so I decided I'd start and see how it went.
I started reading but soon found myself skimming if I'm being totally honest it was boring and I hated with a passion that Noc called Franka sugarlips. I'm still struggling with how a book with so many strong fantastic characters can turn out so bland and boring so I'm done I ended up skimming most of the book just to get to the end and felt like I'd completely wasted my time.
So my question is what on earth is going on with Kristen and where's it all gone wrong?
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