Shades of Midnight

Chronicles of Midnight #4

by Debbie Cassidy

Everyone knows that choices have consequences, and Harker is about to be landed with a bucket load of consequence.

Finally free of their prison, the shades are eager for vengeance against all winged. But to get what they want they’ll need hosts, and both neph and human are on the menu.

With Dawn in lockdown, the rest of the city is left to fend for itself, and as Asher and his shade army get their hooks into Midnight, Serenity and the MPD must fight to stay a step ahead of a foe that doesn’t discriminate when going in for the kill. It’ll take more than the protectorate to stop this new enemy from gaining the upper hand. As new players join the team, heartache and loss are par for the course.

The reins are slipping and it will take a leap of faith to get them back, unfortunately faith may be something in short supply.

A Kick-ass Urban Fantasy with a slow burn reverse harem romance.

Angels, Fallen, nephilim and Arthurian legend are given a fresh twist in this sexy, thrilling urban Fantasy series. Fans of Lost girl and True blood will surely enjoy it. Scroll up to grab your copy today!

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Demons, Magic, Angels, Romance

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2018

About the author

Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head. She writes Urban Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.

Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...

Reviews

[Marguerite (M) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating : 5 stars, what else?

Before, during and after the read:




Shades of Midnight in three short points that will be much more explicit that me rambling on and on:

1. OH. MY. GOD.
2. I'm in love with this series.
3. Only one book left I'm gonna cry.


full(er) review to come closer to the release date because I want to vomit spoilers and break some hearts

Thank you Debbie Cassidy for providing this ARC. And please give me more of Marika and her parasite.

[★Me Myshelf and I★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladies and Gentlemen this is your captain speaking

You are now entering Midnight

Please adopt the brace position



Because


I could cover what I like about this book and series in one word "everything"
but that wouldn't be very helpful would it?

This book is just more
more action
more romance
more plot twists
more emotional
I love all the guys in this they couldn't get anymore *swoon* if they tried, they are all so yummy in their own way. The thing that sets this series apart for me is the relationships are all at different stages, you get the best combination of slow burn and fulfilled fantasy that makes it so compelling to read.
and boy I couldn't put this down


Debbie, you managed to make to make my wish come true and kill my dreams at the same time


with only one book to go... I can't wait
If I had one complaint it would be that it wasn't long enough...I need it twice as long so that it doesn't end so quick



thank you Debbie for providing this ARC, received with thanks for an honest review

[Searcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I think I am officially a convert to this series. This was a great book.

SHADES OF MIDNIGHT had all the emotional depth and gravitas that the previous books were lacking. It also had a lot less of the immaturity, stupidity and angst, thank goodness. The plot was complex and convoluted, but Debbie Cassidy did it justice. There were even several enormous surprises that had my jaw on the floor.

Very well done!

Serenity, as a lead character, has finally come into her own. Sure, she still makes the occasional dumb call, keeps a few secrets, and struggled for a good portion of the book with the idea of being with more than one person. But I think she has come to terms with that now, so I am unequivocally looking forward to reading the conclusion in SAVIOR OF MIDNIGHT.

The guys remain, to me, the best part of this series. I really love the balance of the love interests and there is something compelling and sexy about each of them. The one that I have that least handle on, however, is Rivers. And conversely, he is the one I would most like to know more about. I hope he is a focus in the final book, otherwise it will be a seriously missed opportunity and I will be disappointed.

There were a number of new characters introduced that I cannot wait to learn more about - Lucifer, Death, Ambrosius (not new, but now playing a bigger role that I am intrigued about), Oleander, Gregory, Adam... Hell, we have enough sexy new additions to the cast that I think Debbie Cassidy needs to create a spin-off series to CHRONICLES OF MIDNIGHT to provide them with their own RH! Perhaps something in the wider world, hmmm? *grin*

If I had one cavil in CHRONICLES OF MIDNIGHT, I would have to say that the love scenes are disappointing. The earliest ones (in books 2 & 3) had a bit more substance, but in SHADES OF MIDNIGHT, nearly everything was off-camera or fade-to-black. That was extremely disappointing after all the extremely slow burn build-up. The chemistry between the leads is great, but the payoff was seriously lacking. Big bummer.

Oh, and let me just add a little footnote - one that I probably should have made in an earlier book - I FRACKIN' HATE SPIDERS! *shudder* That is all.

All in all, well worth pushing through the first two books to get into this series. Books 3 and 4 were great! Try it :)

UPDATE PROGRESS NOTES:
84.0% "URGH! The fracking spiders are back...gross! And apparently Arachne has a lover (I can't believe who!), and they've procreated making hundreds of giant spider babies. This is OH SO GROSS! Did I ever mention I fuggin' HATE spiders? *shudder*"

76.0% "Well, I would think Xavier would also know from Drayton's memories...but still..."

70.0% "It is sort of ridiculous to me that they didn't all sit and go through what this ritual would entail and what to expect...and also how to end it/close it when done. Why are they having to learn these things in the middle of doing it? Poorly designed plot points here..."

66.0% "GAH! You still didn't talk to him about the extra power tearing you up, you twit! Come ON!"

65.0% "*grumble* Very disappointing sexy times :/ Too much off-camera action, not enough actually happening. Where's the payoff? Bah!"

55.0% "Come ON Serenity, talk to Ambrosius about how to control all that extra power already! Why are you hiding it, you twit?"

45.0% "God, Cassie really is an awful human being. Every time I think maybe there is something to redeem her, she proves me wrong :/"

44.0% "Continuity issue. Maybe the author meant Abigor or Malphus? Couldn't be Abbadon."

39.0% "Wow, the emotional impact of everything with Drayton may have been blunted now and in prior books, but this with Bane. I am a gutted mess."

35.0% "Whoa! Holy revelation! *picks jaw up off floor*"

18.0% "Be sure you open your darn sight and check the room before you start talking!!"

15.0% "Sigh...stop the judgmental shite, Serenity! Even against yourself. The angst is getting way old."

9.0% "Uh, no humans nearby to overhear? Ava was standing there not a two seconds ago and even spoke up. Continuity issue."

1.0% "Grr... and this starts right off with Serenity back to being a twit and keeping secrets from the team. /facepalm"

1.0% "Something off with the cover proportion-wise. Either the torso is waaay too long, or her arm from shoulder to elbow is way too short, but it certainly looks off."

[Runningrabbit · Rating 5 out of 5]

KU

Another stellar novel in the Midnight series. This series has strong, complex characters and lots of intense action scenes. It’s fast paced and a great read for lovers of paranormal romance. A wonderful element of world building with a tough female protagonist and a dominant storyline with sex taking a complimentary part of the plot rather than taking an overwhelming front seat.

[Amara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drayton or Xavier?

I am really hoping for Drayton. Like really really hoping.

As for Bane or Lucifer... they really are the same person I think. Lucifer just has his memories intact. But, Bane is still there. So why does everyone treat him like he betrayed them when he didn't even remember himself.

Yeah okay.

Ryker leaves an impression. Orin kinda. Rivers, definitely. He's kinda psycho and I love him.

I think I want all of these guys in my harem.

[Denisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't put this series down!

[Erica Ravenclaw]

Ugh. Y'all the author lost me so hard. This got boring af, every time I pick it up I read all of four pages and wind up getting distracted by literally anything.

[Stacy]

There isn't much new that I can say about the series after reading SHADES OF MIDNIGHT. The characters continue to grow, the reverse harem has progressed and the storyline is on path to an epic conclusion in SAVIOR OF MIDNIGHT.

The action was once again bumped up a notch in SHADES OF MIDNIGHT. There isn't a lot of downtime for the characters.

Let's talk about he romance. There was a bit shocker in the beginning of SHADES OF MIDNIGHT, but after the shocker the other romances were able to grow, so although it was hard it was necessary.

I will admit that I don't love all the characters, but the main-main characters definitely have me in their corner. There are still a lot of questions and things that need to happen, thankfully we have another book. I will be finishing out the series with SAVIOR OF MIDNIGHT when it's released.

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers

This is the 4th book in the series and it wasn't my favorite. It felt very rushed and therefore I felt slightly confused at times (though I did put down and pick up a time or two).
We lose and gain a few big characters\presences like bane, lucifer, rivers and his mind eater, Drayton and his shade, abaddon, ambrosius, etc. Everyone seems to have alternate personalities which came across as multiple personalities though not specifically said as such. Arachne makes an appearance again but she was so easily thwarted I was kinda bummed. That's how everything seemed to me in this book though. It was Still good but it doesn't have what the previous books had that kept me excited for what comes next. I am curious to know more about Death and who or what he\it really is because I do believe it's more. Hopefully the last book will shed light on Where God disappeared to as well.
There is sex and now the word love is being thrown around between our mc and all the guys so We have officially hit the reverse harem romance. Cussing is present as well. Enjoy

[Danielle (Danniegurl) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh

I’m not as happy with this book as I am with the others. A lot of nothing and a lot of something happens but I feel like we barely get anywhere. Then the book ends in such a place that I was surprised it ended. The book ended at 92% and had an excerpt of the next book. That was a bit soon for this book. I also want to know where this is going.

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, my mind was blown away. I didn't expect that to happen. Lucifer, seriously? It really came as a surprise, but then thinking back it all made sense. Serenity is still trying to find a way to destroy Asher, but now she has more power on her side, and let's hope it's enough.

I can't get my hands on the final book fast enough. I need to know what will happen, but part of me is scared of what the author has planned.

[Rhiannon Chillingworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This just blew me away!

If you haven't read books 1-3 go and do it...right now!

This series perfectly combines my historic love of Urban Fantasy with my new Reverse Harem obsession and the balance between the tow, the action and the romance, is just superb.

Everything is kicking off in this book: the baddies get badder, the stakes get higher, the danger increases and the relationships get way more intense and seriously shaken up.

It's not often that I literally have my jaw dropped open in shock when reading a boom, as I consider myself a pretty stoic person, but there was a HUGE WTF moment about half way through that had me gaping in disbelief. I was pretty shaken up, but I have faith it's all going to work out in the end. If not I will definitely sit and have a little cry!

Bane continues to be my favourite, but Rivers is swiftly catching up. The relationship development is spot on in this book and I love how she is at different stages of intimacy with each of the characters. So many RH just seem to be of little substance and all about getting the characters into sexy shinanigan situations, but not this!

Serenity continues to be totally bad-ass, but vulnerable at the same time. I wanted to give her such a big hug reading this! And Death...without giving away spoilers I'm totally after a spin off with him...

So, in summary READ THIS SERIES...it's just awesome!

I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.

[Missy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

With each installment we get more action, more romance, and I fall deeper in love with this series. A lot happens in Shades of Midnight, I wont be able to give any spoilers but I can tell you that things start to piece together. Players are revealed, allies will be made, a loss with a gain, and the romance kicks up a notch. Serenity is a strong female lead, but she does have a breaking point. I feel that she almost reached it. Without giving anything away I will say that she is protective of her guys, and loves them deeply. She has been through so much in her life, my heart broke for her and for this character. I really liked him, and I am sad. However I will say is he really gone, or just dormant? This can actually be said about another character as well. If you remember in the previous books, the Drayton/Xavier storyline, we get more of it in SOM. I was riveted with their scenes together. Also there is a love interest of Serenity's that I am like finally!!! I do believe we are all on the same page by the end. There is a lot going on with the storyline, I did not see a few things coming but that is just what makes SOM so good. Lots of action, ass kicking, drama, heartache, WTH moments, happiness, and lots of pleasure. There is a small cliffhanger at the end but its more along the lines of a gentle wave and not a tsunami. Over all Shades of Midnight is a must read in the Chronicles of Midnight series.

[Regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lot of filler

Tho things happened in this book they really was no point to it. We learn nothing new except now writer ripped Bane away from her and he is now Lucifer who has the memories of Bane but well.... He's not Bane. So she lost her first harem love....Its frustrating because the harem part is grinding like sandpaper on teeth. Meanwhile we really learn nothing new . we got the piper " death" out to help..some... find out she's dying ( seems to be a theme in writers books ) Cassie.. Still don't like her she still jealous. She has other guys..now sorta.. And D is in there somewhere. Oh and we have a shade rebel group..
That the white wing still won't help and are playing the game.. Still don't want to lose their drug induced sex slaves..and can I just say ,this honor thing the wings seem to think they have is all smoke. They are not the " heros" and I hope somewhere in this series they get what's coming to them cause honestly that's the only reason I'm still reading. Liilth still needs to be rape charged imop even if Lucy set most of it up. So there is just somethings about this series that I'm not content with and I feel that this book was mostly just filler that could have ben in last one or combined into the next book 😑

[Courtney Saba · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nah.

2 stars for Death. That's about it. He had 2 scenes and he stole both. Tell me there's a spinoff with him and the author doesn't ruin him???? A girl can dream.

The author forgot about a lot of things. Let's list them, shall we? (Also, complaints incoming.)

- Serenity entering this bubble of a world as a 4 year old was never addressed ever again.
- Orin's water abilities, like actually using the water power and breathing underwater, was grossly underutilized to the point of us NEVER SEEING IT IN THIS ENTIRE SERIES. WHAT WAS THE POINT THEN?
- Ryker and WTF he actually is and why he didn't want Serenity feeding off him was never addressed. Still don't know what he is. And also, there are some ick points bc for forever we've been told Serenity looks almost exactly like his sister. Coincidence? I guess, since the author never addressed that either. Ick factor from Ryker having sexy feelings for Serenity? A little bit, not gonna lie. Thought he was gonna be a guy best friend, but those don't really happen often in romantasy, do they?
- No more thoughts about Serenity's sister. Mmbye.
- If Black Wings can't help humans, why did Abbadon rescue/save Serenity in the first book from The Breed and the scourge? Plot holes galore.
- Who gave Ambrosius his name ? Himself?
- Where did Lilith come from?
- Where did any of these people and nephs come from? Were they dropped into this bubble with their memories wiped and without questioning anything ? Like PLOT. HOLE.
- How do you live without a shadow? My brain hurts from this bc like... Obstacle. Light source. And you have shadow.
- How did Merlin procreate enough to have tens of hundreds of Order members, all his descendants? No one is that good. (Okay, that Mongol King in the past did this, but still. I'm on a roll.)
- That using the word "heck" when "fuck" is generously used is kind of middle school-ish.
- Forgetting that in order to feel things, you gotta show, not tell. So, I literally feel nothing for Ryker, Orin, and Rivers. Like they're only there to move Serenity along in her slow-ass pace. Like they're just plot devices. This is what i know about these guys. Ryker? Has a dead sister that looks like Serenity and can heal. Orin? Nonexistent water abilities and can cook scones. Rivers? Has sooooo much potential with the Mind Reaper, but that's all i know. His air ability was forgotten, too!!!
- Again, Rivers is intriguing, but the author didn't do him justice.
- If you describe someone as empathic and who will never hurt your heart and that's why you love them and there's just something about them... sounds like selfish, inauthentic infatuation, fake love, and fear to me.
- Orin says I love you, but I'm like.. You've barely been away from Cassie and all of a sudden you love Serenity? Psssshhhhh.
- Forgetting that saying the words "I love you" are not enough for me to think a romantic link is genuine. Building blocks and laying the groundwork is so important, especially in an RH where the guys seem like afterthoughts.
- Except Bane, but I never got a feeling of all-consuming love from him bc he and Serenity never talked to each other about emotion and feelings and just fucked.

I feel like when Serenity entered this mansion, her cambion-ness sent out pheromones and they've been slowly eating away at the guys' free will and thoughts and it's a survival mechanism for what she is to have these tall and free hunks of energy to have at her disposal at all times. That's how much I don't believe in the RH. It had sooooo much potential, and I felt that in the 3rd book slightly, but it's gone off the deep end and there's no coming back. Love, feelings, and declarations came out of nowhere. People tell Serenity, "they love you and want you, you just gotta open up." Like when the fuck did you see them falling for her? Where were all the intimate moments that weren't one of the guys cuddling up to her before she went to sleep? Where was the emotion? The heart? The genuine desire beyond just helping Serenity feed? When did we see it as readers that didn't come out of freaking nowhere?! There was a span of 6 weeks where we were told this time went by, but I think it was absolutely crucial to Serenity and her guys developing feelings for each other and we as readers didn't see it at all. I swear, once she fed from them, she left something behind that made them crave her and "love" her. That's what incubi and succubi do, right? Prove me wrong.

End to my rant, but seriously? A reviewer said they loved this RH dynamic bc it happened naturally and slowly and realistically. I'm pretty sure this reviewer read something completely different than me bc I'm sitting here trying to find feelings for these guys and wish for Serenity to triumph, but there's nothing but a blank wall of nothingness.

Yes, I'm gonna finish this series bc I've put in valuable time and I don't wanna say I wasted it for this nonsense (tho I definitely did).

Happy reading, Goodreads fiends.

[Bel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐
Book #4 of 5 (complete)


🆗 Dystopian, closed society, divided in 3 areas: one were there is safety but no free will - Dawn; another were the monsters and some humans live - Midnight; and the middle one with only humans and the occasional monster - Sunset
☑️🆗 Different beings & groups: humans, demons, nephs (descendants of black wings and humans), the Sanguinata (+- vampires), the Lupin (+-werewolves), black wings, ghosts, and others
☑️🆗 Nephs have powers: empaths, sirens, Incubus, telepaths, elemental affinity,...
🆗 Hidden powers
🆗 Unknown identity/potential
🆗 Special one
🆗 Police force (similar)
🆗 RH romance: slow going
🆗 Several potential love interests
🔥Smut
🆗 Powerful, bad*ss, alpha males
🆗 Fighting for humanity


‼️Killings, monsters, humans deaths, feeding on others (blood and energy), s*xual content, abduction, character death, abuse of power over others, mind control, torture



***


The veil is gone and Shades rush into Midnight, eager to take over.

They need hosts, willing or unwilling, doesn't matter, all that will remain will be them.

After so long, the shades are finally free.
They want their revenge against the winged and will stop at nothing to get it.

Nephs and the humans in Midnight are being targeted from all sides: the shades, the scourge, the breed,...

Dawn has abandoned them to their fight, no help will come.

Former rivals will become allies.

Everyone is needed to fight this common enemy.

Loss is constant and tiredness is growing.

Knowledge is more important than ever.

They need to know what they are fighting against and how to win the war.

Serenity has to coordinate the different groups all the while being the only one capable of purging a shade.

But the power inside her is growing and it could become dangerous to her.

Faced with impossible decisions, dealing with heartache and desapointment and keepin faith is not always easy.




***



Notes:


🔸Writing style

All these books are on the short side and the plot is always fast paced.

There doesn't seem to be a deep connection to the characters and a lot of scenes are just quickly dealt with, very straightforward.
Which, on the plus side, doesn't give a heartache to the reader but it also lacks passion.

A nice story, nevertheless.



🔸 Groups:

- Humans: used to deal with the scourge, but some, afraid and wanting security, aligned themselves to a house (Sanguinata or Lupin) signing a binding contract to belong to them.

- Black Wings: +- fallen angel, powerful, distant, only seen from afar.

- Nephs: descendants from Black Wings and humans, have powers

- Protectorate / MPD: powerful Nephs, the last line of defense against the monsters.

- Midnight Enforcement Department: the human police in Midnight

- Scourge: group of rippers that usually attack the district once a month, hunting humans

- The Sanguinata: +- vampires, aka the house of Vitae

- The Lupin: +- werewolves, aka the house of Mort

- The order of Merlin: humans with magic(?)

- The Breed: +-beastly shifters(?) full of rage and wild

- Shades: beings made of shadows that can take over an host body



🔸Romance

The harem seems to be clearer but one can never know because there is always a new interaction with another guy that could become something.

Each guy has their own personality it is just a shame that everything romantic is always quite rushed.
Sure they have cute conversations but it is all so short.
I get it they are at war so there is no time. It is always in the heat of the moment or when they are resting or after battle/bad news.



🔸FMC

Serenity is getting too much of the essential part for everything.
Too much of the special one.
Only she is able to do this, or know that...



🔸Plot is getting messy

Too many plot changes too quickly.
Overall the information is always given too quickly and a bit unclear, which makes things quite confusing.



***

As always my complete respect for the author and their work.
No hate nor hurt intended with this review.

[Tracy Hoyt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shades of Serenity, Center of Light and Dark

Oh, she giveth, and she taketh away. With each subsequent book in this series, I am sucked deeper into Serenity's world. For every gain, in the battle for survival in Midnight, there is loss. For every loss, Serenity and her team gain something new. She is the center, the balance, and the heart this story revolves around. One thing is made clear, yes, there is bad,and there is good, but it really is all differing shades of grey. The motives behind why beings choose to do what they do. Bits and pieces of knowledge slowly being fed to the reader, lead me to reconsider my orevuoiuksy held beliefs about who is on the side of humanity and their right for choice and survival, and who is in it only for personal gain. The plot shows layers, upon layers of thought, of intrigue, and we don't have all the answers yet. Neither does Serenity, but she's been fighting so damn hard this whole time, trying to overcome her personal feelings of inadequacy and guilt. The truth is, she's one of the few characters in this world who has absolutely no reason to feel that way at all. Harker perfectly epitomizes empathy, grit and true heart. She is one hundred percent a fighter, and she has a clear sense of right and wrong, wrong being to hurt others when she could help instead. I believe she is the true salvation everyone in this world has been looking for, a bringer of real freedom. I never fail to laugh or cry when I read one of these books. Every time I open one, I am prepared to be fully submerged, yet fly through the book, like it's nothing at all, the author is just that good. We are getting closer to the shell around the world they inhabit cracking for good. Serenity continues to flirt with death, and she also continues to grow in power and importance to all factions. Her heart continues to be tested and also to claim more victims. The more she gains in love, the more one sees she has an endless capacity for love. If you enjoy action, heat, love, and a plot that thickens and grows, that teases, reveals and yet conceals? Well, you've found a true gem, my friends. Get the series, start at the beginning, and you'll be weeping like me in no time, knowing that we have so little time left with these amazing characters and this wonderous world!

[Anto~mcbr · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

Shades of Midnight shifted gears and unlike the lots of detours and side-quests we'd gotten from the previous books in the series, this one was fully focused on the fight against the shades and Asher, with the Black Wings, the nephs and the humans now working together to defeat this powerful, alien force.

We finally found out what the deal between Bane and Lilith had been—no spoilers, tho!

And the RH hit its stride—finally. However—and this may be because I took a break between reading books one and two, and then the other three—I gotta confess I'm not feeling it. WHICH IS SUCH A HUGE BUMMER. I'm told she loves them all, but the emotion isn't coming through as romantic for me. She does care for the guys, but instead of romance, I'm getting friendly vibes with a sprinkle of horniness on top.

But that also may be because of how mild the spice level is? With a half-succubus main character, I was expecting a full 5 out of 5 🌶️ on the spiciness scale, but instead, this series is all about the poetic descriptions and the fade-to-blacks. All very demure, and very mindful. And while that may have been totally fine in some other context, I expected burn-your-face-off hot smut from my sexual-demon leading lady, so saying I'm disappointed is a bit of an understatement. We didn't even get a hint of a group scene. The only intimacy that involved more than two characters consisted in sleeping snuggled up.

Shades of Midnight was still plenty entertaining, but felt a lot slower than previous books and left quite a bit to be desired in the romance department.

[Andrea Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive, Intoxicating and spellbinding, this set of books always leaves you wanting more and reaching for the next part of the storey. Not just a Fabulous set of books but this series by Debbie Cassidy is an Addiction!!!!! Now I went back to the beginning and started from book one again to ensure that the full effect of this book was felt. For those that have read the series so far here are a few comments but no spoilers, Wow!!!!!! Brilliant twist!!!! No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Blooming heck I didn’t see that coming at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please yes let it be true!!!! and No!!! again when I realised that I had got to the end of the book and was definitely left wanting more. Plenty of Action, I laughed and cried along the way and this is the first book of the set that has achieved both. Every Character including the additions are easy to picture and each has their own full presence with their role to play in this original and stunning storey. Lots of unexpected twists and turns to keep you captivated. Love, Love, Love these. Probably Debbie’s Best set of books so far as a solo Author. More, More, More please as I really don’t want this storey to end in the next book so please can we have some spin offs. I am sure that there is an Order of Merlin spin off somewhere, plus a black wing spin off and a prequal from Rivers and Ryker with their storey.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not stop reading

4.5 stars.
Finally! A book I couldn’t put down. I knew after starting the series this was one of those books that had a slow start but once you took off with it something good was coming... that’s what I felt in book 4. I literally devoured book 3 and 4 in one day!

I mean WOW... and what did I tell you... I knew he’d be back (you now who I mean). Although a slow start with the 1st 2 books by book 3 I was in deep with the characters and by Book 4 I could not put it down. Book 4 to me felt complete in its story telling and how a story should be executed. There were some character flaws that irritated me at times but let’s face it. If these guys were perfect in all aspects why bother. And the relationship! Talk about sloooooow burn.. took book 4 to make it a RH! But worth the wait!

The story was fast paced with many aspects of Serenity’s life coming to fruition and then some. Lots of twists and reactions like ‘WHAAAT’ and ‘NOOO’ happening as you read. A book that can make me react like that is worth a read! It’s not perfect but a book that keeps me reading means you can’t go wrong.

Now, although I’m anxious to read book 5 it also means a conclusion to the series and another search to find THAT book. A lot of disappointments until you find that gem but oh is it soo worth it.

[Exiguous · Rating 3 out of 5]

The agony of the whinging

Le sigh... I have to skim constantly because her constant fretting over the same sh*t makes me want to punch her. Then add that to the Drayton/Xavier drama like icing and put the Bane/Lucifer on top. I’m sorry it’s just too much it actually detracts from the book!

The really sad thing I don’t like her really. Her incessant inner monologue about her selfish drama is ridiculous. She’s so strong but she can’t adapt to anything gracefully. She has such a problem taking orders and doing what she’s told but she can force her will on others? Grrrr

If I feel this way why have I continued to read? The world, the story and the other characters. I really love the world she created in Chronicles of Arcana and Chronicles of Midnight. It’s this compelling place with so many awesome supernaturals I love reading about it. The story itself is exceptional she’s a great story teller but she drags out the drama a little too much. I’m very invested but only because of the story itself now.

I guess, overall, the story just sweeps you along and honestly skimming over the drama works for me. Some may like it so I didn’t want to rate too low. I’d probably give it a 3.5 or so but based on my skimming I settled for a 3.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addicted!!

And we are back at it fighting the good fight with Serenity and her team. This entire series, this world, the characters, they are all so addicting. Debbie has done a wonderful job creating this world for the reader to dive into. So many unique twists that I could honestly say that I didn’t see coming.
Serenity is now doing her best to fight the Shade and protect the humans, the neph, and those she loves but she is only one person. She’s tired and guilt is weighing heavily on her. We lose a vital piece of Serenity’s team but we gain some allies. My heart breaks for Serenity. It just seems like things begin to look up for her and then something is torn away from her leaving her devastated and overcome with guilt.

My only complaint is the reverse harem aspect. I love reverse harems but I feel like with the lose of a certain person, she’s used the others to just fill a void. I don’t feel like her relationship with the other men have been as developed as her relationship with Bane or Drayton. It did improve as the book progressed because she was actually able to admit her love for them.

[Ada · Rating 2 out of 5]

Being the book that sets up the tone for the conclusion, Shades of Midnight is heavy with action and filled with info prevalent to the main arc.

The thing with Lucifer was something I had seen coming since the time his character was mentioned. As much as I was open to see how things would work out now between Lucifer and the team, it seems unjustifiable when Lucifer does nothing of importance in any scenes. With his hands tied by the test he is so useless. The whole backward progress with him and Serenity seems risky as the next book is the conclusion. I'm not sure if this can be pulled off without looking rushed or forced.
The whole thing between Orin, Cassie and Serenity is finally resolved in this book, I wasn't sure I could take any more of the weird triangle situation when there is a freaking harem present to focus on. Serenity and three of her guys finally have a relationship established.

With new characters like Lucifer or Death and the power within Serenity herself, it has added a new level of intrigue to the conclusion. I hope things pan out well enough with the final book.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Here we are at the fourth book in this series, and it is still going strong. Ms. Cassidy’s amazing storytelling abilities are still coming through in this book which has an unexpected twist towards the beginning. I’m feeling really sorry for Serenity as she can’t seem to catch a break. I am pretty sure everything will work out in the end, but the trip there is so darn heartbreaking. I also really like the side characters so much in this book. I’m hoping we’ll see more of them in their own books (hint, hint!). Of course, with spinoff books, we get to see the main characters again. Anyway, this book was great, and I can’t wait to read the last one. Well, I should say I hate that the last book is coming up, but I really can’t wait to see what happens. As always, this book was filled with adventure, laughs, tears, and action. It’s a “don’t miss”! Highly recommend! I was provided a complimentary copy of the e-book which I reviewed voluntarily.

[Tiffiny · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @72%

This author uses the same writing formula for all her series.

First two books are just random stuff, then a single sex scene with one harem guy in book three with some other woman drama, the book four will have a barely there connection with 1 or 2 more guys, then book five is a quick ending with a harem guy added in the epilogue.

Happens every time and I’m over it. The love scene with Orin was weak. Especially compared to Banes. All these characters being someone else and back tracking progress? It’s going to make book 5 feel rushed and going off the reviews I’d be right.

This author would be absolutely amazing at slow burns if she’d just pace her story and harem building better. It’s a real shame.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things are not good in Arcadia at the beginning of the book. The Shades are attacking left and right, the White Wings are winning the fight for humanity and Drayton is still possessed by Xavier. In other words, loads of fun for Serenity - the only person who can fix at least some of those problems.
And Bane! That was something I did not see coming! And what wouldn't I give to get a glimpse into Lucifer's head!
To sum it all up, things are escalating at a maddening pace in Midnight and the tension is running high. Now I just need to wait for it all to snap. I cannot wait to see how it all ends.

[Alimac · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? Again five stars! Can a series get better with each book? Yes, yes it can! Let’s list the pros and cons.

Pros:
*Harker in all her glory! She is as kick-ass, warm hearted, strong and passionate as always!
*her men, can they be even more amazing in their own unique way?!
*ALL THE FEELS!!!!

Cons:
*the book ended!!
*only one book left!

Side note 1: I want to know about Marika’s adventure!!

Side note 2: Bane?...Bane!...BANE!!

I guess that’s all!! Like seriously READ IT!

I received this book as an ARC in return for an honest review!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet baby jesus! I’m on one hell of a rollercoaster here and I did NOT buckle up! This series might actually be the death of me! So much crazy is happening but holy crap it’s so good and I can’t look away or stop reading! If you have not read this series. Stop whatever the hell you’re doing and read it! Now! Seriously you have no idea the joy, pain, laughter, and grief you never knew or though you needed in your life! Dooo it!! Now I’m off to finish probably the best series I have EVER read....

[Tiera McMillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man I’m just so ready to finally get some answers. What the heck even is this place Arcana? It’s been described as so many things a pocket, an alternate dimension, having a slip of reality, what do these things really mean in the grand scheme of things.

When first finding out about Lucifer I got goosies but that died off real quick. I miss Bane! Serenity and Banes fights were awesome and I miss them.

I’m thinking there must be a “piper” spinoff out there or coming cause that whole thing was super glossed over.
This is me trudging through trying to appease my curiosity curse.

[KayCeeReads]

DNF. Serenity opened the veil to save one person and a whole bunch of others die and she says this
"I deserved it. This was on me, so I’d let him have this time to vent, but after today, if he said a negative word about it, I’d be delivering a smackdown."
So the human can't be upset for more than one evening that all of this destruction is happening, but then she'll give him a smackdown? This is a lot her fault!
So then I read reviews of the next/final book and those convinced me to read no farther. I enjoyed books 1-3 and I'm going to stop there.