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The Gardener's Hand #2
Nightvine
Alizhan spent her life in service to Iriyat ha-Varensi as a mind-reading thief of secrets—until she uncovered Iriyat’s crimes. Possessed of both political and magical influence, Iriyat is almost untouchable. Alizhan has stolen a book that might prove Iriyat’s guilt, if only someone could read its encoded text. Alizhan and her companion Ev leave the constant sun of their homeland to sail for the Nightward coast. They pin their hopes on His Highness Prince Ilyr of Nalitzva, a man rumored to understand any language, even one he’s never encountered. But Ilyr is not who he claims to be, and danger lurks in the long shadows of the glittering court. Nalitzvan palace guards confiscate the book and throw Ev and Alizhan into prison. Their cellmate, a prickly and mysterious islander, offers to help them break free and steal it back. They reluctantly join forces and set off on a journey that will test their budding romance and take them farther into the Night as they race to stop Iriyat.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2018
19 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Felicia Davin
15 books198 followersWhen not writing and reading fiction, Felicia Davin (she/they) can be found teaching or translating French. She loves linguistics, singing, and baking. She is bisexual, but not ambidextrous.
Originally from Kentucky, she currently lives in Massachusetts with her partner and their cat.
Originally from Kentucky, she currently lives in Massachusetts with her partner and their cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 14, 2021
NIGHTVINE grabbed my attention from the very beginning and I read the entire book in a single day because I just couldn't stop. I loved seeing a new country and learning more about the islands; the world building is just great in this series.
Ev was her usual steady self, taking care of Alizhan and making sure there's a workable plan. But we also get to see a little bit of a new softer side as she tries to work through her feelings for Alizhan. But things are made more complicated for Alizhan because she's forced to confront truths that are painful and damaging. There's a lot of struggle for Alizhan in NIGHTVINE and her ability to cope with social situations is not great. Added into the mix is Thiyo, a genderfluid character, who is charming, flirty, and outrageous. He's from the island Hoi and he grew up with a more accepting and diverse culture where people can be and love anyone they want. But in the rest of the world it's not as open, so Thiyo has to hide his true self. With Alizhan and Ev he finds acceptance. I loved the unique flair he brought to this little group and I hope it's all going in the direction I think it is because Alizhan, Ev, and Thiyo are perfect for each other.
I do have to warn other readers that NIGHTVINE does end on a cliffhanger so make sure you have the 3rd book on hand.
Content Warning: References to abuse, torture, homophobia based on sexual orientation and gender identity; main character references almost being raped
Ev was her usual steady self, taking care of Alizhan and making sure there's a workable plan. But we also get to see a little bit of a new softer side as she tries to work through her feelings for Alizhan. But things are made more complicated for Alizhan because she's forced to confront truths that are painful and damaging. There's a lot of struggle for Alizhan in NIGHTVINE and her ability to cope with social situations is not great. Added into the mix is Thiyo, a genderfluid character, who is charming, flirty, and outrageous. He's from the island Hoi and he grew up with a more accepting and diverse culture where people can be and love anyone they want. But in the rest of the world it's not as open, so Thiyo has to hide his true self. With Alizhan and Ev he finds acceptance. I loved the unique flair he brought to this little group and I hope it's all going in the direction I think it is because Alizhan, Ev, and Thiyo are perfect for each other.
I do have to warn other readers that NIGHTVINE does end on a cliffhanger so make sure you have the 3rd book on hand.
Content Warning: References to abuse, torture, homophobia based on sexual orientation and gender identity; main character references almost being raped
November 27, 2019
4,5 stars.
So we continue the story of Alizhan an Ev in a quest to translate the book they stolen from Iriyat. This novel is still rich with worldbuilding and we get to meet some other cultures - it's great. I also liked the new character - Thiyo, I think he's such a great addition to our main duo. I had some little personal issues with the way the story followed that' why a half star less, but it wasn't anything important. The ending left me wanting for more and so a little break for some other books and then I'm gonna to jump to the Shadebloom.
So we continue the story of Alizhan an Ev in a quest to translate the book they stolen from Iriyat. This novel is still rich with worldbuilding and we get to meet some other cultures - it's great. I also liked the new character - Thiyo, I think he's such a great addition to our main duo. I had some little personal issues with the way the story followed that' why a half star less, but it wasn't anything important. The ending left me wanting for more and so a little break for some other books and then I'm gonna to jump to the Shadebloom.
October 15, 2023
This was -by far- my favourite book in the series. I could gush but I won't.
February 21, 2019
I like Thiyo :) He was a great addition to Alizhan and Ev, they make a great and fun team. I liked the whole mess with Ilyr, and getting to see more of the world and other characters, and the reveal of what is in the book (though in hindsight I feel like I should have guessed.) The writing style is slightly too, hm, blunt/direct for my taste, but it didn't really bother me either.
April 13, 2018
All I can say is I'm counting down the days until the next book comes out. 100 stars out of 5.
December 27, 2024
The second book starts with Ev and Alizhan in a prison cell. My oh my! Who knew that showing a smuggled book to the first guard encountered with a demand to see the prince about it, could end like that? Even in a place that wasn't in its book-burning era.
So, you can see the beginning didn't set me in a good mood, and it never improved much, for long.
I still love the worldbuilding; in Nightvine the author mostly focused on languages, scripts, and translation issues--clearly their area of expertise (mine as well, so these parts made me happy)--and on the boundaries of gender expression in different societies, and gender identity in general (which I didn't love that much, because: 1) using the word "queer" in its modern North American meaning felt like a nail on a chalkboard; 2) the characters involved had nothing going on about them outside of that).
In a book that places so much focus on languages, I couldn't help but notice the decline in the writing style. I mean: Thornfruit might have had more awkward turns of phrase, but it's also given me plenty of moments I've quoted to anyone able to appreciate them. In Nightvine I found no such moment. Not a single line.
...also look at how brave I am, keeping myself from criticising the romance for being built on tropes that I personally hate but also happen to know they place high in polls, so woe is me...
So, you can see the beginning didn't set me in a good mood, and it never improved much, for long.
I still love the worldbuilding; in Nightvine the author mostly focused on languages, scripts, and translation issues--clearly their area of expertise (mine as well, so these parts made me happy)--and on the boundaries of gender expression in different societies, and gender identity in general (which I didn't love that much, because: 1) using the word "queer" in its modern North American meaning felt like a nail on a chalkboard; 2) the characters involved had nothing going on about them outside of that).
In a book that places so much focus on languages, I couldn't help but notice the decline in the writing style. I mean: Thornfruit might have had more awkward turns of phrase, but it's also given me plenty of moments I've quoted to anyone able to appreciate them. In Nightvine I found no such moment. Not a single line.
...also look at how brave I am, keeping myself from criticising the romance for being built on tropes that I personally hate but also happen to know they place high in polls, so woe is me...
April 22, 2018
Nightvine was even better than the last one (Thornfruit)! I loved the development for the characters we'd already met in the last book, and the new characters were fantastic to the point where I'd like to see them appear again in an anthology (whether or not they appear in Shadebloom, the forthcoming 3rd book in this series). Speaking of, it better come out soon because I am Mad about the ending (in the best possible way).
The relationships are really going places too. Bisexuals and polyamory? A fully believable range of reactions to the above? Excellent.
I still love that the world is really different but we're limited to characters' point of view, so certain characters who are the type to complain might do so about inconveniences that the world poses, but never in a way that suggests HEY THIS IS WEIRD, even if it is.
The relationships are really going places too. Bisexuals and polyamory? A fully believable range of reactions to the above? Excellent.
I still love that the world is really different but we're limited to characters' point of view, so certain characters who are the type to complain might do so about inconveniences that the world poses, but never in a way that suggests HEY THIS IS WEIRD, even if it is.
July 30, 2018
4.75
Davin, does it again. Captivating, super world building, an interesting plot and great characters. In this book an irritating info dump jarred me out of the story, not so much because of the info, but because the dumping didn't really contribute mush to the story. The necessary parts had already been dilvulged in other conversations.
A cliff hanger ending. Vile. Hate it. The only saving grace is that book three already exists otherwise I would be ranting without end, until publication date. Then I'd sulk and probably not buy it for years...
Never the less, an excellent fantasy. Boko three here I come.
Davin, does it again. Captivating, super world building, an interesting plot and great characters. In this book an irritating info dump jarred me out of the story, not so much because of the info, but because the dumping didn't really contribute mush to the story. The necessary parts had already been dilvulged in other conversations.
A cliff hanger ending. Vile. Hate it. The only saving grace is that book three already exists otherwise I would be ranting without end, until publication date. Then I'd sulk and probably not buy it for years...
Never the less, an excellent fantasy. Boko three here I come.
February 15, 2019
Delightful. Watching character relationships grow is the best.
March 8, 2019
Even more enjoyable - and funnier - than the first book though again with the cliffhanger ending!
August 22, 2024
genuinely could not tell you why this is not a popular series. incredible fantasy world, interesting magic system, the loveliest slow burn romance, everyone's gay, it's SO GOOD
June 19, 2019
listen i loved the first book but reading this one was like that picture of melissa joan hart trying to eat pancakes while surrounded by people offering more plates of pancakes
September 13, 2022
Wow, so good! I almost never like the second book in a trilogy, they usually feel like a boring featureless bridge to cross to get to the climax of the final volume, but this one has tons of action and is even more absorbing than the first book. And that ending!!
February 3, 2019
I'm continuing to enjoy this series tremendously. I now remember where I picked up the first book: it was next to mine on a list of LGBTQ Fantasy. Anyway, "Nightvine" picks up right where the first book, "Thornfruit," leaves off. You're probably going to want to read Book 1 first, as each book is based on the previous one, which ends on a cliffhanger. But if you've already read Book 1 and enjoyed it, Book 2 is likely to be at least as enjoyable.
Like "Thornfruit," "Nightvine" moves quickly. The worldbuilding is intriguing--the world is divided into Night and Day, for example, with no alternation between them--but sketched out rather than fleshed out in detail. Devotees of the kind of epic fantasy that dwells heavily on worldbuilding (okay, I could include myself in that group) may thirst for a little more detail, but there's more than enough to get a feel for the unique fantasy world that the author has created. As with the first book, one of the things that makes this world stand out is the diverse cast of characters and cultures. Instead of yet another British or Central European setting, we get characters who are everything from "Finnish" to "Polynesian." And many of them are bisexual. If you have a strong aversion to bisexual characters, you're going to have a problem with this book, but if you think fantasy needs more such people in it, it's yet another (although not the only) reason to read it.
This book sees the main characters leave the site of the first book and visit new and exotic (to them) lands as they seek to solve the mystery of the coded book that was introduced in the first book. We get a delightful new character in Thiyo, and find out more about Alizhan's backstory. It's full of adventure and very readable. The language has a very modern, American, vernacular sound, which adds to the readability but some readers may find jarring. However, overall it works really well, and I would put this at the top of my list for readers looking for LGBTQ fantasy.
Like "Thornfruit," "Nightvine" moves quickly. The worldbuilding is intriguing--the world is divided into Night and Day, for example, with no alternation between them--but sketched out rather than fleshed out in detail. Devotees of the kind of epic fantasy that dwells heavily on worldbuilding (okay, I could include myself in that group) may thirst for a little more detail, but there's more than enough to get a feel for the unique fantasy world that the author has created. As with the first book, one of the things that makes this world stand out is the diverse cast of characters and cultures. Instead of yet another British or Central European setting, we get characters who are everything from "Finnish" to "Polynesian." And many of them are bisexual. If you have a strong aversion to bisexual characters, you're going to have a problem with this book, but if you think fantasy needs more such people in it, it's yet another (although not the only) reason to read it.
This book sees the main characters leave the site of the first book and visit new and exotic (to them) lands as they seek to solve the mystery of the coded book that was introduced in the first book. We get a delightful new character in Thiyo, and find out more about Alizhan's backstory. It's full of adventure and very readable. The language has a very modern, American, vernacular sound, which adds to the readability but some readers may find jarring. However, overall it works really well, and I would put this at the top of my list for readers looking for LGBTQ fantasy.
April 15, 2018
This is very much that second part of a trilogy where everything our heroes try kind of fails and kind of works. Nothing goes as planned, but not all hope is lost.
Because of that it took my longer to get through. Not because it's less well written. but because it's much more painful, sad and infuriating to read and the stakes are so much higher.
At least the romance between Ev and Alizhan develops, in a good, wonderfully written way. They sure need it!! Same goes for their friendship with Thiyo and all the helping people they meet along the way.
This is not the book I wanted to read but there is, I am afraid, nothing wrong with it. It just has the hopes and dreams of our heroes collide with the cruel, bleak reality of this fucked-up world. So much to be sad and angry about.
Thank god for world-weary Thiyo snarking at everyone to make it more bearable while unsuccessfully pretending he is heartless.
And that ending, plus the first chapter of the next book, combined, are just one evil cliffhanger that I will thankfully not have to live with for more than a month or so. But still. Come on!
The third book better have some hard-earned triumph for our heroes. Because if it won't, I will throw it at the wall like Alizhan a certain book.
Since the next book is not out here, let me declare my demands right now, not that anyone cares 😂: Iryat out of power, her conspiracy uncovered thanks to Alizhan restoring everyone's memories, Alizhan and Ev happily together leading the house, magic and same sex love legalized.
A total pipe dream, considering how utterly fucked Ev, Alizhan and Thiyo are right now, but I want to believe!
Because of that it took my longer to get through. Not because it's less well written. but because it's much more painful, sad and infuriating to read and the stakes are so much higher.
At least the romance between Ev and Alizhan develops, in a good, wonderfully written way. They sure need it!! Same goes for their friendship with Thiyo and all the helping people they meet along the way.
This is not the book I wanted to read but there is, I am afraid, nothing wrong with it. It just has the hopes and dreams of our heroes collide with the cruel, bleak reality of this fucked-up world. So much to be sad and angry about.
Thank god for world-weary Thiyo snarking at everyone to make it more bearable while unsuccessfully pretending he is heartless.
And that ending, plus the first chapter of the next book, combined, are just one evil cliffhanger that I will thankfully not have to live with for more than a month or so. But still. Come on!
The third book better have some hard-earned triumph for our heroes. Because if it won't, I will throw it at the wall like Alizhan a certain book.
Since the next book is not out here, let me declare my demands right now, not that anyone cares 😂: Iryat out of power, her conspiracy uncovered thanks to Alizhan restoring everyone's memories, Alizhan and Ev happily together leading the house, magic and same sex love legalized.
A total pipe dream, considering how utterly fucked Ev, Alizhan and Thiyo are right now, but I want to believe!
December 2, 2019
This book did something I really appreciate but also found disorienting. The main event at the start of the book (first 20% or so) felt like it was a big, tense enough moment to be the ending of a book. It was nice cause it meant the book started with a lot of activity but it had me wondering "what more can possibly happen after this?". It felt like I was reading an ending, but Davin manages to keep up the pace so the story moves quickly.
There weren't many twists or reveals in this 2nd installment, but there are some things I'm confused about. I suspect they'll be cleared up in the 3rd book.
The cliffhanger that this 2nd book ends on is pretty painful so I instantly went and bought the 3rd cause I need to know how things go and how much damage was done in the last few pages.
There weren't many twists or reveals in this 2nd installment, but there are some things I'm confused about. I suspect they'll be cleared up in the 3rd book.
The cliffhanger that this 2nd book ends on is pretty painful so I instantly went and bought the 3rd cause I need to know how things go and how much damage was done in the last few pages.
January 2, 2022
DNF. As a few others have written and I *wish* I’d known about: Halfway in I stopped in dismay to Google spoilers and was sad as hell to see that the beautiful f/f relationship slowly building over the course of the trilogy and so tenderly developed in Book 1 and part of Book 2 turns into a m/f/f poly situation. I wish the author who is so so talented had been up front so those of us who don’t want to read m/f pairings could have avoided. I fell in love with the characters and the plot but the insertion of a pretty annoying dude ruined the books for me. Again, some folks will love this but if you are looking just for f/f you might want to avoid the heartbreak of this surprise two books in to a trilogy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2025
My three star ratings mean the book was okay and I'm not sorry I read it. This will be 3.5 stars on the blog.
This story was much better than the first in the series. There was less boring filler. Again, it's not Young Adult, it's New Adult with main characters who are over eighteen years of age. It has detailed sex scenes. There was enough non-romance content to keep me interested, and as I said in my review of the first book, Thornfruit, this series has a refreshing unique storyline.
It did have one of my pet peeves, though; modern slangy lingo (and obscenities) in a fantasy setting that's Renaissance-esque. Also the eff-word was used constantly. I never understand why so many authors of fantasy set in Medieval or Renaissance type times don't use their creativity and make unique swear words for their books.
I guess if this series was first published now it would be considered Romantasy. Romantasy is not my cup of tea, but I review books based on the genre they're intended to be, so I'll say if you like Romantasy you'll like this series. I have the last book in the series, Shadebloom, on my Kindle wishlist and if it shows up for $1.99 or less in the future I'll purchase it because at this point I'm invested in the characters.
This ebook was from my "freebies and 99¢" Goodreads shelf as a freebie purchase. I read it for my personal yearly challenge of trying to read some of my free and 99¢ Kindle books, and for Pride Month. The LGBTQ elements were a bit more central to the storyline in this book than in the first.
This story was much better than the first in the series. There was less boring filler. Again, it's not Young Adult, it's New Adult with main characters who are over eighteen years of age. It has detailed sex scenes. There was enough non-romance content to keep me interested, and as I said in my review of the first book, Thornfruit, this series has a refreshing unique storyline.
It did have one of my pet peeves, though; modern slangy lingo (and obscenities) in a fantasy setting that's Renaissance-esque. Also the eff-word was used constantly. I never understand why so many authors of fantasy set in Medieval or Renaissance type times don't use their creativity and make unique swear words for their books.
I guess if this series was first published now it would be considered Romantasy. Romantasy is not my cup of tea, but I review books based on the genre they're intended to be, so I'll say if you like Romantasy you'll like this series. I have the last book in the series, Shadebloom, on my Kindle wishlist and if it shows up for $1.99 or less in the future I'll purchase it because at this point I'm invested in the characters.
This ebook was from my "freebies and 99¢" Goodreads shelf as a freebie purchase. I read it for my personal yearly challenge of trying to read some of my free and 99¢ Kindle books, and for Pride Month. The LGBTQ elements were a bit more central to the storyline in this book than in the first.
March 28, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this and I think it's a much stronger novel than Thornfruit in terms of its pacing - maybe partly because a lot of the heavy exposition about the world and society had already been done in the first book, but it felt as though even the new settings weren't laid out so heavy-handedly, and it felt more like the author knew we could keep up rather than holding our hand through everything.
I LOVE the way this series deals with different languages in this universe - characters speaking different languages, or characters having to translate for each other, or having to adapt to a different language to make themselves understood even though they're not very good at it, or the ways that some words in one language are derivative of the word in another language, or even things as simple as when one of the characters comes across a word they're not familiar with! I love it and it makes the whole thing feel much more real.
SPEAKING OF LANGUAGES... what an incredible character Thiyo is. It is so refreshing to come across a fantasy novel with MULTIPLE (well, two) well-developed trans characters, and Thiyo in particular is so complex and interesting. He is such a good addition to the team!
But once again the heart of this series is Alizhan and Ev, and seeing them get closer and the YEARNING and the PINING is incredible, especially when Certain Things happen that limit Alizhan's normal means of communicating... I would die for them.
I'm off to read Shadebloom!
I LOVE the way this series deals with different languages in this universe - characters speaking different languages, or characters having to translate for each other, or having to adapt to a different language to make themselves understood even though they're not very good at it, or the ways that some words in one language are derivative of the word in another language, or even things as simple as when one of the characters comes across a word they're not familiar with! I love it and it makes the whole thing feel much more real.
SPEAKING OF LANGUAGES... what an incredible character Thiyo is. It is so refreshing to come across a fantasy novel with MULTIPLE (well, two) well-developed trans characters, and Thiyo in particular is so complex and interesting. He is such a good addition to the team!
But once again the heart of this series is Alizhan and Ev, and seeing them get closer and the YEARNING and the PINING is incredible, especially when Certain Things happen that limit Alizhan's normal means of communicating... I would die for them.
I'm off to read Shadebloom!
June 2, 2018
I know a book is good when I don't realize I'm at the end until it gets to the last page (this was an eBook). I actually said "what no!" when I realized, and then had to buy the 3rd one right away. As I said with the first book I love this one too! It was interesting and had likable characters and the ones that weren't likable there was a reason for that. I also found the backstory of the villain to be interesting, I found myself almost feeling bad for her but then she would do unspeakable evil and I could be like nope never mind that! "Cool motive; still murder!" -Jake Peralta, Brooklyn 99. The romance in the first book was definitely slow burn but with reason so it made sense, was happy that some things progressed though! Well enough gushing, read this book and hopefully you enjoy it as much as I did!
November 27, 2021
There's such an interesting, unique setting being described and presented to us as the story continues. Queerness and frankly, a lot of other "woke" themes pervade the plot and world in ways that don't feel forced. There's a lot about generational trauma and working within societal intrigue you could delve into; I definitely see a lot of potential for literary analysis if wanted.
Even with all that, the plot is exciting and never lost my attention. The wlw romance continues to develop in satisfying ways. The prose is easy to read and the dialogue is a lot more entertaining than the previous book.
Also it's fun when the author does little things to reveal information to you as long as you're paying attention, before the characters are given the chance to figure those same things out.
Idk it's just really good fantasy.
Even with all that, the plot is exciting and never lost my attention. The wlw romance continues to develop in satisfying ways. The prose is easy to read and the dialogue is a lot more entertaining than the previous book.
Also it's fun when the author does little things to reveal information to you as long as you're paying attention, before the characters are given the chance to figure those same things out.
Idk it's just really good fantasy.
January 18, 2023
These books are long and not breezy reads (meaning just, they're long and the prose is lovely but not simple) so I took a long break between Thornfruit and Nightvine, but this book really cemented my love of the series. Beautiful prose, thoughtful fantasy, lovingly drawn characters, and compelling slow-burn romance. Nightvine follows Ev and Alizhan on a series of adventures in foreign lands, and ends with them on their way home to confront their enemy, Iriyat, and they bring with them their new friend Thiyo. I knew that this series centered a polyamorous relationship and that a third viewpoint character would be joining the cast, and I expected to have trouble accepting him, but Thiyo is really a delight, and the seeds that have already been planted of Alizhan and Ev including him in their relationship are compelling.
October 14, 2019
I love this book, and this series, so much i'm having trouble articulating my thoughts at the moment.
RTC.
ETA 10-14-19. FULL REVIEW HERE.
I cannot say enough good about this series. I can't believe how few people have read them. These books have everything I could ever want in a fantasy series and I was enthralled from start to finish.
There's so much to praise here: the worldbuilding, intricate and expansive; the pacing and plot, filling each book teeming with adventure in a genre that often falls victim to over-serialization; magic that isn't only novel but that expands and deepens our experience of the novel itself - I'm talking, of course, of Thiyo's and Alizhan's gifts, and the way that between them we an inside track to experience characters and cultures in such a whole and holistic way. And I haven't even mentioned the characters - it is so refreshing, so meaningful, to read a story whose pages are filled with such diverse characters, written in such a thoughtful way, and to feel the relationship between them build and flourish - and especially, not to be baited or teased or let down.
These books are a work of art. Please read them.
RTC.
ETA 10-14-19. FULL REVIEW HERE.
I cannot say enough good about this series. I can't believe how few people have read them. These books have everything I could ever want in a fantasy series and I was enthralled from start to finish.
There's so much to praise here: the worldbuilding, intricate and expansive; the pacing and plot, filling each book teeming with adventure in a genre that often falls victim to over-serialization; magic that isn't only novel but that expands and deepens our experience of the novel itself - I'm talking, of course, of Thiyo's and Alizhan's gifts, and the way that between them we an inside track to experience characters and cultures in such a whole and holistic way. And I haven't even mentioned the characters - it is so refreshing, so meaningful, to read a story whose pages are filled with such diverse characters, written in such a thoughtful way, and to feel the relationship between them build and flourish - and especially, not to be baited or teased or let down.
These books are a work of art. Please read them.
May 6, 2019
There's more POV characters now as well as the letters and journal entries but unfortunately parts were kind of confusing, and I don't *think* it was my attention span this time. Definitely a middle book - moves a lot of stuff around but you definitely need to read book 3 after this one! I really like Thiyo, one of the new POV characters, and the relationship between Ev and Alizhan was LOVELY, tho I selfishly wish *mumblespoilersmumble*. I also have high hopes for an OT3 [eyes emoji]. Already picked up book 3, I *have* to know what happens next!
August 24, 2018
I'm on to the next one!
Ms. Davin developed the characters through effective dialogue and scene development without dragging me through unnecessary detailing. It was wonderful. Alizhan's people encounters are spot on for a teenager just learning to interact with others and Ev's strength and sensitivity to keep both of them alive and on point is precious.
Don't want to give any of it away. Just read each book in this series.
Ms. Davin developed the characters through effective dialogue and scene development without dragging me through unnecessary detailing. It was wonderful. Alizhan's people encounters are spot on for a teenager just learning to interact with others and Ev's strength and sensitivity to keep both of them alive and on point is precious.
Don't want to give any of it away. Just read each book in this series.
February 5, 2021
Fantastic sequel to Thornfruit. The adventure and intrigue continues and its impossible to put down. The pace is fast and theres never a dull moment.
I enjoyed the addition of Thiyo a lot, hes a great side character to Ev and Alizhan.
I was a bit dissapointed by the last part... I found Ev acting very out of character. Also after 2 books of build up these two really deserved more than an interupted love scene...
I enjoyed the addition of Thiyo a lot, hes a great side character to Ev and Alizhan.
I was a bit dissapointed by the last part... I found Ev acting very out of character. Also after 2 books of build up these two really deserved more than an interupted love scene...
December 15, 2022
Picks up right where Thornfruit left off and sorts a lot of the problems I had with the first book. Massively improved on the characterisation. I also enjoyed how Davin further explored the world in this book. Not much on a wider look at Alizhan's autism (beyond the prosopagnosia and some limited sensory issues). In terms of pacing, there is a big slump in the middle where the stakes just... disappear for a while... but then things pick up with personal stakes and stakes for the wider world.
January 27, 2025
Wow
There is just so much I could say about this series. I feel it's rare for a second book to grip me more than the first but Nightvine has blown me away. The characters all have such depth and the world building is so rich. If anything, I was surprised by how emotionally mature some characters were at times which is such a nice 'complaint' to have. I'm excited to dive into Shadebloom!
There is just so much I could say about this series. I feel it's rare for a second book to grip me more than the first but Nightvine has blown me away. The characters all have such depth and the world building is so rich. If anything, I was surprised by how emotionally mature some characters were at times which is such a nice 'complaint' to have. I'm excited to dive into Shadebloom!
May 11, 2025
This second book was even better than the first one. Some plot elements come together while new ones appear and Thiyo makes an entrance, with his culture around gender and (non)monogamy that forces Ev and Alizhan to reconsider what they've always learnt was the norm. I was a bit disappointed that Merat disappeared so soon, I would have loved an intergenerational battle in book 3. But ending the book on that cliffhanger just meant I had to get on with Shade Bloom right away anyway!
November 28, 2018
Absolutely lived up to the promise of the first book. There's very little I can talk about that isn't spoilers, but WOW. Somehow managed to achieve a climactic ending without making me feel a cheated sense of "I can't BELIEVE you cut it off here" and still leaving me very excited and eager for the next book. Also I'm love Thiyo.
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