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Spell Weaver #1
The Night Realm
As a nymph living in exile among humans, Clio has picked up all sorts of unique survival skills. But stealing from the most dangerous spell weavers in the Underworld? Not so much.
Unfortunately, that’s exactly what she has to do to earn a ticket back home.
Conning her way into the Underworld may have gone pretty well, but now she’s got a new problem. His name is Lyre and he’s a sinfully alluring incubus, a dangerously skilled spell weaver, and the only thing standing between her and stealing some damn magic.
Maneuvering around him without blowing her cover shouldn’t be that difficult, but chaos has been dogging her every step, monsters hide behind beautiful faces, and Lyre keeps saving her neck even though they’re enemies. Kind of enemies? Either way, her mission is getting complicated fast, and in the Underworld, even one mistake could prove fatal.
--
From the author of the Steel & Stone series comes a new urban fantasy adventure with breathtaking magic, heart-stopping action, and forbidden attraction in a world where secrets are the most dangerous weapons of all.
--
Steel & Stone Universe Books:
SPELL WEAVER
The Night Realm (#1)
The Shadow Weave (#2)
The Blood Curse (#3)
STEEL & STONE
Chase the Dark (#1)
Bind the Soul (#2)
Yield the Night (#3)
Feed the Flames (#3.5)
Reap the Shadows (#4)
Unleash the Storm (#5)
Steel & Stone (#6)
Unfortunately, that’s exactly what she has to do to earn a ticket back home.
Conning her way into the Underworld may have gone pretty well, but now she’s got a new problem. His name is Lyre and he’s a sinfully alluring incubus, a dangerously skilled spell weaver, and the only thing standing between her and stealing some damn magic.
Maneuvering around him without blowing her cover shouldn’t be that difficult, but chaos has been dogging her every step, monsters hide behind beautiful faces, and Lyre keeps saving her neck even though they’re enemies. Kind of enemies? Either way, her mission is getting complicated fast, and in the Underworld, even one mistake could prove fatal.
--
From the author of the Steel & Stone series comes a new urban fantasy adventure with breathtaking magic, heart-stopping action, and forbidden attraction in a world where secrets are the most dangerous weapons of all.
--
Steel & Stone Universe Books:
SPELL WEAVER
The Night Realm (#1)
The Shadow Weave (#2)
The Blood Curse (#3)
STEEL & STONE
Chase the Dark (#1)
Bind the Soul (#2)
Yield the Night (#3)
Feed the Flames (#3.5)
Reap the Shadows (#4)
Unleash the Storm (#5)
Steel & Stone (#6)
385 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2017
1359 people are currently reading
5614 people want to read
About the author
Annette Marie
50 books7,198 followersAnnette Marie is the best-selling author of over thirty books, including the expansive urban fantasy series The Guild Codex, epic urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, and romantic fantasy trilogy Red Winter.
A 2015 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist in Fantasy and an Amazon Charts Bestseller, Annette has sold over 2 million books. Her books have been translated into French, German, Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian, with readers coming back again and again for her addictive blend of fast-paced adventure, tantalizing forbidden romance, and unforgettable characters.
Annette lives in the frozen winter wasteland of Alberta, Canada (okay, it’s not quite that bad) with her husband and their furry minions of darkness. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in her garden or an art project while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.
To find out more about Annette and her books, visit www.annettemarie.ca
A 2015 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist in Fantasy and an Amazon Charts Bestseller, Annette has sold over 2 million books. Her books have been translated into French, German, Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian, with readers coming back again and again for her addictive blend of fast-paced adventure, tantalizing forbidden romance, and unforgettable characters.
Annette lives in the frozen winter wasteland of Alberta, Canada (okay, it’s not quite that bad) with her husband and their furry minions of darkness. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in her garden or an art project while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.
To find out more about Annette and her books, visit www.annettemarie.ca
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews
May 1, 2018
***4.5/5 Stars***
The Night Realm was an intoxicating and spellbinding ride! With a cast of characters that was enchanting, and pages that were filled to the brim with action and intrigue, it was impossible not to fall in love with this book. Add to that a magic system and worlds that were addicting to learn about, and it was shocking how fast I flew through the pages. I'm so happy to say that The Night Realm was such a huge win for me!
We first meet Clio who is a nymph and has royalty blood. She's been sent to Earth, from the Overworld, to be kept safe. And not that far into the story she takes on the task to help protect her country in the Overworld, from losing an eminent war. And to complete that task she must travel to Hade's territory, in the Underworld. So from the first few chapters I knew that I liked Clio. She was brave and determined, and her thoughts and actions warmed my heart. Plus she had me cracking up at times. She doesn't mean to be funny, but she could be such a walking disaster. Which is kinda shocking since it goes against her capable demeanor lol. But it made her so down to earth and someone I easily clicked with. I thought Clio made a fabulous heroine who constantly proved why she deserved my respect.
Upon arriving in the Underworld with two body guards, Clio gets linked to work with Lyre, an incubus. They've had a run in in the past.....one of those situations where Clio is a walking disaster. Oh my gosh, I just wanted to hug that girl at times lol. But this time around they're to work together, since Lyre will commission the magic to help Clio's country not lose the coming war. Every time they're around each other, there's definitely lust and attraction that had me smiling a ton. But it was their other interactions that pushed me over the edge into obsessed territory. You see, they're both so used to being a means to an end for others. But they each go out of their way to help one another time and again. And that makes them start to look at each other a little bit more. So it doesn't matter that Lyre runs hot to cold with Clio and it doesn't matter that Clio is purchasing magic that Lyre struggles with, because that's not what makes them pause. You see, they're enemies. He's from the Underworld and she's from the Overworld. They definitely don't mesh together at all. Yet it seems that fate has other plans for this slow-burn romance.
I just have to say that I loved Lyre! He was beyond sexy and charismatic and so much more than meets the eye! There's much more that I want to say, but you'll slowly discover all there is to know about Lyre. And he is definitely bbf material! So while The Night Realm ends with me needing to know what's going to happen next, we stopped at the perfect place to take a break. Or at least a breath....you'll see what I mean when it comes to the action in this book! At times it felt like their enemies and difficult situations were a mile long, but it was soooo much fun! It makes the stakes crazy high and I can not wait to pick up the next book!! But till then I'm looking forward to reading her other books. I bought Chase the Dark and can't wait to read that completed series!
PS I didn't know if I should like Ash at first, but is it horrible that all of his killings didn't phase me? I loved that him and Lyre formed a tentative....hmmmm well I wouldn't call it friendship but it was definitely something. The way they would nudge the other or even help each other out made me smile and their interactions always had me laughing like above. I'm so excited to see what happens between the two of them next!
For more of my reviews, please visit:
The Night Realm was an intoxicating and spellbinding ride! With a cast of characters that was enchanting, and pages that were filled to the brim with action and intrigue, it was impossible not to fall in love with this book. Add to that a magic system and worlds that were addicting to learn about, and it was shocking how fast I flew through the pages. I'm so happy to say that The Night Realm was such a huge win for me!
Clenching her hands until her fingernails dug into her palms, she broke into a run, fleeing the corridor, desperate to escape the building. To escape this place. To escape this world.
We first meet Clio who is a nymph and has royalty blood. She's been sent to Earth, from the Overworld, to be kept safe. And not that far into the story she takes on the task to help protect her country in the Overworld, from losing an eminent war. And to complete that task she must travel to Hade's territory, in the Underworld. So from the first few chapters I knew that I liked Clio. She was brave and determined, and her thoughts and actions warmed my heart. Plus she had me cracking up at times. She doesn't mean to be funny, but she could be such a walking disaster. Which is kinda shocking since it goes against her capable demeanor lol. But it made her so down to earth and someone I easily clicked with. I thought Clio made a fabulous heroine who constantly proved why she deserved my respect.
Lyre didn’t feel like an enemy. And that was even more dangerous.
Upon arriving in the Underworld with two body guards, Clio gets linked to work with Lyre, an incubus. They've had a run in in the past.....one of those situations where Clio is a walking disaster. Oh my gosh, I just wanted to hug that girl at times lol. But this time around they're to work together, since Lyre will commission the magic to help Clio's country not lose the coming war. Every time they're around each other, there's definitely lust and attraction that had me smiling a ton. But it was their other interactions that pushed me over the edge into obsessed territory. You see, they're both so used to being a means to an end for others. But they each go out of their way to help one another time and again. And that makes them start to look at each other a little bit more. So it doesn't matter that Lyre runs hot to cold with Clio and it doesn't matter that Clio is purchasing magic that Lyre struggles with, because that's not what makes them pause. You see, they're enemies. He's from the Underworld and she's from the Overworld. They definitely don't mesh together at all. Yet it seems that fate has other plans for this slow-burn romance.
She exhaled shakily and touched her lips— the lips he had almost, almost kissed. And she reluctantly admitted that her relief wasn’t nearly as strong as her disappointment.
I just have to say that I loved Lyre! He was beyond sexy and charismatic and so much more than meets the eye! There's much more that I want to say, but you'll slowly discover all there is to know about Lyre. And he is definitely bbf material! So while The Night Realm ends with me needing to know what's going to happen next, we stopped at the perfect place to take a break. Or at least a breath....you'll see what I mean when it comes to the action in this book! At times it felt like their enemies and difficult situations were a mile long, but it was soooo much fun! It makes the stakes crazy high and I can not wait to pick up the next book!! But till then I'm looking forward to reading her other books. I bought Chase the Dark and can't wait to read that completed series!
“You butchered another warlord’s escort?” Lyre repeated incredulously.
“I also maimed the warlord.” He frowned. “Or maybe I killed him too. It got kind of messy at the end.”
“You …” Lyre cleared his throat. “This isn’t … concerning for you? Won’t there be consequences?”
“Obviously.” Ash gestured in the direction of the searching soldiers. “But Samael won’t kill me. He’ll just send me back to the bastille again.”
“You’re awfully casual about impending torture.”
PS I didn't know if I should like Ash at first, but is it horrible that all of his killings didn't phase me? I loved that him and Lyre formed a tentative....hmmmm well I wouldn't call it friendship but it was definitely something. The way they would nudge the other or even help each other out made me smile and their interactions always had me laughing like above. I'm so excited to see what happens between the two of them next!
*ARC kindly provided by Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
October 11, 2024
you can read my review here as well!
I received a free copy of this book, which does not influence my review.
At this point, I'm sort of convinced that Annette Marie can do no wrong with her writing. Or her characters. Or really anything. I've read everything she's put out there and I have loved every single piece.
I will admit, I was a bit... hesitant... with this book at first. When it was first announced, at least. I loved Lyre from the Steel & Stone series, but I wasn't sure if I was happy about his own prequel series. For shame, past me! Present me is completely enamoured with this book already!
This has everything I've come to expect from Marie's books--fast pace, non-stop action, swoons, and witty characters with great lines. If you loved her Steel & Stone and Red Winter series, the first book in her new Spell Weaver series will be another favourite, I assure you.
I was pretty much hooked from the first chapter. Clio opened it up and it was fun--oh my gosh, this entire book! It was just so much fun! Full of exciting twists and adorable banter, I loved it to pieces! Clio was a great character, and I found echoes of both of Marie's past leading ladies, so it was easy to warm up to her. There were a few things I was curious about in regards to Clio and Annette Marie definitely delivered those, which was a pleasant surprise! I can't wait to read more from her point of view.
And Lyre! My favourite incubus! I missed him so much! Ever since I read the latest in the Steel & Stone series--which was the companion POV novel--I just knew I would love him in his own series (once again: for shame, past me!). Lyre is just so great. He's brilliant and kind and adorable and swoony. I lovelovelove him! Also, reading about how he first met Ash and then future encounters, it was amazing. It had me grinning the entire time because everything is so different than how I know these two from S&S. It was hilarious and perfect and Annette Marie captured each scene with the both of them perfectly.
The romance! Nope, not saying anything else about it. Just know it was amazing. As expected. Can she ever disappoint me in regards to romance? Nope, don't think so.
Anyway, there was a lot of action, as I've said. But more than that, there was a new way of looking at magic, which I found super interesting. Weaving sounds very complicated and Clio herself is more than she seems, so these two abilities definitely made The Night Realm all the more intriguing.
Before I wrap it up, there was... one minor thing that I had hoped to see more of--Reed! He was the only brother that Lyre got along with and I was hoping for more interactions between the two :(
Overall--LOVED it! I can't wait for the next book! 4.5 stars!
I received a free copy of this book, which does not influence my review.
At this point, I'm sort of convinced that Annette Marie can do no wrong with her writing. Or her characters. Or really anything. I've read everything she's put out there and I have loved every single piece.
I will admit, I was a bit... hesitant... with this book at first. When it was first announced, at least. I loved Lyre from the Steel & Stone series, but I wasn't sure if I was happy about his own prequel series. For shame, past me! Present me is completely enamoured with this book already!
This has everything I've come to expect from Marie's books--fast pace, non-stop action, swoons, and witty characters with great lines. If you loved her Steel & Stone and Red Winter series, the first book in her new Spell Weaver series will be another favourite, I assure you.
I was pretty much hooked from the first chapter. Clio opened it up and it was fun--oh my gosh, this entire book! It was just so much fun! Full of exciting twists and adorable banter, I loved it to pieces! Clio was a great character, and I found echoes of both of Marie's past leading ladies, so it was easy to warm up to her. There were a few things I was curious about in regards to Clio and Annette Marie definitely delivered those, which was a pleasant surprise! I can't wait to read more from her point of view.
And Lyre! My favourite incubus! I missed him so much! Ever since I read the latest in the Steel & Stone series--which was the companion POV novel--I just knew I would love him in his own series (once again: for shame, past me!). Lyre is just so great. He's brilliant and kind and adorable and swoony. I lovelovelove him! Also, reading about how he first met Ash and then future encounters, it was amazing. It had me grinning the entire time because everything is so different than how I know these two from S&S. It was hilarious and perfect and Annette Marie captured each scene with the both of them perfectly.
The romance! Nope, not saying anything else about it. Just know it was amazing. As expected. Can she ever disappoint me in regards to romance? Nope, don't think so.
Anyway, there was a lot of action, as I've said. But more than that, there was a new way of looking at magic, which I found super interesting. Weaving sounds very complicated and Clio herself is more than she seems, so these two abilities definitely made The Night Realm all the more intriguing.
Before I wrap it up, there was... one minor thing that I had hoped to see more of--Reed! He was the only brother that Lyre got along with and I was hoping for more interactions between the two :(
Overall--LOVED it! I can't wait for the next book! 4.5 stars!
November 26, 2019
*4,5 stars*
This was SO good.
This was SO good.
November 9, 2017
Original Post: The Night Realm at FLYLēF (www.flylef.com)
IT’S NOT RARE for me to find an author with a backlog of books that I’d like to explore. However, it is very rare that I’ve actually read every book in that backlog. Annette Marie is one of those special authors. Her debut novel in the Spell Weaver series, The Night Realm, returns to the sweeping Steel and Stone Universe featuring a sumptuous romance, complex characters, and an utterly enchanting tale.
It’s refreshing that conventional mythical creatures have broken the traditional mold and given a fun and edgy twist.
Lyre is a charming and devastatingly handsome incubus born to beguile women. But, hidden behind a constant stream of jokes that prevents anyone from looking at him too closely is a master spell weaver with carefully guarded secrets.
Exiled nymph Clio is a gentle mythological spirit of nature. Yet, she possesses the rare ability to mimic magic. To return home, she must steal the most dangerous spells. Clio attracts trouble like a magnet to a near-cataclysmic effect. While I thought there was probably one too many damsel-in-distress moments, I enjoyed the way her character grew. There is a familiarity with which Ms. Marie creates her heroine. Clio starts out with too much naive confidence, then have that arrogance—and a lot of her core beliefs—stripped away, only to rebuild herself with true strength.
The romance between Lyre and Clio is slow to build, filled with tension, and appropriately lighten with humor. Together, they will form an unlikely union to battle the shadowy forces of the Underworld with dark and intriguing spells.
As a prequel to the Steel and Stone series, The Night Realm initially benefits from pour-over love that I have for Lyre. However, within a few chapters, I was swept in by Ms. Marie’s fervor for storytelling as she introduces a vulnerable, yet strong, Clio, and explores a younger and more ardent Lyre (with plenty of Ash appearances, of course). It's a sweeping page-turner that is intricately plotted to move with ever-mounting momentum.
Thank you to the author and publisher for kindly giving me this book free of charge, which does not influence my review.
January 1, 2023
12/31/2022: Reread. (Audiobook!)
09/12/2020: Reread! (Read to my son, Maddox.)
07/30/2020: Reread!
03/17/2019: Read for the second time!
This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
All of the gods and stars in the sky shine down on me! This book is such a masterpiece! This book has rattled my heart. (But each and every Annette Marie book that I've read has shaken up my heart. And for the better.) Annette Marie's Steel & Stone series is one of my all-time favorite series! And her Red Winter series was just as heart-shattering. Every single thing that this glorious woman writes is magical. She has truly been blessed by the gods and we the readers get to reap the glory with all of her memorable stories. -sigh-
I really loved the world building. It is so complex and absorbing. Having already read
Annette Marie's Steel & Stone series, I was already familiar with this world. I love that this new series set in the same universe built upon what I already knew. It was a deeper look into the underworld. We get a glimpse of Crysalis inside of Asphodel, where this book primarily takes place, in the Steel & Stone series, but we delve in so much deeper in this book. I also love that while this series is part of a greater universe, it was also self-contained so that a new reader that has not read the Steel & Stone series could easily pick up the feel for this world.
The plot was completely flawless and expertly crafted. The flow of the story was so fluid. The story is absolutely riveting. I read this in one sitting because I simply could not put the book down. I had to know what was going to happen next. I literally could not stop reading. I have never been so grateful to miss a full night's sleep. This book is well worth the sleep-deprived headache that I received as a result. The intricacy of the plot is really what made me keep reading. The plot twists were surprising and the foreshadowing was layered into the story incomparably. The author has a genuine talent for storytelling.
The characters in this book are so distinctive and I was easily drawn to them. Lyre was a character in the Steel & Stone series and it was an absolute delight to get to know him more intimately in this series. After reading the Steel & Stone series I was so curious about Lyre's past and this book clears all of that up and really expands upon his character for the universe as a whole. I adored Lyre in the Steel & Stone series and reading this book has only strengthened that feeling. He is immediately likable and evokes so much emotion in the reader. Clio is a new character and she is just as delightful. She is so innocent, thoughtful, and it is completely easy to fall in love with her. This book has set up what I can only expect to be an incredible character arc. I can't wait to see how her character grows throughout the rest of the series.
This book contains the best kind of romance. It is a slow burn romance and the characters come together naturally. They get to know each other and they share a common interest/talent. They also come together because of circumstance and fate. It was really beautiful because they both realize that the other is the only person in each of their lives that has ever really done something for them without wanting anything in return. There is not much in terms of physical romantic scenes, but the scenes where they are together have so much romantic tension that it will make you swoon. I cannot wait for more!
Overall, it was such a pleasure to revisit the Steel & Stone universe. I have such a hankering to reread the Steel & Stone series. It is literally gnawing in my stomach with want to reread the series. I can only assume that this feeling is akin to being under the influence of an incubus's aphrodisia. I will forever be a fan of Annette Marie! I will read everything that she writes. If you have not had the pleasure of reading any of her books then I highly recommend doing so because you are definitely missing out. I am going to promptly start the second book of this series. After I finish this series I am definitely going to reread the Steel & Stone series. I just want to live inside this magically delicious world.
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
09/12/2020: Reread! (Read to my son, Maddox.)
07/30/2020: Reread!
03/17/2019: Read for the second time!
This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
All of the gods and stars in the sky shine down on me! This book is such a masterpiece! This book has rattled my heart. (But each and every Annette Marie book that I've read has shaken up my heart. And for the better.) Annette Marie's Steel & Stone series is one of my all-time favorite series! And her Red Winter series was just as heart-shattering. Every single thing that this glorious woman writes is magical. She has truly been blessed by the gods and we the readers get to reap the glory with all of her memorable stories. -sigh-
I really loved the world building. It is so complex and absorbing. Having already read
Annette Marie's Steel & Stone series, I was already familiar with this world. I love that this new series set in the same universe built upon what I already knew. It was a deeper look into the underworld. We get a glimpse of Crysalis inside of Asphodel, where this book primarily takes place, in the Steel & Stone series, but we delve in so much deeper in this book. I also love that while this series is part of a greater universe, it was also self-contained so that a new reader that has not read the Steel & Stone series could easily pick up the feel for this world.
The plot was completely flawless and expertly crafted. The flow of the story was so fluid. The story is absolutely riveting. I read this in one sitting because I simply could not put the book down. I had to know what was going to happen next. I literally could not stop reading. I have never been so grateful to miss a full night's sleep. This book is well worth the sleep-deprived headache that I received as a result. The intricacy of the plot is really what made me keep reading. The plot twists were surprising and the foreshadowing was layered into the story incomparably. The author has a genuine talent for storytelling.
The characters in this book are so distinctive and I was easily drawn to them. Lyre was a character in the Steel & Stone series and it was an absolute delight to get to know him more intimately in this series. After reading the Steel & Stone series I was so curious about Lyre's past and this book clears all of that up and really expands upon his character for the universe as a whole. I adored Lyre in the Steel & Stone series and reading this book has only strengthened that feeling. He is immediately likable and evokes so much emotion in the reader. Clio is a new character and she is just as delightful. She is so innocent, thoughtful, and it is completely easy to fall in love with her. This book has set up what I can only expect to be an incredible character arc. I can't wait to see how her character grows throughout the rest of the series.
This book contains the best kind of romance. It is a slow burn romance and the characters come together naturally. They get to know each other and they share a common interest/talent. They also come together because of circumstance and fate. It was really beautiful because they both realize that the other is the only person in each of their lives that has ever really done something for them without wanting anything in return. There is not much in terms of physical romantic scenes, but the scenes where they are together have so much romantic tension that it will make you swoon. I cannot wait for more!
Overall, it was such a pleasure to revisit the Steel & Stone universe. I have such a hankering to reread the Steel & Stone series. It is literally gnawing in my stomach with want to reread the series. I can only assume that this feeling is akin to being under the influence of an incubus's aphrodisia. I will forever be a fan of Annette Marie! I will read everything that she writes. If you have not had the pleasure of reading any of her books then I highly recommend doing so because you are definitely missing out. I am going to promptly start the second book of this series. After I finish this series I am definitely going to reread the Steel & Stone series. I just want to live inside this magically delicious world.
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
August 23, 2022
Książka jest ok. Z jednej strony nic mnie szczególnie nie irytowało, ale z drugiej strony nie przywiązałam się za bardzo do bohaterów - poza drakonem Ashem, który mnie zaintrygował. Nie jestem też szczególnie ciekawa, co zdarzy się dalej. Zabrakło mi tego czegoś. Najbardziej interesujący jest system magiczny. Istnieje grunt neutralny, czyli nasza Ziemia, a do tego Podziemie i Nadziemie, które zamieszkują istoty nadprzyrodzone. Magowie potrafią tworzyć zaklęcia, a główna bohaterka potrafi rozszyfrować te wzory i skopiować zaklęcie.
November 7, 2017
5 stars
Annette Marie is a genius. I swear she uses magic in real life to captivate her readers in her stories. I have no other rational explanation for how amazing her books are.
The Night Realm is the first of a new series, the Spell Weaver books. This is a prequel trilogy to her completed series, Steel and Stone, that takes place 5 years before the events of Steel and Stone. If you haven’t checked those books out yet, you need to. Otherwise the storyline in The Night Realm may be a little confusing (especially since the trilogy has not been finished yet).
The Night Realm follows Clio, a nymph from the Overworld, and Lyre (my bae from S&S), an incubus from the Underworld. Clio is in exile from her home in the Overworld, and is given the chance to go home by using her special abilities to infiltrate the Underworld and doing some spy ops. She meets Lyre, who is suspicious of her from the get go, but they end up becoming fast friends. Cue action, romance, and a whole lotta awesome magic. It's a recipe for an Annette Marie masterpiece.
I am so excited to read the rest of this series. Ash (also a main character from S&S) makes a couple of appearances. Both Ash and Lyre are very different from their S&S counterparts...they are younger and darker. I really liked seeing their former selves. It really increases my enjoyment for the character growth they went through in S&S.
Overall, another awesome hit. Annette Marie could write a lunch menu and I would read it. I can’t wait to see what happens next in The Shadow Weave!
—�—�—�—
ARC!
I am SO INCREDIBLY EXCITED FOR THIS
Baby Lyre and Ash ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Annette Marie is a genius. I swear she uses magic in real life to captivate her readers in her stories. I have no other rational explanation for how amazing her books are.
The Night Realm is the first of a new series, the Spell Weaver books. This is a prequel trilogy to her completed series, Steel and Stone, that takes place 5 years before the events of Steel and Stone. If you haven’t checked those books out yet, you need to. Otherwise the storyline in The Night Realm may be a little confusing (especially since the trilogy has not been finished yet).
The Night Realm follows Clio, a nymph from the Overworld, and Lyre (my bae from S&S), an incubus from the Underworld. Clio is in exile from her home in the Overworld, and is given the chance to go home by using her special abilities to infiltrate the Underworld and doing some spy ops. She meets Lyre, who is suspicious of her from the get go, but they end up becoming fast friends. Cue action, romance, and a whole lotta awesome magic. It's a recipe for an Annette Marie masterpiece.
I am so excited to read the rest of this series. Ash (also a main character from S&S) makes a couple of appearances. Both Ash and Lyre are very different from their S&S counterparts...they are younger and darker. I really liked seeing their former selves. It really increases my enjoyment for the character growth they went through in S&S.
Overall, another awesome hit. Annette Marie could write a lunch menu and I would read it. I can’t wait to see what happens next in The Shadow Weave!
—�—�—�—
ARC!
I am SO INCREDIBLY EXCITED FOR THIS
Baby Lyre and Ash ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
November 25, 2024
2024 Reread Every bit as good as the first time I read it. Still a 5-star read. I didn't mention this in my original writeup, but hats off to Annette Marie for creating a really good, well defined magic system in this series. The peaks of this novel are when Lyre faces off against Dulcet. The finale of the second fight just cements all the awesomeness.
2019 First Read Loved it. I was thrilled to discover that Lyre had a series of his own after meeting him in the Steel & Stone series.
Clio, an exiled Overworld nymph, travels to the Underworld to steal a weapon powerful enough to prevent a war against her people and also buy her way back home. In disguise as an envoy negotiating an arms deal, master spell weaver Lyre is assigned as her consultant. Lyre happens to be a gorgeous but honorable incubus with six outwardly identical brothers who couldn't be more different on the inside. These kindred spirits find themselves helping each other out of the precarious situations they're in.
I wish I'd read this before Steel & Stone, but Annette Marie didn't even start this prequel trilogy until after S&S had begun. A lot of my frustrations toward the end of S&S may have been defused if I had read these first. The Night Realm is actually a much stronger series opener than Chase the Dark. Highly recommended for the YA Romantasy crowd.
2019 First Read Loved it. I was thrilled to discover that Lyre had a series of his own after meeting him in the Steel & Stone series.
Clio, an exiled Overworld nymph, travels to the Underworld to steal a weapon powerful enough to prevent a war against her people and also buy her way back home. In disguise as an envoy negotiating an arms deal, master spell weaver Lyre is assigned as her consultant. Lyre happens to be a gorgeous but honorable incubus with six outwardly identical brothers who couldn't be more different on the inside. These kindred spirits find themselves helping each other out of the precarious situations they're in.
I wish I'd read this before Steel & Stone, but Annette Marie didn't even start this prequel trilogy until after S&S had begun. A lot of my frustrations toward the end of S&S may have been defused if I had read these first. The Night Realm is actually a much stronger series opener than Chase the Dark. Highly recommended for the YA Romantasy crowd.
April 8, 2020
The Night Realm
Spell Weaver Series, Book 1
By: Annette Marie
Narrated by: Melissa Moran, Greg Tremblay
This is sooooo good! An imp that looks like a beautiful woman is asked to do a job for a Prince. She agrees before she finds out she has to go to the underworld to fulfill the requirements! She can mimic spells but she is supposed to be human. Things go sideways when her contact is an incubus she met topside. It's funny, full of great characters, romance, some suspense, and a very enjoyable read!
The two narrated are fabulous!
Oh, the incubus may be sexy but it is not x-rated!
Spell Weaver Series, Book 1
By: Annette Marie
Narrated by: Melissa Moran, Greg Tremblay
This is sooooo good! An imp that looks like a beautiful woman is asked to do a job for a Prince. She agrees before she finds out she has to go to the underworld to fulfill the requirements! She can mimic spells but she is supposed to be human. Things go sideways when her contact is an incubus she met topside. It's funny, full of great characters, romance, some suspense, and a very enjoyable read!
The two narrated are fabulous!
Oh, the incubus may be sexy but it is not x-rated!
October 19, 2017
I absolutely loved The Night Realm and it has found a special place in my heart. It was funny, engaging, suspenseful and unputdownable. I loved the unforgettable characters, the smouldering romance, the witty banter, the non-stop action, the creative magical world, the intricate plot – everything! As soon as I finished reading it, I wanted to re-read it again!
In order to return to her home (the Overworld), Clio must steal spells from the most dangerous spell weavers in the Underworld. There she encounters Lyre, a skilled spell weaver as well as an irresistible incubus, when he is tasked with brokering a deal with this mysterious envoy from the Overworld. Clio is in over her head on this mission as she endeavours to keep her cover from Lyre, steal some magic and not get killed.
It is so refreshing to have an MC who is not cool, confident and perfect. Clio is a strong, yet flawed heroine who is determined to complete the mission so that she can finally go home. What she lacks in skill and experience, she makes up for in bravado, ingenuity and courage. Lyre is irresistible, drop dead gorgeous and intelligent – what is not to love! Clio is nothing like the hard-nosed buyers that he has dealt with before and finds her bumbling ways both intriguing and entertaining.
The Night Realm is beautifully written, with an original and layered plot, plenty of action, intrigue and edge of your seat suspense. Lyre and Clio were magnetic, believable characters and I connected with them straight away. It was easy to read, with no big info dump and the action started from the first page. I especially loved the weaves and spells, and became immersed in the magical, fascinating world that Ms Marie has created.
This book is a spin-off of the Stone & Stone series, but it is not necessary to have read this series to enjoy and follow The Night Realm. Though once you have had a taste of Ms Marie’s outstanding writing you will want to experience her other books too.
Overall, this is an addictive, sweet read, which I had me rapt from the first page and either swooning, laughing or nail biting throughout. Highly recommended!
In order to return to her home (the Overworld), Clio must steal spells from the most dangerous spell weavers in the Underworld. There she encounters Lyre, a skilled spell weaver as well as an irresistible incubus, when he is tasked with brokering a deal with this mysterious envoy from the Overworld. Clio is in over her head on this mission as she endeavours to keep her cover from Lyre, steal some magic and not get killed.
It is so refreshing to have an MC who is not cool, confident and perfect. Clio is a strong, yet flawed heroine who is determined to complete the mission so that she can finally go home. What she lacks in skill and experience, she makes up for in bravado, ingenuity and courage. Lyre is irresistible, drop dead gorgeous and intelligent – what is not to love! Clio is nothing like the hard-nosed buyers that he has dealt with before and finds her bumbling ways both intriguing and entertaining.
The Night Realm is beautifully written, with an original and layered plot, plenty of action, intrigue and edge of your seat suspense. Lyre and Clio were magnetic, believable characters and I connected with them straight away. It was easy to read, with no big info dump and the action started from the first page. I especially loved the weaves and spells, and became immersed in the magical, fascinating world that Ms Marie has created.
This book is a spin-off of the Stone & Stone series, but it is not necessary to have read this series to enjoy and follow The Night Realm. Though once you have had a taste of Ms Marie’s outstanding writing you will want to experience her other books too.
Overall, this is an addictive, sweet read, which I had me rapt from the first page and either swooning, laughing or nail biting throughout. Highly recommended!
October 12, 2017
I have a soft spot in my heart for urban fantasy - it’s always so alluring and addicting. The Night Realm by Annette Marie is no different. We follow Clio, a nymph with a rare ability to mimic magic, as she goes to the Underworld to steal secrets from their master wavers. Clio must face all kinds of monsters and mayhem - including dealing with an Incubi master weaver named Lyre - so she can prevent a war and go home
Things I Liked
I really liked the worldbuilding and the setting in the story! I liked learning about the different castes of daemons and what their powers are, I liked learning about how Underworlders and Overworlders are different and the same (I would have liked to learn more about Overworlders, hopefully in book 2!), and I really liked Asphodel as a setting. It was kinda eerie, but really raw. I really loved that there was mythology elements blended into the story - mythology is always a win from me.
I really loved all the magic and spell weaving. I loved seeing so much magic being practiced and used. It was all really vivid and provided some nice fight scenes. I liked that we got to explore the difference between casting and weaving spells.
I liked the relationship that develops between Clio and Lyre. While there is obviously sexual tension and you can tell they are heading down a romantic path, I loved Clio and Lyre working together and studying spell weaving. It really showed both as powerful equals who can help and teach the other.
I loved seeing Lyre and Ash meet and getting to see the beginnings of their friendship. It was so great to see their reluctant partnership.
Things I Didn’t Like
Bastain was pretty awful and Clio was a little naive about it. I really understand where Clio is coming from and her trust in his as a loving brother, but he was so manipulative. He really didn’t have much of a presence in the story, so it wasn’t that big of a gripe for me.
Duclet got a little unhinged villain for me, and while it works with his character, I would like a little more depth.
This was a fun return to the Steel & Stone Universe for me, and it definitely made me want to re-read the series. I loved the little easter eggs too - like seeing Zwi, Ash’s dragonet, and going to the Consulate. But you do not need to have read the Steel and Stone series to enjoy this book! The Night Realm is a solid paranormal fantasy filled with daemons, magic, and action.
Trigger warning for attempted rape
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Things I Liked
I really liked the worldbuilding and the setting in the story! I liked learning about the different castes of daemons and what their powers are, I liked learning about how Underworlders and Overworlders are different and the same (I would have liked to learn more about Overworlders, hopefully in book 2!), and I really liked Asphodel as a setting. It was kinda eerie, but really raw. I really loved that there was mythology elements blended into the story - mythology is always a win from me.
I really loved all the magic and spell weaving. I loved seeing so much magic being practiced and used. It was all really vivid and provided some nice fight scenes. I liked that we got to explore the difference between casting and weaving spells.
I liked the relationship that develops between Clio and Lyre. While there is obviously sexual tension and you can tell they are heading down a romantic path, I loved Clio and Lyre working together and studying spell weaving. It really showed both as powerful equals who can help and teach the other.
I loved seeing Lyre and Ash meet and getting to see the beginnings of their friendship. It was so great to see their reluctant partnership.
Things I Didn’t Like
Bastain was pretty awful and Clio was a little naive about it. I really understand where Clio is coming from and her trust in his as a loving brother, but he was so manipulative. He really didn’t have much of a presence in the story, so it wasn’t that big of a gripe for me.
Duclet got a little unhinged villain for me, and while it works with his character, I would like a little more depth.
This was a fun return to the Steel & Stone Universe for me, and it definitely made me want to re-read the series. I loved the little easter eggs too - like seeing Zwi, Ash’s dragonet, and going to the Consulate. But you do not need to have read the Steel and Stone series to enjoy this book! The Night Realm is a solid paranormal fantasy filled with daemons, magic, and action.
Trigger warning for attempted rape
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2025
I’ve listened to books by Annette Marie before, but all of those were co-authored. The Night Realm was incredibly well done, from the magical system to the world-building. At the time that I listened, I did not know this was some sort of spin off featuring a character from the Steel & Stone series. I did not feel like I missed anything, as this is book one in the Spell Weaver series, but I am curious to listen to them.
Clio is a nymph of the Overworld and has spent much of her time on Earth, but when her homeland is in danger and her brother, the prince, asks her for help, she agrees to go to the Underworld and attempt to steal magic spells. Clio has the rare gift of mimic. She can recreate a spell, even ones created by the best spell weavers. She and two guards enter the Underworld pretending to want to buy spells/gadgets.
The tale that unfolds was riveting from sibling rivalry to the profitable business run by the Underworld. Lyre is an incubus capable of spell weaving and seduction. He isn’t exactly a fan of the family business and hides some of his abilities to prevent his family’s company from creating deadly spells.
Lyre and Clio were so interesting together. He suspected she was up to something (she is) and their chemistry was off the charts. The plot was tight, action-packed with twists and turns that kept me listening into the wee hours. It was the type of listen that had me immediately telling friends of the fantasy genre, or even Nora Robert’s fantasy series Chronicles of the One, to pre-order the audiobook.
I loved the world-building and how the realms and magic work. It felt fresh and kept me engaged. We didn’t get slogged down with info dumps as the author seamlessly wove details into the story.
These characters, even secondary ones, were well drawn and dimensional. The villains were diabolical, as were the betrayals both Clio and Lyre faced. The tale ends after a climatic showdown that left me breathless. Marie left us in a safe place, but their story is far from over and the danger is just beginning.
Melissa Moran and Tim Paige did a wonderful job of giving voice to Lyre and Cleo as we changed perspectives. The narration only enhanced my enjoyment of the story as they captured the characters’ emotions and the tone of the story. I highly recommend listening, but you can also read it in kindleunlimited.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Clio is a nymph of the Overworld and has spent much of her time on Earth, but when her homeland is in danger and her brother, the prince, asks her for help, she agrees to go to the Underworld and attempt to steal magic spells. Clio has the rare gift of mimic. She can recreate a spell, even ones created by the best spell weavers. She and two guards enter the Underworld pretending to want to buy spells/gadgets.
The tale that unfolds was riveting from sibling rivalry to the profitable business run by the Underworld. Lyre is an incubus capable of spell weaving and seduction. He isn’t exactly a fan of the family business and hides some of his abilities to prevent his family’s company from creating deadly spells.
Lyre and Clio were so interesting together. He suspected she was up to something (she is) and their chemistry was off the charts. The plot was tight, action-packed with twists and turns that kept me listening into the wee hours. It was the type of listen that had me immediately telling friends of the fantasy genre, or even Nora Robert’s fantasy series Chronicles of the One, to pre-order the audiobook.
I loved the world-building and how the realms and magic work. It felt fresh and kept me engaged. We didn’t get slogged down with info dumps as the author seamlessly wove details into the story.
These characters, even secondary ones, were well drawn and dimensional. The villains were diabolical, as were the betrayals both Clio and Lyre faced. The tale ends after a climatic showdown that left me breathless. Marie left us in a safe place, but their story is far from over and the danger is just beginning.
Melissa Moran and Tim Paige did a wonderful job of giving voice to Lyre and Cleo as we changed perspectives. The narration only enhanced my enjoyment of the story as they captured the characters’ emotions and the tone of the story. I highly recommend listening, but you can also read it in kindleunlimited.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
June 18, 2018
Almost DNF this book several times but managed to pull through in the end by skimming the last 40% of the book (someone please give me cookies for my effort!)
I actually kinda like the worldbuilding of this series but too bad Clio was such a dumb MC.
She literally had no self-preservation and needed Lyre to save her every frikking time.
She knew that Underworld will be dangerous and yet she always ended up going off on her own as if she can fight off villain on her own, which really pisses me off.
So I don't really get why Lyre would be attracted to someone dumb like her. Ugh
Suffice to say, I won't be reading the next book of this series.
I actually kinda like the worldbuilding of this series but too bad Clio was such a dumb MC.
She literally had no self-preservation and needed Lyre to save her every frikking time.
She knew that Underworld will be dangerous and yet she always ended up going off on her own as if she can fight off villain on her own, which really pisses me off.
So I don't really get why Lyre would be attracted to someone dumb like her. Ugh
Suffice to say, I won't be reading the next book of this series.
November 21, 2024
Ugh some of this is very good but I hate it when the protagonist is made to be SO STUPID in order for the plot
Want to read
October 21, 2017i know this book will be as lovely as that cover
January 30, 2019
Clio is a nymph that has been exiled to Earth from the Overworld. She has become a spy for her half-brother, Bastion, but she isn't very good at it. He sends her to the Underworld to steal weapon designs from Crysalis, where she has to interact with Lyre. Lyre is an incubus and master weaver; however, he doesn't fit the mold of the typical weaver of weapons. The more the two spend time together, the more their fates become intertwined.
I've read the Steel and Stone series by this author and loved it. So, I was already familiar with Lyre's character and a big fan. This series takes place before the Steel and Stone series and it looks like it will focus on Lyre (and Clio) with guest appearances by Ash. I'm looking forward to hearing more of his story and am already shipping him and Clio. This first book was exciting and I like the direction the series is pointed in. I can't wait to dive into book 2 to see what happens between Clio and Lyre.
I've read the Steel and Stone series by this author and loved it. So, I was already familiar with Lyre's character and a big fan. This series takes place before the Steel and Stone series and it looks like it will focus on Lyre (and Clio) with guest appearances by Ash. I'm looking forward to hearing more of his story and am already shipping him and Clio. This first book was exciting and I like the direction the series is pointed in. I can't wait to dive into book 2 to see what happens between Clio and Lyre.
January 28, 2024
This is the story how Clio and Lyre met and their adventures.
I only read the first book of this series so far. So many books so little time. I enjoyed it very much.
Clio is the bastard daughter of a king of the nymphs. And her (half)brother send her to earth and refuses her to come back home. He tries to act like he cares, gives her tasks which will help her people, because she has special magic. But somehow I feel like he has his own reasons to keep Clio away. Their country is close to a war against another king.
Clio lives with her bodyguard, who is also her friend, in a little house. There she tries to help her people as much as she can, even though the task Bastian (her halfbrother) gives her are risky. One day he come to her place and asks her to go to the underworld to see if she can see how the weapon makers are weaving their spells into weapons. Clio agrees to go there. She is in great danger, because the people in the underworld are incubus and their can crush other beings with their magic. Lyre is tasked to look after Clio. They so like each other. But Lyre hates to create weapons that kill people or torture them. His brothers are very different. They enjoy it.
During their time together they get into dangerous situations. And it turns out that Clio feels loyalty for Lyre because he saved her.
I love Annette Maries books and I'm looking forward to read the other two books in this series, hopefully before the cross over of Spell Weaver and Steel and Stone comes out.
I only read the first book of this series so far. So many books so little time. I enjoyed it very much.
Clio is the bastard daughter of a king of the nymphs. And her (half)brother send her to earth and refuses her to come back home. He tries to act like he cares, gives her tasks which will help her people, because she has special magic. But somehow I feel like he has his own reasons to keep Clio away. Their country is close to a war against another king.
Clio lives with her bodyguard, who is also her friend, in a little house. There she tries to help her people as much as she can, even though the task Bastian (her halfbrother) gives her are risky. One day he come to her place and asks her to go to the underworld to see if she can see how the weapon makers are weaving their spells into weapons. Clio agrees to go there. She is in great danger, because the people in the underworld are incubus and their can crush other beings with their magic. Lyre is tasked to look after Clio. They so like each other. But Lyre hates to create weapons that kill people or torture them. His brothers are very different. They enjoy it.
During their time together they get into dangerous situations. And it turns out that Clio feels loyalty for Lyre because he saved her.
I love Annette Maries books and I'm looking forward to read the other two books in this series, hopefully before the cross over of Spell Weaver and Steel and Stone comes out.
December 9, 2019
This is less of a review and more of an apology. I just finished this series and realize I'm suppose to have read this one before reading the Steel and Stone series which I did not like and can't be bothered to reread to see if I'd get what I was missing when I first read it.
When I read that book I was lost and honestly had no idea what was going on, well lost. pfft. Anyway,reading this series showed me some things that I did not get from that one.
Now for this book, I liked it. I enjoyed the entire series. I see Lyre and Clio will have another series coming out and I can't wait for that one.
When I read that book I was lost and honestly had no idea what was going on, well lost. pfft. Anyway,reading this series showed me some things that I did not get from that one.
Now for this book, I liked it. I enjoyed the entire series. I see Lyre and Clio will have another series coming out and I can't wait for that one.
January 8, 2018
4 Stars
Review:
I read this after reading the whole Steel & Stone series, so my perspective and expectations for this book were likely influenced by that since the love interest in this one, Lyre, was an important character in the other series. I think I fell for Lyre's playful incubus act at the start of S&S, but I could also see how loyal he was as a friend, and I just wanted to be best friends with him. As the series went on, it became more and more clear that there was more to him than it first seemed, that he was actually very clever and cunning and dangerous, and then he became even more interesting to me and quite possibly my favorite character in the series. So I was really looking forward to getting to know more about his past (since this series takes place before S&S).
Well, I was pleasantly surprised to find out this book had Lyre's POV as well as Clio's! It was a great way to finally really get to know him more, and it also allowed the reader to see important things. We even got to see how his friendship with Ash started.
I liked Clio too. Sometimes I found her to be kind of inept, stumbling through her entire mission haphazardly, really not being very good at the spying or the deception required, but then I reminded myself that she was just out of her league, and I would most definitely be even more of a mess in that situation than she was. And I realized that I liked that part of her because it was relatable. Often times characters are super confident and smooth and competent and not at all freaked out by going into dangerous situations, so Clio was realistic in this regard. And when it really came down to it, she pulled herself together and managed to handle herself really well.
I also like how Annette Marie has made the incubi in this world truly dangerous and powerful in their own way. Well, I mean, Lyre's family are especially dangerous because of their weaving skills, but even normal incubi have that aphrodesia magic that can take away a woman's will (and maybe even a man's if the incubus is powerful enough---I would still like to know about that time mentioned in one of the other books when Lyre apparently proved that to Ash lol). It's also impressive how the author doesn't shy away from the fact that incubi are all about sex, yet she still manages to keep it YA (albeit a kind of older YA).
The weaving, that was very cool too. This author always does a great job describing magic and making it super interesting.
The plot and pacing were where I had a couple minor issues. I thought this book was kind of slow until it got near the end, but I might just feel that way because I was expecting this to be more like the S&S books, which were often fast-paced and action-packed from start to finish. This was also different from S&S in that it seemed pretty romance-focused, and I guess that kind of threw me off a bit too. But neither of these things made the book bad, they just weren't what I was expecting.
If anyone who hasn't read either series yet is now wondering which one they should start with, I'd say either probably works. Both series stand on their own. However, I think Steel & Stone might do a better job of world-building and explaining everything about the daemons, so it might be helpful to read that one first for that reason.
But overall, I really enjoyed being back in this unique world that Annette Marie has created, I liked getting to experience Lyre's POV, I liked Clio as a main character, and I thought all the magic was incredible!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes new adult urban fantasy, incubi, romance, action, and lots of magic.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
I read this after reading the whole Steel & Stone series, so my perspective and expectations for this book were likely influenced by that since the love interest in this one, Lyre, was an important character in the other series. I think I fell for Lyre's playful incubus act at the start of S&S, but I could also see how loyal he was as a friend, and I just wanted to be best friends with him. As the series went on, it became more and more clear that there was more to him than it first seemed, that he was actually very clever and cunning and dangerous, and then he became even more interesting to me and quite possibly my favorite character in the series. So I was really looking forward to getting to know more about his past (since this series takes place before S&S).
Well, I was pleasantly surprised to find out this book had Lyre's POV as well as Clio's! It was a great way to finally really get to know him more, and it also allowed the reader to see important things. We even got to see how his friendship with Ash started.
I liked Clio too. Sometimes I found her to be kind of inept, stumbling through her entire mission haphazardly, really not being very good at the spying or the deception required, but then I reminded myself that she was just out of her league, and I would most definitely be even more of a mess in that situation than she was. And I realized that I liked that part of her because it was relatable. Often times characters are super confident and smooth and competent and not at all freaked out by going into dangerous situations, so Clio was realistic in this regard. And when it really came down to it, she pulled herself together and managed to handle herself really well.
I also like how Annette Marie has made the incubi in this world truly dangerous and powerful in their own way. Well, I mean, Lyre's family are especially dangerous because of their weaving skills, but even normal incubi have that aphrodesia magic that can take away a woman's will (and maybe even a man's if the incubus is powerful enough---I would still like to know about that time mentioned in one of the other books when Lyre apparently proved that to Ash lol). It's also impressive how the author doesn't shy away from the fact that incubi are all about sex, yet she still manages to keep it YA (albeit a kind of older YA).
The weaving, that was very cool too. This author always does a great job describing magic and making it super interesting.
The plot and pacing were where I had a couple minor issues. I thought this book was kind of slow until it got near the end, but I might just feel that way because I was expecting this to be more like the S&S books, which were often fast-paced and action-packed from start to finish. This was also different from S&S in that it seemed pretty romance-focused, and I guess that kind of threw me off a bit too. But neither of these things made the book bad, they just weren't what I was expecting.
If anyone who hasn't read either series yet is now wondering which one they should start with, I'd say either probably works. Both series stand on their own. However, I think Steel & Stone might do a better job of world-building and explaining everything about the daemons, so it might be helpful to read that one first for that reason.
But overall, I really enjoyed being back in this unique world that Annette Marie has created, I liked getting to experience Lyre's POV, I liked Clio as a main character, and I thought all the magic was incredible!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes new adult urban fantasy, incubi, romance, action, and lots of magic.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
October 12, 2019
I think its official that Annette Marie is my favourite author right now!
I really thought I wouldn’t like this one but turns out she really can write anything.
I enjoyed Chase the Dark (Steel and Stone series) so I’m not sure why I was hesitant to start this spin off. Maybe it was the thought of a YA and Lyre didn’t inspire me to read all about him. Well I was wrong because this was chock full of action. Not incubus action unfortunately but the other run for your life kind.
Clio was a walking disaster magnet. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong . I think that’s why I’m marking it down a star, my poor heart couldn’t take it. I was literately shouting “OH NO” out loud, constantly.
I have read S&S (Steel and Stone) so the magic of this world and daemons was not new to me. Though you would be able to pick this up without reading S&S first no problem! The biggest different between the two series: S&S was mostly an Urban Fantasy with most of the battles fought with fists and weapons. This one was Fantasy where the fights were magical. It was all about who could cast the quickest or most deadly spell. I really enjoyed learning the complexity of spell weaving, casts, shading and magic. Despite Clio being a trouble magnet she was incredible likeable. Sweet and innocent and a total klutz, her innocence gets the attention of Lyre and his evil brothers.
She needed to escape from more sticky situations than Pooh bear.
Another good difference was the dual POV. I loved hearing both sides. The thing I wasn't sure about was the timing of these events. It seems to be set when Lyre met Ash long before the Sahar stone. I feel like if this is set in the past I know where we are headed and it takes a little away from it. Where does Clio fit in the future? I’m sure Annette has an answer and it will be something I haven’t thought of!
The suspense was tuned on at maximum level. This world keeps getting more clever and complex and I think I’m going to enjoy this.
I want more shading, more glamour dropping and more Clio & Lyre. I would highly recommend the audio.
I really thought I wouldn’t like this one but turns out she really can write anything.
I enjoyed Chase the Dark (Steel and Stone series) so I’m not sure why I was hesitant to start this spin off. Maybe it was the thought of a YA and Lyre didn’t inspire me to read all about him. Well I was wrong because this was chock full of action. Not incubus action unfortunately but the other run for your life kind.
Clio was a walking disaster magnet. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong . I think that’s why I’m marking it down a star, my poor heart couldn’t take it. I was literately shouting “OH NO” out loud, constantly.
I have read S&S (Steel and Stone) so the magic of this world and daemons was not new to me. Though you would be able to pick this up without reading S&S first no problem! The biggest different between the two series: S&S was mostly an Urban Fantasy with most of the battles fought with fists and weapons. This one was Fantasy where the fights were magical. It was all about who could cast the quickest or most deadly spell. I really enjoyed learning the complexity of spell weaving, casts, shading and magic. Despite Clio being a trouble magnet she was incredible likeable. Sweet and innocent and a total klutz, her innocence gets the attention of Lyre and his evil brothers.
She needed to escape from more sticky situations than Pooh bear.
Another good difference was the dual POV. I loved hearing both sides. The thing I wasn't sure about was the timing of these events. It seems to be set when Lyre met Ash long before the Sahar stone. I feel like if this is set in the past I know where we are headed and it takes a little away from it. Where does Clio fit in the future? I’m sure Annette has an answer and it will be something I haven’t thought of!
The suspense was tuned on at maximum level. This world keeps getting more clever and complex and I think I’m going to enjoy this.
I want more shading, more glamour dropping and more Clio & Lyre. I would highly recommend the audio.
January 7, 2018
Clio the nymph can recreate magic when she sees it. Lyre the incubus can create clever and deadly weaves. It’s a match made in the underworld.
A promising start to a new series.
A promising start to a new series.
October 26, 2019
So, there’s this reason I don’t watch Ben Stiller movies. Something bad happens. Then it gets worse. Then...inexplicably, it gets worse-er. I sit under my blanket and cringe. It’s unwatchable. I think some people find this funny, maybe in a schadenfreude sort of way, but it makes me unbearably anxious.
THAT is this book.
Clio can’t catch a forking break, here. And boy, it gets tiring. To be honest, I spent the first 50% of the book rather bored and frankly confused by the long “asides” where magic is explained. Or explanations were given as to why “yes there’s magic!” But “not in a way that will get clio out of this situation.” Ok. I get it. You gotta have conflict, and sometimes a story steeped in magic gives authors all sorts of crazy permission to make these deus ex machina solutions...
So, why the 4 stars? The last 30% really got cooking. I was into the conflict. Into the story. Still annoyed at Clio being immature and naive, but I’m hopeful this is just a stage in her character arc and not a Permanent Character Disorder (PCD).
I loved Lyre, and wished we got to see him be a little bit bad. I don’t think this is a RH but I’m reaaaallly hoping Ash joins in in a romantic way. Yep. Big silent mystery demon assassin? MORE MORE MORE.
So, yes, I do want to keep reading. It is well written and I’m hopeful this adventure keeps getting better...and steamier!
THAT is this book.
Clio can’t catch a forking break, here. And boy, it gets tiring. To be honest, I spent the first 50% of the book rather bored and frankly confused by the long “asides” where magic is explained. Or explanations were given as to why “yes there’s magic!” But “not in a way that will get clio out of this situation.” Ok. I get it. You gotta have conflict, and sometimes a story steeped in magic gives authors all sorts of crazy permission to make these deus ex machina solutions...
So, why the 4 stars? The last 30% really got cooking. I was into the conflict. Into the story. Still annoyed at Clio being immature and naive, but I’m hopeful this is just a stage in her character arc and not a Permanent Character Disorder (PCD).
I loved Lyre, and wished we got to see him be a little bit bad. I don’t think this is a RH but I’m reaaaallly hoping Ash joins in in a romantic way. Yep. Big silent mystery demon assassin? MORE MORE MORE.
So, yes, I do want to keep reading. It is well written and I’m hopeful this adventure keeps getting better...and steamier!
April 5, 2019
As a nymph living in exile among humans, Clio has picked up all sorts of unique survival skills. But stealing from the most dangerous spell weavers in the Underworld? Not so much.
Unfortunately, that’s exactly what she has to do to earn a ticket back home.
Conning her way into the Underworld may have gone pretty well, but now she’s got a new problem. His name is Lyre and he’s a sinfully alluring incubus, a dangerously skilled spell weaver, and the only thing standing between her and stealing some damn magic.
Maneuvering around him without blowing her cover shouldn’t be that difficult, but chaos has been dogging her every step, monsters hide behind beautiful faces, and Lyre keeps saving her neck even though they’re enemies. Kind of enemies? Either way, her mission is getting complicated fast, and in the Underworld, even one mistake could prove fatal.
Heather's Notes
I did not realize this story was before the Stone and Steele series - even though it was written after. I liked getting to see how Ash & Lyre's friendship started but since Clio is not in the Stone and Steele series, it makes me nervous. I did not care for how open ended she left the other series. I want an HEA. The story otherwise was good and I enjoyed it. She got a little ridiculous at the end though. How many times can a couple get caught and escape. By the time they got out, even I was having a little trouble with it. Still I did enjoy it.
Unfortunately, that’s exactly what she has to do to earn a ticket back home.
Conning her way into the Underworld may have gone pretty well, but now she’s got a new problem. His name is Lyre and he’s a sinfully alluring incubus, a dangerously skilled spell weaver, and the only thing standing between her and stealing some damn magic.
Maneuvering around him without blowing her cover shouldn’t be that difficult, but chaos has been dogging her every step, monsters hide behind beautiful faces, and Lyre keeps saving her neck even though they’re enemies. Kind of enemies? Either way, her mission is getting complicated fast, and in the Underworld, even one mistake could prove fatal.
Heather's Notes
I did not realize this story was before the Stone and Steele series - even though it was written after. I liked getting to see how Ash & Lyre's friendship started but since Clio is not in the Stone and Steele series, it makes me nervous. I did not care for how open ended she left the other series. I want an HEA. The story otherwise was good and I enjoyed it. She got a little ridiculous at the end though. How many times can a couple get caught and escape. By the time they got out, even I was having a little trouble with it. Still I did enjoy it.
December 26, 2018
SORRY RHYSAND, LYRE IS NOW MY FAVORITE BOOK LOVE INTEREST!
I knew this is going to be good, but I did not expect that it will became one of the top three books I read in 2017. This prequel to Steel&Stone serie has everything I love in good (urban) fantasy books: kick-ass (smart) heroes, who are however allowed to make mistakes and are not invincible. Plot, which is smart and keeps me reading until 3am. And just the right amount of romance, which is however not the centre of the plot. In the night realm we get to know more about the incubus Lyre and his past as master weaver in "spell factory" Chrysalis. I did not really care about Lyre in Steel&Stone serie, Ash stole all the spotlight (obviously), but as Annette wrote in one of her books once "everyone underestimates Lyre", who can be in his own way as badass as Ash (or even more). Can't wait what will bring the next book, luckily we have to wait only 3 months between the two books and not 1-2 years as it's the case of some of my other favorite authors.
I knew this is going to be good, but I did not expect that it will became one of the top three books I read in 2017. This prequel to Steel&Stone serie has everything I love in good (urban) fantasy books: kick-ass (smart) heroes, who are however allowed to make mistakes and are not invincible. Plot, which is smart and keeps me reading until 3am. And just the right amount of romance, which is however not the centre of the plot. In the night realm we get to know more about the incubus Lyre and his past as master weaver in "spell factory" Chrysalis. I did not really care about Lyre in Steel&Stone serie, Ash stole all the spotlight (obviously), but as Annette wrote in one of her books once "everyone underestimates Lyre", who can be in his own way as badass as Ash (or even more). Can't wait what will bring the next book, luckily we have to wait only 3 months between the two books and not 1-2 years as it's the case of some of my other favorite authors.
April 9, 2018
Spell Weaver 1
I LOVE LYRE. Ahem, nothing will ever change my feelings. Clio is ok, not completely a fan of hers unlike Piper who I adore. Ash!!!! *sighs* The fight sequences were a wee bit too long. I'm SO glad Dulcet ate it. I hope Reed appears in the next book. On to Book 2, happy reading!
I LOVE LYRE. Ahem, nothing will ever change my feelings. Clio is ok, not completely a fan of hers unlike Piper who I adore. Ash!!!! *sighs* The fight sequences were a wee bit too long. I'm SO glad Dulcet ate it. I hope Reed appears in the next book. On to Book 2, happy reading!
September 21, 2024
This was okay. Clio was kind of naive about her half brother but I think she's going to get over that in the next book. I hope. I will probably read the next book at some point because it's on audible escape
July 28, 2019
DNF at 87%. Could not continue. The h is a moron, her bodyguard is doing anything but guarding, the plot is paper thin...I’m so damn mad, that’s how stupid the h was.
January 5, 2026
4.5 stars
I was so thrilled to receive an ARC copy of this book. I had previously read and LOVED The Red Winter Trilogy by the same author (read: total fangirling adoration and shoving the series in the face of anyone who will listen) and although I haven't yet read the Steel & Stone series it's the very next on my list because this book was ALSO amazing and now I need something to tide me over until January when book two of this series is slated to publish.
To be honest I didn't even know what to expect from this book. I didn't know what the world of Steel and Stone encompassed; I didn't even know that it was Urban Fantasy because that's what I do - when I'm really excited about a book I try to go into it knowing as little as possible about it beforehand so that I can get the most out of it and The Night Realm did not disappoint in any way.
As I've come to now expect from Annette Marie, her world building is superb: It's well thought out, complex and presented so easily that when I was trying to explain the book to a friend I was surprised at just how much information I knew. It can seem dense at times but it's so sophisticated and intricate that you need all the information and I really appreciated that I could dive straight into this book without getting lost because I hadn't read the other series.
There's plenty of action and adventure to propel the plot along and yet it was never too much or too far-fetched and as always, the action scenes are extraordinarily well choreographed with both physical action and magical activity.
The magic system was intriguing and I loved getting to know what I could about the different castes of daemons and their abilities. As with the world building, the magic system is also complex and I am always thankful when an author ensures that there is a cost to using magic and that the magic is not 'all powerful'.
The main female protagonist is Clio - an Overworld nymph who is incredibly relateable. She has a special magical affinity that not many people know about because of her lineage, but she also seems so incredibly human with plenty of flaws. She displays all my favourite female lead characteristics - bravery, loyalty, determination and she really grows into herself.
Lyre is the main male protagonist, an Underworld Incubus and I've since found out that he is also in the Steel & Stone series (therefore I must devour this series ASAP). In this book there's dual third person POVs from both Clio and Lyre and I found that Lyre was equally enjoyable to get to know. He also embodies a lot of my favourite qualities in male lead characters - steaming hot (he is an Incubus after all), powerful yet vulnerable, compassionate and kind and yet still morally grey.
If you've read S&S you may also be interested to know that another of it's characters is in this book - a hugely powerful Underworld daemon named Ash. He's mysterious and reckless - a total 'bad boy' and I loved his dynamic.
I completely adored the interaction between the characters, the snark and the humour and the sass. I found myself laughing out loud a couple of times and there were also times when I found my heart aching. I was completely invested in these characters and the outcome. The chemistry is on point with what I hope is a fledgling romance. In any case it's a slow burn with plenty of swoony moments.
If you enjoy complex worlds, fantasy of any kind, sass and snark and nail biting action then you need to put this on your TBR. Now please excuse me while I totally destroy my carefully planned reading schedule and dive into the first book of the Steel & Stone universe.
I was so thrilled to receive an ARC copy of this book. I had previously read and LOVED The Red Winter Trilogy by the same author (read: total fangirling adoration and shoving the series in the face of anyone who will listen) and although I haven't yet read the Steel & Stone series it's the very next on my list because this book was ALSO amazing and now I need something to tide me over until January when book two of this series is slated to publish.
To be honest I didn't even know what to expect from this book. I didn't know what the world of Steel and Stone encompassed; I didn't even know that it was Urban Fantasy because that's what I do - when I'm really excited about a book I try to go into it knowing as little as possible about it beforehand so that I can get the most out of it and The Night Realm did not disappoint in any way.
As I've come to now expect from Annette Marie, her world building is superb: It's well thought out, complex and presented so easily that when I was trying to explain the book to a friend I was surprised at just how much information I knew. It can seem dense at times but it's so sophisticated and intricate that you need all the information and I really appreciated that I could dive straight into this book without getting lost because I hadn't read the other series.
There's plenty of action and adventure to propel the plot along and yet it was never too much or too far-fetched and as always, the action scenes are extraordinarily well choreographed with both physical action and magical activity.
The magic system was intriguing and I loved getting to know what I could about the different castes of daemons and their abilities. As with the world building, the magic system is also complex and I am always thankful when an author ensures that there is a cost to using magic and that the magic is not 'all powerful'.
The main female protagonist is Clio - an Overworld nymph who is incredibly relateable. She has a special magical affinity that not many people know about because of her lineage, but she also seems so incredibly human with plenty of flaws. She displays all my favourite female lead characteristics - bravery, loyalty, determination and she really grows into herself.
Lyre is the main male protagonist, an Underworld Incubus and I've since found out that he is also in the Steel & Stone series (therefore I must devour this series ASAP). In this book there's dual third person POVs from both Clio and Lyre and I found that Lyre was equally enjoyable to get to know. He also embodies a lot of my favourite qualities in male lead characters - steaming hot (he is an Incubus after all), powerful yet vulnerable, compassionate and kind and yet still morally grey.
If you've read S&S you may also be interested to know that another of it's characters is in this book - a hugely powerful Underworld daemon named Ash. He's mysterious and reckless - a total 'bad boy' and I loved his dynamic.
I completely adored the interaction between the characters, the snark and the humour and the sass. I found myself laughing out loud a couple of times and there were also times when I found my heart aching. I was completely invested in these characters and the outcome. The chemistry is on point with what I hope is a fledgling romance. In any case it's a slow burn with plenty of swoony moments.
If you enjoy complex worlds, fantasy of any kind, sass and snark and nail biting action then you need to put this on your TBR. Now please excuse me while I totally destroy my carefully planned reading schedule and dive into the first book of the Steel & Stone universe.
July 14, 2021
After thoroughly enjoying both the Guild Codex series I craved more of Annette Marie's writing.
Initially, I wasn't disappointed. It reads very similarly but then I noticed that in contrast to guild codex it somewhat lacks originality and is incredibly predictable.
All the plot twists were visible from a mile away.
The writing itself is great and the pacing is engaging and rather fast. The magic isn't particularly original but everything (not only the magic) fits together pretty well which was one of the main points I liked about the Guild Codex books as well. Character decisions make sense, personalities are consistent, all the good jazz that sounds easy but apparently isn't, as most books in the genre sadly demonstrate.
What started to annoy me and ultimately killed any further interest was the repetitive nature of the core game loop I almost want to call it.
Initially while emerging ourselves into the world and learning all the things this isn't an issue but after the initial settling-in period a very simple pattern emerges. Mc urgently needs to get a thing and is captured/incapacitated on the way. Someone is coming to the rescue and fails spectacularly but together the captured/incapacitated/imprisoned MCs are able to escape, rinse and repeat.
On the way, we learn various new things about the world and see a variety of new and interesting locations but the entire time it's just this one pattern that keeps any tension at all. Run after the thing, get diverted/captured, escape and start over. In the middle of the second book, the pattern becomes so obvious even to the author that one of the MCs comments about getting sick and tired of it himself. While reading that, hope arose in me that, as the author apparently noticed the repetitive nature she might change something about it, but no, it just kept stubbornly following the pattern.
While we are at repetition, all the fights are interchangeable as well. There was a new creature with new abilities every now and then but it just wasn't enough to break up the monotony.
What I found particularly vexing about all this was that at every climax they get soooo close to the thing they want but then some unfortunate plot (in)convenience happens and they have to start all over again. Again and again and again...
There is no progress, nothing, just the loop.
I will keep reading through the third book until I encounter the first iteration of the stupid loop just in case this was second-book syndrome.
Edit: well, it didn't even take an hour for the first pattern repeat to manifest in the third book. I still had hope. Now I am sad.
Because there is no way one could read this first book as a standalone (cliffhangers and all that) I decided to rate the series and not just the first book in this review.
Initially, I wasn't disappointed. It reads very similarly but then I noticed that in contrast to guild codex it somewhat lacks originality and is incredibly predictable.
All the plot twists were visible from a mile away.
The writing itself is great and the pacing is engaging and rather fast. The magic isn't particularly original but everything (not only the magic) fits together pretty well which was one of the main points I liked about the Guild Codex books as well. Character decisions make sense, personalities are consistent, all the good jazz that sounds easy but apparently isn't, as most books in the genre sadly demonstrate.
What started to annoy me and ultimately killed any further interest was the repetitive nature of the core game loop I almost want to call it.
Initially while emerging ourselves into the world and learning all the things this isn't an issue but after the initial settling-in period a very simple pattern emerges. Mc urgently needs to get a thing and is captured/incapacitated on the way. Someone is coming to the rescue and fails spectacularly but together the captured/incapacitated/imprisoned MCs are able to escape, rinse and repeat.
On the way, we learn various new things about the world and see a variety of new and interesting locations but the entire time it's just this one pattern that keeps any tension at all. Run after the thing, get diverted/captured, escape and start over. In the middle of the second book, the pattern becomes so obvious even to the author that one of the MCs comments about getting sick and tired of it himself. While reading that, hope arose in me that, as the author apparently noticed the repetitive nature she might change something about it, but no, it just kept stubbornly following the pattern.
While we are at repetition, all the fights are interchangeable as well. There was a new creature with new abilities every now and then but it just wasn't enough to break up the monotony.
What I found particularly vexing about all this was that at every climax they get soooo close to the thing they want but then some unfortunate plot (in)convenience happens and they have to start all over again. Again and again and again...
There is no progress, nothing, just the loop.
I will keep reading through the third book until I encounter the first iteration of the stupid loop just in case this was second-book syndrome.
Edit: well, it didn't even take an hour for the first pattern repeat to manifest in the third book. I still had hope. Now I am sad.
Because there is no way one could read this first book as a standalone (cliffhangers and all that) I decided to rate the series and not just the first book in this review.
November 1, 2017
At first I thought it was a little insta-lovey, but eventually I found myself riding the ship. Annette Marie always knows how to deliver an entertaining story. ALWAYS. Seeing Lyre and Ash again was a blessing. While the plot wasn't as intricate as her other (and one of my fave) Steel and Stone series, I still couldn't put it down because of how well she writes - it's a narrative voice with the perfect blend of imagination, humour, and clarity in dialogue, both inwards and outwards. I can't wait to see how the story leads into it - feeling equally apprehensive and excited.
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