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Midnight's Twins Trilogy #2
A Gathering Midnight
In a city that sleeps, the darkness is gathering...
For Londoner Fern King, Annwn is her second home - the dream mirror of London, the city she loves. An astonishing world, a world where Dreamers walk in their slumber, their dreams playing out all around them. And Fern, along with her twin brother Ollie, is now a Knight, a trusted guardian and protector of those Dreamers - and every night is spent in Annwn, fulfilling that previously only-imagined destiny to guard those who sleep.
But Annwn, this dark and golden city, is a fragile place. There are those who seek to control and to ruin it - mistrust and secrets are rife, and as the delicate symbiotic balance between Annwn and our own world begins to topple, rips begin to appear between the fabric of the worlds. And Fern and Ollie will have to do all in their power to protect this place that has become so precious to them...
The sequel to Midnight's Twins.
For Londoner Fern King, Annwn is her second home - the dream mirror of London, the city she loves. An astonishing world, a world where Dreamers walk in their slumber, their dreams playing out all around them. And Fern, along with her twin brother Ollie, is now a Knight, a trusted guardian and protector of those Dreamers - and every night is spent in Annwn, fulfilling that previously only-imagined destiny to guard those who sleep.
But Annwn, this dark and golden city, is a fragile place. There are those who seek to control and to ruin it - mistrust and secrets are rife, and as the delicate symbiotic balance between Annwn and our own world begins to topple, rips begin to appear between the fabric of the worlds. And Fern and Ollie will have to do all in their power to protect this place that has become so precious to them...
The sequel to Midnight's Twins.
402 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2021
15 people are currently reading
777 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 17, 2022
While I enjoyed book 1, A Gathering Midnight had the missing piece!
My only tiny criticism for Midnight's Twins was that, given the fast pacing, action and fantasy setting, I didn't get enough chance to really get to know the world properly, how the magic, politics and dynamics worked. I said I hoped for a chance for that more with book 2 now that the world building is established - and that's what I got.
I still stand by this being a rare, unique kind of fantasy premise, and this time there were two cherries on top - extra helpings of celtic lore AND some nightmarish gore. LOVE. IT.
This is quickly becoming one of my favourite fantasy trilogies, and it's been so long since I was able to add to that list! Now when is book 3 out?!
My only tiny criticism for Midnight's Twins was that, given the fast pacing, action and fantasy setting, I didn't get enough chance to really get to know the world properly, how the magic, politics and dynamics worked. I said I hoped for a chance for that more with book 2 now that the world building is established - and that's what I got.
I still stand by this being a rare, unique kind of fantasy premise, and this time there were two cherries on top - extra helpings of celtic lore AND some nightmarish gore. LOVE. IT.
This is quickly becoming one of my favourite fantasy trilogies, and it's been so long since I was able to add to that list! Now when is book 3 out?!
June 3, 2024
I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did the first book, which was a shame as I was so exited to read more about these characters and see how they developed.
Instead, there was absolutely no development in the characters or storyline for basically the entire book. I don't have a strong bond with a single character in this book, so when multiple character deaths occured I just...didn't care.. I think we were supposed to, but because there was no development of these characters I wasn't attached to them at all?
Also, the romance just seemed to be forced and added in as an afterthought, I was thinking where is this coming from?? There was no pining, no flirting, nothing of the sort to even imply that a relationship would happen between Samson and Fern, so I'm not invested in their relationship either.
Overall, I'm disappointed in this book as it seemed mostly just a huge filler book, and only the last 40 pages or so actually had any sort of development to the storyline. I can't help but think this series should have just been a duology!!
The description also seemed lacking compared to the first book, and I just wasn't as into the book and the world building reading this one, which is annoying as that's what made me enjoy the first book so much :(
Instead, there was absolutely no development in the characters or storyline for basically the entire book. I don't have a strong bond with a single character in this book, so when multiple character deaths occured I just...didn't care.. I think we were supposed to, but because there was no development of these characters I wasn't attached to them at all?
Also, the romance just seemed to be forced and added in as an afterthought, I was thinking where is this coming from?? There was no pining, no flirting, nothing of the sort to even imply that a relationship would happen between Samson and Fern, so I'm not invested in their relationship either.
Overall, I'm disappointed in this book as it seemed mostly just a huge filler book, and only the last 40 pages or so actually had any sort of development to the storyline. I can't help but think this series should have just been a duology!!
The description also seemed lacking compared to the first book, and I just wasn't as into the book and the world building reading this one, which is annoying as that's what made me enjoy the first book so much :(
April 1, 2023
One of the best young adult’s books ✨
December 17, 2021
A Gathering Midnight takes us again into the world of Annwn, the world we visit when we are dreaming. Race has created an amazing fantasy world with brilliant characters. I especially enjoyed seeing Fern, (the main character) develop into a knight and question who she is.
Another great read in the Midnight's Twins Trilogy and I'm very excited to read the final instalment. This trilogy is a must read for fantasy lovers.
Another great read in the Midnight's Twins Trilogy and I'm very excited to read the final instalment. This trilogy is a must read for fantasy lovers.
June 18, 2021
I received A Gathering Midnight by Holly Race for free in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour organised by Kaleidoscopic Tours. Thank you so much to Holly Race, Hot Key Books YA and Kaleidoscopic Tours for having me on the tour! This review is also available on my blog - Book, Blog & Candle.
I recently read Midnight's Twins and really enjoyed it so I was so excited to be invited on the tour for the sequel! The concept is so fun and fantastic for a book series and I really like how it has been executed over the two books. Plus I also need to praise how stunning these covers are! I also loved how I accidentally matched my PJ's to the cover of the sequel!
In A Gathering Midnight we rejoin our knights Fern & Ollie as they are doing their best to recover and protect the remaining dreamers of Annwn. They've got a heavy burden on their shoulders and everyone is looking to them to defeat the evil Sebastien Medraut and return hope to the magical dreamland.
This instalment in the trilogy offers even more action, new romance and plenty of heartbreak. I loved how we as readers get to spend more time in Annwn, the worldbuilding is fleshed out even more and is gorgeous! I wish I could visit Annwn in my dreams! Also it was nice to get to know even more about the other characters, especially their backstories and about their lives in the real world. Plus, I really loved the LGBTQIA+ rep that was developed - a super nice surprise for Pride Month!
A Gathering Midnight is an exciting and powerful sequel that showcases just how important our voices are especially when standing up for what's right! I can't wait to see what happens next. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be on this tour!
I recently read Midnight's Twins and really enjoyed it so I was so excited to be invited on the tour for the sequel! The concept is so fun and fantastic for a book series and I really like how it has been executed over the two books. Plus I also need to praise how stunning these covers are! I also loved how I accidentally matched my PJ's to the cover of the sequel!
In A Gathering Midnight we rejoin our knights Fern & Ollie as they are doing their best to recover and protect the remaining dreamers of Annwn. They've got a heavy burden on their shoulders and everyone is looking to them to defeat the evil Sebastien Medraut and return hope to the magical dreamland.
This instalment in the trilogy offers even more action, new romance and plenty of heartbreak. I loved how we as readers get to spend more time in Annwn, the worldbuilding is fleshed out even more and is gorgeous! I wish I could visit Annwn in my dreams! Also it was nice to get to know even more about the other characters, especially their backstories and about their lives in the real world. Plus, I really loved the LGBTQIA+ rep that was developed - a super nice surprise for Pride Month!
A Gathering Midnight is an exciting and powerful sequel that showcases just how important our voices are especially when standing up for what's right! I can't wait to see what happens next. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be on this tour!
June 16, 2021
A Gathering Midnight is the sequel of Midnight Twins and the second book in the series City Of Nightmares by Holly Race.
Following on from Midnight's Twins, We return to the Dreamscape universe of Annwn, where Warriors are battling to keep dreamers safe from their nightmares. Annwn isn't what it once was though, Where Dolphins and Mermaids once swam in The Thames and Dragons roamed the land, the magic of the land is dying due to political unrest.
Annwn is Fern King's second home and the place she feels like she is most accepted. Along with her Twin Brother Ollie, Fern is a Knight a trusted guardian of the dreamers but now with Medraut, a Traitor of the dreamworld and master of darkness increasing his reign of terror everything Fern cares about is under threat.
Holly Race has done it again and A Gathering Midnight is everything I wanted from a sequel to Midnight's Twins.
I love being immersed into this wildly imaginative universe, The world building is so unique and thought out.
Laced with Arthurian myth and legend it's fascinating to read a contemporary fantasy that looks at populism and and has a real dystopian feel to the writing style. The plot is super fast paced with lots of action and twists that I didn't see coming. The thing I love most about this series though Is the way it promotes self acceptance and tolerance. Holly Race really takes difference and celebrates it and I'm fully here for it.
I absolutely loved reading Fern's character, her development in A gathering Midnight is stunning! As is seeing the bond between her and her brother grow.
I honestly can't wait for the conclusion of this Trilogy.
A truly wonderful Ya Fantasy that covers friendship and acceptance, love and belonging in a highly immersive universe with plenty of action and a great villian.
Following on from Midnight's Twins, We return to the Dreamscape universe of Annwn, where Warriors are battling to keep dreamers safe from their nightmares. Annwn isn't what it once was though, Where Dolphins and Mermaids once swam in The Thames and Dragons roamed the land, the magic of the land is dying due to political unrest.
Annwn is Fern King's second home and the place she feels like she is most accepted. Along with her Twin Brother Ollie, Fern is a Knight a trusted guardian of the dreamers but now with Medraut, a Traitor of the dreamworld and master of darkness increasing his reign of terror everything Fern cares about is under threat.
Holly Race has done it again and A Gathering Midnight is everything I wanted from a sequel to Midnight's Twins.
I love being immersed into this wildly imaginative universe, The world building is so unique and thought out.
Laced with Arthurian myth and legend it's fascinating to read a contemporary fantasy that looks at populism and and has a real dystopian feel to the writing style. The plot is super fast paced with lots of action and twists that I didn't see coming. The thing I love most about this series though Is the way it promotes self acceptance and tolerance. Holly Race really takes difference and celebrates it and I'm fully here for it.
I absolutely loved reading Fern's character, her development in A gathering Midnight is stunning! As is seeing the bond between her and her brother grow.
I honestly can't wait for the conclusion of this Trilogy.
A truly wonderful Ya Fantasy that covers friendship and acceptance, love and belonging in a highly immersive universe with plenty of action and a great villian.
June 17, 2021
Absolutely loved this book! I’d definitely recommend giving it a read.
A real fantasy thriller with excitement on every page! I found myself still reading late at night, way past when I’d decided I should go to sleep - ‘just one more chapter’ was never quite enough!
I thoroughly enjoyed book 1 (‘Midnights Twins’) and have been eagerly awaiting book 2. I think ‘A Gathering Midnight’ might be even better than book 1 (but maybe that’s because I was already so invested in the characters!).
I love how diverse the characters are, and how Holly has developed them even further in book 2. I found myself feeling all of the feelings with them and at times I cried or laughed out loud (always a sign of a good book!).
I also love how Holly has built the dream world of Annwyn (parallel to our own) - a clever twist on Arthurian legend, with a world shaped by our dreams and our nightmares.
Can’t wait for book 3!
A real fantasy thriller with excitement on every page! I found myself still reading late at night, way past when I’d decided I should go to sleep - ‘just one more chapter’ was never quite enough!
I thoroughly enjoyed book 1 (‘Midnights Twins’) and have been eagerly awaiting book 2. I think ‘A Gathering Midnight’ might be even better than book 1 (but maybe that’s because I was already so invested in the characters!).
I love how diverse the characters are, and how Holly has developed them even further in book 2. I found myself feeling all of the feelings with them and at times I cried or laughed out loud (always a sign of a good book!).
I also love how Holly has built the dream world of Annwyn (parallel to our own) - a clever twist on Arthurian legend, with a world shaped by our dreams and our nightmares.
Can’t wait for book 3!
June 19, 2021
A Gathering Midnight is the second book in the Midnight Twins trilogy and it was fantastic.
We are back in Annwn, the dream mirror of London, where Fern, twin brother Ollie and the rest of the Knights are sworn to protect the Dreamers while they roam in their sleep. All is not well as Medraut seeks control of the minds of the Dreamers and cause chaos in the land.
I was hoping to reread the first book before I read the second installment but life returning to normal got in the way! I didn't need to worry though, it all came flooding back.
I absolutely love this world, it is so imaginative and well written with an almost dystopian feel to it. I really enjoyed reading Fern develop as a character, especially the bond growing between her and Ollie. This is packed full of action, lots of twists and new relationships and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Can't wait for the finale!
We are back in Annwn, the dream mirror of London, where Fern, twin brother Ollie and the rest of the Knights are sworn to protect the Dreamers while they roam in their sleep. All is not well as Medraut seeks control of the minds of the Dreamers and cause chaos in the land.
I was hoping to reread the first book before I read the second installment but life returning to normal got in the way! I didn't need to worry though, it all came flooding back.
I absolutely love this world, it is so imaginative and well written with an almost dystopian feel to it. I really enjoyed reading Fern develop as a character, especially the bond growing between her and Ollie. This is packed full of action, lots of twists and new relationships and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Can't wait for the finale!
November 28, 2025
I was really looking forward to reading this after finishing the first book but seemed to struggle to get into the first half of the book. The second half especially the last few chapters, I couldn’t put it down, I so wanted Fern to defeat Medraut but I guess book 3 wouldn’t happen if she had. Can wait to start the next book….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2022
Rep: gay mc
Read
June 15, 2021And excellent and page-turning continuation of the series!
There is something so unique about this world and the story that takes place within it. It deals with the challenging and aggravating political problems of our time, turning them around and exploring them thoroughly, but always promoting kindness and acceptance and the rejection of intolerance. It’s a powerful message for YA audiences who deal with those things constantly in the concentrated environment of social media. This is a thoughtful book, with important things to say.
But it’s also a rip-roaring adventure. There’s a quest, a bit of romance, a battle against an evil baddie, a struggle to save a princess imprisoned in her own mind, and a magical sword that will destroy or save the land of dreams and nightmares.
An imaginative, timely and thought-provoking book.
I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
There is something so unique about this world and the story that takes place within it. It deals with the challenging and aggravating political problems of our time, turning them around and exploring them thoroughly, but always promoting kindness and acceptance and the rejection of intolerance. It’s a powerful message for YA audiences who deal with those things constantly in the concentrated environment of social media. This is a thoughtful book, with important things to say.
But it’s also a rip-roaring adventure. There’s a quest, a bit of romance, a battle against an evil baddie, a struggle to save a princess imprisoned in her own mind, and a magical sword that will destroy or save the land of dreams and nightmares.
An imaginative, timely and thought-provoking book.
I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
June 15, 2021
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which you can also find on my Instagram.
I really enjoyed this next installment into the trilogy! The story and character development was really beautifully written. Particularly for Ollie who I love the most. *sorry Fern!* lol
I really enjoyed this next installment into the trilogy! The story and character development was really beautifully written. Particularly for Ollie who I love the most. *sorry Fern!* lol
June 6, 2021
This continues the story of Fern and her twin Ollie in their fight to save the dream land of Anwynn. It deals with the fallout from the events of the last book well, whilst continuing the story with pace. There is really a ramp up in the danger factor and some brilliant character development. I eagerly look forward to the next one!
November 10, 2022
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝑪𝒊𝒖𝒅𝒂𝒅 𝒅𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒔𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔 2
La segunda parte de la trilogía Ciudad de pesadillas que sigue los arquetipos del viaje del héroe (búsqueda de objetos, cambios personales y un malo malísimo) con un final que, la verdad, sorprende.
NO SPOILERS ⚠️
✵ 𝐒𝐨𝐛𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐨
Fern ve como el poder que corre por sus venas no es suficiente para arreglar lo que está sucediendo en Annwn. El mundo de los sueños muere, y a medida que el delicado equilibrio empieza a desmoronarse, aparecen desgarres entre ambos. Para los que no hayáis leído el primero: juntad fantasía urbana con mitos artúricos y tendréis esta saga.
✵ (𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝) 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
✨ Lo mejor: el mensaje que el libro quiere transmitir. No puedo decir mucho sin hacer spoiler, pero la idea de no libertad, creatividad nula, perdida de la voz propia... es un mensaje increíble transmitido a través de un mundo de fantasía. El ser diferente nunca había sido tan importante para sobrevivir.
✨ La búsqueda de un objeto mágico. Aunque es una idea muy (MUY) trillada, me gusta que se plantee como acertijos a solucionar. Me parecen originales y que ponen a los personajes en aprietos.
✨ Los mitos artúricos presentes en el relato han sido un motor para seguir leyendo.
✨ Hay un giro con un personaje en concreto (con un personaje que pertenece al grupo LGTBIQ+) que me ha parecido BRUUUUTAL (no puedo hacer spoiler, pero si queréis comentar habladme).
✨ Un detalle del final: te deja con mil ganas de coger el tercero.
✵ (𝐁𝐚𝐝) 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
👎🏽 Hay cosas inconexas entre el primer y el segundo libro. Parece que faltan unos diez caps. que te expliquen qué ha pasado entre los personajes para ahora tener estos "intereses" entre ellos.
👎🏽 La creación de romances: NULA. Las relaciones surgen casi de la nada, y aunque hay representación LGTBIQ+ (cosa que me ha flipado) no están bien trabajadas.
👎🏽 Es el prototipo de segundo libro de una saga: no pasa mucho pero la trama va hacia donde tiene que ir. Notas como todo avanza porque tiene que hacerlo, pero no hay una sensación de que la trama fluya con normalidad. Esto es lo que más nota me ha hecho quitarle.
👎🏽 La escena final no me ha parecido tan épica como debería. Además, todo se resuelve en un chasquido con una facilidad asombrosa. Aunque tiene un coste alto.
Esperaremos al tercero para cerrar saga. Eso sí, cada vez que termino una novela de Ciudad de pesadillas su mundo me acompaña en los días siguientes.
Gracias siempre por leerme
La segunda parte de la trilogía Ciudad de pesadillas que sigue los arquetipos del viaje del héroe (búsqueda de objetos, cambios personales y un malo malísimo) con un final que, la verdad, sorprende.
NO SPOILERS ⚠️
✵ 𝐒𝐨𝐛𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐨
Fern ve como el poder que corre por sus venas no es suficiente para arreglar lo que está sucediendo en Annwn. El mundo de los sueños muere, y a medida que el delicado equilibrio empieza a desmoronarse, aparecen desgarres entre ambos. Para los que no hayáis leído el primero: juntad fantasía urbana con mitos artúricos y tendréis esta saga.
✵ (𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝) 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
✨ Lo mejor: el mensaje que el libro quiere transmitir. No puedo decir mucho sin hacer spoiler, pero la idea de no libertad, creatividad nula, perdida de la voz propia... es un mensaje increíble transmitido a través de un mundo de fantasía. El ser diferente nunca había sido tan importante para sobrevivir.
✨ La búsqueda de un objeto mágico. Aunque es una idea muy (MUY) trillada, me gusta que se plantee como acertijos a solucionar. Me parecen originales y que ponen a los personajes en aprietos.
✨ Los mitos artúricos presentes en el relato han sido un motor para seguir leyendo.
✨ Hay un giro con un personaje en concreto (con un personaje que pertenece al grupo LGTBIQ+) que me ha parecido BRUUUUTAL (no puedo hacer spoiler, pero si queréis comentar habladme).
✨ Un detalle del final: te deja con mil ganas de coger el tercero.
✵ (𝐁𝐚𝐝) 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
👎🏽 Hay cosas inconexas entre el primer y el segundo libro. Parece que faltan unos diez caps. que te expliquen qué ha pasado entre los personajes para ahora tener estos "intereses" entre ellos.
👎🏽 La creación de romances: NULA. Las relaciones surgen casi de la nada, y aunque hay representación LGTBIQ+ (cosa que me ha flipado) no están bien trabajadas.
👎🏽 Es el prototipo de segundo libro de una saga: no pasa mucho pero la trama va hacia donde tiene que ir. Notas como todo avanza porque tiene que hacerlo, pero no hay una sensación de que la trama fluya con normalidad. Esto es lo que más nota me ha hecho quitarle.
👎🏽 La escena final no me ha parecido tan épica como debería. Además, todo se resuelve en un chasquido con una facilidad asombrosa. Aunque tiene un coste alto.
Esperaremos al tercero para cerrar saga. Eso sí, cada vez que termino una novela de Ciudad de pesadillas su mundo me acompaña en los días siguientes.
Gracias siempre por leerme
June 16, 2022
A GATHERING MIDNIGHT is Holly Race's follow up to her wildly imaginative debut, MIDNIGHT'S TWINS. We return to the dreamscape version of London, where dreams and nightmares come true, and warriors protect dreamers. Except the dreams are largely gone as an ambitious, powerful politician poisons the dreamscape to further the rise of his populist star. The world is bleak and grey, fear and suspicion of anyone different leaking into the real world.
It's so interesting to read a contemporary fantasy take on populism as it continues to gnaw at our real world. The mistrust of anyone "different" feels all too real, and gives Fern's "real-world" London (called Ithr, as opposed to dreamscape Annwn) a dystopian feel. What is dystopia, but a slight exaggeration of ours? Of taking current facts to their logical conclusion?
The Arthurian influence is even stronger in this book, diving into a quest for Excalibur in a take on Arthurian mythology like you've never seen before. Arthur turned evil (a sequence of events still shrouded in mystery but more glimpses are gained in this book.) Guinevere and Lancelot had to team up to stop him. Merlin is really grumpy and paranoid.
These myths aren't the thrust of the book though, they're part of the world - the landscape (which is what Arthurian is all about to me, baked into the physical landscape.) It's not an Arthurian retelling, but a world where the past is inspired by Arthurian myth - and then all spun with a much darker twist. It's such a fun take on it all, and feels so different to the plethora of Arthurian out there.
Holly continues her streak of murdering scores of characters. No one is safe. If you like a character, chances are they're going to die. It's brutal, but shows the costs of the war, rather than everyone miraculously escaping scot-free. It takes a lot of guts to kill so many characters, and a lot of skill to make you care enough about so many that the death lands as a blow, but these books manage it.
One book to go in this series, and I'm very worried about which of the few survivors since book 1 are going to last until the end of it!
It's so interesting to read a contemporary fantasy take on populism as it continues to gnaw at our real world. The mistrust of anyone "different" feels all too real, and gives Fern's "real-world" London (called Ithr, as opposed to dreamscape Annwn) a dystopian feel. What is dystopia, but a slight exaggeration of ours? Of taking current facts to their logical conclusion?
The Arthurian influence is even stronger in this book, diving into a quest for Excalibur in a take on Arthurian mythology like you've never seen before. Arthur turned evil (a sequence of events still shrouded in mystery but more glimpses are gained in this book.) Guinevere and Lancelot had to team up to stop him. Merlin is really grumpy and paranoid.
These myths aren't the thrust of the book though, they're part of the world - the landscape (which is what Arthurian is all about to me, baked into the physical landscape.) It's not an Arthurian retelling, but a world where the past is inspired by Arthurian myth - and then all spun with a much darker twist. It's such a fun take on it all, and feels so different to the plethora of Arthurian out there.
Holly continues her streak of murdering scores of characters. No one is safe. If you like a character, chances are they're going to die. It's brutal, but shows the costs of the war, rather than everyone miraculously escaping scot-free. It takes a lot of guts to kill so many characters, and a lot of skill to make you care enough about so many that the death lands as a blow, but these books manage it.
One book to go in this series, and I'm very worried about which of the few survivors since book 1 are going to last until the end of it!
January 10, 2022
I really, really love this series so much. I think it's a shame that I'm not eloquent enough to really display the depth of my how much I love this series, but I will try my best.
Fern is so much better in terms of character in this book. She has grown so much from that whiny, brooding girl in Midnight Twins and I really liked her relationship with Ollie. They have really developed from from hating one another, to learning to work with each other and being one another's support. Their relationship was so wholesome against how dark the story was this time.
Apart from this, I just want to add that my heart ached from reading about how stressed Fern was throughout this book. Everyone is depending on her to find a way to defeat Sebastien Medraut, who is so much more powerful than Fern, or even Fern + Ollie combined. He keeps besting Fern and the Knights of Tintagel cannot get a upper hand at all, much less try to equalise the playing field. Fern knows this, but she still has to try to project a strong front to boost the morale of the Knights, even when there are so many people actively antagonising her. And this was also where Fern's maturity was a sharp contrast to her character back in book one. The character development is really 👌🏻👌🏻.
And you know, the plot of this book was really, really, exciting. We jump straight back into Annwn and discover the aftereffects of the fight with Medraut: Annwn is slowly dying; it is no longer as magical as when it was introduced back in book one, which is a huge tragedy. I thought the author did a pretty good job of describing how lifeless Annwn was getting each day and how the Knights of Tintagel were really struggling to preserve it.
Another thing I really liked about the entire book was how we got to explore Annwn beyond London and visit other Knights in other parts of the country. This also means new characters, which also brings me to my next point, which is that Holly Race really does not hesitate to kill off characters. And she really knows how to kill the right characters who have grown on the reader. I swear, the body count in this book was wayyy more than book one and the death of the characters HURT.
I also really liked that this second book didn't feel like a filler book at all. It's basically Fern,Ollie and the Knights of Tintagel trying to find ways to stop Medraut, but what happens if they just aren't strong enough? What happens if the characters cannot find a way to stop the villain? I also really liked the ending, because at this point, Fern is completely screwed and I really don't know how is she going to come back from whatever has happened to her. But this also makes me very excited for the next book.
Fern is so much better in terms of character in this book. She has grown so much from that whiny, brooding girl in Midnight Twins and I really liked her relationship with Ollie. They have really developed from from hating one another, to learning to work with each other and being one another's support. Their relationship was so wholesome against how dark the story was this time.
Apart from this, I just want to add that my heart ached from reading about how stressed Fern was throughout this book. Everyone is depending on her to find a way to defeat Sebastien Medraut, who is so much more powerful than Fern, or even Fern + Ollie combined. He keeps besting Fern and the Knights of Tintagel cannot get a upper hand at all, much less try to equalise the playing field. Fern knows this, but she still has to try to project a strong front to boost the morale of the Knights, even when there are so many people actively antagonising her. And this was also where Fern's maturity was a sharp contrast to her character back in book one. The character development is really 👌🏻👌🏻.
And you know, the plot of this book was really, really, exciting. We jump straight back into Annwn and discover the aftereffects of the fight with Medraut: Annwn is slowly dying; it is no longer as magical as when it was introduced back in book one, which is a huge tragedy. I thought the author did a pretty good job of describing how lifeless Annwn was getting each day and how the Knights of Tintagel were really struggling to preserve it.
Another thing I really liked about the entire book was how we got to explore Annwn beyond London and visit other Knights in other parts of the country. This also means new characters, which also brings me to my next point, which is that Holly Race really does not hesitate to kill off characters. And she really knows how to kill the right characters who have grown on the reader. I swear, the body count in this book was wayyy more than book one and the death of the characters HURT.
I also really liked that this second book didn't feel like a filler book at all. It's basically Fern,Ollie and the Knights of Tintagel trying to find ways to stop Medraut, but what happens if they just aren't strong enough? What happens if the characters cannot find a way to stop the villain? I also really liked the ending, because at this point, Fern is completely screwed and I really don't know how is she going to come back from whatever has happened to her. But this also makes me very excited for the next book.
September 20, 2025
A Gathering Midnight. The second part in the Midnight Twins trilogy by Holly Race. This is a fantastic sequel to Midnights Twins and so far this trilogy has been very consistent.
This one explores more of the lore and the magic system of Immral which i wanted from the first one and also does more development with Fern and Ollie and so far these two characters have been really well handled.
A GATHERING MIDNIGHT follows on directly from MIDNIGHT’S TWINS. We return to the dreamscape version of London, where dreams and nightmares come true, and warriors protect dreamers. Except the dreams are largely gone as an ambitious, powerful politician poisons the dreamscape to further the rise of his populist star. The world is bleak and grey, fear and suspicion of anyone different leaking into the real world. And now we get Fern and Ollie looking for Excalibur to help fight Merdraut.
The lore we get in this one is very interesting and we get alot more history of the world including seeing how Arthur betrayed everyone in Annwn which was great to read. We also see more of Annwn along the quest for Excalibur we see some different cities in this magical world and how different each city was interesting.
I also like Rachel's story in this one how she is doing research on the Knights Table to see if she can update how it works.
There's also some really interesting twists along the way like Lord Allenby being homeless in Ithr which really added alot to his character.
I also like how Merdraut was playing everyone just to get his hands on the sword it added alot more to the villain of the story.
Now my only issue with this one is some of the new characters didn't do it for me i just didn't get attached to them as much as characters from the first book like Ramesh and Pheobe.
Sachi was one of the characters I just couldn't get behind she just didn't do for me and I just wished she was more like Ramesh.
However I like Jin the sort theorpist to the Thanes she was an interesting character. Also the representation is really well handled and compliments the story well in my opinion this adds alot to Ollies growth as a character.
Verdict ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️. Another fantastic read
This one explores more of the lore and the magic system of Immral which i wanted from the first one and also does more development with Fern and Ollie and so far these two characters have been really well handled.
A GATHERING MIDNIGHT follows on directly from MIDNIGHT’S TWINS. We return to the dreamscape version of London, where dreams and nightmares come true, and warriors protect dreamers. Except the dreams are largely gone as an ambitious, powerful politician poisons the dreamscape to further the rise of his populist star. The world is bleak and grey, fear and suspicion of anyone different leaking into the real world. And now we get Fern and Ollie looking for Excalibur to help fight Merdraut.
The lore we get in this one is very interesting and we get alot more history of the world including seeing how Arthur betrayed everyone in Annwn which was great to read. We also see more of Annwn along the quest for Excalibur we see some different cities in this magical world and how different each city was interesting.
I also like Rachel's story in this one how she is doing research on the Knights Table to see if she can update how it works.
There's also some really interesting twists along the way like Lord Allenby being homeless in Ithr which really added alot to his character.
I also like how Merdraut was playing everyone just to get his hands on the sword it added alot more to the villain of the story.
Now my only issue with this one is some of the new characters didn't do it for me i just didn't get attached to them as much as characters from the first book like Ramesh and Pheobe.
Sachi was one of the characters I just couldn't get behind she just didn't do for me and I just wished she was more like Ramesh.
However I like Jin the sort theorpist to the Thanes she was an interesting character. Also the representation is really well handled and compliments the story well in my opinion this adds alot to Ollies growth as a character.
Verdict ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️. Another fantastic read
August 22, 2024
i don’t even know where to start. the emotions i felt through this book. the first part of the book that stuck out to me majorly was jin, i didn’t understand the animosity she had felt towards fern king. further i progressed, more i understood and was overcome with happiness when her and fern had made up within the hospital wing. my absolute favourite part of the book has to be either ollie and ferns bond growing as siblings, or fern and samson. i felt the tension from the very first meeting in the first book, before it was even mentioned or probable that they would become the next big thing. but their tension when they were fighting for the new guards of annwyn, had me literally putting down the book and squealing with excitement! one thing i will say is i dont believe i like una, the twins’s mother. i agree with ollie about how she seems selfish, and i absolutely hate that so far, she has shown no interest in her son. i will admit, at some points of this book i disliked fern as she seemed very self absorbed, and i leant more towards ollie. i love that he is really a softie, and i LOVED when he was revealed to be dating kieran.
finally, the last thing i will touch on is the deaths of andraste and sachi. i do believe both weren’t necessary and i dislike how many characters are getting killed off in both the books of the series i’ve read so far. however, im happy sachi was given a death with a purpose, especially after ramesh died in vain.
finally, the last thing i will touch on is the deaths of andraste and sachi. i do believe both weren’t necessary and i dislike how many characters are getting killed off in both the books of the series i’ve read so far. however, im happy sachi was given a death with a purpose, especially after ramesh died in vain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2021
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This series is such a killer series, I am enjoying it so much! I’m so glad I picked up the first book in time to make it onto the bookstagram tour for book two :)
There is so much going on here - the ongoing fight against One Voice, the danger in Annwn, the search for Excalibur. But for me a lot of the stand out moments were little moments between characters - anything with Lottie, Ollie and Fern continuing to reconnect, the relationships between Fern and the other knights. They’re all so lovely.
The books continue to be vicious to it’s cast though - so many sad deaths! There were two in particular that made me squeak in sadness as I read! Sad times.
Honestly this series is well worth a read and I need book three like RIGHT NOW please and thank you.
4.5 stars.
This series is such a killer series, I am enjoying it so much! I’m so glad I picked up the first book in time to make it onto the bookstagram tour for book two :)
There is so much going on here - the ongoing fight against One Voice, the danger in Annwn, the search for Excalibur. But for me a lot of the stand out moments were little moments between characters - anything with Lottie, Ollie and Fern continuing to reconnect, the relationships between Fern and the other knights. They’re all so lovely.
The books continue to be vicious to it’s cast though - so many sad deaths! There were two in particular that made me squeak in sadness as I read! Sad times.
Honestly this series is well worth a read and I need book three like RIGHT NOW please and thank you.
4.5 stars.
July 19, 2022
"Do you ever get the feeling that Mum wasn't a very nice person?"
I don't have a lot more to add to this review compared to Book 1. I still love the world, the characters and the story. Sachi and Lottie are very interesting. There are only two elements in the story of which I'm not really a big fan: A) The love issues between Fern and Samson. B) At times, it's a bit of a bleak book, with some very dark scenes in it. The way some of the characters are killed is just a bit too gruesome to my liking. Also, I have to add I couldn't care less about Ollie and Kieran's relationship, but fine, at least it's not annoying.
Sachi and Lottie are very interesting characters, and regarding Charlie: I'm very curious to know what's still going to happen with her.
All in all, a very satisfying read. I'm curious to see how it's all going to end.
8/10
I don't have a lot more to add to this review compared to Book 1. I still love the world, the characters and the story. Sachi and Lottie are very interesting. There are only two elements in the story of which I'm not really a big fan: A) The love issues between Fern and Samson. B) At times, it's a bit of a bleak book, with some very dark scenes in it. The way some of the characters are killed is just a bit too gruesome to my liking. Also, I have to add I couldn't care less about Ollie and Kieran's relationship, but fine, at least it's not annoying.
Sachi and Lottie are very interesting characters, and regarding Charlie: I'm very curious to know what's still going to happen with her.
All in all, a very satisfying read. I'm curious to see how it's all going to end.
8/10
February 4, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Esta lleno de escenas demaciado crueles para los soñadores,pura tortura .
Al parecer no está traducido el 3 ro y pense por un momento que tenía ese final abierto horrible. Pero es aun peor hay otro libro.
Aunque el desarrollo de Fern y Ollie me gusta creo que alargar la historia es Inecesario
Frases destacadas Spoiler!
Es agotador intentar comprender a los demás y preocuparse por lo que piensan.
---
Es agotador sentirme todo el rato como si le estuviera fallando a la gente que he empezado a apreciar… y hasta a querer
----
Sí papá se hubiera mostrado firme con él… sí, quizá eso me habría ayudado.
---
Es por la chispa que hay entre ambos… yo también la quiero. Y sé que podría tener eso mismo con Samson. Si yo solo le gustara como él me gusta a mí. Si yo no tuviera este aspecto. Si yo no luciera mi amargura como un caparazón.
Esta lleno de escenas demaciado crueles para los soñadores,pura tortura .
Al parecer no está traducido el 3 ro y pense por un momento que tenía ese final abierto horrible. Pero es aun peor hay otro libro.
Aunque el desarrollo de Fern y Ollie me gusta creo que alargar la historia es Inecesario
Frases destacadas Spoiler!
Es agotador intentar comprender a los demás y preocuparse por lo que piensan.
---
Es agotador sentirme todo el rato como si le estuviera fallando a la gente que he empezado a apreciar… y hasta a querer
----
Sí papá se hubiera mostrado firme con él… sí, quizá eso me habría ayudado.
---
Es por la chispa que hay entre ambos… yo también la quiero. Y sé que podría tener eso mismo con Samson. Si yo solo le gustara como él me gusta a mí. Si yo no tuviera este aspecto. Si yo no luciera mi amargura como un caparazón.
April 6, 2024
This picks up from the events of book one - Midnights Twins - so some minor spoilers for that but none for book two
Fern and Ollie are now Knights and have mended the bridges between them, and not before time as Annwn and its dreamers are needing more protection than ever! And this will also cause issues in the real world affairs.
Great story again, albeit a bit traumatic (again) and I love the world the author has created.
I love seeing Fern coming into herself more and mending relationships ans making new ones, I loved delving into the Authurian legend more in this installment as well
I listened on audio and really enjoyed this.... straight onto book 3....
Fern and Ollie are now Knights and have mended the bridges between them, and not before time as Annwn and its dreamers are needing more protection than ever! And this will also cause issues in the real world affairs.
Great story again, albeit a bit traumatic (again) and I love the world the author has created.
I love seeing Fern coming into herself more and mending relationships ans making new ones, I loved delving into the Authurian legend more in this installment as well
I listened on audio and really enjoyed this.... straight onto book 3....
June 24, 2021
My first book by the author and I enjoyed this contemporary fantasy. This is the second book from the author and it's such an interesting read. In this book the fight continues by Fern and Ollie to save the dream land of Anwynn.
Even though I've read many fantasy books, there is something unique about the world building in this novel. I really enjoyed it. This book is fast paced, adventurous and a brilliant read. I'm looking forward to seeing where the stroy leads to in the next book.
I wanted to catch up with the first book, Midnight's Twins and I have ordered it.
Even though I've read many fantasy books, there is something unique about the world building in this novel. I really enjoyed it. This book is fast paced, adventurous and a brilliant read. I'm looking forward to seeing where the stroy leads to in the next book.
I wanted to catch up with the first book, Midnight's Twins and I have ordered it.
July 26, 2022
Es la primera vez que leo un thriller de fantasía, contando con el primer libro de esta trilogía, y me han encantado ambos, no podía parar de leer.
Me encanta lo diversos que son los personajes y cómo han crecido aún más en este libro, todo este mundo paralelo al nuestro, creando de nuestros sueños y pesadillas. En este libro nos encontramos con un poco más de acción que en el primero, nuevos romances y logré conocer más a cada personaje, ya que nos cuentan sus historias más profundamente.
No quiero seguir contando para no hacer spoiler, pero este libro es magnífico.
Me encanta lo diversos que son los personajes y cómo han crecido aún más en este libro, todo este mundo paralelo al nuestro, creando de nuestros sueños y pesadillas. En este libro nos encontramos con un poco más de acción que en el primero, nuevos romances y logré conocer más a cada personaje, ya que nos cuentan sus historias más profundamente.
No quiero seguir contando para no hacer spoiler, pero este libro es magnífico.
September 12, 2021
Once again back in such a magical world. The book is so descriptive you feel like you are there in Annwn, but it also means that you can't help picturing all the really horrible things that Medraut plants inside people. It's quite horrific and gory too! Each new monster is more horrific than the last.
I really enjoyed the book, however I was NOT a fan of the ending. Thank goodness it is a trilogy!
I really enjoyed the book, however I was NOT a fan of the ending. Thank goodness it is a trilogy!
December 31, 2021
This is the second book in the series, and I could not wait to get back into London's dream space with the twins and their ever evolving and changing relationship.
More of the world is revealed in this second book, more layers come into play and I just loved it for this.
It is fast paced, scary at times and keeps you guessing.
I listened to the audiobook from the local library. It is very well narrated and was a joy to listen to.
More of the world is revealed in this second book, more layers come into play and I just loved it for this.
It is fast paced, scary at times and keeps you guessing.
I listened to the audiobook from the local library. It is very well narrated and was a joy to listen to.
August 13, 2022
IN-CRE-I-BLE
me ha encantado, me parece un libro maravilloso, no podía para de leerlo.
me ha vuelto a enganchar a la lectura cosa que agradezco muchísimo.
en cuanto a personajes, es igual que el libro anterior, en un solo libro le da tiempo a la autora de hacer personajes de los cuales te enamoras en apenas 200 páginas.
toda la trama es increible, es un rompecabezas impresionantes.
me encanta el estilo de escribir de esta autora y estoy ansiosa por leerme el cuarto.
me ha encantado, me parece un libro maravilloso, no podía para de leerlo.
me ha vuelto a enganchar a la lectura cosa que agradezco muchísimo.
en cuanto a personajes, es igual que el libro anterior, en un solo libro le da tiempo a la autora de hacer personajes de los cuales te enamoras en apenas 200 páginas.
toda la trama es increible, es un rompecabezas impresionantes.
me encanta el estilo de escribir de esta autora y estoy ansiosa por leerme el cuarto.
November 30, 2021
This sequel was even better than the first book in the trilogy. The language was lyrical, the plot unpredictable and the characters develop further in convincing ways. I found myself missing the former world before all the misfortunes happened, just like Fern does. It was a joy to return to the story every evening and I can't wait for the third book.
October 16, 2021
This is a fast-paced, emotionally involving, intelligent YA fantasy. Perfect if you like Suzanne Collins or Philip Pullman. I loved the first in the series and this is even better. Can't wait for the third.
April 11, 2022
really good character building loved every minute reading this book and felt really connected with fern she was such a relatable weirdo and i loved it no matter how much she thought she was different in the end she was exactly like everyone else
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