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Aven Cycle #2
Give Way to Night
Latona of the Vitelliae, mage of Spirit and Fire, is eager to wield her newfound empowerment on behalf of the citizens of Aven--but societal forces conspire to keep her from exercising her gifts, even when the resurgence of a banished cult plots the city's ruin. To combat this threat, Latona must ally with Fracture mage Vibia, the distrustful sister of Sempronius Tarren.
While Latona struggles to defend their home, Sempronius leads soldiers through wartorn provinces to lift the siege of Toletum, where Latona's brother Gaius is hemmed in by supernatural forces. Sempronius must contend not only with the war-king Ekialde and his sorcerers, but with the machinations of political rivals and the temptations of his own soul, ever-susceptible to the darker side of ambition.
Though separated by many miles soon after their love affair began, Latona and Sempronius are united by passion as they strive to protect Aven and build its glorious future.
While Latona struggles to defend their home, Sempronius leads soldiers through wartorn provinces to lift the siege of Toletum, where Latona's brother Gaius is hemmed in by supernatural forces. Sempronius must contend not only with the war-king Ekialde and his sorcerers, but with the machinations of political rivals and the temptations of his own soul, ever-susceptible to the darker side of ambition.
Though separated by many miles soon after their love affair began, Latona and Sempronius are united by passion as they strive to protect Aven and build its glorious future.
529 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2020
14 people are currently reading
870 people want to read
About the author
Cass Morris
14 books181 followersCass Morris is a writer and research editor living in central Virginia. Her debut series, The Aven Cycle, is Roman-flavored historical fantasy. She is also one-third of the team behind the Hugo Award Finalist podcast Worldbuilding for Masochists. She currently holds the position of Research Editor and Worldbuilding Specialist at Plato Learning, a company which runs mythology-themed summer camps and other educational programming. Cass provides dramaturgical research and developmental editing for the camps' immersive, interactive theatrical experiences. Previously, she worked as Academic Resources Manager at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA. She holds a Master of Letters in Shakespeare studies from Mary Baldwin University and a BA in English and History from the College of William and Mary. She reads voraciously, wears corsets voluntarily, and will beat you at Mario Kart.
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Represented by Connor Goldsmith of Fuse Literary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 22, 2020
*copy from publisher in exchange for a review*
Give Way To Night is the second in Cass Morris’ “Aven Cycle”, the first of which I enjoyed immensely back when it came out. It combines a secondary world, alternate Roman Republic, lavishly furnished with rich detail, with some eye-popping magic and some fantastic characters. The tl;dr is that if any of those sound like something you’d enjoy, then this is a series you should already be reading. Frankly, I’d suggest you pick it up anyway, because the series is delightful, all the way from its closely observed Roman social mores, to the viscerally realised battle scenes, and back around to cut-throat politics, intermingled with warm friendships to make you smile, and romance to sear the heart, there’s something for everyone here.
Aven sits at the centre of its world. Rome, but one step to the left, Aven is a republic on the rise. Its senate believes they’re at the centre of the world. And why wouldn’t they? Aven’s gods - Juno, Mars, a familiar pantheon - clearly favour them. Aven is on the cusp of authority over much of the known world. And the city lives and breathes that truth. The question in that world, in the marble halls of the forum and the grime of the Suburra, is what that truth means. Whether the city should expand its influence, bring more of the world under its aegis, and accept change as a consequence alongside trade and wealth - or whether to shut itself away, isolate itself in the name of purity, hold fast to what it has, and let the rest of the world fend for itself. It’s an issue of identity which feels very contemporary, even embedded in the systems, institutions and personalities of an alternate Rome. From street to street, from Senate hall to darkened forest, Aven and its world are real, living, breathing places. The author really manages to capture a sense of place- -from the bustling urban metropolis of Aven, with its marble lined hallways and decrepit tenement blocks, to the isolated farms and small villages that drive an agrarian economy, to the wild lands beyond the reach of the legions, where unpleasant spirits and inimical tribes hold sway under lowering boughs. Even as the Aventine are our Roman analogues, still we see other perspectives - in both their allies and their enemies, both of whom clash not only in terms of arms, but culturally with the Aven; indeed, their unwillingness to assimilate, and the struggle of some tribes to assert their own identity (albeit with, er, unpleasant blood magic) is part of what drives the conflict for the story. This clash of ideology and identity is combined with an interest in the liminal spaces - the borders where changes can be made. Socially, yes - in the tribes that ally with the Aventine, and the Aventines that see the role of their city as part of a wider world, but also in a more concrete fashion; this is a world of gods, of magic, of mysticism and active spirits, as much as blood and iron.
Incidentally, there’s rather a lot of that. The legions of Aven are on the march, coming to the aid of their allies in not-Spain. When the tribes and the legions meet, it’s often messy - and the battles are wonderful set pieces of tactics, magic and adrenaline. The crash of blood-fuelled berserkers again a shield wall thunders off the page. The world changes as we turn those pages, and the stakes are at once extremely high, and extremely personal. The visceral energy of combat is matched by the mystery and intrigue of investigations into a magical conspiracy at the highest levels of the Aventine seat of power. That strand is a compelling blend of mystery and magic, of betrayals, divided loyalties and stunning revelations.
The characterisation is top notch. Latona of the Vitelliae remains our central protagonist, a woman who is slowly coming out from under the shadow of her own trauma. Latona is growing more aware of her own strengths now, less willing to accept the word of others, to shrink into her own self. Instead, she’s reaching out to others, making connections and constructing a self of her own, one which is shaped by her past, perhaps, but not defined by it. Latona is clever, articulate, and above all, good - a heroine who does the right thing for the right reasons, or at least tries to. Watching her slowly unfurl, build a self confidence backed by actions, is a pure joy. That she kicks arse, holding fire and friendship in one hand, and spirit and righteousness in the other, is great too. Every time she appears on the page, Latona is a joy - and that she does so in the company of her family dynamics, likewise. We can see her speaking with her sisters, working through relationships shaped by year, and struggling with a failing marriage, as well as a father who isn’t quite sure who she really is. This is a woman who has lived a life, and her life is a thing all its own, of texture, weight, sorrow and joy.
Part of Latona’s changes is her budding romance with Sempronius, the general currently leading legions into a maelstrom of blood magic and madness. Sempronius remains fun to watch, as he shuffles pieces around like they’re on a chessboard, parts of his agenda still uinclear, but his essential humanity and decency still very much visible. If he seems pale beside the pure energy of the Vitelliae women, that is not to his detriment - the Vitelliae each bring a presence to the page, and make for a wonderful read.
Which is what I’d say about this story of conspiracy, murder, epic battles and marvellous, mysterious magic. It’s a wonderful read, and you should definitely give it a try.
Give Way To Night is the second in Cass Morris’ “Aven Cycle”, the first of which I enjoyed immensely back when it came out. It combines a secondary world, alternate Roman Republic, lavishly furnished with rich detail, with some eye-popping magic and some fantastic characters. The tl;dr is that if any of those sound like something you’d enjoy, then this is a series you should already be reading. Frankly, I’d suggest you pick it up anyway, because the series is delightful, all the way from its closely observed Roman social mores, to the viscerally realised battle scenes, and back around to cut-throat politics, intermingled with warm friendships to make you smile, and romance to sear the heart, there’s something for everyone here.
Aven sits at the centre of its world. Rome, but one step to the left, Aven is a republic on the rise. Its senate believes they’re at the centre of the world. And why wouldn’t they? Aven’s gods - Juno, Mars, a familiar pantheon - clearly favour them. Aven is on the cusp of authority over much of the known world. And the city lives and breathes that truth. The question in that world, in the marble halls of the forum and the grime of the Suburra, is what that truth means. Whether the city should expand its influence, bring more of the world under its aegis, and accept change as a consequence alongside trade and wealth - or whether to shut itself away, isolate itself in the name of purity, hold fast to what it has, and let the rest of the world fend for itself. It’s an issue of identity which feels very contemporary, even embedded in the systems, institutions and personalities of an alternate Rome. From street to street, from Senate hall to darkened forest, Aven and its world are real, living, breathing places. The author really manages to capture a sense of place- -from the bustling urban metropolis of Aven, with its marble lined hallways and decrepit tenement blocks, to the isolated farms and small villages that drive an agrarian economy, to the wild lands beyond the reach of the legions, where unpleasant spirits and inimical tribes hold sway under lowering boughs. Even as the Aventine are our Roman analogues, still we see other perspectives - in both their allies and their enemies, both of whom clash not only in terms of arms, but culturally with the Aven; indeed, their unwillingness to assimilate, and the struggle of some tribes to assert their own identity (albeit with, er, unpleasant blood magic) is part of what drives the conflict for the story. This clash of ideology and identity is combined with an interest in the liminal spaces - the borders where changes can be made. Socially, yes - in the tribes that ally with the Aventine, and the Aventines that see the role of their city as part of a wider world, but also in a more concrete fashion; this is a world of gods, of magic, of mysticism and active spirits, as much as blood and iron.
Incidentally, there’s rather a lot of that. The legions of Aven are on the march, coming to the aid of their allies in not-Spain. When the tribes and the legions meet, it’s often messy - and the battles are wonderful set pieces of tactics, magic and adrenaline. The crash of blood-fuelled berserkers again a shield wall thunders off the page. The world changes as we turn those pages, and the stakes are at once extremely high, and extremely personal. The visceral energy of combat is matched by the mystery and intrigue of investigations into a magical conspiracy at the highest levels of the Aventine seat of power. That strand is a compelling blend of mystery and magic, of betrayals, divided loyalties and stunning revelations.
The characterisation is top notch. Latona of the Vitelliae remains our central protagonist, a woman who is slowly coming out from under the shadow of her own trauma. Latona is growing more aware of her own strengths now, less willing to accept the word of others, to shrink into her own self. Instead, she’s reaching out to others, making connections and constructing a self of her own, one which is shaped by her past, perhaps, but not defined by it. Latona is clever, articulate, and above all, good - a heroine who does the right thing for the right reasons, or at least tries to. Watching her slowly unfurl, build a self confidence backed by actions, is a pure joy. That she kicks arse, holding fire and friendship in one hand, and spirit and righteousness in the other, is great too. Every time she appears on the page, Latona is a joy - and that she does so in the company of her family dynamics, likewise. We can see her speaking with her sisters, working through relationships shaped by year, and struggling with a failing marriage, as well as a father who isn’t quite sure who she really is. This is a woman who has lived a life, and her life is a thing all its own, of texture, weight, sorrow and joy.
Part of Latona’s changes is her budding romance with Sempronius, the general currently leading legions into a maelstrom of blood magic and madness. Sempronius remains fun to watch, as he shuffles pieces around like they’re on a chessboard, parts of his agenda still uinclear, but his essential humanity and decency still very much visible. If he seems pale beside the pure energy of the Vitelliae women, that is not to his detriment - the Vitelliae each bring a presence to the page, and make for a wonderful read.
Which is what I’d say about this story of conspiracy, murder, epic battles and marvellous, mysterious magic. It’s a wonderful read, and you should definitely give it a try.
December 29, 2020
What a phenomenal Sophomore outing for the trilogy!
Fans who enjoyed the I, Claudius meets Game of Thrones of From Unseen Fire are going to love the continued evolution of favorite characters.
Morris continues to juggle multiple POV voices with compassion and distinction.
Fans who enjoyed the I, Claudius meets Game of Thrones of From Unseen Fire are going to love the continued evolution of favorite characters.
Morris continues to juggle multiple POV voices with compassion and distinction.
January 25, 2022
A richly imagined, beautifully written high fantasy, GIVE WAY TO NIGHT is the second installment in the Aven Cycle and even more of a thrill ride than the first. While Sempronius makes his way into battle, Latona and her allies work at home to stop the rise of dangerous magic that could undermine the Republic from within.
Morris's beautiful prose is a perfect match for her high fantasy setting. Her worldbuilding is phenomenal, immersing you in her Rome-with-magic setting and making you feel the history you are reading could have actually happened. But the relationships between her characters are, for me, the best part. From romance to sisterhood to enmity, every interaction and emotion feels believable, deep, and immediate.
If you're a fantasy lover, you will want to add Cass Morris to your bookshelf.
Morris's beautiful prose is a perfect match for her high fantasy setting. Her worldbuilding is phenomenal, immersing you in her Rome-with-magic setting and making you feel the history you are reading could have actually happened. But the relationships between her characters are, for me, the best part. From romance to sisterhood to enmity, every interaction and emotion feels believable, deep, and immediate.
If you're a fantasy lover, you will want to add Cass Morris to your bookshelf.
December 1, 2020
A smart, layered read, with strong female characters, GIVE WAY TO NIGHT is incredibly rich with visual and sensory details and filled with political intrigue. The historical fantasy is so well-grounded in factual detail that it seems entirely plausible. One thing I love is the idea that you can be tough and fierce and still wear gorgeous flowing fabrics. The romance is realistically complicated, and I cheered on Latona in moving from a “small and sad” world to one in which she felt she mattered, and that struggle of being powerful in one regard, and yet inside, not being the person people think you are was very real and something I don’t see enough of in literature. We aren’t always strong in all aspects of our lives.
While Latona is officially my favorite, Alhena is a very close second. As in the first book, the strength of the sisters’ bond is so refreshing and vital. As a woman, the connection to moon bleeding and magic was such an unexpected and empowering thought—the idea that it is not shame but power…wow. It’s such an intrinsically feminist book while being a suspenseful action-packed story. Yet, with the taut suspense and swirling magic, there are funny moments as well.
It is truly an intelligent read with an ending that will leave you chomping for book three. Please let it come quickly!
While Latona is officially my favorite, Alhena is a very close second. As in the first book, the strength of the sisters’ bond is so refreshing and vital. As a woman, the connection to moon bleeding and magic was such an unexpected and empowering thought—the idea that it is not shame but power…wow. It’s such an intrinsically feminist book while being a suspenseful action-packed story. Yet, with the taut suspense and swirling magic, there are funny moments as well.
It is truly an intelligent read with an ending that will leave you chomping for book three. Please let it come quickly!
Want to read
January 1, 2021Pfft, I did NOT add it (only) for the cover. Of course, I didn't. *scoff* I would never do that.
December 29, 2020
In Give Way To Night, book two of Cass Morris' fantastic Aven Cycle series, Morris weaves together the continuing trials of Latona, Sempronius, and their families. In Aven, Morris' fantasy version of ancient Rome, Latona is beginning to step out of the shadows and assert her identity, developing her magical abilities and confidence. On the other side of the continent her brother Gaius is trying to withstand a siege by the war-king Ekialde, who is using dark magics to destroy those who stand against him. Attempting to rescue Gaius, Sempronius is leading three legions of troops to lift the siege and runs into the dark magic himself. Coincidentally (or not), Latona is discovering similar dark magic in Aven, and she and her allies are the only ones willing to root it out.
Latona continues as the main character in Night, and she is in some ways more sure of herself while in other ways more conflicted than before. Thanks to Sempronius' support she now believes in her talents, and is willing to not only continue experimenting with her abilities but using them. She has a sense of duty that rivals any soldier, but sees her duty as standing for the citizens who need assistance through magic. Interestingly, although we got rid of the Dictator Ocella in the beginning of the first book, his shadow continues to be felt throughout this book. The reader gets more of an idea of what happened to individual citizens, like Latona, here. I appreciated how some characters like Vibia, who thought she knew Latona because of rumors, discover how wrong they were and who the person behind the rumors truly is. Night is full of strong female characters who are continuing to discover and use their strength here: Vibia, Aula, and Alhena all get more page time and are wonderful to get to know further.
If you haven't read Cass Morris' first book, From Unseen Fire, you are missing out on a fantastic new voice in the fantasy realm. Give Way To Night proves that she intends to continue writing intricate plots, with layers upon layers of political, personal, and magical threads woven together into a brilliant whole. Her world building skills only develop further here, with detailed descriptions that make the reader feel as if they are marching with Sempronius' armies, or walking Aven's streets with Aula and Latona. Morris has clearly done a lot of careful research to bring ancient Rome to life and clearly thought carefully about what she wants to change for her own world, and the end result is nothing short of spectacular.
While a reader could pick up Give Way To Night without having read From Unseen Fire, it would definitely be helpful to have read Fire first to get to know some of the characters and their conflicts from the beginning. Readers should also be warned that Night ends on a cliff hanger, leaving us more desperate than usual to read the next book and discover how Morris will get her characters through the problems she's gotten them into.
Unlike many sequels, Give Way to Night stands equal to From Unseen Fire and will charm fantasy lovers completely.
Latona continues as the main character in Night, and she is in some ways more sure of herself while in other ways more conflicted than before. Thanks to Sempronius' support she now believes in her talents, and is willing to not only continue experimenting with her abilities but using them. She has a sense of duty that rivals any soldier, but sees her duty as standing for the citizens who need assistance through magic. Interestingly, although we got rid of the Dictator Ocella in the beginning of the first book, his shadow continues to be felt throughout this book. The reader gets more of an idea of what happened to individual citizens, like Latona, here. I appreciated how some characters like Vibia, who thought she knew Latona because of rumors, discover how wrong they were and who the person behind the rumors truly is. Night is full of strong female characters who are continuing to discover and use their strength here: Vibia, Aula, and Alhena all get more page time and are wonderful to get to know further.
If you haven't read Cass Morris' first book, From Unseen Fire, you are missing out on a fantastic new voice in the fantasy realm. Give Way To Night proves that she intends to continue writing intricate plots, with layers upon layers of political, personal, and magical threads woven together into a brilliant whole. Her world building skills only develop further here, with detailed descriptions that make the reader feel as if they are marching with Sempronius' armies, or walking Aven's streets with Aula and Latona. Morris has clearly done a lot of careful research to bring ancient Rome to life and clearly thought carefully about what she wants to change for her own world, and the end result is nothing short of spectacular.
While a reader could pick up Give Way To Night without having read From Unseen Fire, it would definitely be helpful to have read Fire first to get to know some of the characters and their conflicts from the beginning. Readers should also be warned that Night ends on a cliff hanger, leaving us more desperate than usual to read the next book and discover how Morris will get her characters through the problems she's gotten them into.
Unlike many sequels, Give Way to Night stands equal to From Unseen Fire and will charm fantasy lovers completely.
January 21, 2021
This is a slow burn fantasy. Each culture was so well though out and the magic system was truly amazing. One really should take ones time with as binge reading really makes things go over your head. I liked each women strong never did it make women who liked traditional feminine things as things pathetic as contemptable. Cliffhanger ending but I am okay with that.
February 1, 2024
I loved every second except for the last one because that cliffhanger ugh!!!! I need Book 3 stat.
January 21, 2021
I greatly enjoyed reading the continuation of the Aven cycle. The story picks up shortly where book one left off and it was a pleasure to "reunite" with all my favorite characters. While I missed the interactions between Sempronius and Latona, I liked the unlikely friendship that developed between Vibia and Latona. Those two characters are so different in personality yet, united by a single purpose, grow to appreciate one another.
In the second book, we also become better acquainted with the youngest of the Vitelli sisters, Alhena. I'm glad that her character was fleshed out more as I felt in the last book that she sometimes came across as one dimensional playing the role of the baby sister everybody needed to protect. Seeing her budding friendship with Tilla develop into something more was unexpected, but I'm curious to see what the outcome for the two of them will be.
Book two definitely had a darker tone than book one with the Discordian sect becoming more prominent and causing difficulties for Latona and her circle. We also begin to discover how widespread their influence is. Latona definitely places her trust, albeit briefly, in the wrong person and it comes back to haunt her. I have to say that I'm interested to see how Vibia and the others tackle the situation that arises at the very end of the book and what Sempronius will do once he finds out about it.
I'm a sucker for happy endings so while I enjoyed the events of this book, the darker tone of this book has me concerned. I really hope that Cass Morris doesn't follow in the footsteps of George RR Martin and kill/permanently injury my favorite characters. Regardless of how the author chooses to end the Aven cylcle, I'm looking forward to reading the continuation/conclusion (?) of this reimagining of Ancient Rome when it is released
In the second book, we also become better acquainted with the youngest of the Vitelli sisters, Alhena. I'm glad that her character was fleshed out more as I felt in the last book that she sometimes came across as one dimensional playing the role of the baby sister everybody needed to protect. Seeing her budding friendship with Tilla develop into something more was unexpected, but I'm curious to see what the outcome for the two of them will be.
Book two definitely had a darker tone than book one with the Discordian sect becoming more prominent and causing difficulties for Latona and her circle. We also begin to discover how widespread their influence is. Latona definitely places her trust, albeit briefly, in the wrong person and it comes back to haunt her. I have to say that I'm interested to see how Vibia and the others tackle the situation that arises at the very end of the book and what Sempronius will do once he finds out about it.
I'm a sucker for happy endings so while I enjoyed the events of this book, the darker tone of this book has me concerned. I really hope that Cass Morris doesn't follow in the footsteps of George RR Martin and kill/permanently injury my favorite characters. Regardless of how the author chooses to end the Aven cylcle, I'm looking forward to reading the continuation/conclusion (?) of this reimagining of Ancient Rome when it is released
January 13, 2021
Give Way to Night picks up the pace after the slower buildup of From Unseen Fire. Circumstances have become more dire in both Iberia and Aven as dark magics threaten our protagonists. My favorite part was the opportunity to spend more time with characters like Alhena and Vibia Sempronia, who played much smaller roles in the first book.
While the Aven Cycle is historical fantasy rather than fiction, Morris has clearly done her research. Her Aven effortlessly incorporates details of Ancient Roman culture without distracting the reader.
The Aven Cycle offers rich fantasy that takes its time. These books should be enjoyed slowly, not binge read. Otherwise you might miss the detailed worldbuilding and Morris’s lush prose.
I eagerly anticipate the next journey back to Aven!
While the Aven Cycle is historical fantasy rather than fiction, Morris has clearly done her research. Her Aven effortlessly incorporates details of Ancient Roman culture without distracting the reader.
The Aven Cycle offers rich fantasy that takes its time. These books should be enjoyed slowly, not binge read. Otherwise you might miss the detailed worldbuilding and Morris’s lush prose.
I eagerly anticipate the next journey back to Aven!
February 3, 2021
I liked the first book in the series, but I LOVED this one. The writing is gorgeous--Morris' voice seems clearer than in From Unseen Fire--and the world building is solid without being obtrusive. Lots of great character development, cool twists, and so many awesome women.
February 25, 2021
Cass Morris has absolutely knocked it out of the park again with this second installment of the Aven Cycle. I loved the further development of characters we'd grown to love from the first book, and further expansion of the world and magic system. And whew, that ending! I can't wait for book 3!
October 10, 2021
Rome with magic, how cool is that? In this second volume of “The Aven Cycle,” Aven (aka Rome) is beset by enemies both within and without. Iberian tribes are wielding blood magic against Avenian-held territory, and Sempronius Tarren, our hero from the first volume, has been dispatched to lift a siege. Meanwhile at home, the Discordian magicians plot the city’s ruin through the ascendency of chaos. Latona, along with Sempronius’s prickly sister, Vibia, must discover who’s behind the attacks and stop their dastardly plots.
As with the first book, this is a long, intricately detailed story involving a huge cast of characters (and the author has thoughtfully provided a list, arranged by nationality and family affiliation). The pace varies from dramatic battle scenes to quiet domestic affairs. The threads of plot, character development, relationship, magic, and culture clash are so skillfully handled that each individual scene adds another layer to the tapestry. I especially liked the way the love story between Latona and Sempronius unfolded even though they were many miles apart and each growing in their own way. The descriptions of battle tactics, especially Roman discipline against wild magic, were both vivid and insightful (yep, there’s a reason Rome conquered most of Western Europe). Characters discover clues about the plot underlying the encroaching chaos in much the same way people do in real life, slowly putting together a pattern while desperately beating back the most dangerous manifestations.
Magic in this world comes in different flavors that reflect the distinct cultures. I explored this aspect of world-building in my “Seven-Petaled Shield” trilogy where I contrasted the polytheistic, highly structured magic of my version of Rome with scripture-based, story-based magic of ancient Judea, and both with the expansive nature-based magic of my steppe horse nomads. Morris pits the magic of her version of Rome, with temples and deities, against the blood-fueled magic of the Iberian tribes, with great success.
I strongly suggest that the reader begin at the beginning of this long “cycle” (Give Way to Night is only the second installment and there’s more to come). Although Morris provides plenty of references to what has come before, there’s simply too much backstory and previous character development for most of us to jump easily into the middle. And the world and its characters are so appealing, you won’t want to miss out on how it all started!
As with the first book, this is a long, intricately detailed story involving a huge cast of characters (and the author has thoughtfully provided a list, arranged by nationality and family affiliation). The pace varies from dramatic battle scenes to quiet domestic affairs. The threads of plot, character development, relationship, magic, and culture clash are so skillfully handled that each individual scene adds another layer to the tapestry. I especially liked the way the love story between Latona and Sempronius unfolded even though they were many miles apart and each growing in their own way. The descriptions of battle tactics, especially Roman discipline against wild magic, were both vivid and insightful (yep, there’s a reason Rome conquered most of Western Europe). Characters discover clues about the plot underlying the encroaching chaos in much the same way people do in real life, slowly putting together a pattern while desperately beating back the most dangerous manifestations.
Magic in this world comes in different flavors that reflect the distinct cultures. I explored this aspect of world-building in my “Seven-Petaled Shield” trilogy where I contrasted the polytheistic, highly structured magic of my version of Rome with scripture-based, story-based magic of ancient Judea, and both with the expansive nature-based magic of my steppe horse nomads. Morris pits the magic of her version of Rome, with temples and deities, against the blood-fueled magic of the Iberian tribes, with great success.
I strongly suggest that the reader begin at the beginning of this long “cycle” (Give Way to Night is only the second installment and there’s more to come). Although Morris provides plenty of references to what has come before, there’s simply too much backstory and previous character development for most of us to jump easily into the middle. And the world and its characters are so appealing, you won’t want to miss out on how it all started!
April 6, 2021
This incredibly immersive and beautifully crafted series hits my favorite note of historical fantasy: being wholly transported to a magical time and place. The quasi-Roman politics, the campaigns of the legions, the kickass ladies, it all continues in this installment as ghostly magics threaten Aven on all fronts. These books speak to my soul, inspire my sense of wonder and romance, and I am so darn grateful that they exist!
December 28, 2020
Give Way to Night by Cass Morris is the 2nd book in her Aven Cycle series. This is an epic fantasy that takes place in Aven, with an Ancient Rome background, where they worship the Roman Deity. The story is filled with magic, intrigue, history and romance. Give Way To Night was a good story, but I did have mixed feelings, which I will note later in my review.
Latona, our heroine in the first book, continues to be the main character in this story. Lataona is the middle sister of the Vitelliae family that is highly respected in Aven. She continues to learn more about her mage Spirit and Fire powers. Latona is in a loveless marriage forced by her father, but she is loyal & very close to her sisters. I really loved Latona, and her two sisters, Aula and Alhena, and how strong all three women truly were. It was great when Latona was able to work with Vibia and Merula, who I thought were also great.
Sempronius Tarren, continues to be our hero, and is out in the field with his men to try and find out who is trying to destroy Aven, especially with strange supernatural attacks. Tarren is a very powerful shadow mage.
What follows is an exciting adventure that will put Latona and the other ladies in dangerous situations a number of number times. Tarren will also have his hands full trying fight the unknown enemy and save his soldiers. There were a number of villians that both Latona & Vibia came up against, as well as Tarren’s soldiers fight against. I loved everything about Latona, Vibia, Aula, Merula and their chapters. I thought Tarren’s chapters were good, but all the other chapters were tedious, with too much details and slow reading, causing me to lose interest, pushing along to get back to Latona and the ladies.
As much as I enjoyed the story revolving around Aven, Latona, her family, Tarren, supporters, I did have some feelings about the rest. I thought the other chapters with various villians/political members over done with so much details, I ended up skipping much of it. Overall, Give Way to Night was a good story, with some very good characters. There is a cliffhanger, which makes me want to read the final book; however, I am still on the fence, as this was a huge book, with so many details and characters, I did get lost a number of times along the way.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Latona, our heroine in the first book, continues to be the main character in this story. Lataona is the middle sister of the Vitelliae family that is highly respected in Aven. She continues to learn more about her mage Spirit and Fire powers. Latona is in a loveless marriage forced by her father, but she is loyal & very close to her sisters. I really loved Latona, and her two sisters, Aula and Alhena, and how strong all three women truly were. It was great when Latona was able to work with Vibia and Merula, who I thought were also great.
Sempronius Tarren, continues to be our hero, and is out in the field with his men to try and find out who is trying to destroy Aven, especially with strange supernatural attacks. Tarren is a very powerful shadow mage.
What follows is an exciting adventure that will put Latona and the other ladies in dangerous situations a number of number times. Tarren will also have his hands full trying fight the unknown enemy and save his soldiers. There were a number of villians that both Latona & Vibia came up against, as well as Tarren’s soldiers fight against. I loved everything about Latona, Vibia, Aula, Merula and their chapters. I thought Tarren’s chapters were good, but all the other chapters were tedious, with too much details and slow reading, causing me to lose interest, pushing along to get back to Latona and the ladies.
As much as I enjoyed the story revolving around Aven, Latona, her family, Tarren, supporters, I did have some feelings about the rest. I thought the other chapters with various villians/political members over done with so much details, I ended up skipping much of it. Overall, Give Way to Night was a good story, with some very good characters. There is a cliffhanger, which makes me want to read the final book; however, I am still on the fence, as this was a huge book, with so many details and characters, I did get lost a number of times along the way.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
January 7, 2021
Cass Morris returns to her version of the Roman Republic were some people have magical abilities. From Unseen Fire (paper) introduced us to Latona of the Vitelliae a mage of fire and spirit, and Senator Sempronius Tarren who is hiding his abilities. They had to work together to save Aven (Rome) from revolt and foul sorcery. Give Way to Night (hard from DAW) sees Sempronius leading troops in Iberia against tribal mages releasing evil spirits who have laid siege to an Aven Legion at Toletum. Latona and friends are facing similar discordant magic in Aven created by mages who wish to use disorder so that the populace will want order returned. Unfortunately a third tale is required to finish the story.
Read
February 11, 2021I really enjoyed this. I'm way too emotionally invested in these characters now, and it's going to be a long wait until the next book.
Random remarks: (1) I wonder what Aven is named after - it's mentioned in this book that it was founded by Remus and Romulus (after whom Rome is named), so there's no Romulus-equivalent namesake in this world. (2) I have given up on (mentally) reading Aven, Vibia, etc with classical pronunciation because that sounds weird. (3) I sort of miss all the oration that we had in the first book (yes, I know we can't have as much of it because of the plot), though I was somewhat sated by Sempronius' writings.
Random remarks: (1) I wonder what Aven is named after - it's mentioned in this book that it was founded by Remus and Romulus (after whom Rome is named), so there's no Romulus-equivalent namesake in this world. (2) I have given up on (mentally) reading Aven, Vibia, etc with classical pronunciation because that sounds weird. (3) I sort of miss all the oration that we had in the first book (yes, I know we can't have as much of it because of the plot), though I was somewhat sated by Sempronius' writings.
June 24, 2021
We return to ancient Rome with magic...known as Aven ... for more political and magical intrigue. I love the women in these books for their three dimensional REALness...shopping and flirting as well as saving their world and developing magic. I am fully invested and can't wait for the next one!
February 7, 2023
Another phenomenal installment in the Aven Cycle. Also THAT ENDING COMPLETELY DESTROYED ME, WHEN IS BOOK THREE.
November 11, 2021
I discovered Cass Morris through her podcast, Worldbuilding for Masochists, which is delightful, as is she—she comes across as smart, funny and genuine. I really enjoy hearing what she has to say there, and I share her fascination with Roman history, so was very excited to read these books.
From a technical standpoint, this book is really very good—great prose, clean plot structure, incredibly well researched. The depiction of Roman life is really a highlight, with incredible attention to detail.
I’m hovering just below 5 stars because it was just missing a certain je-ne-sais-quoi for me, which I think had to do with the lack of interpersonal tension. Latona is working hard to root out the Discordian magic in Aven; Sempronius is working hard to defeat the similar dark magic of the Iberian tribes and liberate besieged Toletum; but these antagonists are largely incorporeal dark forces that don’t provide anything by way of character conflict. (The closest thing to character conflict in these plot threads is the Neitan chapters, about her opposition to the magic man uncle who is summoning the akdraugi, but even then, we see very little of her interacting with him). Because Latona and Sempronius are separated for the whole book, it is missing all the romantic tension that created through-lines in the first book.
I did really enjoy the couple of scenes we got of Latona’s unhappy marriage to Herennius—those really came to life for me, and I wish we had gotten more like that. I also really liked Latona’s personal journey in coming to terms with her trauma at the hands of Dictator Ocella, and reckoning with the people who share culpability for that and for her failed marriage. Vibia’s distrust of Latona was potentially compelling, but they came to an understanding very quickly and there ultimately wasn’t much tension there.
A small quibble, but I had some trouble keeping the minor characters straight, particularly all the men of the Senate and collegium, and I’m not sure all their scenes of political machinations and speechifying were really necessary; those scenes felt especially out of place to me because they left behind our major point of view characters and suddenly entered the perspective of minor characters whom we haven’t seen for a long time. I would find myself completely blanking on who this person was.
I’m being nitpicky, but I think Morris’s writing has huge potential, and I’m interested in seeing how she develops going forward. I will definitely read the third in the series (not in the least because of that huge cliffhanger at the end!) I anticipate that one will up the tension in a substantial way (Latona and Sempronius HAVE to come together, right?), because there are a lot of conflicts that still need resolution.
From a technical standpoint, this book is really very good—great prose, clean plot structure, incredibly well researched. The depiction of Roman life is really a highlight, with incredible attention to detail.
I’m hovering just below 5 stars because it was just missing a certain je-ne-sais-quoi for me, which I think had to do with the lack of interpersonal tension. Latona is working hard to root out the Discordian magic in Aven; Sempronius is working hard to defeat the similar dark magic of the Iberian tribes and liberate besieged Toletum; but these antagonists are largely incorporeal dark forces that don’t provide anything by way of character conflict. (The closest thing to character conflict in these plot threads is the Neitan chapters, about her opposition to the magic man uncle who is summoning the akdraugi, but even then, we see very little of her interacting with him). Because Latona and Sempronius are separated for the whole book, it is missing all the romantic tension that created through-lines in the first book.
I did really enjoy the couple of scenes we got of Latona’s unhappy marriage to Herennius—those really came to life for me, and I wish we had gotten more like that. I also really liked Latona’s personal journey in coming to terms with her trauma at the hands of Dictator Ocella, and reckoning with the people who share culpability for that and for her failed marriage. Vibia’s distrust of Latona was potentially compelling, but they came to an understanding very quickly and there ultimately wasn’t much tension there.
A small quibble, but I had some trouble keeping the minor characters straight, particularly all the men of the Senate and collegium, and I’m not sure all their scenes of political machinations and speechifying were really necessary; those scenes felt especially out of place to me because they left behind our major point of view characters and suddenly entered the perspective of minor characters whom we haven’t seen for a long time. I would find myself completely blanking on who this person was.
I’m being nitpicky, but I think Morris’s writing has huge potential, and I’m interested in seeing how she develops going forward. I will definitely read the third in the series (not in the least because of that huge cliffhanger at the end!) I anticipate that one will up the tension in a substantial way (Latona and Sempronius HAVE to come together, right?), because there are a lot of conflicts that still need resolution.
August 25, 2022
Sempronius Tarren takes the field in book two of the Aven Cycle as one of two elected Praetors, meaning that he is now a general and has three Roman (er, Aven) legions under his command.
Latona's brother Gaius has been under a harrowing magical siege for months on end with otherworldly spirits harassing and killing his men in the fortified Spanish (er, Iberian) town of Toletum. Gaius is but a tribune, entrusted with a small Legion unit of 250 men. His friend, and fellow tribune, is also in the fort with 250 men. Gaius has been sending a steady stream of letters back to Aven pleading for reinforcements to lift the siege.
Latona (our main protagonist) is now beginning to explore her Fire and Spirit elemental powers and works with Semphronius' sister Vibia (who is a weak Fracture mage) to dispel the otherworldly spirits plaguing Aven. Latona can tell that she is up against Fracture magic, which Vibia can directly attack, while Latona protects and shields her.
All her life Latona has been afraid to use her powers. She had hidden her powers for so long, but Sempronius told her in book one that he believes in her, that she could do more. (Nevermind that Latona is married to someone else. Latona & Sempronius are definitely drawn to one another but must take care to not have even a hint of scandal in their friendship relationship. Even though, of course, they are madly in love with one another.)
Latona has decided that, as she has a strong enough gift of Fire & Spirit magic, it is her duty to help rid Aven of these Fracture magical attacks. Plus, no one else has responded to this crisis.
I've always loved tales of Ancient Rome, especially before the rise of Julius Caesar when there were elected senators, praetors, and other officials running the Roman Republic. Plenty of political intrigue and backstabbing but run by the Roman elite (not one man). This Ancient Rome is full of elemental mages which brings magic into the equation. Plus, a long-standing law prevents mages from serving as high elected officials. (So, the fact that Sempronius is a strong Shadow and Water mage must never be discovered or else his both military and political career would be ruined for good.)
I especially enjoy elemental magic, so this added aspect of this series is especially thrilling.
I can't wait for book three in this Aven Cycle to be released. Book One From Unseen Fire came out in hardcover in April 2018. Book Two Give Way to Night came out in hardcover December 2020. So, I'm hoping either later this year or early next year for Book Three.
Give Way to Night (Aven Cycle, bk 2) is highly recommended for alternate history fans, Ancient Roman fans, elemental mages fans, and political intrigue/no-holds-barred bare-knuckled political infighting fans!
Latona's brother Gaius has been under a harrowing magical siege for months on end with otherworldly spirits harassing and killing his men in the fortified Spanish (er, Iberian) town of Toletum. Gaius is but a tribune, entrusted with a small Legion unit of 250 men. His friend, and fellow tribune, is also in the fort with 250 men. Gaius has been sending a steady stream of letters back to Aven pleading for reinforcements to lift the siege.
Latona (our main protagonist) is now beginning to explore her Fire and Spirit elemental powers and works with Semphronius' sister Vibia (who is a weak Fracture mage) to dispel the otherworldly spirits plaguing Aven. Latona can tell that she is up against Fracture magic, which Vibia can directly attack, while Latona protects and shields her.
All her life Latona has been afraid to use her powers. She had hidden her powers for so long, but Sempronius told her in book one that he believes in her, that she could do more. (Nevermind that Latona is married to someone else. Latona & Sempronius are definitely drawn to one another but must take care to not have even a hint of scandal in their friendship relationship. Even though, of course, they are madly in love with one another.)
Latona has decided that, as she has a strong enough gift of Fire & Spirit magic, it is her duty to help rid Aven of these Fracture magical attacks. Plus, no one else has responded to this crisis.
I've always loved tales of Ancient Rome, especially before the rise of Julius Caesar when there were elected senators, praetors, and other officials running the Roman Republic. Plenty of political intrigue and backstabbing but run by the Roman elite (not one man). This Ancient Rome is full of elemental mages which brings magic into the equation. Plus, a long-standing law prevents mages from serving as high elected officials. (So, the fact that Sempronius is a strong Shadow and Water mage must never be discovered or else his both military and political career would be ruined for good.)
I especially enjoy elemental magic, so this added aspect of this series is especially thrilling.
I can't wait for book three in this Aven Cycle to be released. Book One From Unseen Fire came out in hardcover in April 2018. Book Two Give Way to Night came out in hardcover December 2020. So, I'm hoping either later this year or early next year for Book Three.
Give Way to Night (Aven Cycle, bk 2) is highly recommended for alternate history fans, Ancient Roman fans, elemental mages fans, and political intrigue/no-holds-barred bare-knuckled political infighting fans!
November 3, 2024
Popsugar: A book written during NaNoWriMo
This is slightly awkward because I settled on this book for the category way back in the spring and then Nanowrimo decided to set fire to its personal brand by saying it’s fine to use AI to make a book and the author of this has since disavowed Nano in its current form (she writes about this well on her substack) buuuut I’m close to the end of this challenge and I’m a completionist. So I’m not taking my toys and going home because Nano decided to beclown itself.
Anyway, this go around all the girls (Latona and Vibia) are girling girling (exorcising creepy ghosts) and it was surprisingly apropos for spooky season!
Seriously, all of these well meaning people vying for power and I’d just write in Vibia’s name. If Aven had tiktok I’m pretty sure there’d be a whole cottage industry of Vibia fancams.
I know this is a Letterboxd-ass review but I’m just in a silly goofy mood this weekend and the suspense of this book is NOT helping. Great fall time read!
This is slightly awkward because I settled on this book for the category way back in the spring and then Nanowrimo decided to set fire to its personal brand by saying it’s fine to use AI to make a book and the author of this has since disavowed Nano in its current form (she writes about this well on her substack) buuuut I’m close to the end of this challenge and I’m a completionist. So I’m not taking my toys and going home because Nano decided to beclown itself.
Anyway, this go around all the girls (Latona and Vibia) are girling girling (exorcising creepy ghosts) and it was surprisingly apropos for spooky season!
Seriously, all of these well meaning people vying for power and I’d just write in Vibia’s name. If Aven had tiktok I’m pretty sure there’d be a whole cottage industry of Vibia fancams.
I know this is a Letterboxd-ass review but I’m just in a silly goofy mood this weekend and the suspense of this book is NOT helping. Great fall time read!
August 1, 2024
While the first book in the series was mainly about politics, this one focusses on magic. In Aven, Latona commits to developing her magical abilities. In Iberia, her brother and Sempronius must deal with magic used as a weapon by their Lusetani enemies.
The many scenes depicting magic in use are vivid and compelling. The similarities and differences between the different forms of magic, and the price exacted on practitioners, add depth and interest to the characters' personal situations.
Although several crises are resolved in Iberia and in Aven in the course of the book, there is no overall resolution to the larger issues. The book ends with a new crisis that demands reading of the next book in the series. While this is a legitimate approach, as a reader I feel as though I've been left hanging.
The many scenes depicting magic in use are vivid and compelling. The similarities and differences between the different forms of magic, and the price exacted on practitioners, add depth and interest to the characters' personal situations.
Although several crises are resolved in Iberia and in Aven in the course of the book, there is no overall resolution to the larger issues. The book ends with a new crisis that demands reading of the next book in the series. While this is a legitimate approach, as a reader I feel as though I've been left hanging.
April 30, 2021
I find these books conceptually very interesting, but reading them is always a little bit of a slog. This second installment features the female characters more prominently, which I enjoyed and I found all of the sections set in Aven really interesting, particularly the development of Latona's character and the way in which her friendship with Vibia progressed. However, the portions devoted to the battles abroad were just too slow and a bit repetitive. All in all, I retain my interest in this series and will be picking up the next book - I just wish they were a bit pacier.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 30, 2021
I've really enjoyed this series so far and wish it wasn't so criminally underrated. I love the take on not!Rome and the way that magic influences politics both domestic and abroad. I love that this is fundamentally a series about three sisters finding their voices and their power in sisterhood and friendships, and that all the men feel like bit pieces in their story.
Occasionally this book suffers from middle book syndrome as all the chess pieces are moved into place, and I do wish we'd gotten to see Sempronius and Latona in the same room since I'm really invested in their romance, but I'm really looking forward to the finale.
Occasionally this book suffers from middle book syndrome as all the chess pieces are moved into place, and I do wish we'd gotten to see Sempronius and Latona in the same room since I'm really invested in their romance, but I'm really looking forward to the finale.
May 29, 2024
I liked the book in some parts Luke how lartona's person journey through the story was fantastic. Last of note Hanah was a great new character. While Starine was worlds away dealing with the war. What I like in this series is seeing all sides of a war and their perspective. Weakest part of the book is the pace. I'm still committed to finishing the series.
July 31, 2022
Great sequel to From Unseen Fire! I love this world the author has created and love love love the heroine. I cannot wait for the next book - hopefully the heroine and hero will be reunited!!
March 14, 2024
really liking this series. And thus am glad I can just grab the next book and keep going.
June 5, 2024
4.5 stars, a couple of pacing issues and I wish the main characters didn't spend the entire book apart but the emotional gut punches that the story meted out in the final quarter had me gasping
July 8, 2022
If you are looking for a read where you read about people who think and plan and react, if you want a read where the main female characters talk about much more than their problems with men, if you want a read where the stakes start out seeming small but ramp up fast... then this is your book!
Every character is interesting and even the villains are relatable (I do not agree with their goals or methods, but you can see why they think that way.)
I would have made it 5 stars, but it loses a 1/2 star due to the cliffhanger ending. But I will buy the next book as I am so invested in how this will end!
Every character is interesting and even the villains are relatable (I do not agree with their goals or methods, but you can see why they think that way.)
I would have made it 5 stars, but it loses a 1/2 star due to the cliffhanger ending. But I will buy the next book as I am so invested in how this will end!
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