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Night Order #1
Shades of Night
Fated for greatness; Destined for pain.
A prophecy of beauty, untold power and the strength to save them all.
They said I was destined to save every witch, my entire race, but life is never that cut-and-dried.
I am Shade. After a demon attack left me scarred, the Night Order elders declared the prophecy was broken, discarded and my destiny along with it. No longer tied to fate, my sister Dellena and I, chose our own path, cutting down every demon that crossed it. That was until the fateful day I pulled the demon-cursed Nora from the mud and the world around us began to unravel. War is upon us and the demons are gathering.
Now I must walk the path of a destiny I thought had abandoned me. Will I be able to correct the tides of war before the demons destroy us all? I can only hope those I hold dearest will not be sacrificed in the struggle.
Trigger Warnings: mentions of sexual assault, torture, death, and violence.
A prophecy of beauty, untold power and the strength to save them all.
They said I was destined to save every witch, my entire race, but life is never that cut-and-dried.
I am Shade. After a demon attack left me scarred, the Night Order elders declared the prophecy was broken, discarded and my destiny along with it. No longer tied to fate, my sister Dellena and I, chose our own path, cutting down every demon that crossed it. That was until the fateful day I pulled the demon-cursed Nora from the mud and the world around us began to unravel. War is upon us and the demons are gathering.
Now I must walk the path of a destiny I thought had abandoned me. Will I be able to correct the tides of war before the demons destroy us all? I can only hope those I hold dearest will not be sacrificed in the struggle.
Trigger Warnings: mentions of sexual assault, torture, death, and violence.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2022
31 people are currently reading
634 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Boucker
13 books11 followersRachael Boucker doesn't know how she got on this planet, but she sure as celibate, shelved Seans doesn't know how to get off it.
She's settled in the Forest of Dean UK, a hub for peculiar beings, with her human Richard (enslaved in a long term relationship) and three hybrid semi-sentient miniatures.
With a tentative connection to the hive mind, Rachael listens in on strange stories spanning multiple dimensions, and passes these eavesdroppings off as fiction, mostly horror and fantasy. Sci-fi can be triggering, dredging up memories of the spacebound life she left behind, but she does occasionally indulge in this genre. Look out for her Night Order dark fantasy series, being published by Eerie River Publishing.
She's settled in the Forest of Dean UK, a hub for peculiar beings, with her human Richard (enslaved in a long term relationship) and three hybrid semi-sentient miniatures.
With a tentative connection to the hive mind, Rachael listens in on strange stories spanning multiple dimensions, and passes these eavesdroppings off as fiction, mostly horror and fantasy. Sci-fi can be triggering, dredging up memories of the spacebound life she left behind, but she does occasionally indulge in this genre. Look out for her Night Order dark fantasy series, being published by Eerie River Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 4, 2023
5⭐️ ok woah that was SO INTENSE! Also one of the most unique dark fantasy books I’ve ever read—highly recommend!
There were so many powerful quotes, but this one slayed me: “…such exquisitely sculpted pain…” 💀
What to expect:
✨ Incredible high fantasy world-building (with no info-dumps, all show rather than tell!)
🩸 Loads of gory demon-hunting battles (be warned if you are squeamish—it is brutally detailed, immersively done!), this book dabbles in horror, so buckle up!
⚔️ Badass FMC (a witch of the Night Order—a women-only warrior demon-hunter guild), think if Geralt and Yennefer from the Witcher were combined into one character.
🪄 A truly unique magic system and creatures, with so many fascinating details (void bubbles, second skin, bewitched acorns, interesting potions, skin wearers, lover demons, innocri etc.!)
📜 Prophecies and all of the complexities that come along with seers and visions in fantasy plots!
❤️ A very minor romance subplot (noting this as my usual genre is romantasy! This had juuuust enough of a romance sprinkling to keep me intrigued on that level and bought in for the series as a whole!). And spice-wise I’d give it a half a chilli pepper 🌶️.
📗 Book 2 is out 8 June, so now is a good time to check book 1 out!
BRING ON BOOK 2!
There were so many powerful quotes, but this one slayed me: “…such exquisitely sculpted pain…” 💀
What to expect:
✨ Incredible high fantasy world-building (with no info-dumps, all show rather than tell!)
🩸 Loads of gory demon-hunting battles (be warned if you are squeamish—it is brutally detailed, immersively done!), this book dabbles in horror, so buckle up!
⚔️ Badass FMC (a witch of the Night Order—a women-only warrior demon-hunter guild), think if Geralt and Yennefer from the Witcher were combined into one character.
🪄 A truly unique magic system and creatures, with so many fascinating details (void bubbles, second skin, bewitched acorns, interesting potions, skin wearers, lover demons, innocri etc.!)
📜 Prophecies and all of the complexities that come along with seers and visions in fantasy plots!
❤️ A very minor romance subplot (noting this as my usual genre is romantasy! This had juuuust enough of a romance sprinkling to keep me intrigued on that level and bought in for the series as a whole!). And spice-wise I’d give it a half a chilli pepper 🌶️.
📗 Book 2 is out 8 June, so now is a good time to check book 1 out!
BRING ON BOOK 2!
November 18, 2022
If you like a gritty world with a true bad ass FMC then this is the book for you!
This story took me completely by surprise! I was hooked with the initial description - a witch who was a long foretold beauty & saviour of all witchkind; is left horribly disfigured & shunned by her people, now hunts demons with her sister.
And while, Yes, this is where this books starts - & what it is about - it is SO much more than that!
It felt gritty & real & raw. I felt like I was watching a movie most of the time with the descriptions - especially the fight scenes with the demons! It was like watching a female The Witcher.
There were genuine moments of thriller / horror scenes playing out in my mind while reading & I was on the edge of my seat. The demons written in this story were their own masterpiece, they were similar to ones we all know but had enough of a spin on it that they all felt completely unique.
It was also a story about a sister relationship & female friendship, along with the FMC finding her place in the world.
But the best part… nothing was EVER told! everything was shown to you through action - including the magic.
The twists & turns had me guessing at every moment & by the end I was stunned with how it all played out… but it all made perfect sense!
I am now ITCHING for the next book!
There were so many questions that propelled the story forward & kept you guessing, along with the amazing fights with the demons, this story was truely unique.
Shade is an absolute bad ass FMC & I can’t wait to read about her in the next book & find out what is going to happen after that ending!
What an absolute masterpiece of fiction.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story took me completely by surprise! I was hooked with the initial description - a witch who was a long foretold beauty & saviour of all witchkind; is left horribly disfigured & shunned by her people, now hunts demons with her sister.
And while, Yes, this is where this books starts - & what it is about - it is SO much more than that!
It felt gritty & real & raw. I felt like I was watching a movie most of the time with the descriptions - especially the fight scenes with the demons! It was like watching a female The Witcher.
There were genuine moments of thriller / horror scenes playing out in my mind while reading & I was on the edge of my seat. The demons written in this story were their own masterpiece, they were similar to ones we all know but had enough of a spin on it that they all felt completely unique.
It was also a story about a sister relationship & female friendship, along with the FMC finding her place in the world.
But the best part… nothing was EVER told! everything was shown to you through action - including the magic.
The twists & turns had me guessing at every moment & by the end I was stunned with how it all played out… but it all made perfect sense!
I am now ITCHING for the next book!
There were so many questions that propelled the story forward & kept you guessing, along with the amazing fights with the demons, this story was truely unique.
Shade is an absolute bad ass FMC & I can’t wait to read about her in the next book & find out what is going to happen after that ending!
What an absolute masterpiece of fiction.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 28, 2022
Dark, intense and jam-packed with action.
This gritty world of magic and demons had me on page one. I love the main character's voice and how the author peeled away pieces of her past to really build an intense storyline. The relationships between the characters felt real and I enjoyed the magic system and lore of the world she created.
TW do apply, there is mention on SA, death to children, torture and more. Although I don't feel like they went heavy on detail, I do know that some topics are no-gos for some readers.
This gritty world of magic and demons had me on page one. I love the main character's voice and how the author peeled away pieces of her past to really build an intense storyline. The relationships between the characters felt real and I enjoyed the magic system and lore of the world she created.
TW do apply, there is mention on SA, death to children, torture and more. Although I don't feel like they went heavy on detail, I do know that some topics are no-gos for some readers.
January 23, 2023
A dark and gritty series starter that blends fantasy with bit of horror. The plot is intricate, fast-paced, and I loved the twists and turns that Shade and Dellena encounter as they fight demons and become embroiled in a battle of good vs evil. War is coming and it’s up to Shade to protect her people from the Night Order. There’s also a prophecy at play within the overall story, and I loved that particular storyline and how Shade’s prophesied destiny and Chosen One status is ripped away from her.
This is a perfect book for fantasy lovers who prefer their books to be on the darker side. This was certainly a dark tale, incorporating many themes that some readers may find uncomfortable. I appreciated those themes as they added a realistic element to the story, and they also play a heavy role in Shade’s insecurities. Aside from fighting a war against demons, she’s also fighting a battle within herself and I really identified with many of her struggles and how she often views herself.
The world in Shades of Night was really incredible, and I really loved how dimensional and multilayered it is. It’s dark, it’s dangerous and there’s a super interesting magic system that incorporates many of the familiar magical elements, but it feels wholly unique and new. With Shade being my favorite part of this whole book, the magic system definitely clocks in at a close second.
All told, a fantastic first installment in a new fantasy horror series, and one that’s landing solidly on my favorites shelf. 5 stars, and I can’t wait for the next one. Thanks so much to @rrbooktours and @eerie_river for gifting me an arc for review!
This is a perfect book for fantasy lovers who prefer their books to be on the darker side. This was certainly a dark tale, incorporating many themes that some readers may find uncomfortable. I appreciated those themes as they added a realistic element to the story, and they also play a heavy role in Shade’s insecurities. Aside from fighting a war against demons, she’s also fighting a battle within herself and I really identified with many of her struggles and how she often views herself.
The world in Shades of Night was really incredible, and I really loved how dimensional and multilayered it is. It’s dark, it’s dangerous and there’s a super interesting magic system that incorporates many of the familiar magical elements, but it feels wholly unique and new. With Shade being my favorite part of this whole book, the magic system definitely clocks in at a close second.
All told, a fantastic first installment in a new fantasy horror series, and one that’s landing solidly on my favorites shelf. 5 stars, and I can’t wait for the next one. Thanks so much to @rrbooktours and @eerie_river for gifting me an arc for review!
December 5, 2022
Welcome to the newest fantasy series you never knew you needed! The Night Order series sets off with an explosion of demons, magic, demon slaying and torturous nightmares!
When Eerie River put out a call for ARC readers, I had no ideas on this book or series but the divine cover had me trapped. A powerful looking mystic of a main character with a serpentine demonic creature behind her oozed pure unadulterated fantasy, I read the blurb and knew I needed to be one of these readers. I am so glad I was lucky enough to be picked!
Rachael Boucker is a new author to me and I'm always cautious when reading someone new, certainly in the fantasy genre as too many times have I been caught with a ‘samey’ storyline and set of characters. This doesn’t happen in Rachael’s writing, although a similar use of demons, witches and fantasy worlds, Rachael’s writing feels fresh and unique. All 400+ pages had me gripping my kindle, multiple times I fell asleep through exhaustion after not being able to put the book down! Don’t worry, I went back and picked up where I left off!
The characters are deep and mysterious with clever backgrounds and personality development, key to this was the deep sisterly bond between the sisters. This relationship acted as a foundation for the entire book and the development of this elevates the story.
The horrifying demons and their vast variations will present themselves in nightmares for weeks to come. Each demon type has unique characteristics that move from anything from grotesque plague demons to torturous mind warping lover demons. I won’t explain what each does but know that any of your fears are in danger of being triggered by these horrifying monsters.
Shades of Night is the beginning of a new series that is going to be a staple fantasy adventure in my future. The story is absolutely fantastic and the ending will have you begging for more, in fact… I did beg for more from Rachael herself on Facebook! If you are a fantasy fan then please get this book now, it is horror fantasy at its purest. Get in on the series now and prepare for the future Night Order stories coming soon!
When Eerie River put out a call for ARC readers, I had no ideas on this book or series but the divine cover had me trapped. A powerful looking mystic of a main character with a serpentine demonic creature behind her oozed pure unadulterated fantasy, I read the blurb and knew I needed to be one of these readers. I am so glad I was lucky enough to be picked!
Rachael Boucker is a new author to me and I'm always cautious when reading someone new, certainly in the fantasy genre as too many times have I been caught with a ‘samey’ storyline and set of characters. This doesn’t happen in Rachael’s writing, although a similar use of demons, witches and fantasy worlds, Rachael’s writing feels fresh and unique. All 400+ pages had me gripping my kindle, multiple times I fell asleep through exhaustion after not being able to put the book down! Don’t worry, I went back and picked up where I left off!
The characters are deep and mysterious with clever backgrounds and personality development, key to this was the deep sisterly bond between the sisters. This relationship acted as a foundation for the entire book and the development of this elevates the story.
The horrifying demons and their vast variations will present themselves in nightmares for weeks to come. Each demon type has unique characteristics that move from anything from grotesque plague demons to torturous mind warping lover demons. I won’t explain what each does but know that any of your fears are in danger of being triggered by these horrifying monsters.
Shades of Night is the beginning of a new series that is going to be a staple fantasy adventure in my future. The story is absolutely fantastic and the ending will have you begging for more, in fact… I did beg for more from Rachael herself on Facebook! If you are a fantasy fan then please get this book now, it is horror fantasy at its purest. Get in on the series now and prepare for the future Night Order stories coming soon!
January 8, 2023
I've read several of Rachael's short stories, and while fantasy isn't my usual genre, her snappy, well-drawn characters and superb use of dialogue always hooks me in. Fantasy is a crowded marketplace but I'm sure Rachael's series will attract an avid reader base, deservedly so. Eerie River are one of the best indie publishers around at the moment, and their horror anthologies are widely respected. Highly recommended all round!
February 22, 2023
4.5⭐ A dark intriguing tale of demons and center on Shade a witch of the Night Order. Will she fulfill the prophecy? Sacrifices and hardships follow along her path. The ending keeps you wondering what will happen next. I did not expect to like the storyline but the detailed descriptions kept me interested to the end. A good start to the series.
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntarily. Thank you BookSirens
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntarily. Thank you BookSirens
December 8, 2022
Aramay has been told that she was destined to save every witch, but life is never that easy. After being attacked by a demon the Night Order declared the prophecy broken and threw her away and her destiny with it. Now that they aren't tied to a destiny it is time to choose their own path, so along with her sister Dellena they are off to kill every demon that crosses their path. Now they are walking the path that was denied her and war is coming. Will they be able to correct the past mistakes or will they be sacrificed in the struggle .
There are a wide range of characters in this story. Aramay aka Shade is sympathic loving person who is fighting some internal demons of her own. Like she is having a hard time with body issues and how to keep her destiny going. Dellena well she brings the humor to the group even if it is a little caustic. She was fun to see how she interacts with others that she meets. Each character was very well written and complex in their own rights. Nora was one of those characters that you really don't know what will happen with her . Nora is a difficult one to read.
This is a dark gritty novel that really wasn't what I thought it was. The story is so much darker then I expected it to be. We are thrown right into the action from the first page and it doesn't let up. There are some really kick butt characters that you get to meet through out the book. You will be flipping through the book so fast and on the edge of your seat most of the time. There are some triggers in this book of sexual assaults, torture, violence and death. If any of those bother you this might not be the book for you. There are so many twists and turns through out this book that will have you entertained for hours. I truly enjoyed this book and this author's way of writing. So, if you want a good fantasy book with amazing characters check it out.
January 24, 2023
Please be aware that there are some sensitive scenes in this book, so please check the CW/TW before reading.
Fated for greatness; Destined for pain.
A prophecy of beauty, untold power and the strength to save them all.
"Magic has its cost." - Shade, Chapter 1, Kindle edition.
Prophesized to save all witches, Aramay Shenade, better known as Shade, and her sister Dellena, are mages and demon hunters. After being attacked by a Demon and disfigured when she was younger, the Night Order declared the prophecy broken, and Shade and Dellena's destinies are now their own. Slaying demons where ever they go, war is on the horizon, and Shade's denied destiny will no longer be denied.
If you're a fantasy lover who enjoys reads with a darker twist, or if you're a fan of The Witcher, this is one you'll want to check out. This is a fast-paced and multi-dimensional story that Boucker has weaved together beautifully. The magic system involved is surprisingly well thought out and described. I've found over the years that this doesn't always happen in first-in-series books, sometimes authors take two or three books to fully lay out their magic system, but this one's good. She's made it unique while still applying generally known magical aspects so it's easy to follow along. The same can be said about the Demons. She utilizes various kinds of demons in this, which I found fascinating as that's not something I read a lot about, so I enjoyed reading the differences between them. This is the best overall world-building and characterization that I've read in a long time.
This is my introduction to Boucker's work and I am thoroughly impressed! I'm looking forward to the rest of this series and reading more of her work.
A big thank you to the author #RachaelBoucker and #RRBookTours for a digital copy to read and review for this book tour.
Fated for greatness; Destined for pain.
A prophecy of beauty, untold power and the strength to save them all.
"Magic has its cost." - Shade, Chapter 1, Kindle edition.
Prophesized to save all witches, Aramay Shenade, better known as Shade, and her sister Dellena, are mages and demon hunters. After being attacked by a Demon and disfigured when she was younger, the Night Order declared the prophecy broken, and Shade and Dellena's destinies are now their own. Slaying demons where ever they go, war is on the horizon, and Shade's denied destiny will no longer be denied.
If you're a fantasy lover who enjoys reads with a darker twist, or if you're a fan of The Witcher, this is one you'll want to check out. This is a fast-paced and multi-dimensional story that Boucker has weaved together beautifully. The magic system involved is surprisingly well thought out and described. I've found over the years that this doesn't always happen in first-in-series books, sometimes authors take two or three books to fully lay out their magic system, but this one's good. She's made it unique while still applying generally known magical aspects so it's easy to follow along. The same can be said about the Demons. She utilizes various kinds of demons in this, which I found fascinating as that's not something I read a lot about, so I enjoyed reading the differences between them. This is the best overall world-building and characterization that I've read in a long time.
This is my introduction to Boucker's work and I am thoroughly impressed! I'm looking forward to the rest of this series and reading more of her work.
A big thank you to the author #RachaelBoucker and #RRBookTours for a digital copy to read and review for this book tour.
April 10, 2023
TW**No spoilers in my review, but there are some mentions of rape, mutilation, abuse and death, so if that is a trigger for anyone, I would avoid this book.**
I am blown away! I am so looking forward to the next book in the series. I will be on pins and needles waiting to find out what happens to Shade. I started this book believing it to be just another book to read, but it was way more than I was expecting. If you enjoy books about witches and demon hunters and all that goes along with it, then this book is definitely for you. That being said, it probably isn't for everyone.
It was a little slow starting off, but the author really brought the world to life in my mind with her vivid descriptions, so it did not take long for me to really be drawn into the story. It is a harsh world filled with magic and demons and death, but at the same time there is beauty as well. I love the way the author described the characters interactions and relationships with each other as it truly brought each of them to life for me in my mind.
This story is full of action and unexpected twists that you do not expect and never gets boring. It leaves you wanting more.
**I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily**
I am blown away! I am so looking forward to the next book in the series. I will be on pins and needles waiting to find out what happens to Shade. I started this book believing it to be just another book to read, but it was way more than I was expecting. If you enjoy books about witches and demon hunters and all that goes along with it, then this book is definitely for you. That being said, it probably isn't for everyone.
It was a little slow starting off, but the author really brought the world to life in my mind with her vivid descriptions, so it did not take long for me to really be drawn into the story. It is a harsh world filled with magic and demons and death, but at the same time there is beauty as well. I love the way the author described the characters interactions and relationships with each other as it truly brought each of them to life for me in my mind.
This story is full of action and unexpected twists that you do not expect and never gets boring. It leaves you wanting more.
**I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily**
November 29, 2022
~Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC, this is my honest review~
I wasn't expecting a light read as the blurb does not describe this as a fun happy read but I was not expecting it to be so dark. It was a surprisingly great read though.
This story is filled with great world building and even greater characters, characters who go through so much together that what happens between them is a shock. I love that the magic in this book is familiar yet so new, new in the sense that it takes elements from different magic systems in other magic driven stories and mixes them to make something entirely different. Runes, potions, chants, and innate magic all come together to make some stunning story magic.
The difference in which this book also describes the different types of demons compared to other books also sets this book apart. The demons are described in such disgustingly good detail that I will never look at a tadpole the same.
I would like to say that this book does have seances of torture and the emotional residue of rape so please read with caution.
I cant wait for the second book in this series!
I wasn't expecting a light read as the blurb does not describe this as a fun happy read but I was not expecting it to be so dark. It was a surprisingly great read though.
This story is filled with great world building and even greater characters, characters who go through so much together that what happens between them is a shock. I love that the magic in this book is familiar yet so new, new in the sense that it takes elements from different magic systems in other magic driven stories and mixes them to make something entirely different. Runes, potions, chants, and innate magic all come together to make some stunning story magic.
The difference in which this book also describes the different types of demons compared to other books also sets this book apart. The demons are described in such disgustingly good detail that I will never look at a tadpole the same.
I would like to say that this book does have seances of torture and the emotional residue of rape so please read with caution.
I cant wait for the second book in this series!
November 28, 2022
Fantasy book with demons, female main characters, magic and a lot of gore. What’s not to love?
The world building was done well and the story plops you right into the action with backstory filled in as the story goes on. This allows the story to stay interesting with action but still gives the plot with time.
The variety of demons was fun and I enjoyed all the gruesome details. There was some romance but it was kept very surface level in description. This is not a spice book and it was refreshing to have a fantasy book without needing to dive deep in the spice. While I feel that the two main characters were both described as strong, I felt that Shade is lacking in her own fighting prowess. She has strong magic but it takes a huge toll and leaves her quite vulnerable. I would have loved to see more of her fighting prowess shown off. I got a glimpse of it during the Innocri battle but I would have loved to see more of it.
I’m looking forward to book two.
The world building was done well and the story plops you right into the action with backstory filled in as the story goes on. This allows the story to stay interesting with action but still gives the plot with time.
The variety of demons was fun and I enjoyed all the gruesome details. There was some romance but it was kept very surface level in description. This is not a spice book and it was refreshing to have a fantasy book without needing to dive deep in the spice. While I feel that the two main characters were both described as strong, I felt that Shade is lacking in her own fighting prowess. She has strong magic but it takes a huge toll and leaves her quite vulnerable. I would have loved to see more of her fighting prowess shown off. I got a glimpse of it during the Innocri battle but I would have loved to see more of it.
I’m looking forward to book two.
December 24, 2022
Rachel Boucker has a beautiful way of weaving fast-paced, gory, intense battle scenes with deep, meaningful character-building moments that pull the reader under - like a drowner.
When I first started to read this, I was worried it might be another cliche story about demons and witches. I am so glad I kept going and gave the characters a chance. These women are strong, flawed and well-written. Their sibling rivalry is relatable and easy to connect with which leads the reader along the path from town to town with them in a comfortable manner.
If you're a fan of dark fantasy, give this a chance! The world-building is well-done and the lore is easy to follow, engaging and vivid. I always get excited when a book pulls out all kinds of emotions and this one had me grossed out, angry, scared and joyously happy.
I cannot wait for the second book since I desperately need to know what happens to Shade, Dellena, Nora and Saben!
When I first started to read this, I was worried it might be another cliche story about demons and witches. I am so glad I kept going and gave the characters a chance. These women are strong, flawed and well-written. Their sibling rivalry is relatable and easy to connect with which leads the reader along the path from town to town with them in a comfortable manner.
If you're a fan of dark fantasy, give this a chance! The world-building is well-done and the lore is easy to follow, engaging and vivid. I always get excited when a book pulls out all kinds of emotions and this one had me grossed out, angry, scared and joyously happy.
I cannot wait for the second book since I desperately need to know what happens to Shade, Dellena, Nora and Saben!
December 3, 2022
✨ Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC - this is my honest review ✨
Non-stop action that had me hooked from the first page! The world building was strong from the start & you’re pulled straight into the action with backstory drip fed as the story progresses- again something that was very well done.
Runes, potions, chants and all that good stuff are pulled together to make a really concise magic system that truly makes you believe!
A wonderfully lush dark fantasy book with demons, magic and female main characters- I mean, what’s not to love! I will however, never be able to look at tadpoles the same! Very excited to see where this series goes and I am eagerly waiting on the next instalment!!
I would advise to check TW before reading as it is heavy on the gore/ sensitive themes
Non-stop action that had me hooked from the first page! The world building was strong from the start & you’re pulled straight into the action with backstory drip fed as the story progresses- again something that was very well done.
Runes, potions, chants and all that good stuff are pulled together to make a really concise magic system that truly makes you believe!
A wonderfully lush dark fantasy book with demons, magic and female main characters- I mean, what’s not to love! I will however, never be able to look at tadpoles the same! Very excited to see where this series goes and I am eagerly waiting on the next instalment!!
I would advise to check TW before reading as it is heavy on the gore/ sensitive themes
January 25, 2023
Atmospheric, dark and action packed!
This is a perfect tale for readers that enjoy the darker side of fantasy.
The book opens with a prophecy of a witch who is foretold to be the savior but is left horribly disfigured and cast out by her people. In a Witcher-esque style, she hunts and slays demons with her sister which is another story line in and of itself.
The relationships between all the characters felt real and vulnerable and so well tailored that it felt like you could feel the characters emotions.
The world and magic system and character voices are so dark and accepting of the world that they live in.
This book was truly like watching a movie unfold in your mind.
This is a perfect tale for readers that enjoy the darker side of fantasy.
The book opens with a prophecy of a witch who is foretold to be the savior but is left horribly disfigured and cast out by her people. In a Witcher-esque style, she hunts and slays demons with her sister which is another story line in and of itself.
The relationships between all the characters felt real and vulnerable and so well tailored that it felt like you could feel the characters emotions.
The world and magic system and character voices are so dark and accepting of the world that they live in.
This book was truly like watching a movie unfold in your mind.
December 5, 2022
This is a dark fantasy book filled with magic, demons, and a lot of gore. The world-building in this book was amazing, and the story will keep you entertained, and eyes glued to the book until you are done. This kind of reminds me of two TV shows. The Witcher and supernatural.
Following 2 sisters who take out “Lover” demons and all the others that they can and along the way maybe make some friends who can help.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Following 2 sisters who take out “Lover” demons and all the others that they can and along the way maybe make some friends who can help.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 7, 2022
Mages and Monsters
Aramay Shenade known as Shade and her sister, Dellena are powerful mages. Their fight against demons and their success is noteworthy. Success, however, comes at a cost. Death stalks them at every turn. I enjoyed every page of this book with its fantastic world building. The adventures of Shade and her sister and the obstacles they overcome are mind-blowing. This is a tale of love, betrayal and courage and Shade's life and her struggles tore at my heart strings. The plot is well crafted. I am eagerly waiting for the next book.
Aramay Shenade known as Shade and her sister, Dellena are powerful mages. Their fight against demons and their success is noteworthy. Success, however, comes at a cost. Death stalks them at every turn. I enjoyed every page of this book with its fantastic world building. The adventures of Shade and her sister and the obstacles they overcome are mind-blowing. This is a tale of love, betrayal and courage and Shade's life and her struggles tore at my heart strings. The plot is well crafted. I am eagerly waiting for the next book.
January 25, 2023
Shades of Night is a story filled with exciting characters, a dark fantasy aspect, and great storytelling. The characters, Shade and Dellena, share a great sibling bond. I enjoyed the parts about demon hunting and how it is the focus of Shade's main storyline. The author's ability to adapt the characters to change is one of my favorite parts.
Readers will enjoy this new book if they enjoy strong main characters set in a dark fantasy setting. The writing will draw you in from the very first page. Give this one a read!
Readers will enjoy this new book if they enjoy strong main characters set in a dark fantasy setting. The writing will draw you in from the very first page. Give this one a read!
November 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this start to the Night Order series, it was what I was hoping from the author. I really enjoyed the plot of the book and getting to go on this journey. I was invested in what was happening to the characters and their world. Rachael Boucker has a great writing style and I'm glad I was able to read this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 28, 2022
This is a ya fantasy that took a bit to get into, but once the world building and story was in full swing, I was enthralled!
I haven’t read anything like this for a long time and it was refreshing to going in blind to this type of world.
It definitely has many avenues to explore explore and I believe there will be a few books in the series. It did leave a cliffhanger and I am definitely hooked for the next book.
I haven’t read anything like this for a long time and it was refreshing to going in blind to this type of world.
It definitely has many avenues to explore explore and I believe there will be a few books in the series. It did leave a cliffhanger and I am definitely hooked for the next book.
December 8, 2022
This book starts off quite slow but finally finds its footing and it’s a unique and dark story with some very strong female characters.
The Aramay sisters are strong women, witches, with dark troubles pasts and perhaps even darker futures. Dellana and Shade take us through the world of hunting demons, being witches that are tolerated by the clergy, and often shunned by society.
Shades of Night is a fun read, I look forward to books two! 📚😎
The Aramay sisters are strong women, witches, with dark troubles pasts and perhaps even darker futures. Dellana and Shade take us through the world of hunting demons, being witches that are tolerated by the clergy, and often shunned by society.
Shades of Night is a fun read, I look forward to books two! 📚😎
May 19, 2023
A journey of pain and interesting turns and twists that sometimes let my head a little fussy. I could not put it down, well written, fast paced, loads of terror, bile, gore and darkness in this epic story. The only thing that is between this book and 5 stars is more interlude! A few cities could have been missed out to let the characters breathe and live a little. But as I said above - I could not put it down because it always amazed me and intrigued me. I look forward to the next chapter.
November 29, 2022
I really loved this book, was a little unsure at first and it took me a couple of attempts to get into but once I did. I loved it, the story is great, the characters interesting and it kept me intrigued. Cannot wait for book 2.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 30, 2022
Thank BookSirens for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Non-stop action from beginning to end. Overall, a much darker fantasy story. The main characters are flawed but in a way that drives the story and doesn't make them completely unlikable. Really enjoyed this and looking forward to the next book.
Non-stop action from beginning to end. Overall, a much darker fantasy story. The main characters are flawed but in a way that drives the story and doesn't make them completely unlikable. Really enjoyed this and looking forward to the next book.
December 27, 2022
Devoured this book! The characters are well written and the story moves consistently with twists and turns.
Secrets are discovered and betrayals revealed as the two sisters battle demons to protect the innocent. As they journey through their land they learn prophecies aren’t always as they seem and deeds from their past threaten their future.
Secrets are discovered and betrayals revealed as the two sisters battle demons to protect the innocent. As they journey through their land they learn prophecies aren’t always as they seem and deeds from their past threaten their future.
May 7, 2023
4.8 stars!
I loved this! It was dark, thrilling, magical & suspenseful.
It was everything I want in a fantasy book.
It had a strong fmc with scars! She struggles to be accepted by society. There’s found family, strong sisterly bonds. There’s demons and witches!
I’m not sure what more I can say other than this book deserves more hype and I cannot wait for the sequel!
I loved this! It was dark, thrilling, magical & suspenseful.
It was everything I want in a fantasy book.
It had a strong fmc with scars! She struggles to be accepted by society. There’s found family, strong sisterly bonds. There’s demons and witches!
I’m not sure what more I can say other than this book deserves more hype and I cannot wait for the sequel!
December 11, 2022
Shades of Night is book one Night Order Dark Fantasy Series . This is my first book form this author and definitely won’t be last form this . This book draw you in and keep you captivated . I don’t want give anything away but you are into fantasy books then this book is for you !!!
September 26, 2024
This was a super fast paced fun read that sucked me in from the get go! It did feel a little too rushed towards the end, I would have been happy with another 100 pages and a slower explanation but we need to jump into book 2
November 15, 2022
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance review copy of this book! ***
I really enjoyed the journey this book took me on!
:༻🦋༺: Definitely deserves a try! :༻🦋༺:
I really enjoyed the journey this book took me on!
:༻🦋༺: Definitely deserves a try! :༻🦋༺:
December 8, 2022
I was not totally sure what to expect when I started this. I read blurb and it peaked my interest. I was pleasantly surprise. I enjoyed the story and charcters. Loved the badass female lead.
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