Book of Night by Holly Black

“Never met a bad decision she wasn’t willing to double down on. Had fingers made for picking pockets, a tongue for lying, and a shriveled cherry pit for a heart.” In Charlie's world magic is real and it is used to manipulate and alter shadows. Charlie got involved with magic and mischief at a young age and despite her best efforts to get out she can't stay away.

This book was the June pick for the book club that I recently joined. I really enjoyed the chance to discuss it as we were reading and I was quite pleased to have guessed a few of the twists along the way.

Character-wise I liked Charlie. She is a very flawed human but it makes her more interesting. With a complicated past and an interesting family dynamic she is the most fleshed out character in the entire book. I also like her boyfriend Vince, learning about his past and everything he went through.

I really wanted more information about the Gloamists and how everything worked with the magic system but it is intentionally kept very esoteric. With everything about them in universe being hush hush and secretive.

Overall, I was disappointed. The premise was fascinating but the story didn't live up to the expectations I had set in my mind. It's a 2.5-3 star book, the ending was decent and it helps the over all rating of the book. It's not one that I'd highly recommend. The author has announced that it is going to be a part of a duology I'm not sure if I will pick up book two when it comes out.