Where Nirrim lives, crime abounds, a harsh tribunal rules, and society’s pleasures are reserved for the High Kith. Life in the Ward is grim and punishing. People of her low status are forbidden from sampling sweets or wearing colors. You either follow the rules, or pay a tithe and suffer the consequences.

Nirrim keeps her head down and a dangerous secret close to her chest.

But then she encounters Sid, a rakish traveler from far away who whispers rumors that the High Caste possesses magic. Sid tempts Nirrim to seek that magic for herself. But to do that, Nirrim must surrender her old life. She must place her trust in this sly stranger who asks, above all, not to be trusted.

Set in the world of the New York Times–bestselling Winner’s Trilogy, beloved author Marie Rutkoski returns with an epic LGBTQ romantic fantasy about learning to free ourselves from the lies others tell us—and the lies we tell ourselves.

my thoughts:

I have a confession that might make me seem like a bad book blogger: I haven’t actually read the Winner’s Trilogy. Normally, I’m the type of reader who can’t touch a spin-off until I’ve finished the original series. However, I’m a huge sucker for beautiful covers, and the one for The Midnight Lie was utterly irresistible. While I didn’t feel lost or like I was missing crucial information from the original trilogy, reading The Midnight Lie absolutely solidified my decision to finally pick up Marie Rutkoski’s earlier series.

The Midnight Lie is set on the island of Ethin, where a massive wall physically and socially divides the population by “kith.” Our protagonist, Nirrim, is a half-kith orphan who has spent her entire life confined behind this wall, completely segregated from the middlings and high kith. She has never questioned her lowly status or the rigid structure of her life—until she lands in prison and meets Sid, a charming and enigmatic high-kith traveler. Sid brings more questions than answers into Nirrim’s world, ultimately setting her on a dangerous path to uncover the true history of Ethin and the sinister reason behind the wall’s existence.

Nirrim was, honestly, the character I had the most complex feelings about. She possessed the potential for immense strength, but her overwhelming naivety was often frustrating. I understand this was a necessary starting point for her character arc, but I found it hard to comprehend how one person could be so blind to the blatant cruelty and manipulation surrounding her. Even when others pointed out the toxicity of people in her life, she struggled to see it. There were moments I genuinely wanted to shake her! Despite this, her core goodness was undeniable. Her difficult life didn’t harden her heart; instead, she consistently looked for the good in the world and strived to make life better for those even less fortunate. Sid recognized this inherent kindness immediately and was drawn to it.

I adored Sid’s character. She was flawed, witty, adventurous, and full of spirit. She effortlessly peeled back the layers of Nirrim’s sheltered existence, revealing a more daring and questioning side of her. Their romance was absolutely on point and wonderfully steamy! From their first meeting, the chemistry was palpable. Sid ignited a new, spirited fire in Nirrim, encouraging her to see and embrace the darker, more complex facets of the world. In turn, Nirrim managed to break down Sid’s guarded exterior. Though much of Sid’s past remains a mystery, it’s clear she carries her own burdens, and Nirrim’s sincerity taught her to trust again. I desperately hope the next book delves deeper into Sid’s history and, of course, gives us more of their dynamic relationship.

While the plot took some time to build momentum, the exquisite writing and rich world-building kept me thoroughly engaged in the early chapters. The book never felt like it dragged; if I’d had the chance, I would have happily devoured it in one sitting. The pace accelerates dramatically about a quarter of the way through and never lets up. And that ending… I did not see it coming. My jaw is still on the floor.

Overall, The Midnight Lie is a gorgeous and compelling start to a new fantasy series. It boasts a fascinating world and characters you’ll instantly become invested in. For me, it was a wonderful introduction to Marie Rutkoski’s storytelling. Established fans will find a riveting new story to love, and new readers can dive right in and fall in love, just as I did.

“It is a midnight lie, she said. A kind of lie told for someone else’s sake, a lie that sits between goodness and wrong, just as midnight is the moment between night and morning.”

Marie Rutkoski, The Midnight Lie

What Others Are Saying:
Star-Crossed Book Blog: “This book….met every expectation I could have had for it.”

Mugglenet: “After reading only a few chapters, it was easy to see why she’s gained such a passionate readership.”