Book Review: Nocturna by Maya Motayne

Release Date: May 7th, 2019
Read: April 12th-17th, 2019
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Series: A Forgery of Magic, #1
Format: ARC, 480 pages
Source: McNally Robinson

Description from GoodReads:

To Finn Voy, magic is two things: a knife to hold under the chin of anyone who crosses her…and a disguise she shrugs on as easily as others pull on cloaks.

As a talented faceshifter, it’s been years since Finn has seen her own face, and that’s exactly how she likes it. But when Finn gets caught by a powerful mobster, she’s forced into an impossible mission: steal a legendary treasure from Castallan’s royal palace or be stripped of her magic forever.

After the murder of his older brother, Prince Alfehr is first in line for the Castallan throne. But Alfie can’t help but feel that he will never live up to his brother’s legacy. Riddled with grief, Alfie is obsessed with finding a way to bring his brother back, even if it means dabbling in forbidden magic.

But when Finn and Alfie’s fates collide, they accidentally unlock a terrible, ancient power—which, if not contained, will devour the world. And with Castallan’s fate in their hands, Alfie and Finn must race to vanquish what they have unleashed, even if it means facing the deepest darkness in their pasts. 

Review:

   Don't think I can't love you and hurt you. I can do both.

   I was introduced to Nocturna when my friend shoved an ARC into my face, at work, one day. She explained that it was about shapeshifters and witches, two of my favourite kind of paranormal beings.

   Nocturna, unfortunately, was one of those books where I went in expecting one thing, but was introduced to something new, all together. Usually this wouldn't be a problem, but since I was excited for the expectation, the feeling of being let down hovered over my shoulders for the entire book.

   If not for the expectation, Nocturna would have been incredible. The story was beautifully done, the world building was just magical. With the world focusing on powers that best represented the person, it was a unique and fresh take on magical abilities.

  I also loved the fact that the book made so many jokes against the English colonizers from history. With the book being Latinx-inspired, the two kingdoms were based off the English (the evil kingdom), and, I believe, the Spanish, (the kingdom our story takes place in). It was a somewhat subtle addition, but funny none the less.

   Nocturna was unique and fresh, I recommend the series to anyone looking to start a new fantasy series, and I look forward to reading the sequel when it releases.

Rating:

Favourite Quote: 

"The Black King, turned to bone,

In your heart he'll make hime home

Your eyes will bleed, your soul turned black,

At his feet, you'll bend your back

So hurry little ones, off to bed!

Lest Sombra wake and take your head!"

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Magic, Latinx-inspired worlds, An Ember in the Ashes