The Nevernight Chronicle by Jay Kristoff Book Review & Reaction | A Female-Led Trilogy That Slaps

Mike heads to the Red Church to discuss the Nevernight Chronicle by Jay Kristoff.
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#MikesBookReviews #Nevernight #JayKristoff

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Cut it out, Mike! My TBR is enormous beyond comprehension already, and you keep adding to it! I’ll be reading Kristoff’s books at some point, and it will be your fault! 😁

[@jaegerfox80]

I just ordered The Nevernight Chronicle today. And my TBR listing kept growing since I found Mike too. 😱😱😱

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@jaegerfox80 He has that effect!

[@alynam82]

If that's the case, then after your journey thru Empire of the Vampire, we'll see you suddenly shifting your reading tastes to horror literature and Vampire lore... and I can't wait to see that day come 😈😄

[@jaegerfox80]

@@alynam82 I did. Am reading Empire of the Vampire now. And I've listened through The Vampire Chronicle (Book 1 & 2) and about a quarter into book 3. ☠☠☠

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@alynam82 Ha ha! Then I’ll have to change what I say at the beginning of each video. “Welcome to my channel on the best of horror!” I can then make a scary face. 😱

[@HPfan153]

With Nevernight for some reason you either love it or hate it. I have read the series four times already and I can say it is my all time favorite series. No worries if people hate it Jay Kristoff wrote the book for me and no one can tell me differently 😂. Great video! I’m glad you enjoyed the books!

[@madisongoodyear5040]

I’m so glad that I decided to jump in on this one - it was soooo good!! I had an awesome time with it, and kind of miss it already 😅

[@neondemon5137]

I'm currently reading Empire of the Vampire on your recommendation and I gotta give you a big thank you. It's my favourite book of the year.

[@osyrisRae]

Beat it twice. Looking for a reason NOT to read it a third.

[@Raechill92]

Once again, I’m so glad you gave Kristoff’s books a chance and am elated that you enjoyed them. Thanks for highlighting him on your channel. I hope many more people pick up his books. Great review of a really fun series. 😊

[@odiums_taint]

had this trilogy sitting on my shelf for a few years now, finally dove in after you had Mr Kristoff on the channel... very glad i picked them up. like youve mentioned elsewhere; it gave me what Poppy War didnt. thanks for another great review Mike!

[@jennyjustjenny7634]

One of my favorite series of all times. I LOVE the footnotes, they're soo funny. I love how dark it is, how cruel, sad.. but also full of deep friendship, love and humor. I remember reading the first book and the second one in just two weeks, they have about 700 pages in german.. and than I waited for the third to come out and read it immediately. Time for a reread!

[@Hazzer1011]

I tried Nevernight and it wasn't my sort of thing, but tbh I'm just here to listen to Mike talk! The guy could read a shopping list for an hour and I'd be here for it! Passionate about books and engaging to listen to! Keep up the good work Mike!

[@simonedwards9450]

He needs his own tv show. I love his videos. One of the best channels on KZbin. A huge favourite of mine

[@dalesmith3923]

I had picked up the first book a year ago, but like you - I'd heard that it was a YA and wasn't really ready to delve into that. At the end of December, I finally decided to give it a chance, no - it is definitely not YA. I blazed through the first book and immediately purchased the second and third. The story moves fast, and while you don't always love Mia, she does make you root for her and cheer her accomplishments. In book two, Godsgrave, the scene that almost had me leave the series was the executions she performed before the battle. But, I kept reading and boy was the payoff worth it. I finished the series last month and feel that it was a satisfying conclusion, but the love interest felt unreal, due to what she had done and Mia's initial reaction, way back when. I'll be picking up Empire of the Vampire now - thank you very much!

[@testtoirni9510]

Keep up the good work Mike. I've had a hard time finding books to read on my own. Now I just go to Mikes "Why you should read" list and pick one, has never let me down. Thank you for Dresden Files and Red Rising in particular.

[@1988tw]

Loved it went through the series nearly 4 times now, I would like Jay to explore some other characters such as a young Mercurio and Casius, maybe tell us more about Drusilla and the others

[@Erny_Epley]

I’ve been on the fence about adding this to my tbr…thanks Mike- my tbr has grown 😂

[@Johanna_reads]

Wonderful review! I was interested in this trilogy initially, and I think I was dissuaded from some negative reviews. Even if there are people we usually agree with on books, I think it’s good to give authors a chance if the story sounds interesting. I’m glad to hear you really enjoyed it, and I enjoyed hearing your thoughts!

[@toddJM1015]

The way Kristoff structured this book, and it's the thing that drives people insane, makes it almost feel like you found some alien text from another, or forgotten world. The flowery writing, the footnotes. It was the thing that endeared me to the story and if I'm being honest, it got me back into fantasy. I never thought Kristoff was trying too hard with his writing, but was purposely over-the-top.

[@maxxymrice6200]

I hate people who bitch about the footnotes. The footnotes were the best part, because it was worldbuilding like never before.

[@kamikazelemming1552]

@@maxxymrice6200 Plus, the reveal for why the footnotes are even a part of the books in the first place is done so well. I honestly couldn't believe how well it tied into the story.

[@maxxymrice6200]

​@@kamikazelemming1552also with the revelation that mercurio is the author, do u think Mr. Kindly is the narrator considering the footnotes have his witty dark humor and black sarcasm.

[@kamikazelemming1552]

@@maxxymrice6200 It wouldn't surprise me, considering the Library is described as having "Books that should not and do not exist."

[@beardedpriest9715]

My wife bought me this trilogy for Christmas. Looking forward to starting it. I love Assassin stories so hope I really like it.

[@alynam82]

I can't imagine footnotes bothering me. I don't know if I read anything with footnotes anytime recently, but I own a few that have them. Like Jonathan Strange and Mr Norell. Anyways, fantastic review. I'm definitely going to read Nevernight, as I'm a new Kristoff fan (Empire of Vampire and your interview with him, truly opened me up to Kristoff's books)

[@Mission.Unpossible]

I've actually put this one on my TBR as well, probably alongside the Riftwar read-along your discord server is setting up!

[@ducky36F]

Currently reading Godsgrave and loving these books. Should have read these a year ago when I was thinking about it as they were exactly what I was looking for then. Teaches me for not just reading and deciding myself.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Awesome review. I'm going to dive into Empire of the Vampire soon. If I enjoy that, I'll definitely be going into Nevernight, and this review has made me want to do so right now! Will

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hey, Will! Good to see you. Hope to talk soon. And I think you gents would love Empire of the Vampire.

[@PrideWolfCO]

I’m late to this video but I really want to read this! I have book one and just ordered 2 &3.

[@BookMaven9]

Hands down one of my favorite trilogies. I devoured all 3 in a matter of a couple of weeks. Great characters, world building original magic.

[@dem0yt969]

Yep definitely gonna give this a go. Enjoyed your review Mike!

[@seazebra7089]

Thanks to your channel this is the most I've ever read in my entire life. I honestly held off on giving nevernight a try based on what booktube was saying years ago but damnit you just keep saying all the right things. Thanks for introducing me to amazing stories and authors ✌️😎

[@rastrich]

Jay Kristoff shot up my TBR so much since you started talking about him. Sounds really promising, especially since it seems way more digestible than some of the other stuff I'm currently reading. Side note: put Book of the Ancestor up your TBR, really fast trilogy that sounds a bit similar. But I know how it is with all of these recommendations😅

[@sechay9328]

Came here to recommend Book of the Ancestor. Nona is such a great protagonist and I love the writing and relatonships. I second this comment. Put it on your TBR if you can.

[@rastrich]

@@sechay9328 I'd only put to note that the series starts off just "good". It is book 2 and especially 3 where the real plot starts in the first place. But as the books are so short that is not a real big deal imo

[@patrycjatokarz8266]

Great review. Definitely on my tbr. Jay Kristoff is definitely an author who does not shy from experimenting with his writings. The footnotes are Definitely not a detractor for me. His YA series the illumina files, basically, is a story told through different mediums, from emails to ship logs, messages and other type reports. 😀

[@brentasmith]

Thank you for getting me to read this. Really enjoyed it

[@simonedwards9450]

Thanks for getting me into another series. Plan to read this after I’ve finished all of Joe Abercrombie’s books - which you got me into. Thank you :-)

[@Ulmo90]

Interested in reading some Jay Kristoff soon thanks to your videos

[@panatukan3]

Thx for this review.

[@tammybeaudry3435]

I've read the first Nevernight and I've read Empire of a Vampire. I really enjoy Kristoff's writing!

[@victormanuelholgueramaya5824]

Great review 👍

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

You got me on board with the praise for the secondary characters-that’s one of my favorite things to read, when everyone feels real and interesting

[@tartanbessy436]

About to start book 3 and loving the series so far. I agree about the love interests but the rest of the story was great 🤗

[@Juanpa_SC]

You convinced me to give it a try. Ngl, I plead guilty for turning my head on this series thanks to other booktubers, but you are right. Everyone should make their own minds.

[@FreeLatveria]

About half way through Toll the Hounds. Tried to get a jumpstart on this one because I plan on reading Stoneweilder before the next Erickson book.

[@jmaa93]

I’m going to be honest, you have a unique cadence to your voice and a lot of charisma. Id watch you review grass growing. You seem natural and genuine.

[@atom0191]

Thanks for the video!!

[@conork7726]

I read the first book last month and really liked it. I'm going to come back and watch this review when I finish the last two books, which I plan on reading as soon as I finish Warbreaker

[@brittanyhager8027]

You hit the nail on the head with the romance that happens. I couldn't quite put my finger on what exactly it was I didn't like about it, but you're right... the character never really redeemed herself in my eyes. I'd say that's the only thing that felt a little forced to me in the series. Other than that, I'm loving it and I can't wait to read more of Jay's work. I'll be reading EotV soon!

[@zacmatney7938]

I absolutely love this series by Jay Kristoff his world building, his plots, his characters, and even the way he writes sexual scenes is amazing and just beautiful that first sex scene in chapter 1 of the first nevernight book was amazing no joke Jay Kristoff knows how to write smut lol

[@mastersal4644]

I also think the writing was unique. Not just the footnote but the idiom and turn of phrase. I can see some people not liking on but i love the fact that he has a voice / perspective. I won’t get that from other writers which was so important. I have book 3 left but I am glad you liked this. Now I am intrigued by Empire ….

[@tylerblack301]

I’m just getting to this video but I will check out this trilogy once my TBR clears up. I saw this trilogy at B&N but didn’t pull the trigger due to my never ending TBR.

[@April_Davis]

I got all three and hope to start them next month. 👍

[@shubhangjha9242]

i actually have read the trilogy but your review was enjoyable. i actually also liked the footnotes in the book

[@demidrek-heyward]

Thanks Mike!!!

[@Tyler.Morgan]

Admittedly, I was one of the people that heard certain things about this trilogy that really turned me off, despite my interest in it. Seeing your updates and now your review has shifted my thoughts and has landed Nevernight on my TBR. If I finish Stone of Farewell early enough it might be happening this month.

[@readingwithrobson3911]

The first two books are on KU so I decided to pick them up with a free trial. I’ll be picking these up right after I finish Dreams of the Dying

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

Reading the first book later this month!

[@tiananesbitt7156]

Out of breath catching up with you!

[@osoisko1933]

I agree with you on the relationship. I liked how it sprung out of desperation and stress in Godsgrave, but how it carried forward in Dark Dawn didn't feel earned.

[@likewaterforcoffee1570]

I have this series on my Kindle Oasis and I am looking forward to reading it once I finish the Faithful and the Fallen

[@eclipse5954]

I loveeed the entire Nevernight trilogy and I still think about it often. I plan to re-read it eventually! *May have spoilers* For me, I like Mia and Ashlinn together but I know they're not a favourite among Nevernight fans lol to me, they seem like kinda two sides of the same coin. They both attended the Red Church for their own reasons, both for revenge. They weren't there to make friends or fall in love, they wanted vengeance for their families and that's what Ashlinn's goal was, just like Mia. Her and Tric wasn't personal, she was doing what she had to do. I get it tho, I loved Tric too and didn't want him to die. Idk I enjoyed Mia and Ashlinn together and Ashlinn as a character but maybe as a bi woman I was so desperate for representation that I looked past the flaws in their relationship idk 😂 I liked them together anyway, I thought they were cute but I understand why people don't like her too. I just think that Ashlinn isn't any more horrible than Mia is based on what she did to Tric specifically, yaknow? Mia has had to kill for her own revenge journey and I'm sure the families of those people would view Mia the same way people see Ashlinn. As for others loving Mia more than Mia loved them, I did get that vibe too honestly but I think I have to read it again to see Mia's feelings more. I think with Ashlinn especially she was much more hesitant and not quick to trust her so I think she definitely kept some boundaries between her and Ashlinn for her own safety, and I think she may have been distrustful for awhile because of that? Like wanting to open up and allow her feelings but also being really wary? Idk maybe that's why she didn't show as much affection for Ashlinn as Ashlinn did for her. I'll have to read it again anyway because I don't remember the details of the romance bc I didn't read it for the romance 😂 I read it for my girl Mia!! Also I SOBBED reading the last book during a particular *scene* with Eclipse. No one talks about that scene but it was so devastating to me!

[@JARHuygebaert]

Another great review :)

[@aidbotwoody939]

I generally think that one big reason people are dissuaded from the trilogy is how melodramatic the story and Kristoff's characters can be it, its definitely not something that every reader will love. I did actually enjoy the romances in it because of the lack of redemption to the other member in it. For me it sort of emphasises how warped Mia is and how little she really cares about anything other than the immediate surroundings, so even though she might care about others her vision is so myopic that she would happily throw anyone away if she truly believed it would push her objective ahead, consequences be damned. She's a woman committed to a point she see's her death as utterly guaranteed and therefore becomes hedonistic as a coping mechanism. I can definitely see why its not a romance that would land for everyone but personally I found it quite fitting.

[@therealdavemg5511]

Going to be starting this series after I finish The Stone of Farewell

[@israaahmed7168]

I highly recommend trying out his LifeLike trilogy next 😁😁😁

[@mikesionu]

You have not led me astray yet, although I have not tried the Vampire series I'll give this one a shot since you are wearing a dope shirt. SLAYER has put out some amazing horror songs 🤘

[@glenfairen2996]

Empire of the vampire has some of the best swears. “F@$k my face!” Hilarious.

[@deadpoolm]

Big fan of empire of the vampire , but cause of the bad reviews and YA wasn't gonna try this series, but after seeing this review bought book 1 to try it anyways cause your oppinion of books is usually close to mine. thx for this review

[@Konashu]

One of the funniest quotes I have read of lately: "...mpphgglmm...," said Mister Kindly. "What?" "...HE SAID MPPHGGLMM..." "Daughters, all right, all right, You can speak."

[@RalphNC09]

I had some... reservations about reading this. Most of the reviews I saw or read were girls fangirling about the books and I was like "ehh is this kinda YA just more mature?" But seeing that a man in his 40s loves it, im definitely gonna try it.

[@TuftyMcTavish]

🧛‍♀️ I had dismissed this because YA, but I watched your discussion and noted your “this series is extremely adult” comment. But whether it’s Young or New Adult (I went and reviewed the shelving of this series on GR) I’m still struggling to get over that teenager aspect I must admit. I think I personally prefer the ‘fade to black’ style you mentioned rather than raw smut, sexy times and romance. Interesting review though!

[@DanielSClouser]

Check out Sacred Throne by Myke Cole. It's short (3 books, each around 200 pages--I just read the whole thing from Saturday to Sunday, so it's no major commitment). That's a story with a female protagonist who, yes, does incredible things but goes through absolute hell to get there.

[@dongoul]

Agreed!! Love this book, I’m reading it on the kindle and there’s no footnotes.

[@spencercorpuz]

Oh woah, interesting, just curious why you say it's not Grimdark? I know that's a super murky genre definition, I just felt like it was super Grimdark. Also, I'm so glad to hear the school storyline isn't the focus of the last two books. I did like the first book but just couldn't read about any more of these school/academia trope books, but now I'll definitely pick up the next in the series.

[@spencercorpuz]

Also, if you're looking for a fantastic Grimdark book, I highly recommend We Men of Ash and Shadow by HL Tinsley, was my favorite book of last year, its phenomenal and if you're an audiobook guy, the narrator is 10/10. On the most basic level, it's about a bunch of criminals and scoundrels locked away in a whole city together, in kind of a Victorian-era setting. You'd love it.

[@reine117]

Mate 100% agree with you. Just because the protagonists are young doesn't mean it's young adult. His Dark Materials by Philp Pullman often gets called middle grade even. The characters are 12 but the themes are heavy

[@Rob-ql2wf]

I wonder how it came to be that at some point you just randomly thought to yourself "Oh well it would be a great trademark to always waste a few seconds by drinking in all of my videos" 😂😂 no but seriously I'm just kidding, great channel, I really enjoy the content!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I said do I want this channel to feel like a real conversation? Then I'm not going to cut the camera much. And a brother gets thirsty talking for 20 minutes straight.

[@Rob-ql2wf]

@@mikesbookreviews That's so funny, I really think it gives your videos a special touch, you recently became my most watched booktuber and it really is a effective trademark because it makes the viewer relate!!

[@moonbot7613]

Lol about the sex talk. Reminded me of a part in Roseanne when Darlene said “ He’s either really really good at it, or really really bad” about DJ doing his thang

[@TheMadBeardedArtist]

If you loved Empire and Nevernight, you may NOT like the Lotus War that Jay Kristoff wrote. a Very good trilogy. But the dialogue was misplaced. But again. The action and character and world-building were superb!! He is a master of his craft.

[@royalrhyno6853]

Hey Mike you really need to read the Lotus war trilogy by Jay Kristoff. It has animal companions and many things you say you like in your reviews.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I have the series on my Kindle! It'll certainly be the next one I read while waiting for EotV2.

[@viralityac]

Really enjoyed this review and I think it was the fairest review I've seen on this book. A lot of reviewers seem to dismiss this book instantly because it's a middle aged man writing a teenage girl and in todays society that "isn't allowed" - bullshit is what I say to that. Mia is a compelling and interesting character who is relatable and grows as the series progresses. The prose is a little 'weird' at times and overly descriptive but I sort of like the style and found the plot interesting with some good twists. I think a lot of people seem to apply the societal norms of the real world and expect them same "norms" to be relevant in a fantasy setting and its why (imo) 90% of fantasy books of todays generation are utterly garage. It's fantasy, for Christ sake! The setting and characters within should be entirely indicative of the world the author has created. The only criticism I have would be the abundance of unnecessary footnotes and the silly metaphors.

[@jayremaerevilla-lacandula730]

Jay Kristoff!!! ❤️

[@fidato_]

One of favs of all time. The only thing I dislike about this book is the ending and footnotes

[@jenn9027]

I do recommend the Illumimae files, but get the audiobook versions, full cast and that ruined 1 narrator audiobooks for me. It is ya, but the AI is one of my favorite characters, it's space, politics, and horror. I'm not a big fan of ya, but that one just hits different. I also have the physical copies because it kindof does a house of leaves thing, it has spaceship diagrams and stuff. Seriously, have both versions, it's a fun experience.

[@kamrynchristine3302]

Love when characters have to work for it; your example of Rey is the perfect example of what not to do with a female character (any character in general)!

[@gunneratijuf8915]

I’ll definitely start it soon. I can suffer through more meh romance if the action is good haha.

[@BurritoCK]

Your t-shirts are fucking rad.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Gracias!

[@mhuff8626]

It’s such a good series!!! I’m in the middle of darkdawn now and the second was definitely my favorite. But it’s so fun. Definitely not YA. I’m excited to read empire of the vampire but I have some other things on my list first. 🤪

[@pedroruizcarmona1570]

Any recomendations on some books like this triology? Im looking for fantasy books full of violence, sex, and good characters. Im looking for something like this and i dont know what to read.

[@jeffhaubrich6121]

SLAYER!

[@bookaholicgameaholicvlogah4191]

Are you going to read his first adult debut novel stormdancer?

[@beast6213]

People hated book 2? Book 2 was my favorite of the trilogy! Maybe that's because it was more of a gladiator type story and you weren't sure which of Mia's motivations would win out so that kept the tension going.

[@oXFAct0Ro]

Mike, I appreciate your going against the youtube group think. You have me excited to get into these books.

[@katechambers3302]

There are a lot of parallels between the Nevernight series and Empire of the Vampire/Damned. In one it can never be dark! In the other it is always dark! Let’s lift the curse but how? The people who saved/trained you to be a killer/knight are corrupt and out to get you now! Too many parallels (Mia is just like Dior-both scramble from poverty but are somehow the chosen one who also want sex with women). But, I still enjoyed these books. Fun, if not truly great fantasy. More like swash buckling adventures with lots of sex and loads of violence than in-depth lore/world building and insights into the human condition-but sometimes that’s what you need.

[@praetorxyn]

The TBR is too big and I procrastinate too much as it is, but I will probably give it a try at some point. I fear that Kristoff's writing may be too grimdark for me though.

[@joshuagcwong734]

I haven't read these books but I have seen a review by a very prominent book-tuber who said they DNF it because--and I'm paraphrasing here-- "A sixteen year old seduces a grown man". I don't personally get that. Like yes it's a bit out there, but Game of Thrones has the rape of children and other shit left, right, and centre. I don't see how you can take offense at a realistic thing that's happened before in real life and fiction. Like Arya Stark did something similar no? Back in real life history this shit happened 'normally'. I personally don't get that woke waffley bs.

[@is8047]

I really liked the first book, the second a bit less and the third just didn’t work for me. Not one I’d recommend but I understand why it’s popular.

[@heretic124]

I hope the person who approved the mismatched spines at the publisher's office burns in hell. That's like the greatest book publishing sin next to mismatched sizes. Even mismatched covers are more alright since books spend 99,9% of time on bookshelf with spine facing out.

[@andreasplosky8516]

So many opposing reviews about this series. I just saw someone completely destroying it.

[@PhreakPhantom]

SSLLAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYEEEEERRRRRRRR!!!!!

[@alliedavidson4175]

This book was one of the worst books I've ever read. I couldn't stand the writing and the overuse of similes and metaphors and the sexualization of the young protagonist gave me a huge ick.

[@paul.h.s]

I tried Nevernight. The author tried too hard to be poetic to the point of being obnoxious. Maybe the story was great but I didn't get far enough to speak on that part and will not be purchasing any more of his work.

[@CrapSandviche]

Can we talk about this more at the Beard Fox this Sunday?? Bring the kids and wife….

[@mikeanderson7047]

I loved Empire of the Vampire so I was excited to check out Nevernight. I DNFed it. The the nonsensical comparisons littered throughout the story and the protagonist herself really through me off. At one point I didn't know if she was killing someone or having sex with them (although that could be my fault because I was losing interest at that point). I know this trilogy has a large following and I'm glad some people enjoy it but it wasn't for me.

[@danielw8620]

that's respectable. I love the "i understand it has a following but it isn't for me". Most people would say "it is terrible", i wish more people could be civil like this and just because they don't like something doesn't make it terrible even though it is terrible for them specifically. I loved EOTV and now this is on my list to read so we will see what I think of it.

[@anna_rn]

I’m not a fan of footnotes either 😂. I really appreciate your honest reviews. Always showing the pros and cons. Although I liked EOTV and I like Kristoff’s writing. I think I’ll pass on this one.

[@SatishAlavandar]

Dug the action and plot, really disliked the smutty parts and the romance . However the good stuff is good enough to keep me reading .