Review + Giveaway: Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

11 August, 2016 Reviews 66 comments

I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review + Giveaway: Nevernight by Jay KristoffNevernight by Jay Kristoff
Illustrator: `
Series: The Nevernight Chronicle
Published by Harper Voyager AU on July 25 2016
Pages: 643
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Paperback
Source: Author
Amazon Good BooksBook Depository
Goodreads
five-stars

Destined to destroy empires, Mia Covere is only ten years old when she is given her first lesson in death.

Six years later, the child raised in shadows takes her first steps towards keeping the promise she made on the day that she lost everything.

But the chance to strike against such powerful enemies will be fleeting, so if she is to have her revenge, Mia must become a weapon without equal. She must prove herself against the deadliest of friends and enemies, and survive the tutelage of murderers, liars and demons at the heart of a murder cult.

The Red Church is no Hogwarts, but Mia is no ordinary student.

The shadows love her. And they drink her fear.

I usually take my time, and can be quiet erudite when it comes to expressing my love for a book. Today is not that day.

No, you see, you can’t be eloquent and merciful to a book whose main theme is stabbing. Not just other people but stabbing you, in particular, right in the heartsole (Because, at my heart, I am an arsehole – get it? No….?)

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Anyway, before I read this book, I was a deadened husk inside. That book didn’t change that aspect of me much except to poke so many holes in my exterior facade that water leaks in when it rains.

Let’s roll things back.

So I read this book back when it was a glimmer of a book. I loved it then but I LOVE everything about it now. This book is to breaking readers hearts as maestros are to music. Sorry, I’m still so hung up on this book.

I don’t want to say the theme of this book is stabbing. I want to say something more intellectual like it’s theme is revenge and the slow leaking of the humanity in one who has lost so much. But if you said the main theme was stabbing in your SAT test I just don’t frankly think you’d be wrong.

Mia, as our protagonist, drives the story along with three other great supporting characters: Mister Kindly, Tric and our mysterious narrator with their many, many delicious footnotes. Mia, herself is a dry, witty, savage, raw creature who is being moulded into a deadly weapon at a school for assassins. (Think Hogwarts, except if you fail a lesson – you die.) Mister Kindly is her shadow assistant. Acerbic and snarky and part of her special abilities which is all I’ll say about that. Tric – I have no words for. No. Words. Don’t touch me!

As for our narrator, I feel like it’s humour and the many, many world building details included in the footnotes really brings this story to life. What would otherwise be a tense, dramatic story is added a certain levity through the narrator’s wit. It carries it in a way, where the sadness and more depressing aspects of this story might usually bog a reader down – is lifted and given perspective by the narrator.

The writing is outstanding, with the usual Kristoff flair. It was simply stunning, rich bodied and full of flavour. If I sound like I’m describing a coffee then I can only attest to my sleep deprived state. The pacing and the plot, I felt, were fantastic. Right when you started to feel bogged down in world building and such, Kristoff throws in some stabbing or some sex to liven it up. It’s like he’s come across the perfect formula for me, personally. Which, if he has, I ain’t gonna complain.

A word to the wary – this book is graphic. In violence, in sex, in language. It’s definitely for the more mature readers out there. But if drinking the blood of your enemies is your thing, as it is mine – then I highly suggest you give it a try.


Giveaway

 

This is a giveaway I am sponsoring for one paperback AU copy of Nevernight by Jay Kristoff.

Please see the contest rules below for eligibility and instructions on how to enter!

-All Contestants must be over the age of 13 to enter.

-This contest is open internationally to wherever book depository ships.

-Please fill out the rafflecopter form below. You can gain points by tweeting or leaving a comment down below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kat Kennedy

Kat Kennedy

Co-blogger at Cuddlebuggery
Kat Kennedy is a book reviewer and aspiring author in the Young Adult genre. She reviews critically but humorously and get super excited about great books. Find her on GoodReads.
Kat Kennedy

66 Responses to “Review + Giveaway: Nevernight by Jay Kristoff”

  1. Juliana Mattos

    I LOVE Jay Kristoff and I never read anything written by him. Shame on me!!! I want to start with Nevernight, sounds amazing!!! <3

  2. Veronica Vasquez

    I keep hearing wonderful things about this book and I would love to read it and find out for myself. It’s definitely my kind of book!!

  3. Emma

    I just finished Stormdancer and I am kicking myself for taking so long. Hopefully won’t be as late to this

  4. Patricia Lopez

    I love Jay Kristoff’s books and this one looks like my kind of book! Can’t wait to read it ^^

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  5. Artemis Giote
    Twitter:

    WOW, this book sounds great!!!!
    I have read so many good reviews. It is definitely one of next reads, thank you for the chance.

  6. Ramona
    Twitter:

    I just want to read anything from Jay Kristoff.And the synopsis sounds great. Thank you for this giveaway!

  7. Maraia
    Twitter:

    I don’t think I’ve seen a single negative review for this book. Everyone I know who has similar reading tastes to me has loved it! Also, it’s gorgeous. How could I NOT want to read it? Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂

  8. Bube

    Because sounds super awesome 😀
    And I have read so many great reviews and heard great things about this book!
    So excited,yay! 🙂
    Super awesome review 🙂
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  9. Caitlin

    I’ve been seeing so much hype about the book. The story sounds amazing and the cover is stunning. Haven’t had a chance to read Kristoff’s work yet but I would love to give this one a go 🙂

  10. Natalie Monroe

    I’m so excited for Nevernight! It’s one of my most anticipated 2016 releases.

  11. Amber Hsu

    The UK/AU cover is so pretty too! Kickass heroines is right up my lane, and I also loved Jay’s Lotus wars series so this series is a must- read for me!

  12. Natasha

    I would love to read Nevernight because it sounds like an amazing read!
    Thanks for the chance to win!

  13. Zoe Galarneau

    I love Jay Kristoff’s writing dearly. What else can one say about japanese-esque steampunk with a female bad-ass main character FLYING A GRIFFIN? Nothing. You can’t say anything. I have wanted to read his other books for forever, especially Illuminae (written with Amie Kaufman), but my library is always out of copies which, to me at least, indicates that it must be fantastic. I want to read Nevernight, because it seems similar in some ways to the Throne of Glass series, but with more stabbing, and written by Jay Kristoff. I want to read that. I want to read that a lot. Also, I follow Jay Kristoff on Instagram and OH MY LORD DID YOU SEE THAT CAKE? IT IS EPIC. I WOULD READ ANY BOOK THAT RELATES TO A CAKE SO EPIC. Nevernight just sounds too awesome to pass up! Stabbing and satire are my kryptonite, and Jay Kristoff is hilarious.

  14. Beth W

    Well it started when an Aussie blogger I follow designed the font for the cover (different cover than the AUS one, oddly enough). And then the synopsis. And everyone raving about his books, which I haven’t read yet (gah!). And the cover. And the summary. Oh, and everybody who has read it already has raved about it!

  15. Alexandra Soto

    Yay, before Illuminae I had never read anything from either Amie Kaufman or Jay Kristoff. I was excited about Nevernight ,but also a little hesitant since this is in a more traditional format, but this definitely reassures that I’m gonna like it.

  16. Megan S.

    I want to read Nevernight because I have heard such great things from all of my friends! Also, the cover is gorgeous! <3

  17. Jenny

    After reading Illuminae last year, I’m dying (perhaps not the best word choice considering the theme of Nevernight) to read everything he’s written.

  18. Alice

    This sounds amazing! I’ve never read this author, but the cover is absolutely gorgeous and I’m always down for some demonic murder cults.

  19. Natasa

    I want to read Nevernight because Kat designed the title typeface and because the story sounds BAD. ASS.

  20. LK
    Twitter:

    Because I enjoy having my heart smashed by Kristoff. 😛
    In all seriousness, the premise sounds badass and I enjoyed Stormdancer so whats there not to look forward to? 😀 Thanks for the opportunity.

  21. Cree Cullimore

    Jay Kristoff is by far one of the best Aussie authors. I’ve loved all his previous books and I can’t wait to read this one next.

  22. Natalie DePalma
    Twitter:

    The hype surrounding this book is astronomical, and rightly deserved by Jay. Plus it’s about assassin school? That’s my dream school, believe it or not. Also, all the editions of this book are BEAUTIFUL. Thank you for the giveaway!

  23. Debbie (@DebbieK427)

    I want to read this book because the synopsis just drew me in instantly! I love that it’s a YA venturing into NA novel and it’s dark, funny, and badass!

  24. Alecia
    Twitter:

    Thanks so much for this awesome giveaway! The hype alone has me eager to read Nevernight but also the fact that it’s written by Jay Kristoff (ILLUMINAE!!!), featureas a kick ass MC, has humour (which I can never get enough of) and an awesome story by the sounds of it has me desperate to get my hands on a copy!

  25. Jenelle Riane
    Twitter:

    I drink the blood of my enemies all the time so I know I’m gonna enjoy this 😉 haha but seriously, Jay Kristoff’s one of my favourite authors and assassins and all the stabstabstab makes me so excited to read this!

  26. Kyra Morris

    This book sounds SO GOOD but I’m not a fan of hectic violence and sex (which I’ve heard it has quite a lot of) but maybe one day! 🙂 Great review!

  27. Hebe

    I’ve heard that Illuminae is fantastic but haven’t had a chance to get round to it yet – would love a chance to try Kristoff’s work.

  28. kes

    THIS SOUNDS SO GOOD. the synopsis reminds me of the young elites and i LOVE that series so i really can’t wait to read this one! i’m a little iffy though, because my only experience with Jay Kristoff was his Stormdancer books (and I know you loved it) and I couldn’t get into it at all even though the premise sounded really intriguing.

    Still I’ll probably give this a try. it sounds amazing.

  29. _Sandra_

    I’ve just recently finished and loooved his The Lotus War trilogy and can’t wait to dive into this one. Heard great things about it, also as a big fantasy fan this one has my name written all over it. 😀
    Thanks for the chance ti win it! 🙂

  30. Jane
    Twitter:

    So excited to finally read this! And congrats again to Meg for doing the typography for the US cover! Thanks for another great review Kat, I do love books where the main theme is stabbing. 😉

  31. Ross S

    Because I’m always looking for a new favourite author and he sounds like a great one to try.

  32. Meedah

    I have re-read this twice, I am obsessed with it and i think i want all the editions. It caters to my Dark Shadow, ( really think everyone has it)

  33. Asher

    Jay Kristoff is such a cool person, I’ve recently ordered Illuminae, and everyone is just fangirling everyday with Nevernight it MUST be as awesome as I’ve heard. I love fantasy and I want to try something a little different, darker, that what I usually read, also, that cover, so beautiful, and I prefer the one with the raven rather than the US one

  34. Patrycja

    I want to read his book because the book has great review and I love the cover! 🙂 (I know, I should’t judge book by its cover.. but well. I do 😉

  35. Jessica Bonilla

    I LOVE LOVE LOOOVED ILLUMINAE AND I REALLY WANT TO READ OTHER TITLES BY HIM !

  36. Aisha Farah

    Awesome review! I want to read NEVERNIGHT because I really enjoyed Jay’s previous works, and NEVERNIGHT sounded perfect! I have only heard good feedback so far! Also, the cover is just gorgeous! I can’t wait to read it!!

  37. Antonela

    I’ve read nothing but positive reviews, and I want to see why people like it so much. And besides, I’m looking for a fantasy to read right now! ^^ Thanks a lot for the giveaway! A huge hug from Argentina =D

  38. Carina Olsen
    Twitter:

    You are awesome Kat 😀 Lovely review, as always. <3 I loved Nevernight SO MUCH 😀 And I am so happy that you did too. <3 Sigh. Jay is THE BEST 😀 I loved all the violence in this book. And the sex. And the sort of romance. And ahhh. Perfect book 😀 Just, yeah. That one death. I think it will end up being reversed. Fingers crossed 🙂 Anyway. Thank you for sharing. <3
    Carina Olsen recently posted…Review: The Possibility of Somewhere by Julia DayMy Profile

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