3.5- Read this if you like vampires, love triangles, and angst! I mostly enjoyed, it was a quick read for me. I did struggle with some plot points/pacing. I was intrigued by the world-building, though it was sometimes communicated via info-dump. I really enjoyed getting to learn more about characters previously introduced and see character growth. I loved the mystical and dangerous atmosphere. Adieh’s writing is always beautiful and lyrical. I’m looking forward to book three (I assume there has to be one?) and getting some additional answers!

Spoiler

My main issue is that it’s hard to have a character with amnesia. It’s harder when the reader (assuming they read book one) already possesses the missing memories. A significant portion of the book is Celine regaining memories and I think this was tough to pull off in regard to pacing. Since the reader isn’t there with Celine trying to uncover the memories, it feels like too long is spent waiting for Celine to catch up so we can move on to the real plot. I’m also not entirely convinced a certain character died, but if she did then I am very salty. If she does die, I have THOUGHTS. But I’m gonna hang onto them until I know for sure. Personally, I’m also not really a fan of the love triangle here, but I’d bet Renée somehow pulls it off in the end.

The Midnight Bargain was a delightful read! Beatrice, a woman who must marry to save her family from debt, secretly wishes that she could openly learn about and use her magical powers. In her society, Beatrice’s role as a woman is to marry and produce as many children as possible. When a woman marries, her husband gains control of her magic. To save herself, Beatrice attempts to access a grimoire that may grant her the power she needs to avoid her fate. When she meets siblings Ianthe and Ysbeta, Ianthe and Beatrice form a romantic connection. Ysbeta shares Beatrice’s interest in grimoires, equally determined to avoid an arranged marriage. As both women push societal and magical boundaries, the writing is descriptive and draws parallels to the world we live in today.

With commentary on justice, women’s rights, and sexism, the issues Beatrice fights against feel very real and relevant to our world. Beatrice is a driven character- sometimes so focused that she misses something right in front of her. This can be a little bit jarring, but I enjoyed her curious nature. The ending and epilogue felt a little rushed to me, but ultimately still wrapped up well. The Midnight Bargain was a great fantasy story, with a creative intertwining of women’s rights and sorcery. This is the perfect book for fans of fantasy, regency romance, and strong women with magic. I’ll have to check out more of C.L. Polk’s work! The Midnight Bargain releases October 13, 2020. Thank you to C.L. Polk, Erewhon Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.