Scan barcode
A review by write_of_passages
Nox Winters and the Midnight Wolf by Rochelle Hassan
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Rochelle Hassan has a truly incredible way of writing that brings the magic and the mundane together so seamlessly. In her worlds, the extraordinary is so believable, woven into the fabric of every day that it's nearly impossible to separate the two. In this new series, we once again straddle two worlds: Evergreen, Maine, and the Nightwood. Nox is so realistic as both a young adult grappling with anger issues and as a person who struggles to find himself in a way that isn't in relation to others: in this case, his twin brother, Noah. They're two peas in a pod, but when Noah is suffering from a mysterious illness, Nox braves the wilds of a brand new world to save him. Gorgeous writing, fascinating setting, a snarky and loveable MC and a fast-paced adventurous ride that had me whizzing through to the end!
Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Absolutely!
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: I adore Nox. He's not only snarky, but his anger issues transcend being a pre-teen boy to something universal. He's stubborn almost to a fault, no-nonsense, and truly refuses to give up. He's completely loyal to his brother and the two of them, despite being peas in a pod, are so different. He's navigating who he is both with and without Noah. His character voice is a joy to read in this book as well and had me grinning at his dry sense of humor nearly every other page. The supporting cast, Noah, Thea, and the group they meet during their quest are all complex and fun to read about. I adored everything about them.
PLOT: Desperate to solve his brothers mysterious illness, Nox takes it upon himself to uncover what exactly is going on after he encounters the paranormal in a way that he refuses to not believe. The story takes us from normal-but-curious Evergreen, Maine, to a mysterious and mystical place where magic, danger, and beauty are intertwined. The quest encompasses not only curing his brother, but a coming-of-age where he settles more into who he is. Fast-paced and truly a joy to read, the book wrapped everything up perfectly while still keeping us open to the possibilities that may come for the rest of the series.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
2/5: low. This is technically a MG book and honestly my idea of a cozy read! There's action and adventure, magic and mystery and stakes, all while getting to truly enjoy a fantastic world and watch the heroes succeed on the quest!
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
90%. I am happy. As always, I wish for just a little more denouement, but I also expect a little less of it in a MG simply because it's MG. But I finished this book super happy and content. What a fun ride!
Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Absolutely!
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: I adore Nox. He's not only snarky, but his anger issues transcend being a pre-teen boy to something universal. He's stubborn almost to a fault, no-nonsense, and truly refuses to give up. He's completely loyal to his brother and the two of them, despite being peas in a pod, are so different. He's navigating who he is both with and without Noah. His character voice is a joy to read in this book as well and had me grinning at his dry sense of humor nearly every other page. The supporting cast, Noah, Thea, and the group they meet during their quest are all complex and fun to read about. I adored everything about them.
PLOT: Desperate to solve his brothers mysterious illness, Nox takes it upon himself to uncover what exactly is going on after he encounters the paranormal in a way that he refuses to not believe. The story takes us from normal-but-curious Evergreen, Maine, to a mysterious and mystical place where magic, danger, and beauty are intertwined. The quest encompasses not only curing his brother, but a coming-of-age where he settles more into who he is. Fast-paced and truly a joy to read, the book wrapped everything up perfectly while still keeping us open to the possibilities that may come for the rest of the series.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
2/5: low. This is technically a MG book and honestly my idea of a cozy read! There's action and adventure, magic and mystery and stakes, all while getting to truly enjoy a fantastic world and watch the heroes succeed on the quest!
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
90%. I am happy. As always, I wish for just a little more denouement, but I also expect a little less of it in a MG simply because it's MG. But I finished this book super happy and content. What a fun ride!