Midnight Never Come

By: Marie Brennan

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki, Gabrielle de Cuir

Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Above

The year is 1590. The city of London flourishes, the most brilliant jewel in the crown of Elizabeth I, Gloriana, the Virgin Queen.

Below

The Onyx Court is London’s faerie shadow. Ruled by Invidiana, its heartless queen, it reflects and distorts the glory of the mortal court.

Between

Years ago, Elizabeth forged a pact with her faerie counterpart to secure both of their thrones. Now that alliance is in danger. Michael Deven, a rising star in Elizabeth’s court, seeks the “hidden player” who has influenced mortal politics for so long. Lady Lune, a faerie out of favor, must infiltrate the mortal world to protect her vicious queen. Together this pair will uncover the secret of Invidiana’s power - a secret that has the potential to shatter both realms.

©2008 Marie Brennan (P)2021 Blackstone Publishing

A refreshing historical fantasy.

My favorite parts were when she choose old historical fairy mythologies, such as leaving bread out, and expanded on it to give it more impact and meaning in her world setting.

if you enjoy history, you'll find yourself going, "OH HEY" that's a reference to this thing I read once.

Enjoyable

The book was enjoyable and I found myself looking for opportunities to listen to it.

Entertaining fantasy history

This was a fun rewriting of English history where the Fae have influence on and interaction with the court of Queen Elizabeth. The splitting of the narration between a male and a female to match the two threads of the story is something that doesn’t always work, and while I love the timbre and characterisation Stephan Rudniki brings to all of his narration, his capacity with English accents is unfortunately inconsistent and a little grating, though made bearable by his surpassing skill at bringing any story to life.
There are so many great English narrators who could have brought more authenticity to the story it seems a bit of a shame not to have used them here.
Other than that is was an enjoyable experience, and I look forward to the rest of the series.

For fantasy lovers Slow start but worth it!

Some may say this book walks a thin line between historical fiction and fantasy, but I would argue it is 75% historical fiction for the first 1/2 and then 95% fantasy the 2nd half. If you have strong dislike for either genre, you’ll probably have a hard time getting thru all of it - but I like both and thoroughly enjoyed it! It’s not Pulitzer winning levels of quality writing but I found it more story- consistent and well done than much fairy-fantasy literature I’ve listened to recently.

Great book, well performed

I just heard about this book recently. The story meshes real-world history and fairy lore to create an interesting and intrigue filled story. The characters are the best part. They are multidimensional with independent goals and desires. I highly recommend this book.

Worth it.

It took me a couple of chapters to understand what was happening and who all the players were but I am glad I stuck with it. Great story and great storytelling. The history telling of the mortal world makes the story that much more interesting.

Another enchanting world to sink into

this was a great story. well-developed characters and a nice Twist on a piece of History

Narrators

These narrators are so dramatic and painful I just can’t get involved in this story

Exceptionally Wonderful!

I loved this story. it grasped my mind immediately. I do love Faery stories and they are hard to come by.

slow going but worth it

it definitely took some time to get really into it, slow going but worth it.
Tudor England is one of my favorite, it was nice to see some fantasy mixed in without it taking away from the time period.
will be starting book two soon!