Beware the Night

I'm going to be completely up front with you all, and let you know that this wasn't my favorite YA Fantasy I've read this year. However, and here's the part I'm excited to share with you, this book has a lot of a potential. In fact, Beware the Night is the kind of book that is a gateway for new readers who are making their way in the Fantasy genre. It's highly accessible, quick moving, and filled with characters who are easy to fall into step with. So keep in mind that while this wasn't my cup of tea, that doesn't mean I don't think this is a good story. More below!

Kudos to Fleck on the pacing of this book, because it all but flies by. From the moment that the reader meets Veda, to the final page, everything is laid out in perfect order. There was really no time to stop and breathe, because every page turn brought about some new revelation that once again set Veda's world on edge. I also thought that the slow world building that was done in this story was actually rather good. Instead of starting by describing the world that Veda inhabits, Fleck opts to allow the reader to uncover it with her while she explores. At first I was worried that I'd be lost, but I soon found myself intrigued by the descriptions of day to day events and (as brutal as they were) the sacrifices that the people of this world made to keep it safe.

Character wise, I felt like most of the important people in this story were a little flat. Still, their interactions with one another were what really sold things. I'm not a fan of love triangles, but I did feel like Veda's attractions were at least warranted. Nico, with his childhood friendship and sweet gestures. Then on the flip side, Dorian with his kindness and intrigue. It's not often that I like both love interests for a main character, but Veda has good taste.

I'll end here by saying that really the thing that kept me from falling in true love with this book was simply that it's so predictable. There's nothing that you haven't seen before in a Fantasy. The good side of that though, is that this is a comfort read. You know you can believe in Veda. You know that you can believe in good over evil. Like I said above, this is an excellent gateway book! I can't wait for it to get into the hands of readers.