North is the Night by Emily Rath

With the dark, mythical magic of the Winternight trilogy, and the slow-burn romance of Spinning Silver, NORTH IS THE NIGHT is a feminist fantasy adventure that shows the power of female friendship and how love -- both romantic and familial -- can conquer even death itself.

In the harsh interior of the Finnish wilderness, best friends Aina and Siiri are inseparable despite their opposite natures: Aina is gentle and cautious while Siiri is headstrong and brave. But their friendship is put to the test when Aina is kidnapped by a death goddess and taken to the mythical underworld Tuonela.

Determined to save her friend, Siiri embarks on a dangerous journey north to seek out Vainamoeinen, the only mystical shaman to travel to Tuonela and return alive. As the dark winter looms, Siiri uses all the strength she possesses to survive her journey, which is plagued by trappers, a band of roving wolves, and a cunning snow witch with her own quest for power. But finding Vainamoeinen is only the beginning. Siiri must convince him to share his magic so she can sneak into Tuonela and save Aina.

In Tuonela, Aina is forced to play the sadistic games of Tuonetar, the cruel queen of the underworld, alongside other captured maidens. But Aina's kindness allows her to make allies in the dark, harsh environmen. She soon discovers that Tuoni, the god of death and king of Tuonela, is also a victim of Tuonetar's spells that can only be broken when he remarries. To save him and the other girls, Aina offers herself as his bride.

As she spends more time in the underworld, Aina falls in love with Tuoni and must make a decision that will alter the course of her fate forever . . . not knowing her fearless friend is on the way and plotting a daring escape.

An extraordinary story of love, of courage, of friendship and of magic, NORTH IS THE NIGHT is the stand-alone first novel in an incredible duology.

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Emily Rath weaves a rich tapestry of Finnish folklore and feminist fantasy in North is the Night, a beautifully atmospheric tale of love, friendship, and courage. While the story takes a little time to build momentum, once it takes off, it delivers an unforgettable adventure through the icy wilderness and the hauntingly magical underworld of Tuonela.

The novel’s strength lies in its characters, particularly Aina and Siiri, whose friendship forms the heart of the story. Siiri’s determination to save her best friend leads her on a treacherous journey that pits her against wolves, witches, and her own limits. Meanwhile, Aina’s resourcefulness and kindness shine as she navigates the dangers of Tuonela and builds alliances in the most unexpected places. Their dual narratives create a gripping balance of action and introspection, culminating in twists that will leave readers breathless. Please note that this is the first of a duology, although it's not a total cliffhanger.

Rath’s deep dive into Finnish mythology adds a fascinating layer to the story. Readers unfamiliar with the source material may find the beginning a bit dense, but the world-building soon becomes one of the book’s greatest strengths. The unique magic, the formidable deities, and the harsh but enchanting winter landscape all contribute to a setting that feels as alive as the characters themselves. And for those intrigued by the mythology, the novel serves as a perfect gateway to exploring Finnish folklore further.

With its compelling blend of dark magic, slow-burn romance, and an emphasis on the power of friendship and resilience, North is the Night will captivate fans of Katherine Arden’s Winternight trilogy and Naomi Novik’s Spinning Silver. It’s a story of transformation and choice, of the bonds that hold us together, and of the courage it takes to fight for what truly matters.

Whether you’re drawn to mythology-inspired tales, strong female characters, or stories filled with unexpected twists, North is the Night is a journey worth taking.

Fans of mythological tales and atmospheric fantasy will likely enjoy The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden, which features a similarly compelling heroine and a richly imagined world inspired by Russian folklore. For a film recommendation, Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away captures the same blend of magical wonder and personal growth as Aina and Siiri’s journeys.

North is the Night publishes on the 9th of January, 2024. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.