Nocturna by Maya Motayne

Nocturna (Forgery of Magic, #1)

by Maya Motayne

Fates collide and darkness is unleashed in this lush, own-voices Latin-inspired fantasy, perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi, Leigh Bardugo and V. E. Schwab.

Magia Para Todos; Magic for all.

To Finnian Voy, magic is two things: a knife to hold under the throat of anyone who crosses her, and a disguise she shrugs on as easily as others pull on cloaks. As a talented faceshifter, it's been years since Finn has seen her own face, and that's exactly how she likes it. But when she gets caught by a powerful mobster, she's forced into an impossible mission: steal a legendary treasure from Castallan's royal palace or be stripped of her magic forever.

To Prince Alfehr magic is an escape, but one that comes with a price. First in line for the throne after the disappearance of his older brother, Alfie is desperate to find him and bring him home, even if it means dabbling in forbidden magic.

And when Finn and Alfie's fates collide, they realise magic can be other things too, and the type they accidentally release into the world is something neither expects, or understands.

It's hungry.

Reviewed by Renee on

4 of 5 stars

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My first Fairyloot book!

EDIT: Comments about Latinx inspired problems are deleted.

Next problem, the story is very similar to A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab. Finn reminded me of Lila after a few chapters, and as the story progressed, more similarities came up. I am not that sure anymore if the magic system is similar, but the story itself is. I still liked it, but I understand why people are complaining about it, because it is way to similar and not as good.

The story is interesting, the world is pretty well developed compared to some YA novels, and the magic system actually has limitations, yay! The last books I have read, did not bother with a proper magic system unfortunately, it just existed. I couldn’t bring myself to care about Alfie that much, but that might be just me. I never really care about the main character of any series. I loved Finn and Luka! They felt better developed than Alfie and had more interesting backstories, especially Finn. I was also quite surprised about the darkness and grotesque things that were suddenly displayed in this book. I wished our main characters had been more shocked after finding the bar in that state. It would have been more realistic to see some actual shock on them afterwards as well, but in true YA fashion they went on with their lives, focussing on love yet again. This book might not have a romance in it, it is hinted at annoyingly often.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 19 May, 2019: Finished reading
  • 19 May, 2019: Reviewed