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 thepunktheory on

4 of 5 stars

Share
Full review on my blog!


Oh, this was delightful!
First of all, the setting was really cool and the world-building spot on. It's nice to have a Latin-inspired kingdom for a change. Motayne also peppers in some Spanish words, which was super beneficial for me as I started learning Spanish last year.
The magic-concept introduced in Nocturna is also pretty interesting and different enough from other books that I was super intrigued. I'd like to know more about it, so I hope there'll be another book!
I enjoyed that Maya Motayne managed to get to the point rather quickly without first introducing her world for 300 pages. She still managed to get her idea across wonderfully so the world-building wasn't comprised in the least.
Nocturna is the kind of book you don't want to put down and you'll finish in within three days max. It features lots of interesting plot twists and the story is smart enough to keep you on your toes.
Although there are little hints at a love story I really appreciate that she didn't actually go there. Honestly, there is nothing that I find more annoying than those unnecessary yet inevitable love stories (or even worse: love triangles) you usually find in this kind of book. So, big thumbs up to Motayne for being different!

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 12 April, 2020: Finished reading
  • 12 April, 2020: Reviewed