This has more complexity and action than the first book. Anouk braves a challenge that kills most who attempt it in an effort to become a witch in order to save not only the goblins who have lost their home in London, bot pretty much everyone else. It takes her from Paris to the Black Forest in Bavaria where she encounters Jak, a mysterious boy who words are cryptic, but eventually helpful.
How she and the other Beasties manage to reach London and what they must do there to stop the destruction, makes for a compelling story. All players from the first book retain their individuality and interesting quirks. An excellent ending to the duology. ( )

This book was really strong in the beginning but just ended up being another version of the Shadow and Bone trilogy. Main character Anouk has feelings for a dopey blond boy and also has feelings for an ultra powerful prince of magic. She is even more powerful than said prince. Even though she “feels alive” around him she still chooses the dopey blond boy. Literally the same thing happens with Alina, The Darkling, and Mal in Shadow and Bone. It’s also a trope I’m NOT a fan of. It’s not quite a love triangle but also really lame because there’s just no intrigue there. If the “love triangle” nonsense had been left out this would have been a really great book. ( )

This is the second, and final, book in the Midnight Beauties duology. I whipped through this rather large book in two sittings. I am not proud to say I neglected pretty much everything once I started reading this, but it was just that good! I enjoyed Grim Lovelies but I thought Midnight Beauties was loads better. I loved the fairy tale vibe, the adventure, the magic, and all of our wonderful beasties, Royals, and witches.

Anouk has decided she must become a witch so that she can save her friends. To meet this end she is forced to strike a deal with her greatest enemy and to journey and face tougher trials than she ever expected.

I could not put this one down! The writing is beautifully done with amazing imagery throughout. I loved all of the adventure and challenges that Anouk faces in this book.

I do have a couple small quibbles; I think the different ways magic works between beasties, Royals, and witches was a bit confusing throughout...it just wasn't well explained. At times the plot can get a bit ambiguous too. Additionally, the ending was a somewhat open ended...I am hoping we see some follow up books set in this world. These small comments aside, I love love loved this book!

Overall I absolutely loved this book. I would recommend to those who enjoy historical fantasy with a lot of adventure and magic. This book is just so engaging and beautifully written. ( )