Early Review – Midnight Beauties (Grim Beauties, Book 2) by Megan Shepherd (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 448 pages
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Release Date: August 13, 2019
ISBN-13: 978-1328811905
Stand Alone or Series: 2nd book in the Midnight Beauties duology
Source: ARC from Amazon Vine
Rating: 5/5 stars

“Ever since she discovered her affinity for magic, seventeen-year-old Anouk has been desperate to become a witch. It’s the only way to save her friends who, like Anouk, are beasties: animals enchanted into humans. But unlike Anouk, the other beasties didn’t make it out of the battle at Montélimar in one piece.

With her friends now trapped in their animal forms, Anouk is forced into a sinister deal involving a political marriage with her sworn enemy, a wicked plot to overthrow London’s fiercest coven of witches, and a deadly trial of fire to become a witch. The price for power has always been steep in the world of the Haute. Now, it will cost Anouk everything.”

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.