In Kara M. Zone's Cinders Burn at Midnight, the first book in the Trium Perfectum series, college-bound Kaitlin Gilbert discovers a shocking truth: she's a murderer, a fact revealed through a magical portal presented by her estranged father. This new adult dark fantasy blends the mundane with the mystical as Kaitlin navigates a world interwoven with fae magic. The dual-POV narrative follows Kaitlin's journey as she confronts not only the mystery of her past but also the trauma that haunts her, exploring themes of C-PTSD through a captivating blend of fantasy and mystery. Prepare for a thrilling ride into a world where magic and reality collide, leaving you breathlessly anticipating the next installment.
Review Cinders Burn at Midnight
Wow, "Cinders Burn at Midnight" completely captivated me! From the very first page, I was hooked by the intriguing premise of Kaitlin, a young woman unwittingly caught in a world of magic and mystery, and the immediate mystery surrounding her past. The author, Kara M. Zone, masterfully crafts a world that feels both fantastical and real, blurring the lines between our everyday lives and a realm teeming with fae and powerful magic.
The dual POV narrative was incredibly effective. We experience Kaitlin's journey of self-discovery as she grapples with a traumatic past and hidden supernatural abilities, while simultaneously experiencing the story through Finn's eyes – a cocky but ultimately endearing shifter with his own compelling backstory. Their connection, fueled by a potent mix of magic and undeniable attraction, is one of the book's greatest strengths. It felt unique, not just a simple fated mates trope, but a powerful pull of energies, beautifully described.
What really resonated with me was the book's sensitive and nuanced handling of complex themes. C-PTSD and abuse are portrayed with a raw honesty that is both heartbreaking and empowering. Kaitlin's journey isn't just about uncovering her magical potential; it's about healing, reclaiming her power, and finding her place in a world that has constantly tried to diminish her. The found family dynamic is equally compelling, providing a welcome counterpoint to the darkness and showcasing the importance of supportive relationships. I especially loved the completely normalized queer representation – it felt genuine and added a beautiful layer to the story.
The world-building, while leaving some aspects intriguingly mysterious (which I appreciated, setting the stage for future installments), was rich and vividly depicted. The characters were richly detailed, their mannerisms and interactions palpable – I felt like I was right there alongside them. The descriptive language really brought the scenes to life, allowing my imagination to run wild with the magical encounters and intricate details of the different worlds.
However, I do agree with some other reviews that mentioned the magic system could have benefited from a bit more in-depth explanation. Similarly, unpacking the prophecy a little earlier might have added another level of intrigue. These are minor quibbles, though, overshadowed by the sheer force of the narrative and the cliffhanger ending which, I have to admit, left me breathless and desperate for the next book! The pacing was excellent; I flew through this book, unable to put it down, and the emotional impact left a lasting impression. This is a truly outstanding start to a promising series, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Highly recommended, but be prepared for some intense emotional moments and a seriously gripping cliffhanger.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.92 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 456
- Publication date: 2025
- Publisher: Emberland Press