The Chronicles of Midnight (The Complete Collection 1-5)

Cassidy created an amazingly complex world for us to enjoy with many ups and downs, twists and turns, amusement, witty banter, devastation and loss and filled with non-stop drama, action, mystery, suspense and sexy romantic entanglements. Each book in the series brought its own life to the characters, as we watched them overcome their own personal struggles and group issues and become the best of themselves, individually and together as a whole. They were all strong, brave, dedicated, selfless and full of friendship and love for each other and it was easy to become attached to each of their personalities and want them to all find the happiness they deserved. They each had their own special character traits that helped strengthen them all as a team and helped them to develop the deep, emotional connections they shared. The different factions within Midnight and their dealings with the other groups were interesting to see, as well. There were sacrifices made, new alliances formed and several twists and turns that developed along the way that easily keeps you glued to the pages waiting to see what will happen next. There is also plenty of non-stop action and suspense to have you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath from beginning to end.

Protector of Midnight –
This is the first book in a new series and it includes exciting characters, great world-building and a fascinating storyline. It is definitely action packed, full of mystery and suspense and possibly a romantic interest. There is a lot of turmoil, unsettled feelings, tough decisions and secrets floating among the characters. However you can tell that they have strong bonds amongst them and they rely on and trust each other completely to have each other’s backs in a battle.

After growing up in Sunset, as a human, Serenity is thrust into a new world with new friends and allies and new enemies when her life comes crashing down and she is exposed for what she really is. She is scared but puts on a brave face for the little sister she leaves behind as she is outcast to Midnight, where her kind lives. Once there she is given the opportunity to join the Protectorate, an elite team of monster hunters, but has to learn to navigate an entire new world, with new rules. She is determined to keep herself in check, refusing to let the hunger beating within her take control. But when a harrowing situation arises and she is left with no choice but to embrace the hunger within…who will ultimately take the reins and when the situation is resolved will those involved be the same?

Champion of Midnight –
Serenity Harker’s adventure continues in Champion of Midnight, the second book in the Chronicles of Midnight series. This story picks up where the first left. Serenity and her friends have such a strong presence that it is easy to bond with them and the storyline is action-packed and fascinating. There are several different factions battling for power, at the expense of the humans, and Serenity has stepped up to be their defender, their champion. No one else is willing to ruffle feathers and take on the harrowing task so she steps up to the plate. She refuses to back down, no matter what danger may lie ahead, but luckily she has the Protectorate, her new friends, to have her back. We also get a more in depth look at some of the different groups and a better understanding of the backstory regarding the mysterious daggers Serenity wields. More pieces of the puzzle start falling into place. We also see her connection between Bane and the others start to develop in new and different ways. The characters in this story are intriguing and I am anxious to see where the relationships between Serenity and the others, especially Bane, will go from here. There is definitely a lot of tension and deeper emotions in this second book.

Secrets of Midnight –
In this third installment, Secrets of Midnight, we get a better glimpse into the reverse harem aspect of the story. I really enjoyed seeing more interaction between Serenity and each of the guys, Ryker, Rivers and Odin, and a softer side of Bane in this book. They have all developed a deeper bond, physically and emotionally, and it has helped make them stronger as a unit. The guys all care deeply for Serenity and she them and they will do whatever they must to protect her and help keep her safe. I cannot wait to see how the relationship evolves between them all. They each have traits that bring about the best in the others, as well as a strong bond of love and trust. New secrets are revealed and unexpected alliances made as the mysterious threat they face moves closer. There are also several twists and turns to keep you guessing of things to come. Debbie Cassidy has created such a fascinating world with this series. The strong character development and well-written storyline will hold you captive and keep you engaged from beginning to end.

Shades of Midnight –
The ‘feels’ in this book will totally gut you! If you are the type to get attached and emotionally invested in characters…then BE PREPARED! I dove into this book bracing for another emotional battle, but man I did not prepare enough. This installment tore a hole in me. All of the books in this series have been so addicting and every character has held my interest, aside from Cassie, lol. She is just annoying, has an ‘all about me’ attitude and you just want to slap her down. She does get sorted, to an extent, in this story by a surprising character and I was relieved to see the outcome turn in a positive direction.

Serenity is no stranger to heartache and loss; she has suffered and grown in each book mentally, physically and emotionally but this particular book just about brings her to her knees. There is a shocking, epic revelation that almost sends her over the edge. If not for her guys, whom I adore each and every one, I think she would have just given up, aside from her strong resolve for justice and protective instincts. And I have to say that this particular event rocked my emotions, as well. Her soul-deep attachment to each of the guys completes her in different ways and she gains a bit more of herself as a result. I love the different relationships she has with each of them individually and then the group as a whole. And though she does take knocks in each book, there is always another revelation that helps to balance the scale. Aside from her heartbreak, she fortifies herself and becomes the leader we have glimpsed in the previous books. She totally rocks the job too! Past enemies re-emerge, new allies are made and a sliver of hope is provided to help ease the pain of another loss. There is tons of action, surprises, deeper bonds being forged, information shared, plans being made and a strong resolve and understanding by Serenity about her purpose and ultimately her fate in the final battle.

Savior of Midnight –
It was so sad to see the journey for Serenity and her guys come to an end in Savior of Midnight. This was a fabulous series with great world-building and an awesome cast of characters. With all that said, this book was a mix of emotions for me (the others too, but this one most of all). Serenity is at her breaking point, on the verge of a meltdown that will, in fact, cost her life. I was seriously wondering if this was going to be one of those books with the ‘epic sacrifice’ for all. She does not handle taking a life easily, each time she has to; it costs her a little bit of herself. She knows what has to be done for her survival and that of the others but it is still a difficult decision for her and that is where her guys come in, they always have her back. They have a deep bond of trust and love and will do everything in their power to make sure she survives, even if it means sacrificing themselves. This is where I was on pins and needles…it was a will she or won’t she suspense that keeps you guessing.

A new ally with valuable, life-saving information comes forward in this book and I have mixed feelings on that; the timing was a bit frustrating and there is a complicated twist that arises after a major loss and I am not sure if it is good or bad that this additional partner forms a bond with Serenity. It definitely opens up new possibilities but it felt kind of weird to me after everything that happened and there was a feeling from a previous book that another possible attachment would have been made. But I did enjoy the role of the character and his overall involvement with the team.

There is a fantastic surprise for a character that made me happy and then there was a devastation that made a huge impact. I noticed some signs leading up to this point but it was still a horrible loss and I was really sad to see it happen. I really wished for a different outcome, so that was kind of a downer.

Also, some of the main characters do not get a lot of face time and I missed them being more involved. Granted, I know there was a lot to wrap up in this final installment and it was a truly great read, but when you create such wonderful characters, as Cassidy does, you can feel the impact when they are not front and center with the others. This does not take away from the story, by any means; it is just my thought on the matter. I just would have loved to have seen more interaction between them all.

And then for the finale, it was epic! Pulse-pounding, emotional and just wow…unbelievable. This was a bittersweet conclusion to a fabulous series. I am looking forward to the spin-off series and hoping we get to see some of these guys make an appearance.