The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinka

I was just minding my business, strolling through Barnes & Noble, when BAM—this book’s brilliant cover grabbed me. But it was the premise—two monstrous heroines competing for a prince’s actual heart—that sealed the deal. And let me tell you, I’m glad I picked it up.

What would you do to outshine your greatest rival? To win your freedom? Is being a monster really that bad? With all these questions swirling through the plot, this book somehow still gave me Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw vibes—just, y’know, with magic.

The story follows two rival witches-in-training, and we get both of their perspectives. Marynka (Hobbs) is a fiery, unstoppable wrecking ball—brash, impulsive, and always charging headfirst into trouble. Meanwhile, Zosia (Shaw) is cool, calculating, and ten steps ahead of everyone else. These two contrast beautifully, and Jasinska uses their differences masterfully throughout the story. To keep things even more interesting, there’s a third witch, Beata, who’s quiet but has her own motivations simmering beneath the surface.

The girls are locked in a fierce battle to claim the heart of the kingdom’s prince—and I mean that literally. They both want his heart, just for… very different reasons. Their scheming and relentless competition was an absolute delight to read, especially because beneath all that rivalry, there’s a thread of mutual respect—and even a hint of affection. Watching them constantly try to outdo each other was just fun.

The supporting cast was well-developed and believable, and while the magic system wasn’t mind-blowing, it did exactly what it needed to keep the story moving. The pacing? Spot on. No dragging, no filler—every scene was crisp and relevant. Jasinska also did an incredible job of crafting a lush, immersive world, both politically and culturally. At times, the setting itself felt like another character, and I mean that in the best way possible.

If I had one tiny gripe, it’s that Marynka could be a lot sometimes. I loved her chaotic energy, but every now and then, I just wanted to take her aside and say, Girl, breathe. Relax for five seconds. But honestly? That’s part of what made her such an entertaining character.

So if you love books with fun, engaging antiheroes, morally gray characters, and intense rivalries, The Midnight Girls is 100% for you. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Solid 4 out of 5 stars!

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