Book source ~ BBNYA Tour

When a hole is torn between worlds, Earth is invaded by the Suriia, beings who have magic. War ensues and after 300 years humans are near extinction. Thorn and Thistle are living the life of the pursued until Thistle meets a Suriia who is sympathetic to the plight of humans. Thorn is highly sceptical, but she has a hard time denying the more delicate Thistle a chance at a healthier lifestyle. So, they move to Courtenz and that’s when the fun begins. And I use that word a bit loosely. At least, for Thorn.

Be prepared to settle in because this is a chonker of a book. The beginning is a bit slow as the world is built and the backstory is filled in. Then it really takes off. I have to be honest, I was a bit bored at first. Thorn and Thistle’s life with the Suriia is a bit of a slog and Thorn isn’t a very sympathetic character. She’s definitely thorny. I didn’t hate her, but I didn’t much like her either. But that changes a bit as the story goes on and then things really heat up. Plotwise, that is. Whoa. Talk about a fascinating plot that races to the finish line. Sa-weet! This is a nice blend of sci-fi and fantasy with excellent characters and great writing. If you like a book that is like a leisurely stroll that picks up steam until it’s a gallop then definitely pick this up. ( )

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: These Violent Nights

Beings known as Surii now rule the Earth. Superior to humans with their abilities, they have taken over and set out to eradicate every last human. But within their ranks are Suriis who wish for a different world. One where humans and Suriis can coexist. Thorn and Thistle, on the run and the last of their human group to survive, stumble across one such Surii. When he offers a chance at a better life, Thorn has a hard time believing it isn’t a trap. But where Thistle goes, so does Thorn, and as Thistle accepts the offer, Thorn begrudgingly goes along.

These Violent Nights is a slow burn enemy to lovers tale. And it is made all the more entertaining by the complexity of Thorn’s character. Thorn wants to believe a better world is possible, but the traumatic events of her past refuse to let her forget the brutality of the Surii. Despite the fact she makes poor choices, I couldn't fault her for them. Thorn desperately holds onto her beliefs because they are the only reason she has survived up until this point. And as Thistle’s adjustment to their new life grows, Thorn’s view of the world is questioned. But it is so hard for a victim to break down the walls they have created to protect themselves. Watching Thorn’s evolution as a character is heartbreaking.

Thorn being such a powerful character offset the disjointed feeling of time progression in the novel. There are many scenes where characters are coming and going, some leaving for days at a time. I felt like the plot progression came to a slight halt whenever this occurred, but in a way, it also provided slice of life moments for the characters.

But Thorn’s character isn't the only one going through complex character development. When Lucien was introduced, I knew he was going to be my favorite. His overall drive to protect his family and do the best he could for them drew me in. His character shows that survivors have different ways of coping with what has been done to them. While his tale is not as brutal as Thorn’s, Lucien's coping mechanisms have a negative influence on his relationships. The tension and emotions behind Lucien’s side of the story were addicting to read.

These Violent Nights draws you into a dark fantasy world where hope and love are equally dangerous to desire. And the cast of characters Rebecca Crunden has created will pull your heartstrings as they fight for a better world. A definite read for those who enjoy romantic tension and stories involving the fight to survive oppressive odds. ( )