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The Midnight Lie by Marie Rutkoski, book cover

Book 1 of 2 in Forgotten Gods

The Midnight Lie

by Marie Rutkoski

Spice 1 out of 5, Sweet1/5 · Sweet: Kisses only

Where Nirrim lives, crime abounds, a harsh tribunal rules, and society’s pleasures are reserved for the High Kith. Life in the Ward is grim and punishing. People of her low status are forbidden from sampling sweets or wearing colors. You either follow the rules, or pay a tithe and suffer the consequences.

Nirrim keeps her head down and a dangerous secret close to her chest.

But then she encounters Sid, a rakish traveler from far away who whispers rumors that the High Caste possesses magic. Sid tempts Nirrim to seek that magic for herself. But to do that, Nirrim must surrender her old life. She must place her trust in this sly stranger who asks, above all, not to be trusted.

Spice
1/5
Burn
Slow
Pages
~352
Ending
Cliffy

Cliffhanger, but Book 2 is already out.

KU Is it on Kindle Unlimited? Check on Amazon

How spicy is The Midnight Lie?

The Midnight Lie is a 1 out of 5 on our spice scale: sweet (kisses only). Kissing, longing looks, maybe a fade-to-black. Nothing on the page.

  • Steam: Glimpses and kisses
  • Burn: Slow burn
  • Pairing: Two women
  • POV: Heroine's POV only
  • Ending: Cliffhanger

Content warnings

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Show 3 content warnings
  • Child abuse (past or present)
  • Murder
  • Homophobia

Our editorial notes, which may be incomplete. If something is a hard limit for you, check the author's own content notes too.

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    The Midnight Lie: quick answers

    How spicy is The Midnight Lie?

    The Midnight Lie is a 1 out of 5 on our spice scale: sweet (kisses only). Kissing, longing looks, maybe a fade-to-black. Nothing on the page.

    Is The Midnight Lie a standalone?

    No. The Midnight Lie is book 1 of 2 in Forgotten Gods. It is the place to start. The series is complete.

    What tropes are in The Midnight Lie?

    The Midnight Lie features forbidden love, secret identity. It is a slow burn F/F romance that ends with a cliffhanger.

    Does The Midnight Lie have content warnings?

    Our notes for The Midnight Lie include: child abuse (past or present), murder, homophobia. This list may not be complete; check the author's own content notes if anything is a hard limit for you.

    What should I read after The Midnight Lie?

    If you loved The Midnight Lie, try This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi, Ash by Malinda Lo, Powerless by Lauren Roberts. They share its forbidden love and secret identity energy at a similar spice level.