BOOK REVIEW: Shattered Midnight by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: Shattered Midnight
Author: Dhonielle Clayton
Publication: January 18, 2022
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Genre: Fantasy, YA Fiction
Pages: 304

SYNOPSIS: (From Goodreads)

Zora Broussard has arrived in New Orleans with not much more than a bag of clothes, a beautiful voice, and a pair of enchanted red shoes. Running from a tragic accident caused by her magic, Zora wants nothing more than to blend in, as well as to avoid her overbearing aunt and mean-spirited cousins. Music becomes Zora’s only means of escape, yet she wonders if she should give it all up to remove the powers that make her a target, especially as a Black woman in the South.

But when Zora gets the chance to perform in a prominent jazz club, she meets a sweet white pianist named Phillip with magic of his own, including a strange mirror that foretells their future together. Falling into a forbidden love, Zora and Phillip must keep their relationship a secret. And soon the two discover the complicated connection between their respective families, a connection that could lead to catastrophe for them both. In the era of segregation and speakeasies, Zora must change her destiny and fight for the one she loves . . . or risk losing everything.

REVIEW:

**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

This spring I went to the virtual US Book Tour.  I stopped at the Disney table and they had a free book to take for review.  I was really excited for it.  It was YA and seemed like something I would like.  Plus I honestly like  anything that Disney Publishing puts out.  I couldn’t wait to read it. 

It is 1928 in New Orleans.  Zora is trying to get used to living here.  She has been sent here by her mother after she was involved in a situation that required her to get away.   She is a gifted and talented musician.  She can play any instrument that she touches.  She starts to sneak out of the house at night and goes to a club and sings.  She falls for a white boy named Phillip and her whole world changes.  This book was so good.  I binged it in large sections.  My only real qualm about it that bumped it down a star was the fact that it ended so abruptly.  Like it gave a epilogue but it was basically nothing. I know that this is book two of a 4 book series but I wanted to know more.  I didn’t read the first book in the series. However, I didn’t find anything that left me wondering what was going on so I don’t think you really need to read it.  

I loved the adventures that Zora went on.  The sneaking out and singing at a club.  It was exciting.  The descriptions of the gorgeous dresses that she would wear made them come alive in my mind.    The way the author also wove the magic that Zora had to learn to control was amazing.  The fact that musical notes flowed from her when she let it loose was so cool.  It touches on some things that were important in the 1920’s the prohibition and bootlegging alcohol were the big ones.  It also shows how important debutante balls were.  I do have the first book in this series and I think I am going to read it just to expand more on the story and see if it lends more to Zora’s story. 

STAR RATING: 4/5

Pick up your copy of Shattered Midnight by Dhonielle Clayton on January 18, 2022 on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or check your local bookstore. Also make sure to add it to your To Reads list on Goodreads and leave feedback for the author when you are finished. You can check out more from author Dhonielle Clayton HERE.

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