#themidnightdance

Reader: Finn Z.

Reader’s Age: 13

Book Title: The Midnight Dance

Author: Nikki Katz

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Publication Date: October 17th, 2017

Recommend: Yes.

Why or why not recommend the book?: I had a hard time deciding whether or not to recommend this book. Basically, not of the girls who go to this school of dance have memories you can trust, because Cirillo has altered and tampered with them. For example, if you remembered having no dessert for dinner, he could alter it to you remembering that you did (and other more major things). And so you never know if what you’re reading is true or not, which makes it kind of hard to read. I think of Alice in Wonderland when reading this style of writing. But this book was good. It had a good plot, mediocre characters, and an intense mystery. A thing I didn’t enjoy was how controlling Cirillo/Master was. Yes, I realize you had a hard childhood, but that shouldn’t allow you to tamper with people’s minds and be so abusive.

Did anything surprise you about the book?: I do think that everything was surprising in this book, due to Penny not having stable memories and the mysterious personalities. I didn’t predict anything, which is something I personally do not prefer. I like to have a little something to try hang on to no matter what sort of roller coaster ride the book goes on. I did predict Penny and Cricket’s relationship, however, and I enjoy it and think it’s cute (but not my OTP in any way).

Are their diverse characters?: Because the story is set in mid-1800s Italy, you can’t expect a lot of diversity in races or sexualities. The girl’s personalities are pretty similar also, but if you know their backstory with being mind-controlled, it is to be expected.

Do you think this book warrants a #ownvoices #weneeddiversebooks hashtag?: No, not necessarily.

Thoughts on the Cover: The cover is absolutely gorgeous, and it relates to the book very well. It consists of a girl (most likely Penny), in a perfect position that only a dancer could achieve, with a clock around her, and her hands covering 12:00.

Did you finish the book: Yes.

Is this a Galley Book: Yes.

Would you recommend this for Read Brave?: No.

One of my favorite things about Swoon Reads is the cover design voting. I love that we give you, the readers and fans, the chance to assist in the direction of the book cover. But I will also admit I was a little nervous to actually see those designs. My book is definitely about dance. The title is The Midnight Dance. But there is so much more than a pink ballerina or a music box. There are dark elements: mind control, a twisted Master, unnatural wolves, creepy woods. I really wanted the cover to properly reflect this.

When I first saw the four cover directions, I was beyond excited. I couldn't even choose. There were so many elements that I loved. The creepy woods, the fallen dancer, the clock overlay, the colors. But the one that stood out for me was the very cover that you all chose!