It Gives Historical Fantasy

⭐️Overall rating⭐️ 4/5

📚Synopsis📚

Nazafareen lives for revenge, hunting demons with her bonded demon at her side. Coming from a small clan, she fights for the kings Water Dogs. She fights to get revenge for her sister. She fights to get revenge for herself. Through it all, while her values and alliances may have to be questioned, Nazafareen knows that trust can be the matter of life or death.

💭Thoughts💭

Overall, this was a fantasy that felt like it was rooted in a historical fiction world. Sometimes that felt really fun and relatable, and other times it left me looking up words and not finding any definition.

This is a start of a trilogy and was a little hard to get into. Nazafareen is a one track mind kind of character and the beginning was kind of slow. At one point I DNF’d this book because it just wasn’t hitting how I wanted it to; however, I picked it up and tried again and I finally got into the book. If you’re into books that have a few time skips and really is about a girl just out there fighting anything that wrongs her, then this might be a good book for you.

What really brought me back was that the main character wasn’t a Mary Sue. She had flaws, she challenged her values, she didn’t just know everything about the world. In this way, the character felt more real and it was part of what made me come back.

#themidnightsea #lemon8bookclub #lemon8bookworm #yafantasy #strongfemaleleads

2024/12/12 Edited to

... Read moreAs a huge fan of historical fantasy, I'm always on the lookout for stories that blend ancient settings with powerful magic. There's something truly captivating about a sorceress navigating a world rooted in history, where her powers feel both ancient and incredibly potent. When I see phrases like 'sorceress taught spell historical fantasy,' my interest is immediately piqued. It promises a journey of discovery, of hidden lore, and of a protagonist who wields significant, often hard-earned, abilities. Often, the most compelling magic users aren't born all-powerful. They are 'taught' their spells, whether through rigorous training, ancient texts, or even through trial-and-error in desperate situations. This learning curve, this development of skills, is what makes characters relatable. It's not just about flashy magic; it's about the grit and determination it takes to master those abilities. Even if a character isn't explicitly labeled a 'sorceress' or 'spellcaster,' the essence of mastering power to fight forces like demons, as seen in many YA fantasies, perfectly embodies this spirit. Which brings me to 'The Midnight Sea' by Kat Ross. While the review highlights Nazafareen's quest for revenge and her bond with a demon – a truly unique spin – her entire existence revolves around battling formidable foes. This isn't a passive character; she's actively fighting, which implies a certain mastery, a learned skill set, even if it's not traditional 'spells' as we might imagine. The description of her fighting demons and questioning loyalty, all within a 'YA fantasy' setting, paints a picture of a protagonist who, like a powerful sorceress, must constantly adapt and hone her abilities. The imagery of a 'golden winged creature' on the cover even hints at ancient, magical elements at play. What truly elevates a good fantasy is its grounding. The 'historical fantasy' aspect mentioned in the review, where the world feels deeply rooted, adds layers of realism to the magic. It means the consequences feel heavier, the stakes higher. A sorceress in such a world isn't just waving a wand; her actions are tied to the historical and cultural fabric around her. This is why the reviewer's comment about it feeling 'rooted in a historical fiction world' resonated with me – it promises a richer, more believable experience. If you're like me and those 'sorceress taught spell historical fantasy' queries are exactly what you're looking for, then 'The Midnight Sea' deserves a closer look. It offers a strong, flawed protagonist who fights fiercely for what she believes in, even as she questions her own values. It's a journey of growth, revenge, and the hard-won practicalities of fighting powerful entities. The fact that the main character isn't a 'Mary Sue' – a point the original review makes beautifully – means her eventual triumphs, and perhaps her mastery of her own unique 'spells' or abilities, feel genuinely earned. This book provides a fresh take on the classic magical hero's journey within a compelling, historically-infused world. It’s definitely one to pick up if you crave a gritty, magical adventure.

11 comments

Rachelle.Nelson's images
Rachelle.Nelson

Great review!

Related posts

Historical Anime
#animerecommendation #animerecommendations #anime #historicalanime #animeshows
Jellyfish

Jellyfish

2815 likes

Fantasy/Historical Fiction w/ my unhinged ratings
Do these two genres even belong together?!! These 5 books are 100% shelf worthy 📚 I saw these books on my shelves and wanted to immediately reread each one! Maybe that’ll be a new goal for 2025 😚🫶🏼 #bookrecommendations #bookfriends #bookwormsoflemon8 #bookreccomendation #booksof
Claud 🎀

Claud 🎀

17 likes

How to Write a Book
Writing a book is a rewarding and challenging endeavor, and it can vary greatly depending on your goals and the genre you're working in. However, there are some general steps that can guide you through the process: 1. Define Your Purpose and Audience Purpose: Why are you writing the book? I
🤎JJ Howick🤎

🤎JJ Howick🤎

1336 likes

Historical Fantasy Book Haul
It's a top tier subgenre and if you have recommendations I'd love to take them! PICTURED: 🔸THE POPPY WAR - a military fantasy inspired by the Second Sino-Japanese War 🔸TO SHAPE A DRAGON'S BREATH - a dragon story inspired by the colonization of the Americas 🔸A MASTER OF DJINN - a f
Briana

Briana

503 likes

but I think it’s a fantasy series worth reading
how many of you guessed the series before i revealed it? the poppy war is a grimdark military fantasy series, and it has a lot of disturbing elements. it doesn’t shy away from the realities and horrors of war, so if you find that content upsetting i would not recommend picking up these books.
Steph 📚💫

Steph 📚💫

209 likes

Historical Fantasy Books
Add to TBR! Adding these to your TBR is basically self-care. Gorgeous historical settings, a dash of magic, and characters that stick with you forever—what more could you ask for? #historicalfantasybooks #historicalfantasy #bookrecommendations #lemon8bookclub
🖋️🧶That Cozy Jess 📚🎮

🖋️🧶That Cozy Jess 📚🎮

11 likes

Historical Fantasy reads
If you list historical elements with a bit of fantasy/ supernatural then you will love these books. Both are reimagining of American historical events and is presented in an impactful way. I love both of them and I hope you do too 😊 #books #currentlyreading #lemon8challenge #lemon
Bria

Bria

59 likes

Fabulous mix of cozy mystery, romance and fantasy!
I am officially in my historical romance era so I jumped at the chance to read The Gentleman and His Vowsmith by Rebecca Ide! A locked-room mystery with magic and romance in a historical setting that is full of humor, angst and pining? Immediately yes!! ✨ Magic 🔍 Sleuthing 💀 Mystery 💖 Romanc
Tara Kat

Tara Kat

11 likes

fantasy books you won’t want to miss
Fantasy is absolutely my # 1 all time favorite genre 🐉 There are so many possibilities within the realm of fantasy that there is something out there for everyone, even if you’ve never read fantasy before! These series and standalones are soooooo so good and you will regret not reading them 👀
molly

molly

799 likes

Historical Fantasy Duologies
There’s just something about historical fantasy that hits different, the blend of magic, history, and slowburn storytelling always pulls me in. It’s like getting lost in a fairytale that could have been real. If you love books that feel atmospheric and enchanting, I’ve got two incredible recommenda
Kat 📚☕️🍰

Kat 📚☕️🍰

17 likes

Historical Melanated Greatness
#lemon8dairy
Butterfly_Ladee 🦋🌸✨💫💕💫🪶

Butterfly_Ladee 🦋🌸✨💫💕💫🪶

8 likes

BL MANHWA FOR FANTASY LOVERS
✨ Dive into the magical world of BL manhwa with these fantasy-packed recommendations! ✨ 🐍 Snakes, dragons, and divine beings—oh my! These stories have it all: emotional depth, supernatural creatures, and relationships that will have you swooning. 🔥 Whether you're into mellow romance (In C
Cozywulfe | BL Reading Diary

Cozywulfe | BL Reading Diary

423 likes

my fav historical fiction
I was recently going through my goodreads log and realized I haven't read a historical fiction book in months. I definitely need to fix that but in the meantime I figured I could get myself in the mood by reflecting on some of my favorite historical fiction books I've read in the last few y
bookrvws

bookrvws

111 likes

Fantasy/ Romance K-Dramas I recommend Part 1
My Demon: If you like Rumi and Jinu than this is the k-drama version. So cute! One of my favorite k-drama couples. Alchemy of Souls: I still think season one is the best! Tale of the Nine-Tailed: My #1 favorite couple. They are so cute. Great story and happy ending! Bon Appetite Your
Beautiful.Life

Beautiful.Life

160 likes

Historical Myths You Learned in School
Historical Myths You Learned in School (and the truth) #history #historical #didyouknow
ForTimeTravelers

ForTimeTravelers

82 likes

Historical myths you learned in school
Historical myths you learned in school and the truth (pt. 2) #history #historical #historyfacts
ForTimeTravelers

ForTimeTravelers

100 likes

MISSOURI HISTORICAL GRAVES
Coming this spring. The most educational resource about our history in Missouri. Follow us to the most histocal Graves. We will take you into the cemetery and show you how to locate headstones. You will learn the folk lore, what is fact and what is fiction. Follow us for this amazing journey. #c
Mohistoricalgraves

Mohistoricalgraves

165 likes

Dark historical fantasy ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing for the opportunity to review this eARC! The first chapter of this book absolutely hooked me. Two pages in there is a ghost cat named Bao and an FMC in her 50's that talks to haunting spirits. What's not to love? Brief Synopsis: The Girl w
ScienceintheFiction📚🔬✍️

ScienceintheFiction📚🔬✍️

0 likes

Hidden historical gem in Pasadena
The Burlington Arcade in Pasadena was built in 1980 and was designed to be a copy of the famous mall in London that was built in 1819! Today it hosts several shops and eateries, my favorite spot is Mandarin Coffee Shop and Monstera Duet, a lovely little plant store with great prices! #lemon8
Nikolelynn.s

Nikolelynn.s

124 likes

my favorite historical k-dramas part 1 ✨📺
✨ The Secret Romantic Guesthouse • When Ryeoun, Shin Yeeun, Jo Hyejoo and Kang Hoon are in one drama, SIGN ME UP! What a great storyline and acting from every single person. Ryeoun and Shin Yeeun were so heartwarming as a couple and the obstacles they face together when against enemies was so grea
Beatriz 🫧✨

Beatriz 🫧✨

37 likes

3 Black fantasy book series worth reading
1. Kalynn Bayron has never been shy to play with elements of classic tales that we know well. Greek mythology drips fr every angle. In This Poison Heart duology, a young woman with plant magic finds her fate as her found family and birth family unite. 2. a Black mermaid series is full of Africa
AMA B. | tastemaker 🎬📚📺

AMA B. | tastemaker 🎬📚📺

3103 likes

Historical Fiction x Fantasy
REVIEW: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross 4.5/5⭐️ YALL. This book had me giggling and kicking my feet from start to finish. The banter??? Roman CARVER KITT???? Incredible. Chefs kiss. Anyway onto the review. Divine Rivals, in brief summary, is the story of two journalists (Iris and Roman) compet
Anna Caroline

Anna Caroline

16 likes

Historical Evidence of Jesus (part one)
#christiancreator #creatorlemon8 #creatorstory #creatorcommunity #christian #christianlifestyle #christiancommunitytiktok #christiangirlies #christianlife #christiangirl
Reina Johnson

Reina Johnson

283 likes

Historical 👑 Fantasy ✨
Listen to Who's Badi | Blue Moon of Ake (Listen Full Story on Eyecreatestories.com) by Dala Dala on #SoundCloud https://on.soundcloud.com/u3yxp4KInN2A0lj4yq #audiobooks #historicalfiction #fantasybooks #lovestories
Dala Dala

Dala Dala

2 likes

Historical Romance Anime Worth Watching Pt.2 ✨🩵
These anime’s made me a night owl because they are so entertaining 🥰 Let me know which one your favorite #romanticanimes #animerecommendation #historicalanime #historicalromance #animeromance
Tavy 💜✨

Tavy 💜✨

966 likes

Witchy Historical Fiction 🔮✨
Get all of the spooky vibes with these witchy historical fiction books! As a little disclaimer, two of these books are missing either the “witchy” or the “historical” elements. The Hour of the Witch technically doesn’t include magic, but it is highlighting witch trials. The Once and Future Witch
Faith 📖🕯️🐈‍⬛

Faith 📖🕯️🐈‍⬛

12 likes

Fantasy Book Reading
Just letting it all sink in again. #fantasybooks #reading
Mell 📚

Mell 📚

6 likes

small town with an old historical hospital
#midwest #abandoned #historical #missouri #abandonedplaces
Sarah Elizabeth

Sarah Elizabeth

10 likes

Fantasy/Romance K-Dramas I Recommend Part 2
ABYSS- Cute couple that come back to life in different bodies. ( Voice actor of Jinu is in it) Available on Netflix. 9/10 LOVERS OF THE RED SKY- Historical romance with a painter and her childhood friend who is occasionally possessed by a demon. ( Voice actor of Jinu is in it) Available on V
Beautiful.Life

Beautiful.Life

10 likes

MISSOURI HISTORICAL GRAVES PART 1
DANIEL BOONE PART 1
Mohistoricalgraves

Mohistoricalgraves

10 likes

When American Girl starts making us Historical 🫣
NEW ARRIVALS LIVE NOW!!! These dolls are already on it, they would all be Vivrelle members of course 👛💗 #vivrelle #americangirldolls #nycmemes
Vivrelle

Vivrelle

734 likes

🌲 Colonial National Historical Park 🌳 in Virginia
🧱 Colonial National Historical Park in Virginia encompasses historic sites, including Jamestown and Yorktown, highlighting pivotal moments in American history. 🌳 Established to preserve the heritage of the colonial and Revolutionary eras, it educates visitors about early American life and
✨️LEEZA🌸

✨️LEEZA🌸

55 likes

Upcoming Historical Fiction Reads✨
The past is never finished telling its stories 🖤 These upcoming historical fiction releases for 2026 are already calling — rich settings, unforgettable lives, and history reimagined through story. Which one are you most excited to read? #HistoricalReads #BooksAboutHistory #NewBooks2
IntoHiddenChapters

IntoHiddenChapters

24 likes

Fantasy dress
#fyp #fantasy #fantasydress #dress #fashiontiktok #shortdress #longdress #unqiue
dianarosem8

dianarosem8

1636 likes

Stolen Louvre jewelry in historical paintings
The stolen Louvre jewelry as depicted in historical paintings... #history #historical #louvre #heist
ForTimeTravelers

ForTimeTravelers

8 likes

Historical Fantasy Must Reads 🥰
I'm in the process of reading all of these (except for Gently Raised Beast, I finished that one). Most of them are still releasing chapters full of romance, fantasy, and gorgeous artwork 😍📚 #webtoonrecommendation #manhwarecommendation #webtoonfavorites #romancerecommendations #webt
Mel3ficent

Mel3ficent

7 likes

My ✨Favorite✨ Historical Romantic Comedy Fantasy
India Holton and her books (especially the new series) holds such a special place in my heart. She is an author I turn to when I’m in a slump. I just love the witty, funny humor she packs into her writing. Needless to say (I have not done a flat lay in a loooong time) I cannot wait for the third
A River of Books 📚

A River of Books 📚

16 likes

The Ancestors: Historical Research
When I keep hearing everyone say " My Ancestors dont play about me " without doing the historical research of thier Ancestors makes me laugh. Everyone doesn't have good Ancestors. Most people don't have freedom fighters in their lineage. A lot of people ancestors were coons, betray
DAUGHTER OF SIRENS  💖

DAUGHTER OF SIRENS 💖

10 likes

Do you remember the ‘Dear America’ historical fiction book series?
#booktok #nostalgia #90skids #90sthrowback #90sbaby
No Context Nostalgia

No Context Nostalgia

285 likes

Historical romance are the best
#killtolove #chinesefood #actors #historical #romance
SlayT

SlayT

12 likes

LOTS OF FANTASY BOOK PREORDERS!😍
Preorders have been rolling in all summer so I looked back through my #barnesandnoble orders to remind myself on what I ordered during their preorder and hardcover sales! I’m so glad I looked back through because I completely forgot about some of these and I’m super excited for them! 🤗 #bo
Katerina Foster

Katerina Foster

38 likes

The BEST historical fiction books I’ve read
I absolutely love historical fiction as a genre! I’m currently obsessed with anything Kristin Hannah and am reading all her novels! #BookReview #booklemon8 #bookrecommendation #HelloLemon8 #Lemon8Diary
Imogen Krause

Imogen Krause

57 likes

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
📍 City: Stonewall, TX Went here in 2022, finally posting about it now. I spent that year studying the life and presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson - a very complicated yet impactful president. While in office he signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. However, during his
jade starr

jade starr

22 likes

Historical fiction recs
some of my favorites 📚 I had to change the music they muted it 😤🙄
Carney  Carney

Carney Carney

28 likes

this historical fruit stand is a dream come true 🥒
📍 Robert Is Here Fruit Stand 🎟️ FREE 🥒 It started back in 1959, when Robert, a 6-year-old, was told to sit on this corner with his dad’s cucumber crop and sell ‘em 🫣No one bought anything, so the next day, his dad gave him a big sign that said “Robert is Here” and by noon, Robert sold a
Lattes N’ Luggage

Lattes N’ Luggage

10 likes

Historical Fantasy Fiction Book Review
⭐️ Overall Rating: 5/5 Plot Notes 📒: From a perspective we haven’t heard from before, Patroclus takes us through the years growing up with Achilles. It begins with learning about Patroclus’ life before he meets Achilles and what leads them to meet. Throughout the story, we meet Patroclus and Ac
EchosOfAlcestis

EchosOfAlcestis

3 likes

WW2 Historical Fiction Book Recs
Here are 11 excellent WWII historical fiction book recommendations: • Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland • The Fortunate Ones by Catherine Hokin • The Dressmaker’s Gift by Fiona Valpy • The Secret Letter by Debbie Rix • All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr • The Lilac G
chelsea

chelsea

70 likes

See more