“These kids, they didn’t just paint their rooms, they wore their rebellion boldly.”
This line perfectly captures the spirit of Shadow Falls—a place where identity isn’t just discovered, it’s worn on your sleeve (or in your fangs).
At first glance, Born at Midnight might sound like another supernatural teen romance—but C.C. Hunter’s debut novel carves out a space all its own with an engaging cast, sharp banter, and a unique setting that blends coming-of-age with fantasy flair.
We follow 16-year-old Kylie Galen, a fairly typical teen… or so she thinks. When her life spirals—parents divorcing, mysterious visions, a questionable party—Kylie is sent to Shadow Falls, a summer camp for troubled teens. But the real trouble? Shadow Falls is full of supernatural beings—and Kylie might be one of them.
💙 What Worked
A Camp Full of Creatures (and Surprises):
Shadow Falls isn’t your average summer retreat. The mix of vampires, fae, witches, and shape-shifters gives the story a vibrant, unpredictable energy. It’s like Percy Jackson meets The House of Night, with just enough originality to stand on its own.
Friendship Over Drama:
One of the best aspects of this novel is the developing friendship between Kylie, Miranda (a witch), and Della (a vampire). Their dynamic adds emotional weight and welcome comic relief without falling into tired girl-vs-girl tropes. It’s refreshing to see female friendship prioritized alongside the fantasy elements.
Relatable, If Slightly Passive, Protagonist:
Kylie feels like a real teenager—confused, emotional, searching for her place in the world. While she doesn’t always push back on the adults around her (in ways that feel authentic for most teens), she does show growth, particularly in how she stands up to her ex and begins asserting her own boundaries.
Snappy Dialogue & Steady Plot Pacing:
This book is easy to fly through. Between the snark, the mysterious powers, and just enough plot twists, it holds your attention—even if some elements could have used more depth. The structure is solid, the pace rarely drags, and the stakes grow steadily throughout.
⚠️ What Fell Short
Too Many Romantic Threads:
Kylie finds herself kissing three different boys over the course of one book—and not in a slow-burn, soul-searching kind of way. For a 16-year-old, it felt unrealistic and even a bit excessive. A tighter romantic arc would have added emotional clarity and character depth.
Parent Interactions Lack Realism:
Kylie’s exchanges with her mom and her dad often fell flat and one-dimensional. Most teens wouldn’t let major family drama slide without more confrontation or push-back. It made her reactions feel muted where they could’ve added dimension.
Hints of Powers Without Payoff:
There are references to heightened senses (like smell) and other potential abilities that never get fully explained. If these aren’t expanded in the sequels, they risk becoming frustrating plot holes for readers paying attention.
Questionable Themes for Younger YA:
The inclusion of pregnancy subplot (albeit mentioned in passing) and the layered romantic confusion might feel off-brand for younger teens or middle-grade readers. The tone skews more 16+ than early YA.
✍️ Final Thoughts
Born at Midnight is a fairly fast-paced paranormal tale full of snark, secrets, and supernatural tension. It offers a refreshing twist in the summer camp setting and builds a world that feels fun and full of potential—especially for readers who love stories of self-discovery layered with fantasy.
Kylie’s journey isn’t without flaws, but it’s one I still found engaging. While some character development could be deeper and the romance more grounded, I’m still curious to see where the series goes next—even if I’m debating whether it’s worth the $8 to find out.
If you liked The House of Night, The Immortals series by Alyson Noel, or any supernatural YA with a touch of sass, Born at Midnight belongs on your TBR.
Have you read Born at Midnight? Did Shadow Falls draw you in—or leave you with questions?
Let’s talk about your favorite supernatural tropes, camp stories, or YA books that stayed with you.
Drop a comment below or come find me on socials—we can swap theories and talk favorite supernatural series. 💙
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