Emily Rath’s North Is the Night draws readers into a dark and mythic world inspired by Finnish folklore. Set in the mysterious Finnish wilderness, the novel combines rich cultural mythology with elements of fantasy, romance, and survival. For fans of Genevieve Gornichec’s The Witch’s Heart or Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale, Rath offers a compelling tale of friendship, resilience, and the lengths we’ll go to save those we love.
The book centers on two protagonists, Siiri and Aina, whose lives are upended when Aina is captured by the death goddess Kalma and taken to Tuonela, the underworld. Siiri’s journey north to rescue her friend forms the backbone of this gripping narrative.
Plot Analysis: An Emotional Odyssey
The narrative structure of North Is the Night is deeply immersive, moving between the perspectives of Siiri and Aina. The story begins with a foreboding atmosphere as whispers of disappearances and Swedes encroaching on Finnish lands bring tension to Siiri’s village. When Aina is taken, the story shifts gears, becoming a dangerous quest to Tuonela.
Strengths:
Rath excels in building suspense. The early chapters brim with dread, setting the stage for the mythological horrors to come.
Siiri’s journey across the wilderness, her interactions with deities, and her battles with physical and emotional challenges make for an enthralling adventure.
Aina’s plight in Tuonela, under the cruel watch of the Witch Queen, provides a sharp contrast, exploring themes of sacrifice and survival in a bleak underworld.
Critiques:
The pacing occasionally falters. The middle chapters, detailing Siiri’s interactions with various gods, sometimes feel repetitive, diluting the tension.
Some plot points, such as the instructions given by cryptic deities, rely heavily on vague prophecy tropes, which may frustrate readers seeking concrete stakes.
Character Development: The Duality of Strength
Rath’s strongest asset is her ability to craft deeply human characters who must grapple with their flaws, fears, and strengths.
Siiri:
Siiri is a fiery, stubborn protagonist whose loyalty to Aina drives the narrative. Her bravery is palpable, but it is her vulnerability—her fear of losing Aina and her guilt over past failures—that makes her compelling. Her evolution from a headstrong young woman into a determined hero showcases Rath’s skill in writing character arcs.
Aina:
Aina’s perspective provides a quieter but equally impactful narrative. While physically imprisoned in Tuonela, she finds strength in her wits and kindness. Her journey is one of endurance and subtle rebellion against her captors.
Secondary Characters:
The supporting gods and goddesses, especially Tellervo and Kalma, enrich the story’s mythological depth. Their motivations and interactions with mortals blur the line between divine omnipotence and fallibility.
Siiri’s family, particularly her mummi, adds emotional weight, grounding the story in themes of familial love and cultural identity.
Critiques:
While the central bond between Siiri and Aina is heartfelt, their dynamic could have been explored more deeply in the early chapters to heighten the stakes of their separation.
Themes: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Identity
Rath weaves multiple themes throughout the novel, including:
Resilience: Siiri’s determination to save Aina underscores the human capacity to endure and fight against insurmountable odds.
Cultural Identity: The looming threat of colonization and the loss of traditional Finnish beliefs serve as a poignant backdrop. Rath skillfully portrays the clash between old gods and new, reflecting real historical struggles.
Sacrifice and Loyalty: Aina’s captivity highlights the cost of love and loyalty, while Siiri’s journey north showcases the sacrifices one must make for those they cherish.
Writing Style: Atmospheric and Poetic
Rath’s prose is rich and descriptive, capturing the wild beauty of Finland’s forests and the dark, oppressive atmosphere of Tuonela. Her use of imagery—be it the crunch of snow underfoot or the grotesque decay of the underworld—immerses readers in the story’s world. However, the dialogue occasionally feels stilted, especially during exchanges with deities, where exposition can overpower natural interaction.
Personal Reflections: The Heart of the Story
What makes North Is the Night resonate is its emotional core. Siiri and Aina’s bond is the heart of the story, and their struggles feel achingly real. As someone who values character-driven narratives, I found myself deeply invested in their fates. Rath’s ability to blend personal stakes with epic mythological conflict makes this a standout entry in the fantasy genre.
Comparisons and Recommendations
Readers who enjoyed the Finnish mythology-inspired elements of North Is the Night may also appreciate:
The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec: A reimagining of Norse mythology with a strong female protagonist.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden: A lyrical exploration of Russian folklore and myth.
Circe by Madeline Miller: A feminist retelling of Greek mythology.
Conclusion: A Mythological Triumph with Room for Growth
North Is the Night is an ambitious and atmospheric debut in The Tuonela Duet. Emily Rath masterfully blends Finnish mythology with a gripping narrative, crafting a tale that is both intimate and epic. While it stumbles in pacing and exposition, its richly drawn characters and evocative prose more than compensate.
This is a must-read for fantasy fans looking for a fresh, folklore-inspired world. The ending sets the stage for a sequel that promises even greater stakes. With some refinement, Rath has the potential to solidify herself as a significant voice in modern fantasy literature.