T. Kingfisher’s What Feasts at Night is an enthralling continuation of the story that began with What Moves the Dead. This novella takes readers on a haunting journey filled with supernatural elements and deep psychological introspection.
The protagonist, Alex Easton, returns to Gallacia, a fictional central European country, accompanied by their loyal batman Angus and the unflappable British mycologist Miss Potter. Easton, a retired soldier who identifies with the pronouns “ka” and “kan” in Gallacian, navigates life as a man. Their peaceful life in Paris is interrupted when they must return to their inherited hunting lodge in Gallacia, prompted by Miss Potter’s planned visit.
Upon arrival, Easton and their companions find the lodge in disarray and the caretaker mysteriously dead from an inflammation of the lungs. Village gossip hints at the presence of a moroi, a folkloric creature that sits on a person’s chest while they sleep and steals their breath. As Easton delves deeper into the mystery, they uncover unsettling truths about the caretaker’s death and the dark secrets of the lodge and its surroundings.
Kingfisher’s skillful character development is a standout feature in this novella. Alex Easton is portrayed as a complex individual dealing with warfare-related trauma and cultural insecurities. This introspective exploration adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a horror story. Miss Potter’s attempts to understand and navigate Gallacian culture, often leading to humorous misunderstandings, provide a light-hearted counterbalance to the darker themes.
The atmosphere is richly described, with the neglected lodge and its eerie surroundings setting a perfect stage for the supernatural events that unfold. Kingfisher’s prose is both engaging and evocative, drawing readers into the world of Gallacia and its haunting folklore.
One critique of What Feasts at Night is its pacing. The novella takes time to build up, with much of the early narrative focused on character interactions and setting the scene. This slower start contrasts with the rapid development of the horror elements in the latter part of the book. Some readers might find this structure uneven, but Kingfisher’s witty dialogue and character dynamics keep the story engaging throughout.
At its core, What Feasts at Night is as much about personal and cultural identity as it is about supernatural horror. Easton’s journey is one of self-discovery and confronting past traumas. The novella explores themes of belief versus reason and the impact of cultural heritage on personal identity. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding layers of meaning to the unfolding horror.
T. Kingfisher has crafted another compelling tale in What Feasts at Night. While the novella might not deliver the same level of horror thrills as its predecessor, its focus on character development and psychological depth makes it a memorable read. Fans of Kingfisher’s work will appreciate her trademark wit and the rich, atmospheric storytelling that brings the haunting world of Gallacia to life.
What Feasts at Night is a must-read for those who enjoy supernatural fiction with a strong emphasis on character and culture. It offers a unique blend of eerie folklore and introspective narrative, making it a worthy addition to Kingfisher’s impressive body of work.
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What Feasts at Night (Sworn Soldier, #2) by T. Kingfisher | Goodreads
