What Feasts At Night

** I received an ARC for an honest review **

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Publisher’s Description

After their terrifying ordeal at the Usher manor, Alex Easton feels as if they just survived another war. All they crave is rest, routine, and sunshine, but instead, as a favor to Angus and Miss Potter, they find themself heading to their family hunting lodge, deep in the cold, damp forests of their home country, Gallacia. 

In theory, one can find relaxation in even the coldest and dampest of Gallacian autumns, but when Easton arrives, they find the caretaker dead, the lodge in disarray, and the grounds troubled by a strange, uncanny silence. The villagers whisper that a breath-stealing monster from folklore has taken up residence in Easton’s home. Easton knows better than to put too much stock in local superstitions, but they can tell that something is not quite right in their home. . . or in their dreams.

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Summary

A highlight of my recent reads was the dark fantasy novella What Feasts at Night (Sworn Solider, #2) US author T. Kingfisher.

Review

What Feasts at Night is skilful alternate history from the events of the Bulgarian War in the Napoleonic era combined with dark folklore and queer fiction to envisage a dark fantasy world that T. Kingfisher does superbly. A novella full of unique and compelling characters tackling the effects of ‘Soldier’s Heart’ or PTSD from the carnage of the wintry battlefields. Kingfisher crafts a mysterious gothic story that meets the psychological horror sub genre. The protagonist and host of characters are haunted by the mysterious Moroi also known as the Nightmare, or the Hag, a ghost that steals the breath from the living. This deadly folkloric creature forces the protagonist, Easton to confront their own mortality: not on the battlefield this time but alone in their dreams.

A spellbinding novella where dark fantasy, feminism and alternate history are boldly portrayed while adhering to and breaking, the expected social norms of a Napoleonic society.

Kingfisher writes with such lyrical and emotive ease the reader is compelled onwards as though they too are caught in the dark magic of the Moroi. A meticulously crafted story with complex world-building where folklore and history weave together in a new version of Napoleonic history.

Conclusion

A highly recommend dark fantasy read. The perfect addition to the alternate history genre and for fans of T. Kingfisher’s other works and folklore-infused dark fantasy with strong gothic horror elements. For fans who enjoy cleverly designed storytelling and complex characters where societal expectations are openly challenged and subverted. Stunning and haunting: A must-add to your to-read list!

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** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **