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amachonis's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Gun violence and War
jayburding's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This sits around a 3.5 but I rounded up because I'm willing to be generous for a writer I enjoy. And I did enjoy this book, but unfortunately it suffers from prodigy sibling syndrome. What Moves the Dead was a creeping horror that sank into your bones and wouldn't be moved. What Feasts At Night seems to be walking that road initially but stumbles and never really regains its footing. The What in this book simply doesn't command the same fear as its predecessor, too slow in its approach, too easily dispatched.
Also, I must confess, I have a violent hatred of the trope where characters don't communicate and then react poorly when other characters try and fail to interpret their vagueries. I lost patience with the Widow quickly, which takes some doing in a book this short, and while the ending somewhat redeemed this character choice, the frustration still lingered. Alex's slowness to pick up on supernatural shenanigans, especially after what happened in the previous book, felt mildly farcical and too drawn out, and kan being treated as the resident idiot outstayed its welcome. I was disappointed at how little Miss Potter got to contribute this time, and honestly you could have removed her and called this book a prequel and it might have worked better.
I enjoy Kingfisher's writing, and Alex's character really appeals to me. I'm not a fan of first person so getting me to read it is a victory in itself, and unquestionably enjoy it even more so. I would happily read more of Sworn Soldier, and I hope there is more coming, I just think Kingfisher has a real talent for body horror that could have gone a lot harder in this book, and it would have hit like it did in WMTD. I enjoyed what was here but I wanted more.
Also, I must confess, I have a violent hatred of the trope where characters don't communicate and then react poorly when other characters try and fail to interpret their vagueries. I lost patience with the Widow quickly, which takes some doing in a book this short, and while the ending somewhat redeemed this character choice, the frustration still lingered. Alex's slowness to pick up on supernatural shenanigans, especially after what happened in the previous book, felt mildly farcical and too drawn out, and kan being treated as the resident idiot outstayed its welcome. I was disappointed at how little Miss Potter got to contribute this time, and honestly you could have removed her and called this book a prequel and it might have worked better.
I enjoy Kingfisher's writing, and Alex's character really appeals to me. I'm not a fan of first person so getting me to read it is a victory in itself, and unquestionably enjoy it even more so. I would happily read more of Sworn Soldier, and I hope there is more coming, I just think Kingfisher has a real talent for body horror that could have gone a lot harder in this book, and it would have hit like it did in WMTD. I enjoyed what was here but I wanted more.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, and Gun violence
fatfatrat's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Gore
Moderate: Death and War
kittyinatophat's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Please let the next Easton adventure have The Noon Witch
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, War, and Injury/Injury detail
netthauser's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A flawless novella. Kingfisher's precise use of language creates an entire world, people, and history in 150 pages. The narrative arc builds on itself with a very satisfying conclusion.
P.S. I love the allusion to German fairy tales at the end ("und wenn sie nicht gestorben sind, dann leben sie noch bis heute").
P.S. I love the allusion to German fairy tales at the end ("und wenn sie nicht gestorben sind, dann leben sie noch bis heute").
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Minor: Animal death, Death, War, and Injury/Injury detail
booksthatburn's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Alex is still unsettled by the events at the house of Usher, but is looking forward to a reunion with Miss Potter and a chance to show her their home in Gallacia. Trying to not let their newly-rooted fear of mushrooms damped their joy in the mycologist's company, Alex instead downplays rumors of a breath-stealing being who can be a woman or a swarm of moths. WHAT FEASTS AT NIGHT is a story of haunting and fear, of stolen breath and terrible dreams. It's an excellent sequel to WHAT MOVES THE DEAD, building on Alex's previous experiences but featuring an entirely new disturbance to their life.
This doesn't specifically wrap up something left hanging, but it continues several of the relationships first developed in WHAT MOVES THE DEAD. The main storyline is new, and the breath-stealing threat is both introduced and resolved. Alex's narration somehow contains even more stories of their fondness for and exasperation with Gallacia as a place they don't want to inhabit but can't seem to leave behind. The actual narrative can stand on its own, and Alex conveys the relevant backstory succinctly enough, but certain elements of Alex's fear will resonate much more to a reader who is familiar with the events of the previous book.
I enjoyed this and look forward to where Alex's frightful travels take them next!
This doesn't specifically wrap up something left hanging, but it continues several of the relationships first developed in WHAT MOVES THE DEAD. The main storyline is new, and the breath-stealing threat is both introduced and resolved. Alex's narration somehow contains even more stories of their fondness for and exasperation with Gallacia as a place they don't want to inhabit but can't seem to leave behind. The actual narrative can stand on its own, and Alex conveys the relevant backstory succinctly enough, but certain elements of Alex's fear will resonate much more to a reader who is familiar with the events of the previous book.
I enjoyed this and look forward to where Alex's frightful travels take them next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Death, Gore, Terminal illness, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Grief, and War
hendrixpants's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Death
queenkath32's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Death
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
I read and enjoyed "What Moves the Dead" last year, and I was excited to continue with the story.
"What Feasts at Night" follows Alex Easton, a retired solider just looking for some serious down time. After their wild time at the Usher manor, Alex is happy to return to the family hunting house. Unfortunately, there is something amiss, and Alex will have to investigate to uncover the truth about what is happening.
This was a very short, quick, and gothic story. It is very easy to get into, and I felt like this could be read independently from "What Moves the Dead."
Alex is a strong protagonist, which makes reading from their perspective all the better. Alex is smart, cunning, but has the greatest heart. Alex does not stand for those she loves to suffer, and they stop at nothing to help bring justice.
This story felt very haunting, and I really enjoyed uncovering the mystery of what was happening to the people. I do wish we got more of the story, so that we could appreciate this situation more.
I will definitely continue to pick up and read T. Kingfisher in the future.
"What Feasts at Night" follows Alex Easton, a retired solider just looking for some serious down time. After their wild time at the Usher manor, Alex is happy to return to the family hunting house. Unfortunately, there is something amiss, and Alex will have to investigate to uncover the truth about what is happening.
This was a very short, quick, and gothic story. It is very easy to get into, and I felt like this could be read independently from "What Moves the Dead."
Alex is a strong protagonist, which makes reading from their perspective all the better. Alex is smart, cunning, but has the greatest heart. Alex does not stand for those she loves to suffer, and they stop at nothing to help bring justice.
This story felt very haunting, and I really enjoyed uncovering the mystery of what was happening to the people. I do wish we got more of the story, so that we could appreciate this situation more.
I will definitely continue to pick up and read T. Kingfisher in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: War
regaliaofchaos's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, and Gore