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booksthatburn's review against another edition
- 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
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!
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Death, Gore, Terminal illness, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Grief, and War
gondorgirl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Grief, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for the e-arc. I’m providing an honest review of my own volition <3
I think I enjoyed this follow up more than the first novella! This story continues to follow Alex Easton as they go home to Gallacia and investigate an alleged moroi (ghost haunting this townspeople’s dreams?! Truly the stuff of nightmares, get it?!).
I thoroughly enjoyed Alex’s self-deprecating humor and their disbelief that this could really be a ghost. Their comparison of a ghost to an ostrich had me ✨howling✨ 😂 I have never heard such a goofy explanation for why someone doesn’t really believe in ghosts and I was cackling.
I also appreciated the way that like Kingfisher created new pronouns for Gallacia, she also created different words for PTSD, as Alex navigates this and panic attacks in the book, due to their past experiences in the war and with the Ushers. It was a poignant questioning that Alex put themself through, wondering if they could trust their brain after everything they endured 😭
The ending was so delectable and honestly, so damn hilarious. I love that Alex simply does not know what was real and what was a fever dream. That’s the fun of ghost stories that surround non-believers, despite what Alex thinks happened with Madeline Usher in the first book.
Anyway, I think this sequel was so much fun and it works fine as a standalone too!
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, and Grief
Moderate: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Animal death and War
vaguely_pink's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
After loving What Moves the Dead in 2022, I eagerly gobbled up What Feasts at Night. T. Kingfisher has once again woven an expertly crafted spooky tale filled with dread, fascinating lore, and her signature dark humor in this novella. These characters are far more compelling, complete, and likeable than many I've read in far longer books. Kingfisher has also written a wonderfully honest experience of PTSD from a perspective that isn't often seen.
I did find myself wishing there was a little bit more after reading What Feasts at Night, which while I commonly feel with novellas, I did not feel that way with this book's predecessor. I wish there'd been a little more lore explained behind the Moroi. I think What Moves the Dead avoided this pitfall by simply being a retelling of a familiar story. What Feasts at Night didn't have that base to fall back on.
All in all, I still absolutely loved my time back with Easton, Angus, Miss Potter, and my favorite Hob, and am looking forward to picking up the hardcover when it's released!
Graphic: Body horror, Death, and Gore
Moderate: Animal death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Blood
Minor: Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Alcohol, War, and Classism
ezwolf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Between the two I think I liked What Moves the Dead more both as a story and in terms of the horror vibe. But I liked learning more about Gallacian culture and hearing more about Easton's childhood. I was also very fond of the affection and trust that Easton has for their horse.
Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, and Violence
Moderate: Grief and War
Minor: Death, Blood, and Alcohol