The Night Guest by Hildur Knútsdóttir is a haunting and atmospheric novel that left me deeply intrigued and slightly unsettled. From the very first page, Knútsdóttir's storytelling prowess and ability to create a sense of dread drew me into a world where reality and the supernatural blur.

The protagonist is compelling and relatable, and I found myself fully immersed in their journey as they grappled with the strange occurrences and growing sense of unease. Knútsdóttir's character development is excellent, making it easy to connect with the protagonist's fears and emotions.

What I found particularly captivating about The Night Guest is Knútsdóttir's ability to build tension and maintain a suspenseful atmosphere throughout the novel. The eerie descriptions and the slow unraveling of the mystery kept me on edge, eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth behind the night guest. The blend of psychological thriller and supernatural elements is masterfully executed, creating a narrative that is both compelling and chilling.

Knútsdóttir's writing is beautifully descriptive, painting vivid images of the settings and the eerie occurrences that plague the protagonist. The atmosphere is thick with suspense, and the pacing is perfect, gradually intensifying the sense of fear and uncertainty. The themes of isolation, fear, and the unknown are explored in a way that feels both profound and relatable.

The secondary characters add depth to the story, each with their own secrets and roles in the unfolding mystery. Their interactions with the protagonist provide crucial clues and add layers to the narrative, enhancing the overall sense of intrigue.

Overall, The Night Guest by Hildur Knútsdóttir is a gripping and evocative read that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and supernatural fiction. The novel's haunting atmosphere, well-drawn characters, and expertly woven suspense make it a standout in its genre. If you're looking for a book that will keep you guessing and leave you with a lingering sense of unease, The Night Guest is a must-read.

...when you stop sleeping, there are suddenly so terribly many hours of the day.

The early chapters of Hildur Knútsdóttir's The Night Guest were some of the hardest reading I've done and have still left me more than a little bitter, you guys. Not for their quality, not for the prose, not for any literary reason at all, really, but for their specific content and how it resonated with my own past and continuing experience -- until it didn't.


For The Night Guest starts off with a young woman in quest of a diagnosis, an activity that ate up over a decade of my own life, so I related very hard, at first.

But our heroine, Iðunn, is in Iceland rather than America, so while she encounters some of the same bullshytt that I did from family and friends as she seeks an answer for how she wakes up every morning from sound and adequate sleep with incredible fatigue and soreness and mysterious wounds and injuries, she does not encounter the kind of hostility, disbelief, blaming and accusations of drug-seeking that so many Americans do in her situation.

So I spent a while envying her for that. But then it got worse.

Because there is an answer to her problem that isn't medical, which is partially spoiled by the very jacket copy of this book (thus robbing these early chapters of a lot of tension that might have made them more relatable and interesting even for people like me), so then I was envious of her for two reasons.

That's a lot to cope with when trying to assess a book critically, which I of course promised Netgalley I would do. Wanting to yell at and/or slap pretty much everyone in the opening chapters of a book is never a good sign that you're going to find what follows is in anyway worth one's precious reading time. But here we go.

Before you can say "have you tried yoga" (which of course she has, and she's a vegetarian, too) Iðunn has other problems, some of which stem from her deep past; her parents willfully misunderstand everything (a typical phone exchange when her mother is shopping for a family dinner goes something like Mom: Do you eat chicken now, I forget? Iðunn: Nope nope nope ty nope. Mom: Oh, well, chicken breasts were on sale but I'll make lots of rice) and are not dealing at all with a family tragedy we don't even realize took place until almost half of the book is over.

Meanwhile, Iðunn has started to notice some odd phenomena in her surroundings, is being stalked by a married ex-lover/co-worker who is starting to get obnoxious, is trying to start something with an attractive new guy whose motives for courting her will seem a little suspect to the reader but whom she accepts at face value, and her sleep issues just keep getting worse and worse.

One thing Knútsdóttir does incredibly well is capture how long-term sleep deprivation (something with which I am also incredibly, uncomfortably familiar) affects cognition and communication -- and one's ability to implement their good and sensible coping strategies, to follow actually helpful and professional advice. This is chiefly communicated via chapter length and brevity of sentences; as Iðunn deteriorates, she tells us less and less until some chapters are only four or five words long. I wonder if this is a quality of the original or is something that translator Mary Robinette Kowall introduced or enhanced. Anyway, it's a brilliant example of the classic writing advice of "show, don't tell" that I truly admire.

Ultimately, though, that brevity feels like truncation, the ending telescoped and rushed, though admirably without sacrificing the tantalizing ambiguity, even at the very end. If you value tidy endings with all narrative questions answered, though, look elsewhere. The Night Guest is probably not for you.

But if you like a story that remains mysterious throughout (and you can overcome any misplaced feelings engendered by its opening act) and just want a short and tense read, get this.

A short but unnerving story from an author new to me.

Iðunn wakes every morning exhausted. Her friends tell her to exercise more and suggest the 10,000 step programme. However when Iðunn checks the shiny new pedometer she bought she finds she's walked thousands more steps- when she should have been asleep. The only explanation is sleepwalking but where is she going? And why? The answers may be what she expects but the truth is far more horrific than she imagined.

The story revolves around Iðunn's family and relationships, all of which seem to be dysfunctional. Even her interactions with health professionals are fraught and unsatisfactory.

The whole book is unnerving and eerie. Just when you think you have the answer to what is happening to Iðunn you're dropped into another, stranger, more disturbing reality.

I did enjoy the book but I wanted more. I wanted more of everything with this story and felt quite let down when it finished. That's not a bad complaint to have is it? I will definitely read more by Hilda Knútsdóttir. I would recommend this book.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Tor Publishing for the advance review copy.

The Night Guest is a fast-paced, unnerving novella. Tensions remain high. I did not love the ending (didn’t hate it, either.)

As someone whose life has been lightly dictated by her fitness watch for the past several years, the plight of Iðunn, the character at the heart of Hildur Knútsdóttir's The Night Guest, is chilling: when she wakes up in the morning, her watch tells her she's walked over 40,000 steps—and she doesn't remember a single one of them. Unfortunately for Iðunn, but fortunately for readers of this unsettling book, crushing that step goal is only the beginning.

From reading the premise of The Night Guest, I assumed this would have notes of, at least, if not be a 21st-century take on, the Dancing Princesses fairy tale. This is not so. Rather, it's an unsettling story about who we are when our own backs are turned. In an era of butt-dialing, sleep-texting, Ambien Tweets, and the unofficial but far-reaching Mysterious Leg-Bruise Club, it's a relatable fear. It's clearly one that transcends national borders—considering Knútsdóttir's native Iceland—and translation—here, courtesy of Mary Robinette Kowal. Easily conveyed, too, is the claustrophobia of Iðunn's anxiety-ridden baseline long before she became sleep deprived and waking up with someone else's blood on her hands.

The Night Guest is brief and Iðunn a woman of few words (but a lot of anxieties, and deservedly so), and it uses that brevity to its advantage. There are a hundred chapters across less than 180 pages, and many of them are only a few sentences long, or less. Somehow, those are the chapters that pack the most punch and most tangibly convey Iðunn's increasingly distressing situation. Consider chapter 42: "I wake up with seaweed in my hair and black sand between my toes." Not far from that chapter, she decides she can't face a clue, only to change her mind—in another single-sentence chapter—just pages later. But it was her recounting of the night's injuries about a third of the way through that first made me gasp, that first really communicated how determined her other self is—and how much trouble her waking self is in.

That same brevity means The Night Guest doesn't overstay its welcome. It does not, however, also linger on its ending, and I had to read the final chapters a few times for their meaning to fully sink in. (This is by far a short enough book that you can reread it immediately, if you really want to get that sweet, sweet context.) Still, Iðunn leads us there, one sure step at a time, even if she doesn't realize she's doing it at all.

(A longer version of this review, including a synopsis, will go live at 2:39 p.m. on 3 September 2024 at https://ringreads.com/2024/09/03/night-guest-preys-on-fears-of-self/)

A perfect read for me. Iðunn encompasses what I love about a brutally honest character study. I will say off the bat that this does not end nice and tidy. Normally this would be a deal breaker for me but it kept the book consistent with it's open ended questions about her health, her past, her trauma and what exactly is happening at night. It's a quick read and delivers flawlessly. Highly recommend!

I requested this novel purely because the author is from Iceland. Yes, I know it’s not the best reason to request a book, but this time, it paid off! The synopsis also made me curious, especially as a woman who feels like waking up more tired than when going to bed.

The majority of the story is told through Iðunn’s inner monologue. There are only a handful of characters in the novel, with minimal dialogue.

This novel has been classified as a horror. While some elements reflect horror, The Night Guest could also be considered a mystery.

My biggest complaint with The Night Guest is the ending. I won’t spoil the book by explaining my issues with it. I may have screamed in frustration when I realized I had reached the end.

If you are looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, a book that you won’t want to put down and may even make you start reading again after reaching the end, look no further than The Night Guest.

Loved the slightly off-kilter, everyday vibe of this book that gradually twists into something darker and more terrifying. A slowburn that sinks its hooks into you bit by bit.

This little novella packs a big punch! If you enjoy creepy, unsettling, bizarre and fast paced horror then “The Night Guest” is for you! From the very first page I was sucked in and needed to keep reading.

We follow our main character on a strange journey to figure out exactly why she keeps waking up bruised and tired. Let me just tell you , what she unravels is definitely spooky.

I think my only criticism for this book is just the ending. I didn’t hate it but I also didn’t love it BUT that doesn’t take away from how unique and weird and interesting this book is. 100% worth the read!

A big thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group/Tor Nightfire for providing me with a digital review copy of this riveting horror novella in exchange for my honest thoughts

Written in very short chapters (some are a line or two), this novella is quite curious and keeps you turning the pages. You will most likely read it in one sitting, as you feel like you are rushing to/for the conclusion.

The conclusion however... may be a bit ambiguous and frustrating for some.

Recommended for a quick, fun (slightly creepy) read.

Thank you so much to Tor Publishing Group/Tor Nightfire for this ARC of The Night Guest provided via NetGalley. Expected publish date September 3rd, 2024.
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This book was a quick, easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed! This novel is in the possession horror vein, but also has elements of psychological and paranormal horror. This is a translated novel as the author lives in Reykjavík, Iceland - and the original manuscript was written in Icelandic. Being that this was the first translated novel I've ever read, I was concerned about typos and grammar issues due to language differences - but I found nothing of the sort. This was really easy to read.
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Hildur Knútsdóttir's writing isn't overly descriptive, but it's not remedial either. I found that she added just enough details to keep you guessing at what the heck is going on. It's also very atmospheric. I couldn't put this book down, and devoured it in 24 hours!
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I highly recommend reading this book if you love possession horror. I feel comfortable recommending this book to those that are looking to get into reading the horror genre as well. There are some creepy/gory parts - but they aren't overly gross or nauseating.

Hildur Knútsdóttir's The Night Guest presents a haunting exploration of despair, disbelief, and the struggle for agency in a world that often dismisses the traumas of the individual. The story unveils the life of Iðunn, a woman grappling with a deep-seated fatigue that leaves her feeling invisible and unheard. It is a mirror reflecting the shared experiences of many who suffer from mysterious ailments, haunted by the skepticism of doctors and the well-meaning but frustrating advice of friends and family. From the outset, Knútsdóttir deftly captures Iðunn's plight: her medical consultations are met with apathy, her symptoms brushed aside as mere consequences of modern living. The pervasive frustration in her journey resonates powerfully, resonating with those who've navigated the often bewildering terrain of chronic illness. Readers will find themselves empathizing deeply with Iðunn as she exhaustively tries to remedy her undiagnosed condition—turning to vitamins, sleep medications, and fitness trackers—all to no avail.
The inciting incident of Iðunn awakening with an extraordinary step count—a staggering 40,000 steps taken in her sleep—serves as both a literal and metaphorical turning point. This event thrusts the narrative into a realm of psychological suspense, raising unsettling questions about the nature of her condition. Are these nightly excursions a symptom of a deeper psychological issue, or is she experiencing a form of somnambulism that exposes her to dangers lurking in the depths of her unconscious mind? Knútsdóttir skillfully intertwines elements of horror and mystery, uncovering unsettling truth behind her nocturnal wanderings. The novel excels in its atmospheric storytelling. Knútsdóttir’s prose is hauntingly beautiful, and she creates a visceral sense of dread that permeates Iðunn's waking life. The author does an exceptional job of illustrating the stark contrasts between Iðunn’s public persona and the turmoil that brews beneath the surface. The psychological unravelling of her character is both captivating and disturbing.
Moreover, the theme of disbelief—both from medical professionals and Iðunn’s social circle—highlights a significant societal issue: the struggle many face while battling for acceptance and recognition of their health struggles. Knútsdóttir deftly probes the intricacies of mental health, self-identity, and the longing for validation in a world that often prioritizes physical evidence over personal experience. As the story progresses, the narrative heightens in tension, weaving a web of alternating realities that leaves readers questioning what is real and what is imagined. The climax is both shocking and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect on issues of trust, perception, and the very nature of truth.
Overall, This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate suspense blended with psychological depth. It serves not only as a gripping tale but as an invitation to consider the nuanced experiences of those battling invisible illnesses.

This novella was fantastic - in the most eerie, horrifying way. The first part captured a woman’s experience in health care so accurately… hoping to find a doctor who will actually listen to her symptoms and dive deeper rather than blaming it on hormones, mood and “hysteria”.

Moving on... I couldn’t put this down. As the story progresses and Iounn’s confusion builds, so does ours. The narration is on point and the short chapters are very effective. The imagery that Knútsdóttir is able to capture, especially in the shed, gave me shivers.

This bite sized novella is a fast paced, fun read for anyone seeking a thrill. It’ll make you feel the claustrophobia of being stuck in your body and not knowing who the real monster is.

I really liked the premise. The ending didn’t quite land with me, but this is a fantastic book. A page-turner for sure, and the author is great at building tension.

If you like psychological horror and ambiguous endings, definitely give this one a look. Even if that’s not your thing, it isn’t mine either, the writing is so good you might not notice until the end.

Thank you, Nightfire, for providing a copy for review.

This book is a quick, enthralling read. Idunn is suffering from fatigue and goes to doctors looking for answers. She goes through many texts getting increasing frustrated as everything comes back normal. She is having trouble sleeping. She discovers that she must be sleep walking as her pedometer shows over 40,000 steps .

She is freaked out she doesn’t remember where she was or what she does. Once it is revealed where she has gone and done it is so bizarre. I wish this could have been explained more why she did what she did?

The ending really confused me and wasn’t sure if it was left to interpretation?

The Night Guest follows Iðunn as she tries to figure out what is wrong with her. She wakes up exhausted with aching limbs, but her doctors tell her she’s fine. She tries to follow the advice from the doctors and her family and friends, but nothing helps. And then things get weirder. She buys a step-counting watch and one morning wakes up with 40,000 steps logged with no memory of doing so. Where is Iðunn going? Why is she suddenly waking up with mysterious injuries? And can she figure it out before something worse happens?

This is such a fast, gripping read. I was hooked from the start and flew through this on a train ride with absolutely no idea where it was going to go. I always enjoy a good unreliable narrator and the twist on this one is just too good. You’re in a constant state of questioning everything as you’re reading and it pays off in the end. However the ending is a bit ambiguous, so if that’s not your thing then this may not 100% be for you. And trigger warning for murdered cats (this was a bit much for my cat-loving heart). But still, really dark, creepy vibes with fabulous writing!

I really enjoyed reading from Iðunn’s perspective. I feel so bad for her, but this was also a great depiction of what women have to go through to get their health respected and understood. Her descent into a bit of madness was so good, and I thoroughly enjoyed the twist at the end.

Overall, this is a really great, quick thriller with an unreliable narrator, dark vibes, and a great twist!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I honestly don’t know how to write a review for this. Maybe I just didn’t understand the premise but the ending made no sense and ruined the entire novella for me.

What amazing book!!! Wow ! The plot was amazing you will never guess until the very end . The characters are on point , 100% recommended .

I was very interested in this story from the first page. It has such an interesting premise. A woman wakes up exhausted every day, then, after buying a smartwatch, finds one morning that she walked over 40,000 steps that night with no memory of it, and soon after she starts waking up with unexplainable injuries as well. I was completely sold on the concept and just had to know what was happening to her.

But I was very dissatisfied with the ending. To avoid spoilers I won’t say much about it, but I feel like it was kind of a cop out and the readers deserved a bit more from it. If the ending would’ve been better I would have absolutely given it four stars. As it is, it just barely gets three.

However I do still recommend it if you’re intrigued. It’s only 200ish pages, and it reads fast. So if you’re curious you should absolutely give it a shot! The concept alone makes it interesting enough to give it a few hours of your time 😊

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Nightfire for the eARC of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

4.5 stars - The Night Guest was a truly disturbing in all the best ways story! I was hooked the entire time and finished it in a night because I had to know what was going on. It was visceral and haunting. A perfect book for horror connoisseurs and those looking to read something for spooky season.

The ending left a bit to be desired for me personally, which is why I took off half a star. However, I can see this ending being right up some reader's alley so I think that comes down to personal taste.

Definitely recommend!