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The Night Guest by Hildur Knútsdóttir was a very quick, interesting read.

The preface sounded so good and I feel like it had some potential but the writing seemed a little amateur and choppy. I know this was translated so I'm not sure if some things got lost in translation but I struggled with all the names throughout. I believe it's important to pay tribute to some Nordic cultures throughout while making it easier for english speakers.

There were multiple chapters that were only one page, a lot that were only one line or less than a page. This is something I've never seen before in a novel and It made it feel too segmented. Also in the writing, it's in the first persons point of view and we are seeing everything in her point of view and yet some of her internal dialog was in parentheses.

The story line seemed to be missing details at time and the end might have been metaphorical but I just found it confusing.

Thank you Netgalley and Tor Nightfire for the e-arc!

Compulsively readable. Deliciously horrific. These types of books that have a a thriller/mystery component, I never really love the "reveal" at the end. It never seems to match the build up for me, which is why I tend to avoid thrillers. Can't say I loved this "reveal" either but it was vague enough to make me like it more than usual and it leaned into the horror elements in the build up in a way I really enjoyed. It's also super fast with all the chapters being so brief that I FLEW through it. Definitely recommended for a quick scare!

The Night Guest offered an intriguing plot right from the jump. The translation was very well done and skillfully captured the eerie atmosphere. I was captivated by the fast paced narrative and found myself trying to solve the mysteries alongside the protagonist. While the story’s tense vibe and gruesome moments kept me on edge, the ending left me somewhat unsatisfied. The final chapters lacked clarity, leaving me wishing for more context or explanation. Regardless, I’d recommend it to those seeking a spooky fast-paced read.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

As selfishly as I would have loved this story to be longer, I think it was the perfect length to pack a punch. I was able to read it in one sitting. The formatting including the extremely short chapters and whatnot had me living in the main character’s sleepless world. Sometimes the pizzazz of a story gets lost in translation but The Night Guest did not fall victim to that. The next time someone asks for a recommendation for a book on sisterhood, this is what I am going to recommend 😂

The Night Guest is a bizarre novella about sleep walking, scared cats, and relationship drama. I was fully engaged for the first 75% of the novel, until things took a turn, and not in a great way.

The plot is gripping, the main character has interesting inner turmoil, but the ending makes no sense. If the novel was speculative and out there the whole time, then I would be more on board for the ending.

Definitely an interesting read with a chilling atmosphere. I would pick up another story from this author in the future.

The Night Guest by Hildur Knutsdottir is a captivating and suspenseful read that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The protagonist, Iðunn, is a relatable character struggling with a mysterious condition that no one seems to take seriously. The plot is well-paced and full of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

The author does a fantastic job of building tension and creating a sense of unease throughout the story. The writing is descriptive and immersive, drawing you into Iðunn's world as she tries to unravel the mystery of what is happening to her while she sleeps.

While I did find some aspects of the story predictable, overall I was thoroughly engrossed and eager to see how everything would unfold. The ending was satisfying and tied up the loose ends neatly.

I would highly recommend The Night Guest to fans of psychological thrillers and suspenseful novels. It's a thought-provoking and chilling read that will stay with you long after you've finished the last page.

I'm not generally a reader of horror, but this novella is special in that it manages to be as literary as it is scary. It's a fast-paced, character-driven piece that feels deeply interior and cinematic, simultaneously. You can see the landscape of Iceland, feel the crunch of the gravel, the chill in the air. I loved the quick chapters, as well as the vagueness of what is happening to the main character. Knútsdóttir seems to understand that there's only so long we can be kept in the dark, and even less time before a smart woman would start jumping to conclusions, and as such, she demonstrates restraint in drawing out the narrative for the sake of a page count. While I'm not entirely sure what was meant to have happened in the end, and I think I would've appreciated a little more of a conclusion (or even the same atmospheric drifting off, but with a bigger twist?), it certainly didn't ruin the book for me. If anything, I find it's stuck with me, as I'm still wondering what exactly was meant by the ending.
If you've read it, I'd be curious for your take... [Spoiler: Was the 'her' she refers to actually her vampiric alter ego, or was it actually her sister and the two are reunited in the end? I tend to side with the former, but I feel like the sister had to have been somehow involved... Like perhaps she experienced the same thing and that's why she killed herself?]

Still waiting for my head to stop spinning from this one. I definitely found myself trying to read faster so I could find out what the heck was happening.

I'm between a 3 and 4 star rating, and ultimately rounded down because of the abrupt ending. After sitting with what happened for a bit, I *think* I grasp the intentions of the author, but I wish there was just a smidge more explanation or meaning behind it all.

I'm grateful there was an English translation of this book so I could enjoy it. The chapters were quick, Iðunn was blunt and I appreciated her commentary throughout her experiences. A fast, creepy read that will make you think.

My boyfriend sleepwalks. I’m scared now and hugging my cat tighter. If you sleepwalk… beware.

Large bruises. Sore muscles. Kelp. Fatigue. 45,000 logged steps. This is what Iðunn wakes up to every morning. Several trips to the doctor rule out any of the major diseases Google said she might have. She refuses psychiatric help. And so Iðunn sets off to find out what exactly she’s been doing at night, and what she discovers is a nightmare come to life.

Eerie and compelling, you’ll be afraid to fall asleep at night after reading this quick novella. You’re transported to the streets of Iceland, described in chilling detail as Iðunn tries to figure out the mystery behind her night walks. You’re asking the same questions as Iðunn, following along with her every step.

One thing I really like about Iðunn is her self awareness. She’s a bit frustrating– and she knows that. She also has relatable hypochondriac tendencies. Iðunn is headstrong and determined to show that she’s not crazy by trying to figure this out herself (Personally, a sleep study would’ve been my next step).

There’s also a mystery surrounding Iðunn’s late sister. For me, I didn’t feel like all my questions got answered when it came to this. The novel comes to an abrupt (yet very thought provoking) ending. There is a bit of dissatisfaction as you read, but I really liked that for the most part.

If you’re wanting a quick horror fix, I highly recommend this novel. You could easily consume this in less than two hours. Forget horror movies, pick this up and be introduced to “the Night Guest”!

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for lending me an e-copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was super entertaining but I was left wanting a little bit more. I'd love to read a full novel by this author.

A bizarre little horror novella with quite the ambiguous ending that left me feeling as exhausted as the main character

THE NIGHT GUEST by HILDUR KNÚTSDÓTTIR

Rating: 2🌟
Thrill level: 2/5🔪
Genre: general fiction, horror

A very fast paced, short chapter novella (literally, I started it late this morning and finished it already) that had me searching for a plot the entire time. It was just so odd with a lot of loose ends and so many questions. We know nothing about any characters introduced except for the bare minimum the author needed to provide to make it make some sense. At first I was thinking maybe it’s missing some things since it’s translated to English but there’s just too much missing for that. There is potential for greatness here but there would need to be a loooot of work.

And the ending….. The ending (several last chapters) is arguably the most disappointing. It is left open with lots of room for interpretation. Sometimes that works well especially in short stories, but in this case, I’d rather have the closure. I only kept reading for the sake of my curiosity, to find out the “why”, find a purpose to it, maybe understand the plot. So of course I was sadly disappointed when the story was left so unsatisfactory. It was not a novella where I wanted to be left wanting more.

I guess the thing about it that makes me think it’s worth a 2 in both rating and thrill is that it did somehow keep me wanting to read, to finish. It kept me curious and had a creepy, wtf vibe. Some could describe it as suspenseful, I’d say maybe a little 🤏🏼 eccentric.

Sadly, this one just counts towards the reading goal and I did not gain anything from it except a lost afternoon 🤷🏼‍♀️

Thank you @netgalley and to the author and publisher for providing me this opportunity to review! It wasn’t my cup of tea but based on other Goodreads reviews, lots of others enjoyed it.

As a reader, I found myself drawn into the pages of this novella, intrigued by its exploration of mental illness and health anxiety. The author adeptly navigated these complex issues, offering insights that resonated with me on a personal level. However, despite its strengths, I couldn't shake the feeling of predictability that lingered throughout the narrative.

While the storyline unfolded smoothly, I couldn't help but wish for more depth and complexity. The novella seemed to lack the layers that I crave in psychological horror, and the ending seemed predictable.

That said, for those new to the genre or seeking a light introduction to psychological horror, this novella serves as a suitable starting point. It is well-written and engaging, providing an enjoyable reading experience. Yet, it fails to leave a lasting impression, lacking the substance needed to linger in the mind long after the final page is turned.

In summary, while I appreciated the themes explored in this novella and found it to be a competent piece of writing, it ultimately falls short of making a significant impact. It's a worthwhile read for its insights into mental health, but don't expect it to stay with you for long.

The story starts when Iðunn visits the doctor for her sleeping problem. Despite falling asleep just fine, she wakes every morning heavy limbed and still tired.

I needed to pick my next read off my NetGalley TBR, and after reading the first sentence, I didn’t want to put it back down again, reading it in two sittings. This was one hell of a chilling read! Though the plot is simple, it is well executed and pulls you in from the get-go. I felt the ending/final quarter of the book lost a bit of its edge, but still enjoyed how the story wrapped up.

A tad gory, a tad horny, I loved reading this and would recommend any lover of weird, horror fiction.

The Night Guest is a creepy story that takes place in Reykjavík that will keep you guessing right until the end. Iounn has been waking up every morning exhausted and sometimes even injured. She can't figure out what is happening to her and neither can any of her doctors. But she knows that she cannot go on living like this. What happens next in this novella is both unexpected and unbelievable. Check out this unique story, it's a quick read and you'll be thinking about it long after you're done!

The protagonist in The Night Guest is tired all the time. She also awakens with muscle aches and even bruises some nights. When she accidentally leaves her fitness watch on one night, she discovers that she has done 40,000 steps while she was asleep. How can she stop this sleepwalking? Where she goes and what she does during the night is explored in this eerie novella.

The Night Guest is the perfect book to read in bed if you can’t sleep at night or wake up early before dawn. It is deliciously creepy, right up to its disappointing conclusion. I spent quite a few minutes thinking about how I would have finished the plot in a more ingenious manner, so it boosts creativity too, in a way. 4 stars!

Thanks to Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.

Iðunn finds herself waking up unrested and increasingly battered, despite being in good health according to her doctor. Determined to improve her well-being, she adopts healthier habits and even tracks her activity with a new watch,but she keeps seeing a weird increase in the steps and then all the cats in her neighbourhood disappear. The book is weird and creepy. I finished the book in one sitting as it was captivating and perplexing.
Although it was confusing and strange, the novella completely sucked me in the story. I cannot wait to read more from this writer. Highly recommended,

This was a bizarre, eerie, just plain creepy read! You really feel what the character feels from panic to anxiety to confusion. This was fast paced and masterfully done!

This book is beyond wild!

Iðunn wakes up every morning exhausted. She sees a doctor afraid there is something seriously wrong but when her tests come back fine, she feels unheard and is desperate to find answers. Her friends have lots of advice including getting some exercise. When she accidentally sleeps with her new pedometer watch on, she is shocked to see she has taken over 40,000 steps while sleeping. What is happening when she sleeps? Why is she waking up bloody and with bruises?

This story is so bizarre, and I am in love with it. I could not stop reading because I had to know what in the hell was happening to her. I could feel the helplessness and panic that Iðunn was feeling as she was desperately searched for answers. This book is very intense, creepy, and unsettling. The ending was truly satisfying. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

Thank you NetGalley, Tor Publishing Group/Tor Nightfire and Hildur Knútsdóttir for the copy of this amazing book!

"The Night Guest" by Hildur Knútsdóttir is a mesmerizing and captivating tale set in modern-day Reykjavík that delves into the depths of chronic fatigue, enigmatic nocturnal activities, and the chilling horror of being disbelieved. Our protagonist, Iðunn, grapples with unexplained exhaustion and unsettling injuries upon awakening. As she undertakes her quest for answers, she discovers that she unknowingly traverses over 40,000 steps during her sleep, unraveling a series of bone-chilling revelations about her nocturnal endeavors.

The narrative revolves around Iðunn's arduous journey to unravel the truths lurking behind her midnight wanderings, unveiling unnerving occurrences in the process. The story is propelled by an aura of intrigue and suspense that expertly maintains readers' engagement, as Iðunn navigates the eerie events that haunt her existence.

Hildur Knútsdóttir crafts her characters, particularly Iðunn, with profound depth and complexity. Iðunn's strife with her deteriorating health, coupled with the disbelief that surrounds her, and the emotional toll her experiences take, culminate in a profound and captivating narrative that explores themes of solitude, trepidation, and the enigmatic unknown.

The ambiance of the novel is chilling, isolating, and deeply unsettling. The contemporary setting of Reykjavík only amplifies the atmospheric tension, enhancing the sense of unease and suspense that permeate the entire narrative.

"The Night Guest" possesses an extraordinary ability to evoke a myriad of emotions, ranging from hopelessness to panic and anxiety. The book masterfully captures the true terror that ensnares the protagonist, effortlessly embodying the essence of a psychological thriller interwoven with haunting elements of horror.

In conclusion, "The Night Guest" by Hildur Knútsdóttir is an enthralling masterpiece that skilfully melds the realms of horror, mystery, and psychological suspense, forging a haunting narrative that candidly explores themes of skepticism, seclusion, and the chilling unknown.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me a digital ARC of The Night Guest. I think if you like the movie The Voices with Ryan Reynolds and a particularly peculiar docu series that took the internet by storm on Netflix called Dont F With Cats, then you will devour this fast pasted novella in a few hours just as I have. Our main character has a very perplexing and jarring personality. Almost immediately I don’t like or trust her, but I’m also dying to know and understand her. At its heart, I think this is a story about the horror that is depression. I think the author did an amazing and surreal job at bringing the symptoms of depression into the physical world and making a mental health problems something real and tangible instead of just in our characters mind. I also really enjoyed the critique of the medical system, and I think many other readers will find the feelings of distrust and disappointment for doctors sadly all too relatable. There’s not much else I can say without spoiling the book, but this is one I definitely think is worth a fever dream of a read. It was compulsively readable and poetically deranged.