"What Feasts at Night" by T. Kingfisher continues the chilling journey initiated in "What Moves the Dead," reintroducing us to beloved characters in a nightmarish nineteenth-century Europe. This horror novella delves into the unsettling lore of the moroi, a vampire-like entity that preys upon the vitality of the sleeping. Kingfisher expertly maintains a well-paced narrative, weaving suspense and atmosphere throughout the tale. Particularly captivating are the dream sequences, which add layers of intrigue and mystique to the story. "What Feasts at Night" is a compelling read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

I loved What Moves the Dead. It was one of my favourite books of 2022. When it was announced that T. Kingfisher would be writing a sequel, I was beyond excited. Thankfully, What Feasts at Night kept all the tonality, dark humour, mystery, imagery, and horror that I loved in the first book, but repackaged it with a brand new, fully developed plot reminiscent of a genre classic.
Having now read both books, I can comfortably say that one of the things I kind of adore with the Sworn Soldier series is how these stories are written. To me, both novels seem to harken back to classic detective fiction. Old favourites like Pierrot, Sherlock Holmes, and even a little Philip Marlowe. Alex Easton feels like one of those characters. This is mostly due to the style of the narrative present in both What Moves the Dead and What Feasts at Night—intensely plot driven murder mysteries that offer a camaraderie with the characters as opposed to an explicit focus on their development in a single novel. I think really the only difference is that while classic detective fiction is a whodunnit, Kingfisher’s more fantastical take brings in an element of what-dunnit? There is an evenly poured mixture of both science and paranormal to offer both a rational and irrational answer to the mysteries encountered, and I like that. It pulls the plot firmly away from clean conclusions and pushes it more in the direction of horror; really allowing the unnerving imagery that T. Kingfisher seems to excel at to shine through.
Overall, I loved this book just as much as I did the first and I fully see it becoming a memorable favourite of 2024 despite the fact it is only February.

(Joint review posted on The Library Ladies blog on February 12)

Kate's Thoughts:

When Serena told me there was going to be a new "Sworn Soldier" story, I knew that I was already game to read it because of how much I enjoyed "What Moves the Dead". I wasn't sure of what to expect, as while the first book in the series was a retelling of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher", I didn't know if Kingfisher intended to do more Poe, or another classic horror author/story. But when I saw the description and saw that it had a 'breath stealing monster', and that the title implied that it was happening at night, I FLIPPED because I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE A NIGHT HAG!!!

HELL YEAH, one of my favorite folklore beings that fills me with ALL THE DREAD! (source)

Quick folklore lesson: a Night Hag, also known as a Boo Hag, a Mare, Karabasan, Witch Riding, and many other things, is almost certainly sleep paralysis, in which someone wakes in the middle of the night, unable to move, with a feeling of something pressing on your chest making it hard to breathe. I have been obsessed with Night Hag mythology ever since I went to Savannah for the first time and was fully terrified by the idea of a demonic force sitting on your chest and sucking your essence out of you while you slept. So "What Feasts at Night" is one HUNDRED percent up my alley, and I loved what Kingfisher did with it within her fictional setting of Gallacia. The slow build up of Alex slowly realizing that the people in the community they have recently returned to are falling ill by something mysterious and unknown, and starting to realize that perhaps it isn't just superstition, was a great slow burn of eeriness and the exact kind of unsettling atmosphere I would want and expect from a Night Hag story. But Kingfisher always knows how to balance out the scares with some humorous moments as well, and there were PLENTY of moments that I was laughing out loud as well as reveling in the creepiness of the plot. And finally, I liked getting to know Alex a little bit more, whether it's through flashbacks to their time in combat and how they are still coping with that, or with seeing them interact with familiar faces as well as new ones as they try to figure out what killed their old friend, and what may be targeting others as well.

"What Feasts at Night" was another spooky and spirited horror lite story from T. Kingfisher! Love seeing Night Hags in any story, and this one was pretty well done!

Serena's Thoughts

Unlike Kate, I had no idea what type of horror story this was drawing from when reading the description. I've read other horror stories about beings that come in dreams or at night and sit on one's chest (and the connection to sleep paralysis) but I didn't know anything about the history of this type of being or any of its names. That's all to say, even without any background knowledge, man, Kingfisher nailed the creepiness of this creature! I've never had sleep paralysis, but I do have "exploding head syndrome" fairly regularly, so I have a visceral reaction to this sort of story about some nefarious being/thing taking advantage of the vulnerability of sleep. While the horror stuff was definitely a slow burn affair, when it arrived, it was truly creepy. There was one scene in particular with the horses that really stuck with me, both because it was so viscerally horrifying, but also because...never mess with the horses!!

As for the rest of it, like Kate, I wasn't sure what to expect from a return to this world. The first book was so successful on its own, perfectly introducing this character and world and neatly wrapping up that tale by the end in a way that felt complete. But I was pleasantly surprised by what we got here. Alex remains an excellent lead character with a distinct, often hilarious, POV. I also really enjoyed that the story took place in their homeland of Gallacia. We heard a decent amount about this fictional country in the first book, but we got even more here. I loved the whole "lovingly exasperated" take that Alex and the locals seem to have about their own country and its culture and history. Again, lots of laugh-out-loud lines to be found here.

Overall, I loved this book just as much as the first! Sign me up for a return to this world and character at any time! Can't wait to find what other normal life event (like sleep) Kingfisher will manage to make terrifying for me...

Serena's Rating 8: Leave it to Kingfisher to write a book that left me terrified to go to sleep but also cackling my way through the night.

Kate's Rating 8: A fun take on Night Hag mythology and folklore, "What Feasts at Night" is scary, entertaining, and another enjoyable horror lite tale from T. Kingfisher!

I have enjoyed some of the author's previous books so I requested this one. I understood that it was a companion novel but early on I realized that I did not have enough information to properly read and review this title.

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

I really enjoyed this follow up to What Moves the Dead! It can work as a standalone, but I say read What Moves the Dead first anyway. I love the lush, atmospheric prose! The setting is perfection. I continue to be impressed by T. Kingfisher's writing and stories!

"Nature creates horrors enough all by itself."

Here's another creepy and atmospheric tale from one of my favorite authors.

Alex Easton, the much beleaguered retired soldier is back. This time his supernatural foe isn't a fungus among us, but a nocturnal visitor who sucks the life out of her unconscious victims. I thought the ghost/demon was a little too easily vanquished, but Kingfisher sure knows how to weave a mesmerizing story.

'What Feasts At Night' is an incredible follow-up to T. Kingfisher's 'What Moves The Dead' and a continuation of the Poe-inspired universe. T. Kingfisher has become my go-to for gothic horrors, the writing in this novella is engaging, visceral and addictive. Truly, the Poe of our generation - I said what I said.

I’m not a thriller/mystery/horror reader, but I think I’d read anything this author would write. I thoroughly enjoyed both books and loved that they were quick reads.

The way I was DESPERATELY checking my Netgalley account each day in hopes that my request would be granted! So, from the jump let's just go ahead and say:
Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Nightfire for my early review copy in exchange for an honest review (and for making my February!).

I just loved this book! I really hope there are more novellas in this Sworn Soldier series because I just love everything about Alex Easton and I'm not ready to say goodbye. We even get the return of Hob (god love this silly horse), Angus, and Miss Potter and like last time, none of them disappointed.

What Feasts at Night moved away from the Poe retelling and told a story that was all it's own and just as wonderful. Alex and Angus arrive at the old Easton hunting lodge only to find that the caretaker is gone, and a rumor about an invisible monster that sits on your chest and steals your breath as you sleep is tearing through town -- but certainly those two things can't be connected!?

What Moves the Dead really seemed to focus on grief and sitting with one's grief throughout the story, while this book seems to have a conversation about the locality of PTSD. This idea that trauma isn't an event as much as a place we often can't help but return to just really stuck with me!

"I sometimes think the fundamental disconnect with civilians is that they think a war is an event, something neatly bounded on either end by dates. What anyone who's lived through one can tell you is that it's actually a place. You're there and the you leave, but places don't stop existing just because you aren't looking at them. The war's still there. I don't live in it anymore, but it's right over there... And sometimes, for a little while, I slip over into that other place. The war." (Chapter 9)

I'm always amazed at how much of a punch Kingfisher is able to pack into such a small number of pages.

What Feasts at Night is the perfect balance of atmospheric horror, suspense, and the horrors of the everyday. It's filled with just the right amount of dread, gore, livrit, and humor. It is both cozy and disturbing; comforting and unsettling.

Kingfisher really is a master of the horror genre! And while I will eagerly read anything that she puts out, I secretly hope we get to return to Gallacia!

Final rating: 4.5/5 stars

I read this twice, once to myself and once out loud to my partner. It wasn't particularly compelling either time; I love Alex and kan's thoughts on the war and kan's relationship to Angus, I like Miss Potter and her stiff upper lip, but would honestly rather read a romantic comedy or some charming misadventures between all of them. The moroi wasn't particularly frightening or compelling, although her physical description toward the end of the book was pretty cool, and while I think I get where Kingfisher was going with the turn this took toward the end re: fighting, it felt like it came out of nowhere and unraveled the story for me.

The nitty-gritty: I wanted the gothic creepiness of What Moves the Dead, but instead this sequel lacked the elements that made the first book so good.

I absolutely loved What Moves the Dead last year, and I was honestly surprised to see Kingfisher had written a sequel. The story felt complete to me, but nevertheless I was excited to read What Feasts at Night. Unfortunately, this one didn’t really work for me, as it was missing some of the key ingredients I’ve come to expect from a Kingfisher book. The story was downright boring for the first half, and it only became interesting once the moroi made an appearance. Yes, there are some sweet, feel good moments between the characters, and I did like the way the author explored the themes of PTSD and trauma, but overall this was a lackluster, disappointing story.

We meet up with Alex and Angus from the last book, as they are traveling home to Gallacia after spending time in Paris. Alex is a sworn soldier, dedicated to dropping everything to go to battle if necessary, but they are grateful to be on leave and able to go home, if only for a brief time. Once they arrive at Alex’s hunting lodge, they are unsettled to find it abandoned. Codrin, the caretaker, is missing, and by the looks of it has been gone for weeks. After asking around in the village, they discover that poor Codrin has died, but the villagers are reluctant to reveal any details about his death.

It isn’t until Bors, the grandson of the village woman they hire to take Codrin’s place, falls ill and complains of strange dreams and a horrible weight sitting on his chest that Alex begins to dig into some of the local rumors and mythologies. A creature called a moroi has made an appearance in the village, a creature taking the form of a moth or a beautiful woman (or both) who comes at night and steals people’s breath. Could Codrin have been killed by the moroi? And how will they help Bors? When Alex starts to dream of moths and women, they realize they might be next.

And that’s the story, pretty much. A lot of time is spent in Alex’s head, reflecting on their experiences as a soldier and the horrors they’ve lived through on the battlefield. Alex suffers from “soldier’s heart,” or PTSD as we would call it, and they see the world through these experiences—although the reader is only left to imagine what they might be. Once Alex starts having weird dreams about the moroi, they are sure the dreams are a result of their affliction and not an actual malevolent creature. But that’s the funny thing about dreams. It’s hard to tell what’s real and what isn’t, which is one reason I don’t get along very well with stories that use dreams as a story device. The moroi here felt insubstantial and, yes, dreamlike, and it just didn’t scare me at all.

And while Kingfisher’s writing is as sparkling and humorous as ever, those passages that made me chuckle were few and far between. The whole story has a ponderous, heavy feel to it, much different from the author’s usual lighter tone. I also missed the Eugenia Potter who was such a delight in the first book. Here she’s really just a side character, obsessed with mushrooms and other fungi but not very interesting at all.

My favorite character by far was a surprise to me: the acerbic Widow Botezatu, who takes over care of the lodge after Codrin dies. She’s a firm believer in the supernatural, especially the moroi, and is convinced it’s the creature who is causing her grandson Bors’ illness. She follows the superstitions of old, like putting knives under your pillow at night to ward off evil. She also clashed horribly with Alex in the beginning, adding some much needed conflict to the story.

And oddly enough, my favorite part of the book was an offhand tale about how the nearby town of Wolf’s Ear got its name. This was the sort of classic Kingfisher I was expecting, and I wanted more of it.

Not my favorite T. Kingfisher story, obviously. But as she’s a favorite author, I will always look forward to whatever she writes next.

With thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.

A welcome continuation of what felt like a story that ended too soon. As with other works of T. Kingfisher's that I have read, the devil's in the details, particularly with the atmosphere that Kingfisher is able to create and make you feel wholly a part of the story itself. Having much of the cast of characters that were first introduced in 'What Moves the Dead' be featured again was also welcome. Particularly the lovable Hob and the delight that is Ms. Potter being a nod to Beatrix Potter. I was surprised and delighted to find out that 'What Moves the Dead' ended up not being a standalone retelling and even more thrilled to have the opportunity for an ARC. As with the first, the beautiful cover art cannot be missed either and I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy to go along with its equally beautiful companion on my shelves.

The follow-up to What Moves the Dead.
Did we need this? No
Did it add to the character's depth? yes

T. Kingfisher always does a tremendous slow pace with excellent atmospheric tones to a book and they accomplished this again here.

At its heart, this story held a lot of talk and moments dealing with PTSD and being a soldier. The instances in the past book and in our main character's life before when they were involved in a war were explored more. We actually say it comes to light about their trauma and how terrifying it was. The 'supernatural' part of the story did assist with this but I truly don't think it added more else.

Once again a very good atmospheric short novel by T. Kingfisher. I would definitely continue this series however how long it goes.
I love that it has creepy elements, but it's not overbearing (even though, I thought the first novel was more spooky and I liked it better). It is very slow and the characters are very much importants with good dialogues (but once again, I did prefer the sass of the first one).
And those covers. These books as objects are pure art.

I love T. Kingfisher and this novella is a perfect example of why. The wit in her writing and the spark in her storytelling are paramount to great books. I like that this little book packs a big punch. The characters, old and new, are delightfully real and well developed. The plot felt fresh and well put together. I look forward to more Easton novels as well as anything else this author wants to write.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Tor Nightfiare and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this novel by the one-and-only T. Kingfisher, with the audio perfectly narrated by Avi Roque - 4.5 creepy stars!

In this follow-up to the wonderful What Moves the Dead, a fabulous retelling of Poe's The House of Usher, we once again meet Alex Easton, retired soldier, his friend and groom, Angus, and horse, Hob, return to their family hunting lodge for a much-needed rest. But upon their arrival, they discover the caretaker is dead and the lodge in shambles. Village rumors talk of a breath-stealing creature who has taken up residence in the lodge.

It was wonderful to reunite with these characters. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you really should read What Moves the Dead to get the backstories of the characters. This is less horror and more creepy, spine-tingling, with a touch of Kingfisher's wit thrown in. Interesting thoughts about PTSD and trauma as well. Quick read and the audio narration was great!

What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher was such a creepy and atmospheric read and I enjoyed it very much. I know that the first in this series follows the Fall of the House of Usher and I wasn't sure how it was going to continue but I was pleasantly surprised by it. It was more of an original story with characters we met in the first book. As always, T. Kingfisher has such a way of creating a weird atmosphere in her books but it works so well. This was suspenseful and I was flying through reading this because I wanted to know what was going to happen. It was unsettling in the best way possible.

T. Kingfisher does not disappoint with this new installment in the Sworn Soldier series. The first in the series left me wondering about Easton's homeland Gallacia, and I was happy to discover that What Feasts at Night delivers all the worldbuilding info I was so curious about! Gallacian culture and traditions are peppered throughout the text, and built upon in a way that it enriches the plot, which makes for excellent worldbuilding.

As always we are thrown into a dreary scenario, but Kingfisher's humour is always present to pierce through the gloom. Miss Potter, wanting to be a good guest, acquires a Gallacian phrasebook, which leads to many humorous encounters as the phrases in question are for the most part vulgar and outdated. Here too the group is faced once again with a force they cannot understand.

I've come to like how Easton responds to conflict, not quite logically like a detective would, but rational nonetheless. And with heart. The whole cast of characters are charming and absolutely endearing. I am very much looking forward to following Easton's adventures.

Thank you, T. Kingfisher, Tor publishing group, and NetGalley for the ARC.

"The follow-up to T. Kingfisher's bestselling gothic novella, What Moves the Dead.

Retired soldier, Alex Easton, returns in a horrifying new adventure.

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."

All at once everyone I know read What Moves the Dead and now I am among them clamoring for this book.

As with the first in the series, this is a gothic style, slow burn plot. It's creepy, but not your standard horror. There's a good sense of place and folklore. There are small references to the events in the first book and, though not entirely necessary, I would recommend reading it prior to this.