I have resolved this year to push my reading comfort zone, which is something I lightly dipped my toes into last year by reading the first book in Kingfisher's Sworn Soldier series, What Moves the Dead (ARC Review linked). So when I saw What Feasts at Night available for request on Netgalley, I knew I needed to see what I thought of this one. And the thing is, even after reading it, I'm not really sure.

What Feasts at Night still follows Alex Easton, Angus, and Miss Potter, who in this book are going to stay in Alex's hunting lodge situation in Gallacia. Alex uses pronouns unique to this world, but because I only ever listen, I'm not sure how to spell them, so for the purpose of this review, I will use they/them. Anyway, essentially, Alex's hunting lodge was being cared for by a man who is now deceased and people in the village are being weird about that. Angus can only get one widow and her grandson to agree to come take care of the cottage. There is a story floating around about some otherworldly entity that can kill a person and Alex is very convinced that such an entity does not exist. Obviously.

What I love about both What Feasts and Night and What Moves the Dead is the way that Alex tells the story. What I mean by that is that both books are told from their perspective, but more specifically told as if Alex is telling YOU the story, which makes it especially effective in audio format. I love the way that perspective is utilized in this book because Alex would specifically say at times, "I'm sure you're thinking" and I was in fact screaming in my head OH MY GOD, THAT THING ON YOU IS THE THING EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT. So it was a fun narrative experience. I can't really speak to why I ultimately didn't like this book as much as What Moves the Dead, partially because I'm not actually convinced that I didn't. I ultimately gave this a three star upon completion, but as I'm sitting here writing this review, I feel like that may have been more harsh than necessary. The horror in this book is a slow build, but also, the foreshadowing elements are present from the very first page. So it's an interesting way that it's told. I think the problem is that while I did feel like Kingfisher did a fantastic job writing the story she did, ultimately this type of horror proved not to be my favorite. That said, if you loved the first book in this series, I would definitely suggest you give this one a shot as well!

It’s not mushrooms this time. Not that there isn’t something creeping around the old hunting lodge that retired soldier Alex Easton inherited from their family in the remoter parts of their native Gallacia. And not that Easton isn’t still experiencing PTSD and a whole, entire and entirely justified case of the collywobbles at even the thought of anything that might possibly have to do with mushrooms after the fungus-powered monstrosities in Easton’s first outing, What Moves the Dead.

In fact, after the events in What Moves the Dead, it’s not at all surprising that Easton is searching for a bit of peace and quiet. It’s just a surprise that they’ve gone home to Gallacia to find either of those things. Because it is clear from Easton’s opening remarks regarding this trip to their homeland, the whys and wherefores of the whole thing, and their thoughts and feelings about Gallacia and anything to do with it that they would much rather have stayed in Paris.

As Easton makes VERY clear on the way to that hunting lodge they haven’t visited in the past ten years, at least in the conversation they are having with themselves inside the confines of their own head, they are feeling very put upon by this whole trip. Their reluctance, at least, is apparent in the conversation they are having aloud, the one between themselves, their very good horse Hob, their batman and general factotum Angus, and Angus’ mustache, which seems to convey rather strong opinions of its own in spite of not actually being able to say a word.

Besides, it’s all Angus’ fault. Well, Angus’ fault as well as Easton’s own sense of propriety – no matter how much they’d like to let THAT go hang itself at the moment. Because Eugenia Potter, that redoubtable English mycologist who so ably assisted them with the fungal infestation in the House of Usher in What Moves the Dead, has been invited to Gallacia to observe the local fungi, with Easton as her ostensible host.

Honestly, it’s to further Miss Potter’s romance with Angus, but no one is admitting that. It wouldn’t be proper.

Easton planned to arrive at the lodge a few days ahead of Miss Potter, expecting to find the place in reasonable shape, just needing a bit of restocking and tidying up. That’s how Easton remembers it from the last time they were there. But Easton also remembers a caretaker taking care of the place, a caretaker that Easton has been paying a salary to for years and years, and as recently as the preceding month.

So, it’s obvious when Easton and Angus arrive that things are not quite what they expected. The house is a mess, the caretaker is a few months dead, and no one seems to be willing to be employed to help Easton and Angus get the place cleaned up and cleaned out, in spite of the good wages in hard currency that Easton is more than willing to pay in this poverty-stricken village where those things are seldom seen or even heard of.

Which is the point where Easton should have rescinded the invitation to Miss Potter and run back to Paris as fast as their horse’s legs could carry them. Because there’s something uncanny about the caretaker’s death, and there’s something dangerous haunting the old hunting lodge.

At least, this time, it’s not mushrooms.

Escape Rating A-: I’m not sure whether to say that What Feasts at Night isn’t quite as creepy as What Moves the Dead, or to say that it is even creepier. Let’s say I’m creeping along that fence and not sure which side I’ll fall off onto.

What Moves the Dead was a creepy story that turned out to be a bit more scientifically inclined than anything that happens within it might lead the reader to expect.

What Feasts at Night, very much on the other hand, reads much more like a fever dream story about pneumonia and PTSD. Or a ghost story about PTSD. Or a nightmare about a ghost that’s strangely cured or killed through PTSD that only masquerades as being about pneumonia. Or all of the above.

The fever dream aspects of the story, particularly as the pneumonia, or the wandering local vampire/ghost creeps its way into the dreams of both Alex Easton and the grandson of the bitter old woman they finally manage to hire to take care of the house, manage to both make the story even creepier AND slow it down at the same time. Because for the longest time not much happens except in dreams and that’s not a quick process until the end. Not helped at all by the fact that no one local will really EXPLAIN anything about what might be happened, and Easton clearly didn’t get told the right stories when they were growing up.

But at that point, where the dream and the ghost and Easton’s PTSD all emerge on the same battlefield, it’s chilling and riveting and every frightening thing the reader has been expecting all along. It just feels like it takes a while to get there. But then, that’s what dreams do.

One thing that does kick the story along, frequently, often, and with more than a bit of a rueful laugh, is that it’s clear from the volume of conversations that Easton has with themself that the author has never met a Fourth Wall she wasn’t more than willing to batter her way through head first, whether using her protagonist’s head or even her own.

Which is one of the things that made listening to What Feasts at Night so much creepy fun, as the narrator, Avi Roque, has a rough, smoky voice that is perfect for Easton as it lets us inside their wry, sarcastic, self-deprecating head even as they tell both themselves and us that they realize that they should have known better at so many points along the way of the story they are now telling, if only they hadn’t let their logic get in the way of observing what was actually happening around them.

I enjoy Alex Easton’s voice, even when I’m not nearly so certain about the story they are telling. Horror is not my jam, but in this case I’m here for the characters, and Easton’s perspective is compelling even when the story they are in the middle of is creeping me right the hell out.

Fantastic audio narration by Avi Roque, who is now Alex Easton to me! I definitely recommend the audio format, as it brings the story to life. Loved it.

Full Review:

**4.5-stars rounded up**

What Feasts at Night is the 2nd-release in the Sworn Soldier series by one of my favorite authors, T. Kingfisher. When I read the 1st-book in this series, What Moves the Dead, an atmospheric reimagining of Edgar Allen Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher, I believed it to be a standalone novella.

Having loved it as much as I did, imagine my surprise when I learned we were going to be getting more stories following the witty, charming and delightful MC, Alex Easton. Alex has quickly become one of my favorite character perspectives to read from. Kingfisher channels her signature sense of humor beautifully into this character and reading their perspective feels like you are sitting with a friend, as they tell you the most horrifying vacation stories ever.

In this installment, Alex, along with some of the best side characters ever, including Hod, Angus and Miss Potter, travel to Alex's family's hunting lodge, deep in the dark, cold forests of Gallacia. When they arrive the rest and relaxation they were hoping for is impossible to find, as the caretaker has died and the property is in disarray.

The local village is a titter, claiming that a breath-stealing monster, coming in the cover of night, has taken up residence at the hunting lodge. While Alex generally doesn't put much stock in local rumors, or the monsters of lore being real, having just survived what they did at the Usher manor, it's hard to write off the possibility entirely.

Soon things that Alex could have never imagined, nightmare-like situations, begin to become reality. Maybe something is going on in the lodge after all?

I loved this. I'm already excited to read it again and to get a hard copy for my shelves. I'm not sure what the plans are for the Sworn Soldier series, but I truly, truly hope this is not the last we are going to see of these characters.
Whether there is one more to come, or sixty more, I am here for them all!!

Kingfisher succeeded again in making me care so much about these characters and what was happening to them. Even though this is just a novella, it packs a punch. The atmosphere, plot progression and horror imagery, were all so well done. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a dark, gothic story, following fun and engaging characters. If you enjoyed the first book, I definitely think you will love this one as well.

Thanks to the publisher, Tor Nightfire and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review.
I will be keeping my fingers crossed for more Alex Easton!!

What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher is meant to be read on a dark, stormy night, cuddled by a fireplace. The novella follows Alex Easton, a retired soldier, as he returns to his family's hunting lodge, only to discover it in disrepair. Odd things tend to happen in the deep, dark forests of Gallacia. As he investigates what became of his last caretaker, he stumbles upon an old Gallacian myth, but that's all it is- a myth, right?

This story transported me to another time and place and gave me that unsettled feeling of listening to a ghost story. It was well written with beautiful prose and unique characters. I listened to the audiobook, and it added a whole nother layer to the experience. It felt like I was listening to someone read an old journal of theirs, and have them commentating along the way.

A spooky dark forest with a questionable house and locals that don’t like the people staying at the house is exactly what this book needed. The fact that the narrator is Alex and they are in their home country again just makes it all better! And that is only the first little bit of the book! The people Alex has around them and the investigation really made me enjoy this book and experience. I can’t believe I almost didn’t read this duology.

I absolutely love Kingfisher’s work and this is another addition to their list of great accomplishments. This one spoke to me on a personal level as someone who has had to learn to live with PTSD. The usual Kingfisher tropes we all love are here: found family, animal companion, witty MC, and amazing supporting characters. This is not necessarily a sequel to what moves the dead, more of a continuation of Alex Easton’s adventures. The narrator is amazing for this audiobook; if there are more parts to this series, I will definitely be picking them up. Thank you for this advance copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for an advanced copy of What Feasts at Night in exchange for an honest review.

What Feasts at Night is a sequel novella to T. Kingfisher's What Moves the Dead, and it is just as quirky and amusing as the first novella. While What Moves the Dead was probably grosser and more dread-inducing overall, What Feasts at Night does have an ominous, creepy atmosphere and sufficient moments of yuck.

Alex Easton, Angus, Miss Potter (and the indomitable Hobb) return for another supernatural adventure, this time in Easton's family hunting lodge Galatia, where a mysterious creature seems to be invading people's dreams.

I think I enjoyed the first novella a touch more, but What Feasts at Night was nearly as good. I love T. Kingfisher's writing, and Avi Roque's return as narrator of the audiobook was perfect for Easton's wry sense of humor.

I fall a little bit more in love with T. Kingfisher's writing every time I read a new book of hers. Her characters are relatable and perfectly flawed, the dialogue between them is full of wry wit and the settings are usually dark and somewhat whimsical. WHAT FEASTS AT NIGHT, the second installment of her Sworn Soldier series featuring nonbinary, ex-soldier and citizen sleuth character Alex Easton is no exception. Three of my other favorite characters that span these two novellas include Alex's old friend Angus, their horse Hobb, and the amiable and brilliant British mycologist Mrs. Potter, and I was delighted that they all made appearances in this book too! Thank you to the author, @netgalley and the publisher, @tornightfire for the e and audio-ARCs.

In this story, Alex returns to see their cousin Codrin(?) at their family lodge in Gallacia and finds that he has died of a sudden illness. As Alex tries to figure out what happened to their cousin, the grandson of the crotchety old widow that works at Alex's lodge also falls ill will a mysterious ailment. The widow talks about the local folklore which starts to become more reality than Alex would like to admit... a gothic, witchy creature of nightmares.

I absolutely love the character of Alex Easton and the somewhat alternative history that Kingfisher has conjured up in this series where storybook horrors are real, nonbinary and other trans folks are commonplace and there are dangerous creatures lurking about. I for one am very interested in the continuation of this series!!

What is your favorite folklore creature? Banshee? Vampire? Chupacabra? Witch? Werewolf? There are so many to choose from!! I want to catch them all!

💚SMASHBOT💚

#bibliophile #booknerd #bookish #bookstagram #bookishcommunity #booksta #bookreview #tkingfisher #whatfeastsatnight #tornightfire #horrorbooks #novella

I went basically RABID when I was picked to review an audio ARC of this book. I LOVED “What Moves the Dead,” and finding out that there was to be another horrific tale featuring ex-soldier Alex Easton (pronouns ka/kan).

Easton, ka’s batman Angus, and their mycologist friend Eugenia Potter have relocated to one of Easton’s childhood vacation homes. What they all hoped would be a haven of relaxation is quickly turned eerie by learning of the death of the home’s caretaker, and then terrifying as Easton and a new caretaker begin to experience strange dreams.

There’s whispers in town about the old Easton place. They say there’s something old, there. Something hidden. Something hungry.

And now Easton has to go through all this SUPERNATURAL stuff again! Ugh!

This book goes a bit more in-depth on Easton’s past as a soldier, and how what we can now read as PTSD is affecting ka’s life. Ka has flashbacks (some of which become quite plot relevant) and a persistent tinnitus. Add to that a newfound fear of mushrooms and a lot of jitters that are COMPETELY understandable for someone who has just gone through what Easton did in book 1, and the soldier isn’t doing so hot.

I will say, book 1 is a bit better than its sequel, but only just a bit. Not even a half-star difference, they are both full 5-star experiences! If you loved “What Moves the Dead,” or just want a bit of horror and can’t find book 1, go right on ahead! Easton’s past and the setting of Gallacia is explained again here, with no info-dumping, just a logical covering of facts as they become relevant. If you have considered reading both books, do read book 1 FIRST, as the plot does get spoiled in the sequel (reasonably), so you wouldn’t get the full horror of the unknown if you read out of order.

Avi Roque continues their wonderful performance in the second book. I love that a nonbinary actor was chosen for this nonbinary narrative. Their wry reading of Easton fits ka’s personality just right, and then Roque switches right into the constant amusement, kindness, and analytics of Eugenia Potter and the gruffness of…well, everyone else in the narrative, with precision and what seems ease. Great job!

Get this one ASAP! This is definitely getting on TONS of award lists next year!

Another scary episode featuring Alex Easton. After visiting at the horrible Usher Manor, Easton retreats to his family's hunting lodge in Gallacia, with Angus and mycologist Miss Potter. This time Easton manages to dig up a ghost, who attacks in dreams but with deadly effects. Easton himself barely escapes, Despite the horror of this experience, Kingfisher manages to insert her signature bits of humor. Nice performance from narrator, Avi Roque. Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for an advance copy.

What a terrifying, gothic novella full of terror about what preys on the vulnerable at night. Alex Easton continues on in this second novella by T. Kingfisher.

This whole story had such an eerie and dark aura to it, similar to What Moves the Dead. With the twist of folklore – a breath-stealing monster with a broken face – this story unfolds darker and darker.

This story will literally give you the chills! Especially when you can't tell what is real and what is a nightmare!

T. Kingfisher could write a grocery list and I would be first in line to read it! 📋

I cannot get over how well T. Kingfisher blends cozy into horror novels and What Feasts at Night is a perfect representation of that! Atmospherically spooky and hilariously terrifying mixed with a warm cup of tea - this made for a horrifically cozy read!

I absolutely loved What Feasts at Night and can’t wait to see if we will get more books in this fantastic series!

Method Read: 🎧

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy!

This was a quick and pleasant read! I would say that I enjoyed What Moves the Dead a little bit more than this one, mainly because I enjoyed the retelling aspect of the first book. Regardless, I loved the folklore and ongoing mushroom theme, and there was a good balance of humor & paranormal elements. I definitely recommend this if you want to continue the Sworn Soldier series.

Avi Roque is still my #1 fav narrator and I love how they make the characters come to life. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook.

Thank you Tor Nightfire, Macmillan Audio, & NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

In the second installment 0f the Sworn Soldier series, Alex Easton is attempting to find relaxation in their hunting lodge, tucked away deep in the Gallacian forest. When they arrive, however, it's obvious that things are amiss, and the caretaker is dead. Is the lodge haunted? Is there a demonic force wandering about? (It's a T Kingfisher book, so the answer is obviously YES)

I enjoyed the second book in the series, albeit not as much as the first installment. I can't even really say why, I just wasn't as engaged as I was with the first one. It's still a really creepy, atmospheric read, but it took me a while to get into the story, and I didn't have the urge to binge it like I did the first.

You really should read the books in order, as you get a lot of information about the characters and the dynamics of their interactions, and it's crucial to the stories that you understand them.

I received a free audiobook copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

I listened to this ~4-hour audiobook during a long day of driving around town, and it was a fun, funny, and only sometimes body horror-y companion through my errands. Narrator Avi Roque is so engaging to listen to and did a lovely job bringing Alex Easton to life. And author T. Kingfisher has provided so many small but impactful bits of world building here to bring Gallacia to life, from shutters carved with turnips to folk sayings and more. Overall, a solid sequel!
P.S. This will always and forever be a Hob stan account!

Only T Kingfisher can manage to make this balance of folky atmospheric setting, creepiness, and dry humor work.

What Feasts at Night is good but I did not love it as much as What Moves the Dead.

When requested this audiobook, I was aware of the fame of T. Kingfisher, but I wasn't aware this is the second part of the story told earlier. And on top of that, it was my first book read by this author. So it seemed like there were a lot of expectations to meet. Yet, the audiobook narrator and the author delivered something I truly enjoyed. I'm not going to go into the plot because I'm not sure how much of it would be a potential spoiler. But I loved what the story wanted to tell, and I appreciated the mental health approach to summarizing the consequences of the war in general. With a cast of diverse and engaging characters, the audiobook was a treat. I didn't need much more, and I will definitely come back to it when I read the first part.


**** The ISBN cannot be found of Goodreads, hence I will be adding this review under audiobook version manually ****
**** The review including the posting on my social media will be posted the day of the premiere ****

Overall, I thought this was a good sequel to What Moves the Dead. T. Kingfisher's method of story telling includes well crafted prose and strong imagery.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.

Let me start by saying that at this point I will read anything T. Kingfisher puts out. I loved the first book, What Moves the Dead. This sequel is not quite as good; however, if you read the first book, please read this one. Alex Easton is such a great main character, and we get to learn a bit more about them as they have another run in with local lore. It takes a little longer to get as creepy as the first one, but I still love where it ended up.

Rating 4/5

Whenever possible I try to listen to the audiobook as well as the actual book to really see about purchasing for our library! I enjoyed this audiobook and I thought the narration was pretty good - not the best I’ve heard but not the worst that is for sure! Sorry wise as I mentioned in my review of the actual book I really enjoyed it and loved the characters but it wasn’t my favorite from T. Kingfisher.