Thursday, February 6, 2025

What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher

Terror, trauma, and folklore collide in this Gothic horror masterpiece

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"What Feasts at Night" is a triumph of modern Gothic horror. Kingfisher has crafted a tale that's at once familiar and fresh, comforting in its genre trappings yet startling in its originality. It's a book that demands to be read by candlelight, preferably on a dark and stormy night.

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In the misty, melancholic world of Gothic horror, few authors have managed to capture the essence of dread quite like T. Kingfisher. With “What Feasts at Night,” the second installment in her Sworn Soldier series, Kingfisher proves once again that she’s a master of the macabre, serving up a deliciously unsettling tale that will have readers sleeping with the lights on—and perhaps a knife under their pillow.

The Haunting Continues

Following the spine-chilling events of “What Moves the Dead,” our beloved protagonist Alex Easton returns for another hair-raising adventure. This time, the retired soldier finds themselves far from the rotting walls of the Usher manor, but no less entangled in the supernatural. Kingfisher’s deft prose transports us to the damp, forbidding forests of Gallacia, where ancient superstitions still hold sway and the line between folklore and reality blurs like morning mist.

A Feast for the Senses

Kingfisher’s writing is a sensory experience, rich with the earthy scents of pine and decay, the chill of autumn air, and the oppressive silence of deep woods. Her descriptions are vivid enough to make readers feel as if they’re trudging through the mud alongside Easton, hearts pounding with each snap of a twig or flutter of moth wings.

Characters That Breathe (When They Can)

  • Alex Easton: Our non-binary protagonist returns, as dry-witted and endearing as ever. Easton’s soldier’s heart (PTSD) adds layers of complexity to their character, making their struggle against the supernatural all the more gripping.
  • Angus: Easton’s faithful companion, whose gruff exterior belies a heart of gold.
  • The Widow Botezatu: A cantankerous local whose superstitions may hold more truth than Easton initially believes.
  • Bors: The Widow’s gentle giant of a grandson, whose illness becomes central to the plot.

Each character is crafted with care, their personalities as distinct as the Gallacian landscape. The dynamics between them crackle with tension, humor, and unexpected tenderness.

A Plot That Creeps and Crawls

  1. The discovery of a dead caretaker sets the stage for mystery.
  2. Strange dreams and even stranger waking moments blur the lines of reality.
  3. Local legends of the “moroi”—a breath-stealing monster—begin to seem less like superstition and more like a terrifying truth.
  4. Easton must confront not only external threats but their own skepticism and trauma.

Kingfisher weaves these elements together with the skill of a master storyteller, creating a narrative that’s part ghost story, part psychological thriller, and wholly engrossing.

Themes That Haunt Long After the Last Page

  • The power of belief and superstition
  • The lingering effects of trauma and war
  • The blurry line between dreams and reality
  • The strength found in unexpected friendships

These themes add depth to what could have been a simple ghost story, elevating “What Feasts at Night” to something more profound and resonant.

A Style All Her Own

Kingfisher’s prose is a delight, blending humor and horror in a way that few authors can manage. Her ability to find moments of levity in the darkest situations keeps the story from becoming oppressively grim, while never undercutting the genuine scares. The first-person narrative allows readers to experience Easton’s growing unease and doubt firsthand, making the creeping dread all the more palpable.

Comparisons and Connections

While “What Feasts at Night” stands well on its own, it’s best appreciated as a companion to “What Moves the Dead.” Readers familiar with the first book will appreciate the callbacks and the deepening of Easton’s character. Fans of classic Gothic horror will find echoes of Poe and Le Fanu, but with a thoroughly modern sensibility.

Room for Improvement?

No book is without its flaws, and “What Feasts at Night” does occasionally stumble:

  • The pacing in the middle section can drag slightly, with perhaps one too many descriptions of the gloomy Gallacian landscape.
  • Some readers might find the resolution a bit too neat, given the complexity of the setup.
  • The supporting cast, while colorful, could use a bit more development in places.

Final Thoughts: A Feast Worth Savoring

Despite these minor quibbles, “What Feasts at Night” is a triumph of modern Gothic horror. Kingfisher has crafted a tale that’s at once familiar and fresh, comforting in its genre trappings yet startling in its originality. It’s a book that demands to be read by candlelight, preferably on a dark and stormy night.

For fans of the genre, this is a must-read. For those new to Kingfisher’s work, it’s an excellent introduction to her unique blend of horror, humor, and heart. Just be prepared – you might find yourself checking under your bed before you turn out the lights.

Who Should Read This?

  • Fans of Gothic horror with a modern twist
  • Readers who enjoyed “What Moves the Dead
  • Anyone who appreciates a good ghost story with depth
  • Those who like their scares served with a side of wit

Who Should Skip It?

  • Readers who prefer their horror graphically violent
  • Those who dislike ambiguity in their supernatural tales
  • People with a phobia of moths (seriously, there are a lot of moths)

In the end, “What Feasts at Night” is like the best Gallacian dishes—rich, complex, and leaving you hungry for more. Here’s hoping T. Kingfisher has more courses planned for this delightfully dreadful feast.

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"What Feasts at Night" is a triumph of modern Gothic horror. Kingfisher has crafted a tale that's at once familiar and fresh, comforting in its genre trappings yet startling in its originality. It's a book that demands to be read by candlelight, preferably on a dark and stormy night.What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher