What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher
Sworn Soldier #2
Fantasy/Horror
February 13, 2024- Tor Nightfire
ARC

Alex and Angus are travelling back home to Gallacia to make ready the family hunting lodge for Miss Potter, who will be meeting up with them shortly. Alex hasn’t heard from the caretaker for quite some time, and once they arrive at their destination, they realize the reason. When they inquire in town there are whispers and superstitions among the townspeople. No one wants to take the job as caretaker, but they luck out by hiring a cantankerous widow and her grandson. It doesn’t take long for them to realize that something is very wrong with the hunting lodge– strange silences, a creepy stillness, and terrifying dreams that steal their very breath.

As a huge fan of this author, I was simply delighted for a second entry in the Sworn Soldier series which follows retired soldier Alex Easton. This is a fast read at only 147 pages, but it is big on the creepiness. The lovely Miss Potter has also returned, and she lightens every page, despite the dreariness of the backdrop. I’m here for a romance between her and Angus. Alex is once again tested by supernatural powers and I was on the edge of my seat, hoping for the best, but fearing the worst. Especially for the kindhearted Bors.

All ends well, but the journey there is a dark, gothic delight.

Grade- B

The Briar Book of the Dead by A.G. Slatter
Fantasy/Horror
February 13, 2024- Titan Books
Library Book

This author has fast become one of my very favorite fantasy horror novelists. While this isn’t a series, The Briar Book of the Dead occurs in an established world by this author, following All the Murmuring Bones and The Path of Thorns.

This is a book about a family of witches, who run the small town of Silverton, right on the edge of the Darklands and far away from the main city of Lodellan, where the Church is the greatest threat to witches. Through their ancestry they’ve secured a dispensation that keeps them safe and in return they keep the town safe from the Leech Lords and running smoothly. Ellie Briar is different from her cousins as she has no real magic, oh she can work potions and chant, but magic still eludes her even after so many deep cuts and blood that should have brought it forward. But this doesn’t stop her from becoming integral to the running of Silverton.

Ellie is a fabulous character, and she captured my attention right from the first page. This is a winding story, that may seem to take a bit to get to its conclusion but is riveting along the way. The worldbuilding has depth and complexity, and the history of the Briar witches is fascinating. I so enjoyed reading how they shaped the town of Silverton, both by their truths and falsehoods. This is a tale full of mysterious creatures, small and large magics, and one strong woman who ends up saving them all.

Very much enjoyed.

Grade- B