What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher

The Specter of War Lingers in Dreams

In the misty forests of Gallacia, where folklore seeps into reality like damp through old stones, T. Kingfisher weaves a tale that blurs the line between waking and dreaming. “What Feasts at Night,” the eagerly awaited sequel to “What Moves the Dead,” plunges readers back into the world of Alex Easton, a retired soldier whose encounters with the supernatural are far from over. As autumn’s chill settles over the land, Kingfisher crafts a story that’s part ghost story, part psychological thriller, and entirely engrossing.

A Soldier’s Haunted Homecoming

The Weight of Past and Present

Alex Easton, our beloved protagonist from “What Moves the Dead,” returns to their family’s hunting lodge in Gallacia, hoping for rest after the harrowing events at the Usher estate. But peace, it seems, is not in the cards for our intrepid hero. The lodge, once a place of childhood memories, has become a nexus of eerie silence and local superstition. Kingfisher expertly builds tension from the moment Easton arrives, finding the caretaker dead and whispers of a “breath-stealing monster” on everyone’s lips.

Dreams and Reality Intertwine

Kingfisher’s strength lies in her ability to blur the lines between the tangible and the ethereal. Easton’s experiences—both in waking life and in dreams—become increasingly difficult to distinguish. The author’s prose is atmospheric, drawing readers into a world where the veil between reality and nightmare is gossamer-thin. It’s a testament to Kingfisher’s skill that even as readers question what’s real, they remain firmly anchored in Easton’s perspective.

Gothic Horror with a Modern Twist

Folklore Meets Psychology

What sets “What Feasts at Night” apart is its deft blend of traditional Gothic elements with a nuanced exploration of trauma and memory. The “moroi,” a creature from Gallacian folklore, serves as both a supernatural threat and a metaphor for the lingering effects of war. Kingfisher doesn’t shy away from addressing Easton’s PTSD, referred to as “soldier’s heart,” giving depth to both character and plot.

A Cast of Compelling Characters

While Easton remains the heart of the story, the supporting cast shines. From the gruff but loyal Angus to the indomitable Widow Botezatu, each character feels fully realized. Miss Potter, returning from the first book, adds a touch of scientific rationality that plays well against the superstitious backdrop of rural Gallacia.

Strengths and Weaknesses

What Works

1. Atmosphere: Kingfisher excels at creating a palpable sense of unease. The Gallacian setting is richly drawn, with its damp forests and local legends adding layers to the horror.
2. Character Development: Easton’s internal struggles are as compelling as their external ones. The exploration of PTSD through a supernatural lens is particularly effective.
3. Pacing: The story moves at a brisk clip, with moments of quiet dread punctuated by heart-pounding terror.
4. Humor: Despite the dark themes, Kingfisher’s trademark wit shines through, providing necessary moments of levity.

Room for Improvement

1. Plot Complexity: At times, the multiple threads of folklore, personal history, and current events can feel a bit tangled.
2. Secondary Character Arcs: While well-drawn, some supporting characters could benefit from more fully realized arcs of their own.
3. World-Building: For readers new to the series, some aspects of Gallacian culture and history might benefit from more explanation.

A Worthy Sequel

“What Feasts at Night” stands strong on its own merits, but it’s even more rewarding for those who have read “What Moves the Dead.” Kingfisher builds on the foundation laid in the first book, deepening our understanding of Easton and the world they inhabit. The callbacks to the events at the Usher estate are subtle but meaningful, enriching the overall narrative without overshadowing the new story.

Series Progression

For fans of the Sworn Soldier series, this second installment represents a significant evolution. While “What Moves the Dead” was a reimagining of Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “What Feasts at Night” strikes out on its own, drawing more heavily from Eastern European folklore and Kingfisher’s boundless imagination. It’s a move that pays off, expanding the series’ scope and hinting at even more intriguing adventures to come.

The Kingfisher Touch

Signature Style

T. Kingfisher (a pen name for Ursula Vernon) has carved out a unique niche in the world of speculative fiction. Her ability to blend horror, humor, and heart is on full display in “What Feasts at Night.” Fans of her other works, such as “The Twisted Ones” or “The Hollow Places,” will find familiar comfort in her storytelling voice, even as she pushes into new territory.

Comparison to Contemporary Gothic

In the landscape of modern Gothic literature, Kingfisher’s work stands out for its accessibility and warmth. Unlike the cold, distant tone of some Gothic tales, “What Feasts at Night” invites readers in, making them feel like they’re huddled around a fire, listening to a master storyteller spin a yarn that’s equal parts terrifying and comforting.

Final Thoughts

A Feast for the Imagination

“What Feasts at Night” is a worthy addition to the Sworn Soldier series and to the Gothic horror genre as a whole. Kingfisher has crafted a tale that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned, like mist clinging to the branches of a Gallacian forest.

Who Should Read This?

• Fans of Gothic horror with a modern twist
• Readers who enjoy folklore-inspired tales
• Anyone looking for LGBTQ+ representation in speculative fiction
• Those who appreciate a blend of humor and horror

While not without its flaws, “What Feasts at Night” is a compelling, atmospheric read that will satisfy both longtime Kingfisher fans and newcomers to her work.

The Verdict

T. Kingfisher’s “What Feasts at Night” is a haunting exploration of the monsters that lurk in our minds and in the shadows. With its rich atmosphere, complex characters, and deft handling of weighty themes, it’s a book that demands to be read with the lights on—and then immediately discussed with fellow readers. Whether you’re returning to Gallacia or visiting for the first time, Kingfisher’s latest offering is a journey well worth taking.

A Note on the Series

For those new to T. Kingfisher’s Sworn Soldier series:

1. What Moves the Dead (Book 1): A reimagining of Poe’s classic, introducing Alex Easton and the eerie world they inhabit.
2. What Feasts at Night (Book 2): The current novel, expanding Easton’s story and delving deeper into Gallacian lore.

While each book can be read as a standalone, the experience is richer when read in order. Kingfisher’s growing universe promises more thrills and chills in future installments, and if “What Feasts at Night” is any indication, readers are in for a treat.

So, dear reader, as the nights grow longer and the shadows deeper, why not curl up with “What Feasts at Night”? Just be prepared—you might find yourself checking under the bed before you sleep, and listening a little more closely to the whispers in the dark.