Night Nation

Twilight Kingdom #2

by H.J. Tolson

Candle Enys is no longer human.A demon owns her soul, and the only way to set things right is to travel to the one place no human should ever go. The Night Nation. Where the dead roam and spirits flood the sky. Where monsters hold court and the very land itself might wake at any moment. With her wings, her magic, and her wits, Candle must find the demon and kill him, all the while contending with the denizens of the Night. New friends, foes, and complicated family history await, if only she can catch her breath.The Night Nation is full of dreams and promise, but does Candle belong there?A dark young adult fantasy with progression elements.

Genres: Fantasy

383 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2023

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

YESSSS this was PHENOMENAL! 🐉 Night Nation as a book and as a realm is such a magnificent trip. It’s terrifying and dangerous but it is also beautiful — from the morphing dungeons (with Candle seeing shit her asshole demon wants her to see) to the enchanting night market, from the dragons (don’t talk to them) (Candle stays for a sleepover) to the mysterious beings with the silver horns (avoid them at all cost) (Candle practically adopts one). I already enjoyed Twilight Kingdom a lot, and I loved Night Nation even more. Also holy shit that ending CRUSHED me and I cannot wait for the follow-up! 👏❤️

[laughingzebra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this one as much.

If you’re going to write a sequel, please don’t change the entire cast of characters. I can’t make myself care one iota about any of them. You know who I do care about? The characters I got attached to last time. Like the guy who has sacrificed a lot to help her, claimed her as family, and is waiting for her at the gate. You know, where time is passing at an accelerated rate?

I’ve got issues with grief. It’s a whole thing and I try to give stories some leeway in this department. But surely I’m not the only one who thinks this girl is a major asshole for leaving her friends to think she’d dead for god knows how long? Because she had a very tiny chance of success to start with. I mean, if you have a little decency at least go back to tell them you’re ok and return. Then I might be able to enjoy it.

But I can’t. I’ve read around 60% and I’m just pissed off.

On a more subjective note, I personally don’t enjoy quest plot lines. Or anything heist-adjacent. It’s an awful combination of anxiety and boredom. This was a lot of going from point A (the gate) to point B (the crypt) with rabbit trails all over the place along the way. I needed this girl to go and get her shit done, and return to finish her story. There’s a whole war going on. Maybe this happens after the 60% mark. If so, it took too long.

So I’m letting this one go.