The Midnight Factory

by Russell Luyt

Shimmer makes you forget—until it takes everything.

In the rain-soaked country of New Albion, forgetting has become a way of life. Shimmer offers brief escape from fear, hunger and grief. It also keeps the population obedient, numbed and watched.

Anouk Walker isn’t looking for revolution. She’s only trying to survive, one dose at a time. But when a late-night raid tears her closest friend away, survival is no longer enough. Someone she loves is disappearing, piece by piece, inside a system designed to make people look away.

As Anouk searches for a way to bring him back, she is forced deeper into a world of state violence, institutional control, and impossible choices. Memory is fragile. Loyalty is dangerous. Even hope carries a cost. The more she learns, the clearer it becomes: escape and control are inseparable—and no one walks free without leaving something behind.

A dark, emotionally charged dystopian novel about addiction, complicity, and the price of resisting a system built to break you.

Perfect for readers of intelligent, character-driven dystopian fiction.


The Midnight Factory is Book 1 in a dystopian series that delivers a haunting blend of survival, addiction and rebellion.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ — Readers’ Favorite
"It shows that through small acts of kindness—and even through courageous acts of defiance—hope can still shine in the darkest of places."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ — Reedsy Discovery
"The story is told at a masterful pace... each revelation about the true nature of the world hits like a gut punch... Tender humanity and hope bloom amid the bleakest, most desperate dystopia."

★ ★ ★ ★ — IndieReader
"A philosophical work of speculative fiction exploring the consequences of a secretive institution capable of harvesting and manipulating human memory and in turn, challenges the sense of autonomy."

Genres: Dystopia, Science Fiction, Mystery

352 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2025

About the author

Russell Luyt grew up in South Africa before moving to the United Kingdom, where he built a career in social psychology and academic writing. Now based in Paris, he has swapped lecture halls for quiet cafés, bringing his eye for detail and understanding of human behaviour to the world of fiction. He enjoys exploring stories that speak to both the heart and the mind, blending emotional intensity with social insight.

The Midnight Factory is the first book in The Shimmerfall Trilogy—a series exploring addiction, complicity, and fragile human connection in worlds pushed to their breaking point.

https://www.amazon.com/author/russell...

Reviews

[Lawrence Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't wait for part 2. This is a well thought out action packed dystopian novel.
It is set in our near future where the world is tipping towards a climatic catastrophe.
The leaders of the establishment are controlling the population via the use of an insidious drug called shimmer, but a group of rebels are leading the fight back.
I found the story very engaging, and in parts worryingly plausible in the times that we live.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Midnight Factory by Russell Luyt is the first book in the "Shimmerfall" trilogy. This book is a dystopian thriller set in the near future. Although set in Britain, this could easily be where my country, the USA, is heading unless we stop it. The author delivers a terrifyingly plausible near-future that mirrors our modern world, complete with some truly dark and unexpected turns. This book is a dark, riveting masterpiece, but it is incredibly easy to read and gripping from the first page to the last. I won this book from a Goodreads Giveaway, and I was surprised by how well-written and unique the story turned out to be. I recommend this book to all fans of near-future, dystopian science fiction.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a fun read. As a reader, you get immediately thrown into the story and the world-building takes place over time which, in my opinion, added to the suspense and made it an intriguing read (I couldn’t put it down). Really enjoyed the politics in this and can also see some similarities to 1984 and Divergent. Cannot wait to read the upcoming books to see how the relationships between the characters develop and how the storyline continues!

[Brandi Smallwood Uncaged Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

🚨 Review🚨
The Midnight Factory by Russel Luyt
-A Colossal Disappointment-(Goodreads Giveaway Win)
Rating: ⭐️ (1/5 Stars - DNF at 13%)

The Midnight Factory had such interesting promise from the book description—a compelling premise that genuinely drew me in. However, once I started reading, I quickly learned this book would be a colossal waste of time.
I am a reader who strives to finish what they start, but I made it to 13% before I finally had enough. The pacing was glacial, the prose was tedious, and the level of unnecessary, mundane detail was baffling. It completely hijacked the narrative, preventing any momentum from building.
I believe the following excerpt will be enough of an explanation for why this book was an immediate DNF for me. Be warned, it captures the mind-numbing banality that dominates the opening:

“Anouk opened the toilet lid by reaching down behind her. She unbuttoned and pushed her jeans and underwear down, then sat with a sigh. She waited for the urine to flow. It stinks, she marvelled. She reached for a hand towel and wiped her face dry. Dirty streaks stained its white surface. ‘Blast,’ she murmured, stuffing it back in the ring on the wall. She wiped herself, rose, pulled up her underwear and trousers, and buttoned her jeans—omitting to flush the toilet containing a dark yellow pool. She turned the tap on, let water spatter over her hands, and then turned it off. Anouk wiped them dry on her T-shirt and rolled her shoulders to ease the discomfort of her bra digging under her breasts. Seriously. She readjusted them. What was the point of wearing those? It sure as hell wasn’t for her benefit.”

This is not character development; it is filler. Detailed descriptions of urination, unflushed toilets, dirty hand towels, and minute bra adjustments do absolutely nothing to advance the plot or endear the character to the reader. It is an editorial failure and a baffling authorial choice to spend so much time on completely irrelevant, unhygienic, and unpleasant minutiae.
If this amount of a book is devoted to a blow-by-blow account of a character's bathroom break, I shudder to think what the rest of the novel holds. I was looking for a disturbing exploration of addiction and dystopian survival, not a detailed tour of a character's poorly-maintained digestive and personal habits.
DNF DNF DNF. Do yourself a favor and skip this one.

[Lydia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Midnight Factory is a dark, emotionally charged dystopian thriller that explores addiction, control, and resistance with unflinching honesty. Russell Luyt creates a rain-soaked world where hope is fragile, loyalty is dangerous, and survival often demands moral compromise.

Anouk Walker is a compelling and grounded protagonist. Her determination to save her friend from the horrors of the Midnight Factory drives the story forward, but it’s her internal conflict that gives the novel its power. As she becomes entangled with the Resistance, the lines between right and wrong begin to blur, forcing her to confront the unsettling reality that rebellion can mirror the cruelty it seeks to destroy.

The concept of Shimmer is particularly effective both seductive and horrifying. Its role as an instrument of escape, control, and dependency reflects real-world anxieties about addiction and institutional power. The Bureau for Virtue feels chillingly plausible, enforcing compliance under the guise of morality while quietly profiting from suffering.

What sets The Midnight Factory apart is its emotional weight. This is not a story about easy heroism or clean victories. Every choice carries consequences, and even hope itself becomes a weapon. Small acts of kindness and defiance shine brightest against the novel’s bleak backdrop, giving the story a quiet but enduring sense of humanity.

A haunting and immersive read for readers who enjoy dystopian fiction that prioritizes character, moral complexity, and emotional truth as much as suspense and worldbuilding.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ideas present in The Midnight Factory are a thought-provoking and serious examination of a society fallen into a dystopia. Ruled by the government with increasing restrictions and dwindling resources, people struggle to live. Some turn towards shimmer, a drug that allows them to momentarily fade from experiencing their harsh lives.

While the story overall was solid, I did find it a struggle to initially fully understand what was happening in the world. We are thrust immediately into the protagonist Anouk's shoes as she purchases some of the shimmer drug, followed closely by a raid by the ruling government's enforcers. Many of the important details that stand up the world-building were made available far into the story, including highly necessary facts about some of the characters and relationships that are delivered as a quick shock reveal, at times, it feels like. Even going into the book knowing it is book one of a trilogy, the vast majority felt like a precursor to setting up the actual main plot.

The characters were generally fine, speaking and acting as typical people from our current world. Some of the relationships early on were disconnected and lacked explanation or depth until much later in the story when deemed appropriate as part of a character's backstory explanation.

I was hoping for more from this story, but it is still a decent read if one is interested in a resistance vs big controlling government plot lines.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Midnight Factory is a harrowing yet profoundly moving dystopian novel that explores humanity, hope, and resilience amid unrelenting darkness. Russell Luyt creates a chillingly vivid world where extreme nationalism, surveillance, and cruelty dominate every aspect of life, yet the story’s heart lies in the bond between Anouk and Jimmy as they navigate despair, oppression, and the seductive escape of shimmer.

Luyt’s worldbuilding is masterful, gradually revealing the horrors of the Bureau for Virtue, the grim streets of New Albion, and the terrifying reality of the Midnight Factory itself. The characters are deeply human flawed, courageous, and heartbreakingly relatable and their struggles resonate long after the book ends. The narrative’s exploration of morality, loyalty, and trust under extreme circumstances is gripping and thought-provoking.

This novel is not for the faint of heart, but it is an unforgettable, emotionally rich read for anyone who appreciates dystopian fiction that combines political critique with intimate, character-driven storytelling.

Trigger warnings: extreme violence, oppression, drug use, grim dystopian themes

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Midnight Factory is a moody, high-stakes dystopian thriller that pulls you into a world where addiction isn’t just a personal struggle—it’s a system of control. In New Albion, the drug Shimmer is everywhere, and the Bureau for Virtue makes sure it stays that way. When Anouk Walker’s best friend is taken into the infamous Midnight Factory, she’s forced to join the Resistance and face truths darker than she ever imagined.

The vibe is gritty and cinematic—rain-soaked streets, underground movements, and a heroine who’s equal parts fierce and vulnerable. Anouk’s journey is messy, emotional, and full of moral gray zones. You’ll root for her even when the choices get complicated.

It’s perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Children of Men, or The Handmaid’s Tale—stories where rebellion comes at a cost and hope isn’t always clean. The world-building is sharp, the pacing tight, and the emotional stakes feel real.

With thanks to Russell Luyt, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Ewan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was extremely uninspired by this. It felt extremely unoriginal in concept and execution, with clunkier allegory to the real world than a Rick and Morty episode. The twists are equally unoriginal, reminding me of everything from Solent Green to Coronation Street. Messaging and morality was extremely ham-fisted and awkwardly written, and the characters are painfully 1-dimensional or less. A good example being our primary "villain", a psychotically vindictive sadist literally named 'Kilgore', whose POV we have the displeasure of returning to frequently and whose violent and especially anti-woman tendencies of course arise from his relationship with his mother. Our primary protagonist on the other hand makes short and easy work of breaking an engrained drug addiction, before turning their hand to having perfect relationships with everyone around them. Book gains a star for gaining some momentum towards the end, but not nearly enough to bring me back for the sequel

[Louise Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a dystopian London, where a far-right party has taken control after a bloody insurrection, the only way many people can find to relax is with Glimmer. A drug that lets you forget, one that you drip into your eyes. Anouk uses it to forget her past, those she lost, and to stay away from her Mother. One night she and her best friend are high in Glimmer, Bureau for Virtue busts the club to collect up the undesirables to be sent to the Midnight Factory, though a quirk of fate saves Anouk, her friend is taken. Joining the Resistance, she plans to save her best friend and help them bring down the government.

But in the Resistance, she learns far more than she ever thought she would, including the terrifying truth behind Glimmer.

This was good fun, and I loved that it was set in London (where I grew up). I can not wait for the next book.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Midnight Factory by Russell Luyt is a gripping and emotionally charged dystopian thriller. Set in the oppressive world of New Albion, Luyt explores addiction, control, and rebellion with a dark intensity that keeps readers on edge. Anouk Walker’s journey to save her friend is both harrowing and deeply human, blending suspense with ethical complexity. The world-building is immersive, the stakes are high, and the narrative balances tension with profound emotional insight. Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Hunger Games will find themselves drawn into this haunting tale of survival, loyalty, and hope.

[Kyran · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I want to say that I am a massive fan of titles that are spoiler-free. It isn't until about a third of the way through this novel that the title "The Midnight Factory" truly becomes known. Any prior speculation is almost guaranteed to miss the mark, for this author, Russell Luyt, aimed for the stars and indeed achieved. 

The dichotomy of light and dark, good and evil, and the inversion therein all lend themselves to a truly in-depth world that surpasses all expectation. For those looking for a psychological thriller akin to those created by Philip K. Dick, look no further. 

Reviewer's Note: This review was provided without compensation, other than a free advance reader copy.

[Faith Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Midnight Factory is a quietly powerful dystopian novel that trusts the reader and resists easy answers. Rather than relying on overt brutality or spectacle, it builds tension through absence, memory, and the slow erosion of choice.

The concept of Shimmer as both comfort and control is handled with remarkable subtlety, and Anouk’s emotional arc grounds the story in human consequence rather than ideology. The prose is restrained, the pacing deliberate, and the moral questions linger well beyond the final pages.

A haunting, emotionally intelligent read that understands how complicity often looks like survival.

[Roberta Stambaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hesitant about rating this book 5 stars; it’s more like 4.5 stars only because nothing warms you that it leaves you on a cliffhanger and that a book 2 is coming. I generally like reading book series only when I have all the books. Anyway, the story is well written and a sort of dystopian mixture of an old Charlton Heston movie “Soylent Green” and the new “Divergent” series. The characters could have used a bit more development but it still works. A different twist on drug addiction, for sure, that will make you think of societal ramifications. A good read.

[Jemma Roe · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read for me from either of this author duo, this is a dystopian novel which im not familiar with this genre, it took me a good while to understand what's going on in this world but once I understood what was happening I was addicted to it and didn't want the book to end, I'd of loved if this was a full series and I could of binged read them all. I'll definitely be reading more of this genre and more from these authors. I throughly enjoyed this and found it intriguing

[Mr. Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re in the mood for reading a dystopian novel that actually gets under your skin instead of just world building in a complete book, The Midnight Factory is to go for.

It’s dark, yes. It’s heavy, yes.
But it’s also emotionally strong—and that contrast is what makes it hit so hard, especially the Factory scenes are very intense. (emotionally)

“The Master teaches that freedom from temptation requires purity. Purity requires sacrifice.”

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A drug called shimmer is both escape and capture in the same breath. Her friend has been dragged to the factory she will do anything to save him. She joins the rebellion and she may just be as dangerous as well. Follow her as she tries to save him and find the truth
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a brilliant read

[chloe bolton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost did not finish this book but I’m glad I stuck at it and carried on reading as I loved it after the first couple of chapters.

It is based in the near future with the leaders controlling the population through a drug call shimmer which is made through humans.

It has fantastic world-building throughout which just brought the story to life. I found the characters all brought something different to the story and ended up falling in love with them. I can’t wait for book two!