What do you think?
Rate this book
Gothic #2
New Night
Warning: Contains mass evacuation, murder, body horror, racism, discussion of racism, needles, and a spider.
Lucas was a police officer in Gothic, Arkansas, on a career path to success. That all ended the day horrifying needle monsters tore through his beloved city, killing hundreds and forcing a federal evacuation. Now Gothic is quarantined behind high, razor-wire-tipped fences, and Lucas works as security at a FEMA refugee camp outside its borders.
But just when things look bleak, a mysterious young woman named Io blows into the camp. Her fate is tied to that of Gothic, and the quarantine’s ruthless director will recapture her even if it means plunging the FEMA camp into chaos. Lucas — with the help of his stoner friend Zechariah and a cryptic old computer wizard known as Mr. Condy — must fight tooth-and-nail for the innocents he has sworn to protect.
The quarantined city of Gothic is leaking its secrets… and its monsters.
Lucas was a police officer in Gothic, Arkansas, on a career path to success. That all ended the day horrifying needle monsters tore through his beloved city, killing hundreds and forcing a federal evacuation. Now Gothic is quarantined behind high, razor-wire-tipped fences, and Lucas works as security at a FEMA refugee camp outside its borders.
But just when things look bleak, a mysterious young woman named Io blows into the camp. Her fate is tied to that of Gothic, and the quarantine’s ruthless director will recapture her even if it means plunging the FEMA camp into chaos. Lucas — with the help of his stoner friend Zechariah and a cryptic old computer wizard known as Mr. Condy — must fight tooth-and-nail for the innocents he has sworn to protect.
The quarantined city of Gothic is leaking its secrets… and its monsters.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2016
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Fiona van Dahl
2 books19 followersFiona van Dahl is a novelist who lives with her three black cats in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She likes disturbing fiction that delivers a frisson of truth. In her spare time, she enjoys critiquing and fan-editing movies, and reading and writing fanfiction, getting extra inspiration from psychedelics, and hiking and camping.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 9, 2017
Fascinating re-entry into the hell-hole town and area around Gothic.
With the first novel, we got a very creative horror that was half alien-invasion with portals to another world and half body-horror. With this next novel, we've got a lot more of the same going on, but this time with a much more complicated story and a much freer hand with the portals.
What got me the most was the way the aliens and the humans made a third race so seamlessly and wonderfully so, easily slipping into new roles that would generally freak normal folks out.
But is this a natural progression? Or is this just a social evolution of man and monsters? Is there a difference? It's so easy to love this kind of exploration, and the horror is pitch perfect. :)
Lots of action, lots of great description, and the pace is one to die for. I'm really glad that I'm getting to read these! Thanks to the author for the ARC! It's much appreciated, and the timing was absolutely perfect for Halloween! :)
With the first novel, we got a very creative horror that was half alien-invasion with portals to another world and half body-horror. With this next novel, we've got a lot more of the same going on, but this time with a much more complicated story and a much freer hand with the portals.
What got me the most was the way the aliens and the humans made a third race so seamlessly and wonderfully so, easily slipping into new roles that would generally freak normal folks out.
But is this a natural progression? Or is this just a social evolution of man and monsters? Is there a difference? It's so easy to love this kind of exploration, and the horror is pitch perfect. :)
Lots of action, lots of great description, and the pace is one to die for. I'm really glad that I'm getting to read these! Thanks to the author for the ARC! It's much appreciated, and the timing was absolutely perfect for Halloween! :)
October 21, 2016
I am reviewing an advanced copy that was provided to me.
Wow! This book is just as good as the first. This had no slow parts. It starts out in a FEMA camp for refugees a few months after the first book ends. So you realize pretty quickly that even though the book picks up awhile after the first and it appears to be a different story the background of the first book makes things become clear what is going on and what the hammer contains.
Character development is pretty quick but at a very good pace. After all, these are all new characters we are reading about. But the development of these characters is awesome. You are fully back into the story even though it appears to be a new story without much connection to the first other than the needles.
The main characters come right to the front of the story pretty quick and you even like them all from the start. There is the guy in charge of the FEMA camp and his buddy. He is not his deputy but someone he trusts. Then there is this young girl that shows up, Right from the start if you have read the first book you realize she is infected with the needles. Also, there is an older guy and his laptop.
The story wastes no time getting the ball rolling and it is off and running. While all the characters are different you have an almost instant love for them. Of course, there is the bad guy that you want to see him hurt badly and you want him not to succeed. He is a power hungry military bully. Who would appear the have come to power via a nefarious way.
Needless to say, the story bounces between the two worlds with the needle people becoming more powerful once they are back on the other world. Then eventually the first book and the second become one story and all that you had questions about becomes known and it is all fused into one story. I don’t want to say too much about that without spoiling it.
Honestly, the way the author has spun the stories together into one from a seeming wide berth is absolutely great! This is what earns it the 5th for this second book. If you read the first book read this one you will love it.
If you have not read the first one. Put this down and get the first one read it first. This story is good on its own but it will be a much better story having read the first book first!
I can recommend this to everyone but please go read the first story first.
Wow! This book is just as good as the first. This had no slow parts. It starts out in a FEMA camp for refugees a few months after the first book ends. So you realize pretty quickly that even though the book picks up awhile after the first and it appears to be a different story the background of the first book makes things become clear what is going on and what the hammer contains.
Character development is pretty quick but at a very good pace. After all, these are all new characters we are reading about. But the development of these characters is awesome. You are fully back into the story even though it appears to be a new story without much connection to the first other than the needles.
The main characters come right to the front of the story pretty quick and you even like them all from the start. There is the guy in charge of the FEMA camp and his buddy. He is not his deputy but someone he trusts. Then there is this young girl that shows up, Right from the start if you have read the first book you realize she is infected with the needles. Also, there is an older guy and his laptop.
The story wastes no time getting the ball rolling and it is off and running. While all the characters are different you have an almost instant love for them. Of course, there is the bad guy that you want to see him hurt badly and you want him not to succeed. He is a power hungry military bully. Who would appear the have come to power via a nefarious way.
Needless to say, the story bounces between the two worlds with the needle people becoming more powerful once they are back on the other world. Then eventually the first book and the second become one story and all that you had questions about becomes known and it is all fused into one story. I don’t want to say too much about that without spoiling it.
Honestly, the way the author has spun the stories together into one from a seeming wide berth is absolutely great! This is what earns it the 5th for this second book. If you read the first book read this one you will love it.
If you have not read the first one. Put this down and get the first one read it first. This story is good on its own but it will be a much better story having read the first book first!
I can recommend this to everyone but please go read the first story first.
December 13, 2016
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, Fiona van Dahl!
A solid followup to Eden Green, New Night is about the aftermath of the events from the first novel. Now, the characters more or less know what's happening, even if they still don't know how to stop it. Reading the first volume is a must, as many of the events here would spoil the story. Having gotten that out of the way, now that I know this world and its rules, I was highly invested in the wellbeing of all the characters (even the baddies, who are just doing what they think is best). We have a new cast, including Condy, an older hacker who is smarter than he seems. I can't say much about the plot. I was worried that I wouldn't get to know what happened to the original team but attentive readers will figure it out, however indirectly. Sometimes the change in viewpoint was a little distracting, but the story remains consistent and suspenseful. The plot has it all: adventure, fantasy and horror, in a well-balanced mix.
A solid followup to Eden Green, New Night is about the aftermath of the events from the first novel. Now, the characters more or less know what's happening, even if they still don't know how to stop it. Reading the first volume is a must, as many of the events here would spoil the story. Having gotten that out of the way, now that I know this world and its rules, I was highly invested in the wellbeing of all the characters (even the baddies, who are just doing what they think is best). We have a new cast, including Condy, an older hacker who is smarter than he seems. I can't say much about the plot. I was worried that I wouldn't get to know what happened to the original team but attentive readers will figure it out, however indirectly. Sometimes the change in viewpoint was a little distracting, but the story remains consistent and suspenseful. The plot has it all: adventure, fantasy and horror, in a well-balanced mix.
March 8, 2020
Second incursion in the nightmare-land, this time Fiona threw in there a new kind of super villain i would say, one that will take us on a new path, quite literaly and figurately. In his story we find out details about the portals and the needle monsters.
Unfortunately, my impression was of a cold shoulder from the human-ish characters even though their struggle was (within the rational bounderies) relatable and understandable. The cold part i think, it comes from the fact that most of the time the good girls tend to become bad and the bad guy tends to stay bad.
There needs to be one last part, please Fiona, don't let us die waiting.
Unfortunately, my impression was of a cold shoulder from the human-ish characters even though their struggle was (within the rational bounderies) relatable and understandable. The cold part i think, it comes from the fact that most of the time the good girls tend to become bad and the bad guy tends to stay bad.
There needs to be one last part, please Fiona, don't let us die waiting.
June 18, 2017
Entre 2 y 3 estrellas. Me gustó más la primer parte que el resto.
Se me dificulta entender los cambios de comportamiento (circunstanciales o por regeneración) de personajes infectados. Por otro lado, los personajes puramente humanos me parecieron más interesantes.
Encuentro insatisfactorias y escasas las discusiones sobre la infección o las posibilidades de distintos descubrimientos; de alguna manera, parece haber poca reflexión a largo plazo.
Se me dificulta entender los cambios de comportamiento (circunstanciales o por regeneración) de personajes infectados. Por otro lado, los personajes puramente humanos me parecieron más interesantes.
Encuentro insatisfactorias y escasas las discusiones sobre la infección o las posibilidades de distintos descubrimientos; de alguna manera, parece haber poca reflexión a largo plazo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2017
Continues well. Starts to stray a bit from the hard sf parts, but is still very enjoyable (and somewhere in the middle I started wondering how many books would it take to un-fuck the situation).
(also, why are these books so short)
(also, why are these books so short)
October 23, 2025
Providing both exciting struggles against an invading alien menace and an exploration of the mental challenges of facing something Other, van Dahl creates science fiction horror that stimulates both the emotions and the mind.
Lucas had a career he both enjoyed and was good at; as a police officer in Gothic, Arkansas. Until the day portals opened throughout the town, filling the streets with horrific monsters. Fences and patrols keep the threat confined, but Gothic itself is abandoned. So now he spends his days as a security guard in the refugee camp just outside the quarantine zone. However, the arrival of Io, a young woman the Director of the Gothic Quarantine Zone seems very determined to find, destroys Luke’s routine of driving around in a golf buggy with his stoner friend.
This novel is the second in the Gothic series. However, the author has attempted to write it as a stand alone work, so this review seeks to avoid spoilers.
The aliens in this novel are formed of networks of semi-sentient needles, an organism that can potentially infect humans. As such, the plot contains a certain amount of body horror.
However, van Dahl treats this as a trigger for the characters’ reactions rather than a purpose in itself. Therefore – while some descriptions might not be a comfortable read for all readers – this is a tale about the paranoia and prejudice that can arise from facing the Other, rather than a simple gore-fest. In this it bears some similarity to certain vampire tropes.
Paralleling the infection/invasion thread, van Dahl raises classic questions of any disaster story, whether speculative or mundane: when does efficient response become tyranny? Should the military ever have authority on their nation’s soil in a time of peace? Is it better to survive or be moral?
These philosophical questions of self and society are not forced or bolted on, though. Although some events might well provoke thought, this novel is a fast-paced science-fiction invasion thriller.
Lucas is an interesting character. His previous career gives him a most useful set of skills and perspectives when it comes to facing invasion by monsters. However, the shift from police officer to glorified building supervisor in a pseudo-military enclave has both robbed him of his actual authority and the underlying certainty that comes from it. He is therefore plausibly competent in a scrape without becoming simply a lantern-jawed action hero striding through the apocalyptic wastes.
The other characters are similarly well crafted. The infected teeter between humanity and otherness, each a different balance of self-hatred, survival instincts, and morality. Scientists and technicians differ in their reaction to both the infected and the alien, but even the most accepting doesn’t always see them as equals or act free of self-interest. And the military seek to protect humanity from the threat, as seen through the lens of conditioned partial inhumanity.
Written to be accessible to readers unfamiliar with the previous volume, this book contains a reasonable amount of repeated information. However, this is wrapped up in conversations with people who don’t know it or in memories of different characters from the relevant view-point character of the first book, and only occurs where necessary. As such it is likely to provide a fresh perspective on character and events to those reader familiar with the previous volume, rather than seeming tedious exposition.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book. I recommend it to readers seeking character-driven science-fiction or horror.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
Lucas had a career he both enjoyed and was good at; as a police officer in Gothic, Arkansas. Until the day portals opened throughout the town, filling the streets with horrific monsters. Fences and patrols keep the threat confined, but Gothic itself is abandoned. So now he spends his days as a security guard in the refugee camp just outside the quarantine zone. However, the arrival of Io, a young woman the Director of the Gothic Quarantine Zone seems very determined to find, destroys Luke’s routine of driving around in a golf buggy with his stoner friend.
This novel is the second in the Gothic series. However, the author has attempted to write it as a stand alone work, so this review seeks to avoid spoilers.
The aliens in this novel are formed of networks of semi-sentient needles, an organism that can potentially infect humans. As such, the plot contains a certain amount of body horror.
However, van Dahl treats this as a trigger for the characters’ reactions rather than a purpose in itself. Therefore – while some descriptions might not be a comfortable read for all readers – this is a tale about the paranoia and prejudice that can arise from facing the Other, rather than a simple gore-fest. In this it bears some similarity to certain vampire tropes.
Paralleling the infection/invasion thread, van Dahl raises classic questions of any disaster story, whether speculative or mundane: when does efficient response become tyranny? Should the military ever have authority on their nation’s soil in a time of peace? Is it better to survive or be moral?
These philosophical questions of self and society are not forced or bolted on, though. Although some events might well provoke thought, this novel is a fast-paced science-fiction invasion thriller.
Lucas is an interesting character. His previous career gives him a most useful set of skills and perspectives when it comes to facing invasion by monsters. However, the shift from police officer to glorified building supervisor in a pseudo-military enclave has both robbed him of his actual authority and the underlying certainty that comes from it. He is therefore plausibly competent in a scrape without becoming simply a lantern-jawed action hero striding through the apocalyptic wastes.
The other characters are similarly well crafted. The infected teeter between humanity and otherness, each a different balance of self-hatred, survival instincts, and morality. Scientists and technicians differ in their reaction to both the infected and the alien, but even the most accepting doesn’t always see them as equals or act free of self-interest. And the military seek to protect humanity from the threat, as seen through the lens of conditioned partial inhumanity.
Written to be accessible to readers unfamiliar with the previous volume, this book contains a reasonable amount of repeated information. However, this is wrapped up in conversations with people who don’t know it or in memories of different characters from the relevant view-point character of the first book, and only occurs where necessary. As such it is likely to provide a fresh perspective on character and events to those reader familiar with the previous volume, rather than seeming tedious exposition.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book. I recommend it to readers seeking character-driven science-fiction or horror.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
October 29, 2016
I am reviewing an advance copy that was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, anyone see my review for the first book? Remember I said it kinda dragged a bit in the middle and to hold on? This book didn't drag at all. You're given just enough time to get your feet wet in this world, sniff some nice air and BOOM goes the fence, here come the villians, BLAM someone got shot, what's this? Oh nothing, just all Hell breaking loose! What's that reader? You haven't gotten strapped in? I'd advise you to get comfortable ASAP and grab your beverage of choice because you ain't going anywhere until this story is done.
Unlike the first story most of this was read in my home so I didn't miss any subway stops. This book was short and it amazed me how the pages flew by until next thing I knew it was over. Nice ending BTW. I won't spoil anything.
In all of my anime, books, movies and shows I can't remember the last time I've seen a Latino main character like Lucas. Don't get me wrong I hated the dude when the story began but as more unfolded and the body count went up I grew to understand him better and even appreciate him. On top of that I became a fan of Zechariah. I thought he'd be some stoner on some Jay and Silent Bob kinda routine throughout the tale but nope, nowhere near it. If anyone is thinking that don't worry about it because he's not like that. He's an amazing character and Lucas couldn't ask for a better friend.
For those who read the first this is the perfect follow up. If you didn't you might be able to get away with not reading it but I wouldn't recommend it. This book could very well stand on it's own but you'd miss one of the best parts and who wants that?
I've always loved books that go down smooth, perfect for a rainy day or to read as one sits in front of a fireplace whilst it snows outside. This is one of those kinds of books. I recommend that you get something to eat, some small finger foods maybe, or a beverage before you open up to the first page because seriously, you will not be going anywhere until this book is finished.
Okay, anyone see my review for the first book? Remember I said it kinda dragged a bit in the middle and to hold on? This book didn't drag at all. You're given just enough time to get your feet wet in this world, sniff some nice air and BOOM goes the fence, here come the villians, BLAM someone got shot, what's this? Oh nothing, just all Hell breaking loose! What's that reader? You haven't gotten strapped in? I'd advise you to get comfortable ASAP and grab your beverage of choice because you ain't going anywhere until this story is done.
Unlike the first story most of this was read in my home so I didn't miss any subway stops. This book was short and it amazed me how the pages flew by until next thing I knew it was over. Nice ending BTW. I won't spoil anything.
In all of my anime, books, movies and shows I can't remember the last time I've seen a Latino main character like Lucas. Don't get me wrong I hated the dude when the story began but as more unfolded and the body count went up I grew to understand him better and even appreciate him. On top of that I became a fan of Zechariah. I thought he'd be some stoner on some Jay and Silent Bob kinda routine throughout the tale but nope, nowhere near it. If anyone is thinking that don't worry about it because he's not like that. He's an amazing character and Lucas couldn't ask for a better friend.
For those who read the first this is the perfect follow up. If you didn't you might be able to get away with not reading it but I wouldn't recommend it. This book could very well stand on it's own but you'd miss one of the best parts and who wants that?
I've always loved books that go down smooth, perfect for a rainy day or to read as one sits in front of a fireplace whilst it snows outside. This is one of those kinds of books. I recommend that you get something to eat, some small finger foods maybe, or a beverage before you open up to the first page because seriously, you will not be going anywhere until this book is finished.
November 17, 2016
Disclaimer: I received my copy of this book for free.
Definitely a great book, worthy of five stars.
The characters and the setting are where the story shines, with a good amount of twists and surprises keeping it up for good measure.
That said, it's much more setting-focused than its predecessor, shedding lights to the effects of the events of Eden Green. This isn't to say that it neglects its characters - rather, I'd say that Eden Green neglected its setting in favor of focusing on the characters, and this one just redresses the balance - but it does mean that people who loved Eden Green because of the heavy character focus may not find the feat repeated twice.
It's also less horrifying - sure, the needles are still inherently terrifying, and terrible things happen to the people you come to love, but more than anything this is a mystery novel, mixed in with a little bit of action. Which is great if you prefer mysteries and seeking answers over the character study that was Eden Green, but it nonetheless is trying to do something different that might not appeal as much to fans of the first book.
I personally didn't enjoy it as much as Eden Green, but I still loved it immensely, and enough that it's still worth at least five stars. Read this book, but read it knowing that it isn't trying to do what Eden Green was trying to do.
Definitely a great book, worthy of five stars.
The characters and the setting are where the story shines, with a good amount of twists and surprises keeping it up for good measure.
That said, it's much more setting-focused than its predecessor, shedding lights to the effects of the events of Eden Green. This isn't to say that it neglects its characters - rather, I'd say that Eden Green neglected its setting in favor of focusing on the characters, and this one just redresses the balance - but it does mean that people who loved Eden Green because of the heavy character focus may not find the feat repeated twice.
It's also less horrifying - sure, the needles are still inherently terrifying, and terrible things happen to the people you come to love, but more than anything this is a mystery novel, mixed in with a little bit of action. Which is great if you prefer mysteries and seeking answers over the character study that was Eden Green, but it nonetheless is trying to do something different that might not appeal as much to fans of the first book.
I personally didn't enjoy it as much as Eden Green, but I still loved it immensely, and enough that it's still worth at least five stars. Read this book, but read it knowing that it isn't trying to do what Eden Green was trying to do.
October 31, 2016
This book picked up nicely from where the first one left of. You get introduced to some new characters who you will follow in this book. Fiona is a very skilled author and knows how to develop a unique plot. This book is quite different than anything I have read to date. The plot follows a good pace and has a few unexpected twists coming that I didn't see coming. I always enjoy when the author has "one up on me" and is able to surprise me like that.
I really enjoyed this book and only had one real issue. The story is kind of told from the future with glance backs on how the story got to this point but in the end it stops in the current future. I am not sure this adds or distracts from the story but it does give a lot of "aha" moments. I also wished Condy's contribution to the story was more explained, but there could always be a next book that does that.
All in all I have truly enjoyed this book. IF there is third one coming out I will most definitely read that one as well.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review. (LoP, Lovers of Paranormal)
I really enjoyed this book and only had one real issue. The story is kind of told from the future with glance backs on how the story got to this point but in the end it stops in the current future. I am not sure this adds or distracts from the story but it does give a lot of "aha" moments. I also wished Condy's contribution to the story was more explained, but there could always be a next book that does that.
All in all I have truly enjoyed this book. IF there is third one coming out I will most definitely read that one as well.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review. (LoP, Lovers of Paranormal)
October 11, 2016
This review is based on an advance copy of New Night, provided by the author for review purposes.
New Night, the sequel to Eden Green, takes place shortly after the ending of the previous book. New characters are quickly introduced, then the story takes off at break-neck speed. Eden Green was a thrilling adventure, and New Night amplifies the action. The novel moves along quickly without getting bogged down in exposition. The many action sequences are tightly written. Fiona van Dahl creates a world of both horror and beauty, and the reader is often surprised at what may inhabit the area around the next dark corner.
I would suggest reading the first book in the series before venturing into New Night. While the novel can certainly stand on its own, some of the minutia may be missed without reading Eden Green.
New Night, the sequel to Eden Green, takes place shortly after the ending of the previous book. New characters are quickly introduced, then the story takes off at break-neck speed. Eden Green was a thrilling adventure, and New Night amplifies the action. The novel moves along quickly without getting bogged down in exposition. The many action sequences are tightly written. Fiona van Dahl creates a world of both horror and beauty, and the reader is often surprised at what may inhabit the area around the next dark corner.
I would suggest reading the first book in the series before venturing into New Night. While the novel can certainly stand on its own, some of the minutia may be missed without reading Eden Green.
November 23, 2016
Fiona van Dahl follows the excellent Eden Green with an assured sequel, in New Night, so as not to wax lyrical about Eden Green (I would encourage you to check out my review, or better yet-just buy the book) I will say that it is not essential to have read Eden Green, but it will add to your experience of New Night should you choose to.
New Night moves the narrative of Eden Green from a deeply personal, body horror, trauma, to a well crafted sci-fi adventure. New Night raises some interesting questions as to how identity, and perceptions of, can frame relationships, and as those identities shift whether those relationships can move with them.
The action moves briskly along, and adds to van Dahl's growing mythos, whilst, for me, New Night lacks the unique experience that Eden Green felt like it does open the world(s) within to further exploration, and I, definitely, will be following the next journey.
New Night moves the narrative of Eden Green from a deeply personal, body horror, trauma, to a well crafted sci-fi adventure. New Night raises some interesting questions as to how identity, and perceptions of, can frame relationships, and as those identities shift whether those relationships can move with them.
The action moves briskly along, and adds to van Dahl's growing mythos, whilst, for me, New Night lacks the unique experience that Eden Green felt like it does open the world(s) within to further exploration, and I, definitely, will be following the next journey.
January 17, 2017
Many thanks to author Fiona Van Dahl for providing me with a copy for review.
Firstly, if you are interested in this book, but have not yet read the first in the series, Eden Green, you should get a copy of it to read. Once finished you should come back and read this one.
I really enjoyed this book. It really felt like a direct continuation from the first, but still had a different feel. That can be difficult to balance, but Van Dahl did this beautifully. Where Eden Green felt more like a bizarro adventure, New Night felt more like scifi action. Don't me wrong it is still filled with some bizarre things, but that wasn't center stage here. The change in tone really fit the story.
Characters new and old were both handled very well. Pacing was good without feeling too tiring. I'm looking forward to whatever Van Dahl treats us with next.
I would recommend New Night to fans of Eden Green. I would recommend the Gothic series to fans of Bizarro, sci fi, fantasy, and horror.
Firstly, if you are interested in this book, but have not yet read the first in the series, Eden Green, you should get a copy of it to read. Once finished you should come back and read this one.
I really enjoyed this book. It really felt like a direct continuation from the first, but still had a different feel. That can be difficult to balance, but Van Dahl did this beautifully. Where Eden Green felt more like a bizarro adventure, New Night felt more like scifi action. Don't me wrong it is still filled with some bizarre things, but that wasn't center stage here. The change in tone really fit the story.
Characters new and old were both handled very well. Pacing was good without feeling too tiring. I'm looking forward to whatever Van Dahl treats us with next.
I would recommend New Night to fans of Eden Green. I would recommend the Gothic series to fans of Bizarro, sci fi, fantasy, and horror.
October 24, 2016
Preface: Reviewed from an advance copy of New Night.
New Night is the sequel to Eden Green; the story takes place in a different setting, with new characters, and it is not necessary to have read Eden Green first (although you will miss out on some minor references, but they are not important to the plot). The pacing of the story is much more methodical than Eden Green, but executes superbly. Readers interested by the horror elements in Eden Green may be a bit disappointed, as New Night focuses more on the origin of the portals within the city of Gothic and the action surrounding. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next novel in the series.
New Night is the sequel to Eden Green; the story takes place in a different setting, with new characters, and it is not necessary to have read Eden Green first (although you will miss out on some minor references, but they are not important to the plot). The pacing of the story is much more methodical than Eden Green, but executes superbly. Readers interested by the horror elements in Eden Green may be a bit disappointed, as New Night focuses more on the origin of the portals within the city of Gothic and the action surrounding. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next novel in the series.
January 7, 2017
Yes!
Thoroughly enjoyed this right up to the last page. Great pacing, and well fleshed out characters with a story that keeps you guessing without twist whiplash.
Thoroughly enjoyed this right up to the last page. Great pacing, and well fleshed out characters with a story that keeps you guessing without twist whiplash.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews