Such a great follow up to the first book (What Moves the Dead). Another easy 4 star novella from T. Kingfisher. Main character Alex Easton is such a great character and quite funny at times. Super creepy read with a gothic feel.

I definitely recommend reading the first book before this one or I do believe there could be confusion on the readers part but that being said, the first one was incredible and deserves to be read just because of how good it is.

I love how it’s written and how descriptive it is. Easily felt that I was in the book myself.

I would honestly love to see even another follow up book as I easily devoured the first two in a day.

I quite enjoyed What Feasts at Night, T. Kingfisher's creepy little follow-up to What Moves the Dead (which I adored).

A lot of other reviewers are going to give you a run-down of the plot and a consideration of how/how well this second Sworn Soldier story meshes with the first, so I'm going to skip all of that. Instead, I'm going to gush just a little bit about pacing and characterization.

Pacing: I am astounded by how tightly plotted this was and by how Kingfisher lays breadcrumbs and builds toward such a compelling and satisfying climax in so few pages. Throughout this novella, she seemed to constantly be meting out details that had me making connections with snippets that were laid earlier, but I never once felt pulled out of the narrative. No twist felt too abrupt, no foreshadowing felt too obvious, and no detail seemed misplaced or extraneous. I also very much appreciated that the climax was both breathtaking (pun intended?) and nothing like what I expected.

Characterization: It was fun to get to know Easton better in this installment. The parentheticals and asides brought wit and levity that I did not anticipate but thoroughly enjoyed. The secondary characters also read as real, three-dimensional people with their own goals and motives. Again and again, I'm impressed with what Kingfisher can do in this shorter form.

I would recommend What Feasts at Night to anybody who enjoys folkloric fiction or folk horror (this book was highly atmospheric but quite horror-lite, honestly). I do think you'll get the best experience if you first read What Moves the Dead as there are several references to the earlier book in this one.

One thing I really enjoyed about the book was the writing itself. It was supremely witty, and I loved the voice of the narrator. Was certainly very fun to read. I was a big fan of the first book in this series, but I felt like this one left something to be desired. Felt like a slow burn with very little payoff. But I still enjoyed it and loved the prose.

I read the first book in this series, What Moves the Dead, earlier this month and was so excited to receive an early copy of the sequel! But sadly I couldn’t finish it. I stopped reading at 55%.

I was over halfway done with the book and barely anything had happened. The writing is just so long winded and there are so many superfluous anecdotes, I can’t. I don’t need to know so many little stories about the main character that literally have nothing to do with the plot. The main character was thinking SO MUCH and for SO LONG, it became very tiresome. There were some anecdotes in the first book, but they didn’t take over the story. The story doesn’t even feel like horror or have a strong gothic atmosphere because all we’re getting is the main character’s random thoughts. The only reason I got as far as I did into the story is because it’s so short and I thought it’d get better faster, but it did not. This should have been a 30 page short story because most of the book is either irrelevant to the main story or super long descriptions of things that aren’t important.

I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for this arc. All opinions are my own.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I rounded up to 4 stars but more realistically would give it 3.5.

I hadn’t actually read What Moves the Dead when I got my approval for this ARC, so obviously I had to go do that and then moved on to this one. I do feel like reading them back to back put What Feasts at Night at a disadvantage. Being a novella, the author only has so much time to set the tone and build the tension before having to move into the resolution. In WMTD, I felt like this was all paced really well. You got the creep factor pretty immediately and it all built into a pretty satisfying resolution. In WFAN, Easton returns home to Gallacia to their hunting lodge with some familiar faces. Having built up a reputation for Gallacia in WMTD, it seems like it would’ve been pretty easy to build on that in the sequel, but the tone seems to…meander through the first half of the book. I didn’t really get that creep factor I did in WMTD, and the tension doesn’t really build because the reader knows pretty early on what is causing the disturbance. Most of the book is just Easton deciding whether or not to believe in the old folktale monster. Because of all of this, I didn’t feel like the resolution was as satisfying as I would’ve liked. It’s not even really clear how Easton defeats the monster, to the point where Easton says in the book that they might never understand what happened.

All that said, I did still enjoy it quite a bit. The characters, the old and new. were just as entertaining and interesting as the first book. Kingfisher kept me thoroughly engaged throughout despite the problems I had with it (which were mostly parsed out in retrospective rather than criticisms I had while actively reading. Except for the fuzzy resolution). It was still creepy, just not as creepy as WMTD.

This story continues the story of Alex Easton as they return home to Gallacia accompanied by their friends Angus and Miss Potter. When they find the hunting lodge in disarray, they begin to investigate the mysterious circumstances that surround the death of the caretaker.

I really appreciate how T. Kingfisher effectively weaves humor into all of her stories. This book was so funny and had such excellent comedic timing. It also establishes the spooky gothic tone that I adored in What Moves the Dead.

This book is certainly a slow-burn with a creepy monster, but also deals with difficult topics like post-traumatic stress disorder. Compared to the first book, this novella had a lot less in the way of horror and compromised by providing more suspense and atmosphere. The ending was satisfying, but I felt like it was rushed without much explanation regarding the monster.

I loved the interactions with the characters, they all added a delightful charm to the story.

If you love spooky and gothic atmospheres, humor sprinkled in, and a suspenseful folk-horror plot, What Feasts at Night comes out on February 13th, 2024.

First and foremost, I genuinely love how the series reads. You don't have to read the previous to understand the next book, though it will offer some extra insight into how the characters are and why they do or say certain things.

I love the small and manageable story; it got to the point with little effort and kept you wanting to read until you were finished. And I was a little sad when the book ended! I love how you think there's something paranormal happening, but there's actually a scientific reason behind it.

I didn't like that the copy I received had a bad format. It seems that for every set of 10-15 pages, the format would change from a regular paragraph to a sentence on a line, then two to three words the next, and then back to a full sentence. It really pulled me out of the story itself because I had to keep trying to reread to understand what was happening. Once and a while there were random 0s and 1s as well which threw me out of the atmosphere of the novella too. I hope by the time the novella is published that this is cleared up.

Because of this issue, I found that the novella is less engaging than its predecessor. I would definitely like to the final version before I make the call officially on how engaging.

It's good for a spooky read, and it's good if you need to pad your reading challenge! I would recommend it!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐ 4.5

I loved What Moves the Dead when I first read it at the beginning of this year. It's atmosphere was beautifully gothic and the gentle lead up to horror was enthralling to follow every step of the way so you can imagine how excited I was to get an ARC to the second book in this series!

And now that I've read it, I can say I was not disappointed! That same charming whimsy to the storytelling is still there, the humor amongst the dreary setting was lovely, and I really do adore Easton's character. That being said, this book does lean more heavily towards a folklore story than one of horror, in my opinion. If you are expecting to be disgusted or frightened, I do not believe this book is what you're looking for. However, the character dynamics and world is one worth exploring anyway.

T. Kingfisher is in the house! Or shall I say, Easton is in the house and not alone!!!! What Feasts at Night is the addictive and brilliant follow up to the gripping and hard to put down What Moves the Dead novella. Seriously, Kingfisher is on a roll with these books (novellas). Woohoo!!!! Bring it on!

First things first, read What Moves the Dead first. It introduces Alex Easton, a retired soldier, Miss Peacock, a mushroom researcher, and Hob, a grumpy yet trusted horse. Their backstories are important and What Moves the Dead knocked my socks off. Can this be read as a stand-alone? Sure, but you will be missing out on the backstories of some of the characters and references to the first book.

Alex Easton, Hob and Angus have returned to Easton's family hunting lodge after the events at Usher manor. Needing some rest and down time, only to find that the Lodge has not been kept up and the caretaker is missing. Upon learning that they poor man has passed away, Angus and Easton set about finding help and getting the Lodge back in tip top shape. That will prove to be easier said than done.

There are whispers in the village about what is happening at the hunting lodge. But it's all talk right? Easton was not raised to believe in superstitions, but things are quite right at home, so.......


T. Kingfisher brings on the chills, the thrills, and the spooky creep factor in this book. I loved the atmosphere; it was out of this world! I could almost feel the chill and dampness in the air. Plus, the manor house and surrounding grounds provide the perfect setting. It has an isolated feel as it is several miles from the village.

I could visualize everything due to Kingfisher's vivid descriptions. I felt as if I was a fly moth on the wall watching as things became more tense and spooky in the house. Then there are the characters: Hob the grumpy horse with a distinct personality who cracks me up, Miss Potter the proper English mushroom researcher, Angus who is straight to the point and has a mouth on him (gotta love it), Widow Botezatu, who cooks and cleans when not being sarcastic and mouthy, Bors, a sweet young man who helps around the lodge, and of course Easton who provides witty comments, bravery, and let's face it, is an interesting character.

This was such a wonderful and creepy book. It's in the horror genre but don't let that scare you away. It is spooky and creepy. There are no gory scenes. I place it in the gothic category with some horrific scenes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it to be a very fast read (160 pages). I was glued to the pages from the very beginning. T. Kingfisher's writing dazzles me every time with lush and vivid descriptions. I loved the feeling of unease that permeated throughout the book. The is a sense that something isn't quite right from the very beginning. I loved the feeling of anticipation that I had while waiting to find out how things were going to unfold. This book left me satisfied and wanting to go on another adventure with Easton.

Well written, atmospheric, tense and gothic.

T. Kingfisher does it again and does it very well. I really enjoy this book even more than the first. Because I now know the main set of characters I feel more invested in the story line. This is a shorter novel and even though it isn't as lengthy, Kingfisher does a great job of making you feel like you've been in a place for a long time. The setting and the foes along with the amazing characters really make this. I love that there is high stakes and humor all in the same run.

I'm so mad at myself for taking so long to read this!

Tor Nightfire, the love of my life, was kind enough to send me a copy of What Feasts at Night while I was away on maternity leave. I checked my email on occasion, but not TOO often--new baby, and all. When I got back and saw the ARC waiting for me I was DELIGHTED.

And y'all, I was not disappointed.

What a strong, spooky follow-up to a perfect novel. I was so happy we were returning to our friend the mycologist and taking a tour of the grey and dismal Gallacia. Kingfisher's prose is lush and perfectly dreary, and her characters are so strongly written that you can't help but devour this nibble of a novelette. The word count makes for perfectly snappy pacing. I would happily read book after book of this series (looking at you, Kingfisher).

This is an excellent sequel to What Moves the Dead. Kingfisher's talent for characterization continues to shine. The way Alex deals with their PTSD from the war and from the events of book one were well-done, as was Angus and Ms Potter's relationship (a highlight of the book for me). Overall, I think this was spookier than book one and faster paced, which I liked. This was a treat to read.

A nice little jaunt back into Gallacia! I really enjoy the voice of the main character, Alex, and the side characters are memorable. The story was straightforward and compelling without being overcomplicated. Definitely recommend for fans of Kingfisher and those who want an quick, spooky read.

T. Kingfisher's brilliance shines through in this novella, delivering a satisfying experience that is not easily achieved in such a compact format. This 5-star read has firmly earned its place on my bookshelves, destined for re-reads. The characters are not only well-developed but also endearing and remarkably realistic. The narrative is beautifully crafted, creating a captivating and atmospheric world that seamlessly blends humor with the elements of folklore horror.

While the novella can be enjoyed as a standalone, diving into 'What Moves the Dead' first will enhance the overall experience. It provides background stories for the fantastic characters. WFaN also offers insights into how they are coping with the aftermath of the events in the preceding book.

Comparisons with the first book might draw attention to a shift in tone, with this novella leaning more towards folklore and a dark atmosphere rather than intense horror action. While some may find the initial installment more gripping in terms of horror elements, I personally found the milder approach in this sequel equally compelling. It resonated with me like a night spent around a fire deep in the forest, exchanging folklore—a captivating experience that left me yearning for more adventures with these witty characters.

Wow, this was another fantastic book! What Moves the Dead was my first T. Kingfisher book, and I'm so glad that this has become a series, I love these characters, and watching them deal with another case was so great!

Alex is a bit traumatized by what happened at the Usher estate, which just piles on trauma from the war. To have to come back to Gallacia, to kan's hunting lodge, for Miss Potter, she who studies mushrooms. So of course Alex has to be there! And of course things aren't as they seemed.

The threat in this book was a bit more hazy then the first. Which makes sense, since this monster attacks in dreams, and dreams are hazy. One thing that I really enjoyed, was that tinnitus plays a role, since I myself have it. I'm not sure exactly how it worked, only that it played a part.

This was another really great spooky, thrilling read with some really humorous narration from Alex, from the housekeeper who really didn't like kan, to the somber musings about the past and the war. It was just a really fantastic story!

Loved reading this book, and if we get more books featuring Alex, I'd love it!

T. Kingfisher is fast becoming one of my favorite writers! How can she create such loyalty and love for her characters in so few pages? I was delighted to find Alex Easton, Angus, and Miss Potter back for more adventures in What Feasts at Night.

Set after What Moves the Dead, Alex arrives at the family hunting lodge. Upon arriving, Alex learns the caretaker has died under suspicious circumstances. Our favorite characters, along with a few new ones, are tasked to uncover what is causing a mysterious illness when one of them starts exhibiting symptoms. Could it be some of the odd mushrooms Miss Potter has found? Or is something else lurking in the spring house?

Beautiful descriptions, humorous situations/dialogue, and more back story about Alex await in What Feasts at Night.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the digital ARC in return for my honest opinion.

“When I swore on as a soldier, I had forgotten just as much geometry and Latin as anyone else in my unit, and I once won a bar bet by reciting the prologue of the Canterbury Tales in Middle English.)” - you and me both brother! I was convinced by my HS art history teacher that being able to recite it would be an interesting flex 😅

Gallacia welcomed us back with its strangling arms, pulling us into suffocating bosom of it. You were afraid of mushrooms after reading to first book? Be ready to have nightmares sitting on your chest after this one. Gallacia always sounds like it was on some drug or the other. It never has a bright day and not a jolly crowd. Depression… depression everywhere…

I’m afraid of what could come after this if there is ever going to be a third book. What type of nightmares are cooking in Kingfisher’s brain? While it’s scary, I don’t mind reading three misfits’ adventures. Also, people who won’t put their arms under their pillows…. Tsk, tsk, tsk..

Creepy, quick, and all around chilling, T Kingfisher brings back Alex Easton, the sworn soldier from Gallacia who can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to all things horrific. I enjoyed this second installment more than the first one! It had the perfect amount of psychological terror and quirky characters, in the middle of the woods.

This 150 paged novella will have you flying through it as you try to understand what happened to Codrin, the cabin caretaker, as he was found dead there with rumors flying of a mythical woman who takes your breath in your sleep.

It was really good! I definitely recommend it to anyone who just wants a quick read that will get under your skin in all the best ways.

I was intrigued by the cover of this book, and had been meaning to pick up the first of the series (that cover of the rabbit and the mushrooms is terrifying) with the hope that I would be on a good scary horror romp. Both are short enough that I power read both installments in less than 2 days, and while there are some highs, this series is overall a miss for me.

Let's start with what I liked. In my opinion horror should be relatively short to maximize the scars without weighing the reader down, and these meet this aspect pretty well. I also like a main character that is LGBTQIA+ that is treated like a human first with their gender and sexuality as part of the character, but not the focus of the character, Alex is a great example of this, and the world that is comfortable with a variety of pronouns is a nice place to visit. The choice to add in a number of characters, mostly older characters, is appreciated, the fact that all these characters a fully fledged individuals is even better. The prose and diction are succinct, well developed and well edited.

Now for the misses, there is a lot of world building that just doesn’t seem relevant. Especially in the first book, but also in this one. We do need the war flashbacks and a bit of the cultural background, but in the end the European setting on horseback fighting baddies is something that is familiar to most readers of fantasy and horror, where these books exist. The scares are not new or that interesting, the ghost of a wronged woman and the horror of fungus that take over the bodies of the dead have been done before. While I love some humor mixed into my horror, the humor here is forced, with setups that actually knock the horror and plot to the background for pages at a time.

These aren’t bad by any means, but I have to say that the covers are way better than the story lines. There are some fun moments, and some really lovable characters, which makes these worth a read, but nowhere near the level of some of the other horror-comedy out there.

Now this was T. Kingfisher at her best. The atmospheric horror was absolutely amazing, and the fast-paced writing style was just fantastic. After the first few pages I was immediately immersed back into Easton’s mind, and because of that it’s so difficult to determine if this was better than the first in the Sworn Soldier series. I will read everything and anything written by T. Kingfisher, and this book has convinced me that will never be a mistake.