Enakshi reviews The Night and the Land, by Matt Spencer, an unputdownable book. An exclusive for Different Truths.
Book: The Night and the Land
Author: Matt Spencer
Publisher: Back Roads Carnival Books
Rating: 4/5
It seems like the main objective of Matt Spencer’s book, The Night and the Land, is to prove the adage, actions speak louder than words. This first part of the Deschembine trilogy definitely has the potential to keep the readers hooked to their seats with its explosive action scenes and taut plot. The story is set in the magical realms that go against each other at hammer and tongs.
The Night and the Land is about Sally Wildfire, who has escaped her relentless and flawed family, and Rob Coscan, a young man, who is baffled by his discovery of unheard voices and incomprehensible sensations. When these two star-crossed lovers meet, love is ignited. Together with love, hate, envy and a plethora of problems make way into their lives. What is interesting in this book is the layered writing and the slow revelation of details. Though I admit that the initial few chapters didn’t quite make any sense to me, I cannot say that I felt the need to put the book away at any point. The urge and the excitement to know more kept me flipping the pages. Rob’s unusual journey on the path of self-discovery is what kept me going. The protagonists try very had to cut the Gordian Knot but the odds are not quite in their favour. What results is complete pandemonium. There is blood and gore to an extent that only the brave can digest. The scenes are laden with murders and the stench of the decaying corpses often makes way into your nose.
Laced with vivid imagery, metaphorical references and idiomatic expression, the beautiful narrative binds the attention till the very end. However, some parts of the book, when the author delves into too much of detailing and the backstory, sounded a little drab owing to lack of action and complete information. That’s the thing with the sequels. The longer the wait, the more boring it sounds.
Laced with vivid imagery, metaphorical references and idiomatic expression, the beautiful narrative binds the attention till the very end. However, some parts of the book, when the author delves into too much of detailing and the backstory, sounded a little drab owing to lack of action and complete information. That’s the thing with the sequels. The longer the wait, the more boring it sounds. Nevertheless, the sturdy side characters that either belong to Spirelights or Crimbones, the two clans in question, kept the wheels rolling. All the characters appear in the shade of grey and they have their vices and virtues to choose from. Out of all, Sheldon outshines the rest with his bravado and sanguine soliloquies.
Overall, The Night and the Land is a book that elicits a vicarious thrill with its life-on-the-edge story and enjoyable characters. This is not the usual vampire-werewolf tale but it has something better to offer. The beasts are insidious and barbaric, the characters are conflicted yet confident and fierce and the story gives them the platform to present a story that can keep the readers at the edge of their seats. I cannot help but look forward to reading the second part now.
Best wishes to Matt!
Photo sourced by the author
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