Nightfall (Nightmareland Volume One): Daniel Barnett
Reviewed By Aiden Merchant
The dark is only the beginning…
“Tomorrow died on the last morning of May. There were those who saw it happen, who watched the shadow fall, who felt the chop of the guillotine as the world lost its head. Everyone else witnessed only the aftermath, for the event itself lasted no longer than a moment. They stepped outside from windowless rooms, they climbed up from crowded subways, they pulled back the blinds to let in the sun, and found the nightmare waiting for them.”
After reading Nightfall, you can’t help but wonder if Barnett is looking to attempt an apocalyptic tale as ambitious as The Stand. Seeing as this is just the first of five entries planned for the book (with the possibility of a series ensuing), it seems safe to say the answer is “yes.” And you know what? I’m A-OK with that, man.
Nightfall may have just been an extended introduction, but damn was it engrossing. Though the cast still needs to be shaped further, the lead will get your attention right off the bat. He’s an anti-hero type, dark and mysterious. Violent. Brooding. Secretive. You can’t help but wonder what the hell he’s about and what else he’s hiding. I can’t decide if he’s meant to be the eventual protagonist or not. Hell, maybe we’re seeing the set up for a villain. Either way, I’m hooked to learn more.
Though the story jumps about a bit (which, admittedly, confused me a couple of times along the way), there are several sequences in which we get some descriptive action within the sudden falling of night; those moments are intoxicating! The whole scene following the little boy’s father on the highway was superb. The little visions of people gone crazy about town sent shivers down my spine – I definitely want more of that! The possibilities for chaos and lunacy are endless, so of course, I expect Barnett to have fun with this set in the coming sequels.
Come the end of Nightfall, all we know is that the sun has suddenly shut off and a vast majority of the population has lost their minds. The premise isn’t wholly original, but it is enticing. And with Barnett writing devilishly well along the way, it seems that Nightmareland is set up for success. I absolutely loved this novella and cannot wait to see where the story goes next.
Nightfall – Nightmareland Volume One
“Tomorrow died on the last morning of May. There were those who saw it happen, who watched the shadow fall, who felt the chop of the guillotine as the world lost its head. Everyone else witnessed only the aftermath, for the event itself lasted no longer than a moment. They stepped outside from windowless rooms, they climbed up from crowded subways, they pulled back the blinds to let in the sun, and found the nightmare waiting for them.”
But the dark is only the beginning.
Aiden Merchant
Aiden Merchant is an independent author of horror, suspense, science fiction, and whatever else crawls out of his head. In 2019, he appeared in the writing community with the release of two story collections, Dead as Soon as Born and Kill for Them. In the months that surrounded those debuts, he also made several singles and website exclusives available, including “Out at Sea” and “Nummy Fingers.” He has been praised by readers and writers alike as having a diverse range in style and genre. Under his real name, Merchant has more than a decade of experience in music journalism, having regularly appeared in Alternative Press, Outburn Magazine, New Noise Magazine, and more. He is also a certified nursing assistant, husband, and father. In 2020, he looks to find a publisher and agent for the various projects he has in the pipeline.
Website www.aidenmerchant.com
Twitter @aidenmerchant89
Instagram www.instragram.com/aidenmerchant.official
Goodreads www.goodreads.com/aiden_merchant
Amazon www.amazon.com/author/aidenmerchant
Dead As Soon As Born
There is evil inside us all, and no one lives forever.
In this debut collection of short stories from Aiden Merchant, you will bear witness to murderers, monsters, and other horrors.
You can buy Dead As Soon As Born from Amazon UK & Amazon US
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