It Devours! A Welcome to Night Vale Novel

It Devours! A Welcome to Night Vale Novel By Joseph Fink, 368 pages

I have been listening to the podcast Welcome to Night Vale for over four years so I was so excited to find out they had released a second novel set in the "friendly desert community where the sun is hot, the moon is beautiful, and mysterious lights pass overhead while we all pretend to sleep." Think of the Night Vale universe as if Prairie Home Companion was set in the Twilight Zone. While knowing the podcast gives context to the story, it is perfectly enjoyable without any background knowledge.

Nilajana Sikdar is a scientist working under Carlos, known throughout Night Vale for his perfect hair and relationship with Cecil, the radio DJ who is the main character in the podcast. Disaster strikes as giant holes open up all over town, swallowing entire buildings and the citizens within them. Carlos is convinced that the city council is involved but Nilanjana's investigation leads her to the mysterious Joyous Congregation of the Smiling God. The investigation is then further complicated by Darryl, a devout member of the congregation who she finds strangely irresistible.

This book had everything I expect from a Night Vale novel - bizarre situations, clever turns of phrase, and an interesting premise. I would recommend this to anyone who likes the uncanny and slightly disturbing.