A review by rorikae
Agents of Dreamland by Caitlín R. Kiernan

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

'Agents of Dreamland' by Caitlin R. Kiernan is an intriguing novella focused on an event in the desert and the people wrapped up in the event. Told through alternating perspectives that flip forward and back in time, we get to know the Signalman, an agent sent to disrupt a cult. We also get to know a woman lulled by the cult's message. But this isn't your average run of the mill religious cult and it will have consequences that will echo into the future and the past. 
Kiernan creates a deeply unsettling story in very few pages. Through the alternating perspectives, we slowly begin to unravel what is happening and it's potential repercussions. One of my favorite things that they do is let your imagination propel the story forward. Body horror is hinted at but never expressly described. Just enough is provided to make you disgusted and imagine all of the worst possible options. This story is quick but effective. I'm glad that there are more books in this series because it feels like there is more story left to tell. 
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