A review by lifeinthebooklane
The Night and the Land by Matt Spencer
4.0
The Night and the Land introduces us to an intriguing alternative, or even "Could Be", Earth. The tale unfolds slowly as we follow Sally Wildfire, Rob Coscan and those who want to use them, on what could almost be considered an Urban Fantasy retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Though in this case the protagonists are older and the ending, as yet, is not quite so tragic. However the book contains all the hallmarks of a great dark fantasy, with imperfect characters, epic world building and a riveting plot.
There is no huge information dump, we get a drip feed of small facts, ideas and hints that gradually allowed the bigger picture to emerge. Whilst it did leave the reader a little unanchored at times, that perfectly reflected the situation for Rob and, to some extent, Sally. Having grown up knowing nothing of his true heritage, Rob has always wondered why he didn't quite fit in amongst the Earth-liners. Meeting Sally triggers a series of events that will change both of their worlds, and may just change the future of our world too.
The help of friends, the pursuit of enemies and the typical interference of politics, by those who never have to deal with dirty realities and resulting aftermaths, set Rob and Sally on paths not of their choosing. After all, most would hold to the belief that a Spirelight and a Crimbone were never meant to meet and fall in love. Rather theirs is to be mortal enemies.
It is by parts a violent and cruel tale, with slivers of hope and joy added in. I found myself developing a soft spot for Shelden, and an instant distrust (dislike?) of Puttergong. The pace was good, and despite almost feeling as though not a huge amount was achieved, the plot was packed with action, intrigue and peril.
There is no huge information dump, we get a drip feed of small facts, ideas and hints that gradually allowed the bigger picture to emerge. Whilst it did leave the reader a little unanchored at times, that perfectly reflected the situation for Rob and, to some extent, Sally. Having grown up knowing nothing of his true heritage, Rob has always wondered why he didn't quite fit in amongst the Earth-liners. Meeting Sally triggers a series of events that will change both of their worlds, and may just change the future of our world too.
The help of friends, the pursuit of enemies and the typical interference of politics, by those who never have to deal with dirty realities and resulting aftermaths, set Rob and Sally on paths not of their choosing. After all, most would hold to the belief that a Spirelight and a Crimbone were never meant to meet and fall in love. Rather theirs is to be mortal enemies.
It is by parts a violent and cruel tale, with slivers of hope and joy added in. I found myself developing a soft spot for Shelden, and an instant distrust (dislike?) of Puttergong. The pace was good, and despite almost feeling as though not a huge amount was achieved, the plot was packed with action, intrigue and peril.