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Nightwalk
Welcome to Coventry Woods,
…a tranquil, middle class neighborhood where trees turn the streets into shady tunnels, soccer moms jog on secluded paths, and backyard barbeques are weekend staples. It’s a quiet, urban example of the American dream. Here businessmen are neighbors with radio DJs, young doctors buy their first houses, and author Mark Garrett has been settling in with his lovely new wife and stepdaughter.
But tonight Mark’s new neighborhood is going to come with something he never bargained on.
The pits of hell have yawned wide and poured their contents into the midnight streets and homes of Coventry Woods. Everything has gone insane. Shots and screams ring out in the night, while death stalks the darkness in forms this earth has never before seen. Even worse, the only hope of escape is by foot.
Now Mark, along with his stepdaughter and his back-fence neighbor, must flee the neighborhood while attempting to help anybody they meet. And it won’t be easy. They will be walking a gauntlet of unearthly predators, as they strive toward a goal they aren’t even sure still exists…the outside world.
…a tranquil, middle class neighborhood where trees turn the streets into shady tunnels, soccer moms jog on secluded paths, and backyard barbeques are weekend staples. It’s a quiet, urban example of the American dream. Here businessmen are neighbors with radio DJs, young doctors buy their first houses, and author Mark Garrett has been settling in with his lovely new wife and stepdaughter.
But tonight Mark’s new neighborhood is going to come with something he never bargained on.
The pits of hell have yawned wide and poured their contents into the midnight streets and homes of Coventry Woods. Everything has gone insane. Shots and screams ring out in the night, while death stalks the darkness in forms this earth has never before seen. Even worse, the only hope of escape is by foot.
Now Mark, along with his stepdaughter and his back-fence neighbor, must flee the neighborhood while attempting to help anybody they meet. And it won’t be easy. They will be walking a gauntlet of unearthly predators, as they strive toward a goal they aren’t even sure still exists…the outside world.
324 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2015
80 people are currently reading
795 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 10, 2017
Good...but spoilt by a protagonist that didn't know when to keep his mouth shut.
I would have rated this 4 stars if it wasn't for the stilted dialogue in places. I think the main problem was: everytime Mark Garret got into an argument with his step-daughter, he kept calling her a 'little-snot' and by the umpteenth time of him saying it - I was hoping the demons of the night would eviscerate the clown . Personally, I think if Mark kept his mouth shut for the entire book, it very well could have been a 5* rating.....or if he was mute. Unfortunately, the story was told from his POV....so that was a clusterfuck. I think it would have been a lot better if the story was told with a third person narrative.. I liked the book though (when the main character was silent), it kept my interest thoughout - and I did like the reveal at the end. There were a few typo's, but nothing I couldn't get past. Not sure if I'd read any of the authors other books though, even if they were 'Gratis' like this one.
I would have rated this 4 stars if it wasn't for the stilted dialogue in places. I think the main problem was: everytime Mark Garret got into an argument with his step-daughter, he kept calling her a 'little-snot' and by the umpteenth time of him saying it - I was hoping the demons of the night would eviscerate the clown . Personally, I think if Mark kept his mouth shut for the entire book, it very well could have been a 5* rating.....or if he was mute. Unfortunately, the story was told from his POV....so that was a clusterfuck. I think it would have been a lot better if the story was told with a third person narrative.. I liked the book though (when the main character was silent), it kept my interest thoughout - and I did like the reveal at the end. There were a few typo's, but nothing I couldn't get past. Not sure if I'd read any of the authors other books though, even if they were 'Gratis' like this one.
April 10, 2016
NIGHTWALK, by D. Nathan Hilliard is a fast paced, relentless novel that I loathed to put down. Hilliard’s story combines some fantastic sarcasm and quick wit alongside blood-drenching, horrific scenes straight from the nightmares of H.P. Lovecraft, himself. This unique gem of a horror novel starts out running from the very first few pages.
Something bad–inexplicably bad–has happened in the area of Coventry Woods. Something that only those awake at the time will have the chance to bear witness to.
“This wasn’t Coventry Woods anymore.”
Those “lucky” enough to be awake will walk out into a nightmare world that they once knew so well. A world now inhabited by bloodthirsty, monstrous atrocities that defy explanation. As if that wasn’t enough, Hilliard also reminds us through the use of his characters, that monsters can also hide behind human guises . . .
I positively loved the comedic tension between Mark and his stepdaughter, Casey. At one point, while Casey argued with Mark, “…she visibly grimaced, then toned the glare back down to “medium surly” before stating the obvious.” This tactic was used so well as to give that much needed tension-release between the scenes of carnage. Few authors I’ve come across are able to utilize this approach so effectively. After another differing of opinions, Mark muses, “I hate it when women say “It’s fine” because it never leaves me feeling it’s fine. Most of the time they make “It’s fine” sound more like “Screw you” . . .
Joining the two are the ever resourceful back-fence neighbor, Ed, another unfortunate family, the neighborhood “femme fatal”, Darla, teenager Ashlyn, and psychopath-in-training, Tommy. Not only must they battle the elements and creatures set forth in the hopes that there is still a world as they know it out there, but they must also deal with each other.
Darla’s pampered, always-gets-her-way universe is suddenly confronted by Mark’s more practical concerns, which makes for many an interesting scene. “She glared at me with such intensity I honestly wondered what I could have done to piss her off. . . other than lead a pack of killers to her front gate . . .”
Throughout the novel, I feel that Hilliard does an amazing job with keeping up his menacing, death-shrouded atmosphere while remaining true to the characters he creates. The only point which I didn’t truly understand the need for was a more “fantastic” element, introduced into a couple of scenes. Beyond that, I felt that this was quite an original horror novel that had all its elements working together.
Highly recommended!
Something bad–inexplicably bad–has happened in the area of Coventry Woods. Something that only those awake at the time will have the chance to bear witness to.
“This wasn’t Coventry Woods anymore.”
Those “lucky” enough to be awake will walk out into a nightmare world that they once knew so well. A world now inhabited by bloodthirsty, monstrous atrocities that defy explanation. As if that wasn’t enough, Hilliard also reminds us through the use of his characters, that monsters can also hide behind human guises . . .
I positively loved the comedic tension between Mark and his stepdaughter, Casey. At one point, while Casey argued with Mark, “…she visibly grimaced, then toned the glare back down to “medium surly” before stating the obvious.” This tactic was used so well as to give that much needed tension-release between the scenes of carnage. Few authors I’ve come across are able to utilize this approach so effectively. After another differing of opinions, Mark muses, “I hate it when women say “It’s fine” because it never leaves me feeling it’s fine. Most of the time they make “It’s fine” sound more like “Screw you” . . .
Joining the two are the ever resourceful back-fence neighbor, Ed, another unfortunate family, the neighborhood “femme fatal”, Darla, teenager Ashlyn, and psychopath-in-training, Tommy. Not only must they battle the elements and creatures set forth in the hopes that there is still a world as they know it out there, but they must also deal with each other.
Darla’s pampered, always-gets-her-way universe is suddenly confronted by Mark’s more practical concerns, which makes for many an interesting scene. “She glared at me with such intensity I honestly wondered what I could have done to piss her off. . . other than lead a pack of killers to her front gate . . .”
Throughout the novel, I feel that Hilliard does an amazing job with keeping up his menacing, death-shrouded atmosphere while remaining true to the characters he creates. The only point which I didn’t truly understand the need for was a more “fantastic” element, introduced into a couple of scenes. Beyond that, I felt that this was quite an original horror novel that had all its elements working together.
Highly recommended!
September 2, 2019
I can't tell you how much I loved this book! It was so original and all the characters were believable and well developed, and all the creatures were dark and disturbing. You can't go wrong with a book about monsters from another dimension chasing people around their own streets. I highly recommend this book, along with it's sequel Nightwalk 2!
January 6, 2020
In this novel, Mark, a charming, self-deprecating everyman, must fight for survival - of his family, friends, an even a group of strangers - when his neighborhood suddenly goes dark and collapses into a hell on earth, just after midnight one ordinary night.
Author D. Nathan Hilliard engages and enthralls the reader with panache, humor, and horror as his reluctant hero struggles to understand what is happening and what must be done to live until dawn.
The story reminded me of Rod Serling's "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" (If you have never seen this classic Twilight Zone episode, try to find it on YouTube.)
Hilliard takes the story down a longer, steeper, faster, deeper path than Serling did. This author displays amazing (and rare) style and ease as he creates his characters, situations and locations.
The tale is gripping and fun from beginning to end -- and you'll never want to walk under trees in the dark again!
Suitable for all ages, but the horror and violence are probably too disturbing for young children
Author D. Nathan Hilliard engages and enthralls the reader with panache, humor, and horror as his reluctant hero struggles to understand what is happening and what must be done to live until dawn.
The story reminded me of Rod Serling's "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" (If you have never seen this classic Twilight Zone episode, try to find it on YouTube.)
Hilliard takes the story down a longer, steeper, faster, deeper path than Serling did. This author displays amazing (and rare) style and ease as he creates his characters, situations and locations.
The tale is gripping and fun from beginning to end -- and you'll never want to walk under trees in the dark again!
Suitable for all ages, but the horror and violence are probably too disturbing for young children
December 27, 2017
I like it when a story creeps up on me like this one did. Just another street in another suburban neighborhood in the good old US of A. Everyone knows everyone. Minds their own business. Kind of. And go their merry ways.
Until…it all goes sideways. Overnight, carnivorous plants that suck you empty like an arachnid and lure you in with their pulsing florescent colors come out of nowhere. God awful creatures straight out of nightmares prowl the streets, tracking you down and tearing you limb from limb.
This is all kinds of creepy. Throw together a dysfunctional family, a bunch of people who don’t have a clue how to handle things, and some horrific monsters, and the words fly by. I read this straight through, enjoying every attack, every new monster, and the epic showdowns.
The ending was solid, yet mysterious, leaving things open enough to include more if the author chooses. Which I hope he does.
Until…it all goes sideways. Overnight, carnivorous plants that suck you empty like an arachnid and lure you in with their pulsing florescent colors come out of nowhere. God awful creatures straight out of nightmares prowl the streets, tracking you down and tearing you limb from limb.
This is all kinds of creepy. Throw together a dysfunctional family, a bunch of people who don’t have a clue how to handle things, and some horrific monsters, and the words fly by. I read this straight through, enjoying every attack, every new monster, and the epic showdowns.
The ending was solid, yet mysterious, leaving things open enough to include more if the author chooses. Which I hope he does.
November 13, 2015
I'm not entirely sure how rigged the other reviews are, because this book is beyond the reach of any junior editor - it needs a master's hand to be saved. This novel showcases the grammatical prowess of a middle-schooler, and I get the sense that the author somehow missed both his own adolescence and any shot at parenthood, because his depictions of both are painfully unrealistic.
That said - the guy has a hyperactive imagination, and if he could have pitched this to a talented screenwriter, he would have had a masterpiece instead of a total flop.
That said - the guy has a hyperactive imagination, and if he could have pitched this to a talented screenwriter, he would have had a masterpiece instead of a total flop.
December 24, 2019
Monster Neighborhood!
I loved this book! Something happens in the late night of this neighborhood that can't be explained. A group of neighbors band together and run for their lives while creepy things are out to get them! D. Nathan Hilliard did an awesome job giving me a good story!
I loved this book! Something happens in the late night of this neighborhood that can't be explained. A group of neighbors band together and run for their lives while creepy things are out to get them! D. Nathan Hilliard did an awesome job giving me a good story!
September 12, 2017
I keep going back and forth on giving this book 3 stars or 4. I have settled on 4 stars. This book was crazy and it reminded me a lot of the movie The Mist. I loved the characters and how they fought to get to safety and I liked having a background on Mark and Casey's relationship. I was freaking out throughout the whole book and always felt like something bad was going to happen whenever they reached safety. I wanted to hurry and finish this book because I wanted to get to Nightwalk part 2 but I am not a fan of the character having to go back in the past to change the outcome of Nightwalk part 1 (the reason I know that is because that is the synopsis for Nightwalk 2. I don't think I can relive the experience they all went through in Coventry Woods. I do have some questions about the book. I want to know who the man in the white suit was and what his motivation was for appearing to Mark, talking to him and helping him throughout the whole nightmare that erupted. At the end of the book this man changed in appearance and I really wanted to know why was that of any significance? I was also wondering what was Stella's job and why wasn't she home when all of this happened? Mark kept saying she was on her way home but from where work? And if she was coming home from work what did she do? Was she a writer too where did she work? And what made her not try and go find her family. That was a bit odd to me. The chapters were really long and I swear I was having major anxiety because I just wanted to know how this was going to end.
May 8, 2016
Nightwalk is terrifyingly good!!!! A group of survivors slowly get whittled down while fleeing to safety (or rather, walking cautiously to safety). There's a good amount of interpersonal drama between the group members, and the usual he's-on-our-team-but-can-we-trust-him? storyline, but the hands down, absolute best part of the book is the creatures. They make your usual monsters look like kindergarten teachers. My favorite was this gigantic nightmarish starfish beast on the side of a house. It didn't have a big role in the book, but I'll sure remember that thing!
The ending was good, although it left a lot open to interpretation with one character. I'm definitely going to reread this book again. In the meantime, I've moved on to other books from the same author. They're fun (especially Spiderstalk) but this book is my favorite so far.
The ending was good, although it left a lot open to interpretation with one character. I'm definitely going to reread this book again. In the meantime, I've moved on to other books from the same author. They're fun (especially Spiderstalk) but this book is my favorite so far.
October 24, 2017
What a fun ride this story was!
A novelist busy working on his next book, and his stepdaughter both up late at night waiting for the wife to get back from her trip, expected any minute. Suddenly there is a lot of noise and the sound of police cars close by, so they step outside to see what is going on, and suddenly they find themselves in an alien world of horror, a nightmare come to life.
I kept waiting for something like a "Punchline" since the main character is this novelist, a writer of mysteries, but it never came. But from the very first page, my imagination was captured and held onto throughout this entire strange and fascinating tale. Perfect for Halloween time reading!!
A novelist busy working on his next book, and his stepdaughter both up late at night waiting for the wife to get back from her trip, expected any minute. Suddenly there is a lot of noise and the sound of police cars close by, so they step outside to see what is going on, and suddenly they find themselves in an alien world of horror, a nightmare come to life.
I kept waiting for something like a "Punchline" since the main character is this novelist, a writer of mysteries, but it never came. But from the very first page, my imagination was captured and held onto throughout this entire strange and fascinating tale. Perfect for Halloween time reading!!
October 17, 2015
The cover is very atmospheric, and somewhat nostalgic. The tagline could easily be found on an 80's movie, and the cover itself reminds me of Stephen King covers I have seen in the past, with a black background and the title in big block letters. I'm a bit on the fence as to whether or not it would stand out on the shelf, but at the very least I would pause and try to make out the creepy monsters in the photo.
I love the atmosphere and the world Nightwalk is set in. There is something terribly wrong with Coventry Woods, and the whole book has an 'apocalypse' feel to it. But rather than have the cliche zombies, the book has several different varieties of monsters, some harmful and some not. Unlike traditional monsters, these have never been explored before, and the reader is in for a treat as they explore these creatures in great detail and how they affect the main character.
But the main characters seems to be where Nightwalk struggles. Mark Garett is certainly not the heroic type, and normally having a realistic character would be a strong part of the novel. But unfortunately this tends to stray too far in the other direction. Every encounter Mark is part of tends to end in disaster, and while in most novels the protagonists would learn and grow as the story moves along...Mark takes a really long time to do so, almost to a point where it becomes depressing. Fortunately, this is somewhat saves by the other characters in the novel. Casey is his hot-headed step-daughter who has a great deal of layers and courage. The third companion, Ed, is an old but smart character who leads the others out of trouble more then once. Overall I really like how all three work interact together. The second half also introduce a few interesting antagonists to the mix, which add more intrigue, even if the final confrontation feels a little tacked on.
As far as 'apocalypse monster-mix' novels go, this one is better than most I've read, and I personally loved the first few chapters and the build-up to disaster. I do wish the novel had ended slightly differently. Without trying to go too far into spoiler territory, it feels like luck was more a factor rather than the characters accomplishing anything. But overall it was an enjoyable read.
http://www.blackhavenreviews.com/2015...
I love the atmosphere and the world Nightwalk is set in. There is something terribly wrong with Coventry Woods, and the whole book has an 'apocalypse' feel to it. But rather than have the cliche zombies, the book has several different varieties of monsters, some harmful and some not. Unlike traditional monsters, these have never been explored before, and the reader is in for a treat as they explore these creatures in great detail and how they affect the main character.
But the main characters seems to be where Nightwalk struggles. Mark Garett is certainly not the heroic type, and normally having a realistic character would be a strong part of the novel. But unfortunately this tends to stray too far in the other direction. Every encounter Mark is part of tends to end in disaster, and while in most novels the protagonists would learn and grow as the story moves along...Mark takes a really long time to do so, almost to a point where it becomes depressing. Fortunately, this is somewhat saves by the other characters in the novel. Casey is his hot-headed step-daughter who has a great deal of layers and courage. The third companion, Ed, is an old but smart character who leads the others out of trouble more then once. Overall I really like how all three work interact together. The second half also introduce a few interesting antagonists to the mix, which add more intrigue, even if the final confrontation feels a little tacked on.
As far as 'apocalypse monster-mix' novels go, this one is better than most I've read, and I personally loved the first few chapters and the build-up to disaster. I do wish the novel had ended slightly differently. Without trying to go too far into spoiler territory, it feels like luck was more a factor rather than the characters accomplishing anything. But overall it was an enjoyable read.
http://www.blackhavenreviews.com/2015...
November 10, 2015
I strive to find originality when I’m looking for horror fiction, which is one of the reasons I am constantly drawn to D. Nathan Hilliard’s work. Hilliard has a knack for coming up with fascinating ideas, and then combining them with horrific and terrifying elements. To say his works are entertaining is a huge understatement; I would venture so far as to say he is one of the most engrossing authors in the genre today.
His latest release, NIGHTWALK, continues this tradition of excellence. Although the premise might sound simple, the story is a dynamic web of character interactions and physical horrors. If you’ve never read one of Hilliard’s novels before, this book is the perfect entry point to begin. And if you’re already a fan, get ready for an intense ride into Hell.
I have to admit Hilliard’s book SPIDERSTALK still holds the title of My Favorite D. Nathan Hilliard Book, however NIGHTWALK is running a close second. I love the Lovecraftian influence of the creature design, as well as the constant air of dread that hangs over the whole story.
NIGHTWALK is written well and moves smoothly at a nice clip. The beginning puts the reader right into the action very quickly, with no unnecessary exposition or fanfare. Once the story gets going, it never lets up…much like the intensity.
The characters are believable and fleshed out well. I like how no stereotypes appear in the story. Instead, the reader is treated to realistic individuals one might find in any and every neighborhood in America. I spotted a couple from mine immediately. This helps create a bond between them and the reader, which in turn makes for a more immersive story.
And speaking of the story, it is a terrifying ride into the unknown. I particularly enjoy how Hilliard takes his character’s familiar surroundings and turns them into a dangerous element. What was once comfortable is now strange and scary. This aspect boosts the tension exponentially in the book.
NIGHTWALK is a huge win for me, and it’s another top-notch feather in Hilliard’s proverbial cap. I highly recommend this book, as I do everything else the man has written. If you’re looking for high octane horror with horrifying monsters (both nonhuman and human alike) and heart-stopping terror, give this one a look. It is available now in a variety of formats.
His latest release, NIGHTWALK, continues this tradition of excellence. Although the premise might sound simple, the story is a dynamic web of character interactions and physical horrors. If you’ve never read one of Hilliard’s novels before, this book is the perfect entry point to begin. And if you’re already a fan, get ready for an intense ride into Hell.
I have to admit Hilliard’s book SPIDERSTALK still holds the title of My Favorite D. Nathan Hilliard Book, however NIGHTWALK is running a close second. I love the Lovecraftian influence of the creature design, as well as the constant air of dread that hangs over the whole story.
NIGHTWALK is written well and moves smoothly at a nice clip. The beginning puts the reader right into the action very quickly, with no unnecessary exposition or fanfare. Once the story gets going, it never lets up…much like the intensity.
The characters are believable and fleshed out well. I like how no stereotypes appear in the story. Instead, the reader is treated to realistic individuals one might find in any and every neighborhood in America. I spotted a couple from mine immediately. This helps create a bond between them and the reader, which in turn makes for a more immersive story.
And speaking of the story, it is a terrifying ride into the unknown. I particularly enjoy how Hilliard takes his character’s familiar surroundings and turns them into a dangerous element. What was once comfortable is now strange and scary. This aspect boosts the tension exponentially in the book.
NIGHTWALK is a huge win for me, and it’s another top-notch feather in Hilliard’s proverbial cap. I highly recommend this book, as I do everything else the man has written. If you’re looking for high octane horror with horrifying monsters (both nonhuman and human alike) and heart-stopping terror, give this one a look. It is available now in a variety of formats.
May 3, 2018
Amazing Read
Only took 2 sittings to get through this one. The human characters are completely loveable (for the most part) and believable. The inhuman characters not so believable but definitely the product of a nicely twisted imagination. Totally action filled and definitely worth the read. Will definitely recommend to family friends and fellow readers.
Only took 2 sittings to get through this one. The human characters are completely loveable (for the most part) and believable. The inhuman characters not so believable but definitely the product of a nicely twisted imagination. Totally action filled and definitely worth the read. Will definitely recommend to family friends and fellow readers.
May 1, 2022
The book is set in a well-to-do neighborhood on a night like any other night. It's around midnight when our story begins. The main characters in this book are Mark, a crime fiction writer, and his stepdaughter Casey, who is in her mid-teens. Mark is writing and waiting for his wife Stella to get home, while Casey is up past her bedtime. Mark and Casey have a very prickly relationship; Casey has not been able to accept Mark into the family, even though he's a nice guy. This is the reason for my main negative about this story. All through the book, Mark and Casey bicker - a LOT. If the author had cut the bickering in half, the book would have been much better. It got annoying. Otherwise, laying that negative aside, it is a real horror story featuring unimaginable things that go more than bump in the night! A note: the book contains some graphic bloody scenes and a small amount of profanity. It's disturbing, but then, it IS a horror story. It kept me reading and I was satisfied with the ending - which I'd been wondering how on earth it would end. Other than the aforementioned negative, the author does a good job presenting a truly horrifying scenario!
May 12, 2018
Great thrill ride
I really enjoyed this book. It kept me interested the entire time. I loved how the characters interacted with one another. The book was was creepy, funny and I loved all of it.
I really enjoyed this book. It kept me interested the entire time. I loved how the characters interacted with one another. The book was was creepy, funny and I loved all of it.
September 2, 2019
Loved the premise. Most of the book was fun and tense. But, alas, too long. The slowness of pace in many parts was because of redundancy. Rehashing the same fears, thoughts, and actions. Probably won't continue series.
September 20, 2017
Excellent
Really enjoyed this horror read. Group interactions were interesting. Horror comes in so many forms and sizes. Going to look up myths!
Really enjoyed this horror read. Group interactions were interesting. Horror comes in so many forms and sizes. Going to look up myths!
April 13, 2019
Recommended
Great story, thoroughly enjoyed this book. Good story, good characters and well edited. Give it a go, well worth a read
Great story, thoroughly enjoyed this book. Good story, good characters and well edited. Give it a go, well worth a read
April 22, 2019
One of the Scariest Books I Have Read in a Long Time!
One wild ride of fear...If this book is ever made into a movie it will be too much for me.
One wild ride of fear...If this book is ever made into a movie it will be too much for me.
August 10, 2021
Great book! I was thoroughly entertained. The scenes were set up so well and I could imagine myself there feeling completely creeped out by the sounds and foreign sights. The author does a great job of describing each encounter that it doesn't take much imagination to hear and see the monsters.
Like others have said, the protagonist was extremely difficult to deal with and I almost stopped reading the book completely after a few chapters. His thoughts and behaviors were so negative and mildly sexist. I'm not sure any of the female characters in this book had any redeeming qualities according to the pov of the main character. I get the impression that the author himself is doing a bit of projecting onto some of his female characters. Luckily, the protagonist had a growth spurt during the book and became less annoying, and was even likeable by the end. He's kind of like an anti-hero in a way.
Like others have said, the protagonist was extremely difficult to deal with and I almost stopped reading the book completely after a few chapters. His thoughts and behaviors were so negative and mildly sexist. I'm not sure any of the female characters in this book had any redeeming qualities according to the pov of the main character. I get the impression that the author himself is doing a bit of projecting onto some of his female characters. Luckily, the protagonist had a growth spurt during the book and became less annoying, and was even likeable by the end. He's kind of like an anti-hero in a way.
February 11, 2017
This was a great read! It was like you are right there with them. Loved it!
March 18, 2017
Wow
This was an excellent book! Loved the main character Mark and his step daughter Casey. This book not only kept going at an amazing and exciting pace, but the implications left behind really made me as a reader think. Stayed with me long after finishing the book. Are we just game pieces for creatures in another dimension.
This was an excellent book! Loved the main character Mark and his step daughter Casey. This book not only kept going at an amazing and exciting pace, but the implications left behind really made me as a reader think. Stayed with me long after finishing the book. Are we just game pieces for creatures in another dimension.
October 22, 2017
If you liked King's The Mist...
then Nightwatch is that story on steroids. Hilliard takes Lovecraft's cosmic horror to the next level with its modern look at a group trapped in a suburban nightmare, trying to escape to safety. The story moves at a frantic pace and most of the characters are well developed, much better writing than I expected. I think the man in white is Nyarlothotep .
then Nightwatch is that story on steroids. Hilliard takes Lovecraft's cosmic horror to the next level with its modern look at a group trapped in a suburban nightmare, trying to escape to safety. The story moves at a frantic pace and most of the characters are well developed, much better writing than I expected. I think the man in white is Nyarlothotep .
January 14, 2016
It doesn’t take long for our erstwhile characters to realize that something is terribly, terribly wrong. The streets are practically empty–this happened late at night and only those who were awake at the time can be roused. Strange creatures start to show up, just a few at first, then more and more. All of them seem intent on killing people. I think the line the characters walk–somewhere between learning to handle the impossible and falling totally apart–is handled extremely well. They do run into other people, and while Hilliard does his best work detailing his heroes, his work with side characters isn’t bad either.
My one real problem is that Casey does not come across to me as a 17-year-old, particularly at first. Maybe I’ve been spoiled by my friends’ well-mannered teenagers, but it’s been a few years since any of them would likely have come across like Casey. I guess Mark, who doesn’t always think before he speaks (and has no idea how to relate to teens), does have a tendency to say all the wrong things, which doesn’t help. (As a note since not everyone likes first-person PoV, Mark is the narrator of this tale.)
I like the overall style choices Hilliard made. The ‘feel’ of the place takes on a ‘bottom of the ocean floor’ vibe. Things feel thick and damp. The characters feel like they’re under a physical sort of pressure. And many of the monsters have a bioluminescence thing going on–a trait that makes sense for creatures that live in the depths.
When Mark finally finds it in him to try prayer, he catches the notice of a passing entity with its own agenda. It has an interest in helping Mark and Casey for its own reasons, but they still have a lot of danger to wade through.
If I say any more I’ll be in danger of spoiling too much. Instead I’ll just say that of the several Lovecraftian books I’ve read recently, this is my favorite. It really pulled me in, and I cared about what happened to most of the characters
For a longer review, visit my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2016/01/r...
My one real problem is that Casey does not come across to me as a 17-year-old, particularly at first. Maybe I’ve been spoiled by my friends’ well-mannered teenagers, but it’s been a few years since any of them would likely have come across like Casey. I guess Mark, who doesn’t always think before he speaks (and has no idea how to relate to teens), does have a tendency to say all the wrong things, which doesn’t help. (As a note since not everyone likes first-person PoV, Mark is the narrator of this tale.)
I like the overall style choices Hilliard made. The ‘feel’ of the place takes on a ‘bottom of the ocean floor’ vibe. Things feel thick and damp. The characters feel like they’re under a physical sort of pressure. And many of the monsters have a bioluminescence thing going on–a trait that makes sense for creatures that live in the depths.
When Mark finally finds it in him to try prayer, he catches the notice of a passing entity with its own agenda. It has an interest in helping Mark and Casey for its own reasons, but they still have a lot of danger to wade through.
If I say any more I’ll be in danger of spoiling too much. Instead I’ll just say that of the several Lovecraftian books I’ve read recently, this is my favorite. It really pulled me in, and I cared about what happened to most of the characters
For a longer review, visit my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2016/01/r...
October 25, 2015
Overall this was a great read. I loved the realistic relationship between the main character and his step-daughter. Very true to real life. I really loved the monsters. The monsters were well thought out and creepy. I could really imagine them as I was reading the story. The tension in the group of survivors as they walked was palatable and believable. The biggest issue I have with the book is the last chapter. It wasn't needed. If you were reading that novel and couldn't pick up on the small details you need to work on your reading comprehension skills. Perhaps there could have been just a bit more details scattered throughout the novel without adding what felt like a "Nightwalk for Dummies" chapter. The writer seemed forced to explain himself in the last chapter, there was no need for that.
November 17, 2015
I gave this book 3 stars because I did really like, but it took me awhile to finish it. I kept leaving it and coming back and then finally one night I made myself finish it. It is a really creepy book with creatures that I hoped were more scary, creepy, but they weren't all that creepy. I did like the writing style and the way the story grows and the characters but it was lacking something for me, but I would recommend it to anyone who loves creature features!
September 24, 2015
My best advice to readers is do not read Nightwalk right before you go to sleep! I did and had nightmares because of it! That's what good horror does, it stays in your head and scares you while you're sleeping. D. Nathan Hilliard accomplishes that. Nightwalk is a well written book with great characters that will cause you to sleep with the light on! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read scary stories!
October 5, 2015
Shades of Stephen King...
Oh my....what a book! Mr. Hilliard has a very active imagination and I loved it!
This is why I truly enjoy my kindle...finding all these great authors with stories to tell. If you like horror, monsters and weird then read this book. You will enjoy it!
Oh my....what a book! Mr. Hilliard has a very active imagination and I loved it!
This is why I truly enjoy my kindle...finding all these great authors with stories to tell. If you like horror, monsters and weird then read this book. You will enjoy it!
February 7, 2016
Something a little different
Touches of HP Lovecraft in the story of a Texas suburban neighborhood suddenly plunged into darkness and terror . Monsters and horror lurk around every corner as a small group of survivors struggles to get away. a unique and terrifying page turner.
Touches of HP Lovecraft in the story of a Texas suburban neighborhood suddenly plunged into darkness and terror . Monsters and horror lurk around every corner as a small group of survivors struggles to get away. a unique and terrifying page turner.
August 30, 2016
Great book.
I really get off on Eldrich horror but you just don't see it much anymore. This book fed my craving and then some. It would be great to see this storyline expanded on. I finished this book in one late night binge it was that good.
I really get off on Eldrich horror but you just don't see it much anymore. This book fed my craving and then some. It would be great to see this storyline expanded on. I finished this book in one late night binge it was that good.
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