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The Night and the Land
Among the local hippies and squatters of Brattleboro, Vermont, Sally Wildfire is on the run, hiding from her cruel, relentless family. She finds unexpected love with Rob, a bristly young man freshly awoken to alien sensations and ancestral memories of a long-forgotten realm…setting them both on a collision course with a brutal rite of passage, as the Wildfire family leaves a trail of mangled corpses on the road to Brattleboro.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
22 people want to read
About the author
Matt Spencer
71 books46 followersMatt Spencer is the author of five novels, three collections, and numerous novellas and short stories. He’s been a journalist, New Orleans restaurant cook, factory worker, radio DJ, and a no-good ramblin’ bum. He's also a song lyricist, playwright, actor, martial artist, and an avid fencer. As of this writing, he lives in Brattleboro, Vermont where he works at the local homeless shelter. You can sometimes find him on Instagram as @booksbymattspencer.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 24, 2020
The Night and the Land by Matt Spencer is a brilliant urban fantasy read that hooked me right from the beginning and left me wanting for more in the end! It is a perfect start to a trilogy and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next 2 books in this series.
The best thing about this book, for me, was the world-building. The author has woven an intricate universe that merges seamlessly with ours and leaves you wondering about the story having some truth to it. It is the best kind of fantasy when it makes you question your reality and for me, that is where this book wins!
Other than that, the characterisation was good enough, the narration was superb and the plot was simply out of the world. I loved every bit of it, though I am holding back one start cause I have a feeling the sequel might be better as it will be developing the world and characterisation further (or at least I hope so.)
I'd definitely recommend it to all fantasy readers. It is worth all the time!
You can also read this review on thereadingbud.com
The best thing about this book, for me, was the world-building. The author has woven an intricate universe that merges seamlessly with ours and leaves you wondering about the story having some truth to it. It is the best kind of fantasy when it makes you question your reality and for me, that is where this book wins!
Other than that, the characterisation was good enough, the narration was superb and the plot was simply out of the world. I loved every bit of it, though I am holding back one start cause I have a feeling the sequel might be better as it will be developing the world and characterisation further (or at least I hope so.)
I'd definitely recommend it to all fantasy readers. It is worth all the time!
You can also read this review on thereadingbud.com
May 31, 2015
As to be expected from the first book of a trilogy, "The Night and the Land" raises more questions than it answers, but that is to be expected.
Matt Spencer does a fantastic job weaving supernatural elements into the mundane setting of the "real" world, and his attention to detail to the setting is only matched by how well he draws out his main characters.
Mr. Spencer does an excellent job with his action scenes, and he has a fighter's eye for detail. Some of the material might be too gory for some readers, but it makes for an extremely visceral read.
I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a fresh take on modern dark fantasy, and it makes for a superb coming-of-age tale.
Matt Spencer does a fantastic job weaving supernatural elements into the mundane setting of the "real" world, and his attention to detail to the setting is only matched by how well he draws out his main characters.
Mr. Spencer does an excellent job with his action scenes, and he has a fighter's eye for detail. Some of the material might be too gory for some readers, but it makes for an extremely visceral read.
I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a fresh take on modern dark fantasy, and it makes for a superb coming-of-age tale.
September 15, 2020
Excellent start to a new series.
Full review here:
https://bookshelfadventures.home.blog...
Full review here:
https://bookshelfadventures.home.blog...
March 25, 2021
The night and the land is an urban fantasy story about Sally Wildfire and Rob Coscan. The story is set in the small town of Brattleboro, Vermont. It is haunted and dangerous. Sally is on the run and happens to meet Rob, a drifter with powers and madness he is unaware of. The dynamic of them both created a compelling and thought-provoking story.
The dark fantasy had strong world-building. Rob’s heritage, his background, personality, and his struggle trying to fit in the Earth liners were appealing to me. I believe what stood out the most was the vital characteristics of the storyline. The author did an outstanding job allowing the reader to learn more about them.
The story was well written. The pace was steady and filled with consistent scenes of descriptive writing. It was effortless to melt into the story and forget about your surroundings.
There were many aspects of the storyline which could have created more sideline segments or a series of books moving forward. I am not sure if the author has any plans to follow up after this book but, there is definitely room for more adventure.
I recommend this book to people who like dark fantasy and urban fantasy stories.
The dark fantasy had strong world-building. Rob’s heritage, his background, personality, and his struggle trying to fit in the Earth liners were appealing to me. I believe what stood out the most was the vital characteristics of the storyline. The author did an outstanding job allowing the reader to learn more about them.
The story was well written. The pace was steady and filled with consistent scenes of descriptive writing. It was effortless to melt into the story and forget about your surroundings.
There were many aspects of the storyline which could have created more sideline segments or a series of books moving forward. I am not sure if the author has any plans to follow up after this book but, there is definitely room for more adventure.
I recommend this book to people who like dark fantasy and urban fantasy stories.
August 23, 2020
The Night and the Land
Author: Matt Spencer
Publisher: Back Roads Carnival Books
Rating: 4/5
It seems like the main objective of Matt Spencer’s book ‘The Night and the Land’ is to prove the adage- Actions speak louder than words- right. This first part of the Deschembine trilogy definitely has the potential to keep the readers hooked to their seats with its explosive action scenes and taut plot. The story is set in the magical realms that go against each other at hammer and tongs.
‘The Night and the Land’ is about Sally Wildfire, who has escaped her relentless and flawed family, and Rob Coscan, a young man who is baffled by his discovery of unheard voices and incomprehensible sensations. When these two star-crossed lovers meet, love is ignited. Together with love, hate, envy and a plethora of problems make way into their lives. What is interesting in this book is the layered writing and the slow revelation of details. Though I admit that the initial few chapters didn’t quite make any sense to me, I cannot say that I felt the need to put the book away at any point. The urge and the excitement to know more kept me flipping the pages. Rob’s unusual journey on the path of self-discovery is what kept me going. The protagonists try very had to cut the Gordian knot but the odds are not quite in their favour. What results is complete pandemonium. There is blood and gore to an extent that only the brave can digest. The scenes are laden with murders and the stench of the decaying corpses often makes way into your nose.
Read the complete review here: https://aliveshadow.com/category-book...
Author: Matt Spencer
Publisher: Back Roads Carnival Books
Rating: 4/5
It seems like the main objective of Matt Spencer’s book ‘The Night and the Land’ is to prove the adage- Actions speak louder than words- right. This first part of the Deschembine trilogy definitely has the potential to keep the readers hooked to their seats with its explosive action scenes and taut plot. The story is set in the magical realms that go against each other at hammer and tongs.
‘The Night and the Land’ is about Sally Wildfire, who has escaped her relentless and flawed family, and Rob Coscan, a young man who is baffled by his discovery of unheard voices and incomprehensible sensations. When these two star-crossed lovers meet, love is ignited. Together with love, hate, envy and a plethora of problems make way into their lives. What is interesting in this book is the layered writing and the slow revelation of details. Though I admit that the initial few chapters didn’t quite make any sense to me, I cannot say that I felt the need to put the book away at any point. The urge and the excitement to know more kept me flipping the pages. Rob’s unusual journey on the path of self-discovery is what kept me going. The protagonists try very had to cut the Gordian knot but the odds are not quite in their favour. What results is complete pandemonium. There is blood and gore to an extent that only the brave can digest. The scenes are laden with murders and the stench of the decaying corpses often makes way into your nose.
Read the complete review here: https://aliveshadow.com/category-book...
January 5, 2025
I accidentally deleted my review, I remember enjoying the book but not being blown away.
October 4, 2020
I was offered by the author this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book in a trilogy and definitely reads like it, as it leaves you with several unanswered questions. We are introduced into an alternative world, which was very intriguing. I've seen this book being characterized as enormous different genres: horror, fantasy, high fantasy, urban-fantasy,... I personally think it has bits of all these elements, but the dark fantasy aspect is more prevalent.
Lately, I've been having a hard time reading the first 100 pages of any book I come across, however, I easily passed this page mark, as the writing was very engaging and easy to read.
Being a fantasy novel, we're bound to talk about the world-building, I liked the fact that it was not too info-dumpy like many first books are, it was a breath of fresh air.
I'd advise readers that there are violence and gore in this book, if you dislike these things, be advised.
I'm very curious about the following books in this series and especially how this trilogy ends.
Another thanks to the author for providing me with a copy.
Lately, I've been having a hard time reading the first 100 pages of any book I come across, however, I easily passed this page mark, as the writing was very engaging and easy to read.
Being a fantasy novel, we're bound to talk about the world-building, I liked the fact that it was not too info-dumpy like many first books are, it was a breath of fresh air.
I'd advise readers that there are violence and gore in this book, if you dislike these things, be advised.
I'm very curious about the following books in this series and especially how this trilogy ends.
Another thanks to the author for providing me with a copy.
September 23, 2020
Warning to Reading Addicts: You Will Be Wanting More
Most kids worry that they'll never fit in with normal society because they feel so different - imagine discovering that you really are from another world.
Matt Spencer packs a lot into his writing: the plight of homeless youth; the pleasure and pain of star-crossed love; the loss of family members; parents who don't understand their kids; parents whose homeschooling education includes tracking and murder… But this coming of age story is definitely for adults.
Spencer's characters are delicious and vivid. Rob, Sally, Sheldon, Janie, and all the supporting characters feel like real people and the suspense of wanting to know what happens to them next kept me turning pages far past bedtime. The events are cataclysmically life-changing for them, for society, and for the earth itself.
There are mild spoilers in the following synopsis:
These people of Deschemb, whose ancestors came through portals from a world that they know now only through legends, are imbued with and live according to the rules of a kind of magic. Their characteristics and Gods differ and they have been at war for as long as they remember. They don't know why their races became dedicated to wiping each other out, only that the only way to survive on Earth is to obey the directives their governing bodies set down for them and stay within their own territories or neutral zones.
Our kind has been unaware that we have these others among us. Those who discover the truth are either fortunate to forget what happened or are about to die.
This book triggered my binge reading habit. I couldn't wait to learn what happens next and immediately went on to read the second book in the series. Now, I'm a bit frustrated because the third book isn't out yet! I hope you're working on that, Matt Spencer!
I received a free copy of this first volume from the author and publisher via BookSirens. This is my voluntary and enthusiastic review! It's my opinion that if you like horror/urban fantasy, you'll love this series.
Most kids worry that they'll never fit in with normal society because they feel so different - imagine discovering that you really are from another world.
Matt Spencer packs a lot into his writing: the plight of homeless youth; the pleasure and pain of star-crossed love; the loss of family members; parents who don't understand their kids; parents whose homeschooling education includes tracking and murder… But this coming of age story is definitely for adults.
Spencer's characters are delicious and vivid. Rob, Sally, Sheldon, Janie, and all the supporting characters feel like real people and the suspense of wanting to know what happens to them next kept me turning pages far past bedtime. The events are cataclysmically life-changing for them, for society, and for the earth itself.
There are mild spoilers in the following synopsis:
These people of Deschemb, whose ancestors came through portals from a world that they know now only through legends, are imbued with and live according to the rules of a kind of magic. Their characteristics and Gods differ and they have been at war for as long as they remember. They don't know why their races became dedicated to wiping each other out, only that the only way to survive on Earth is to obey the directives their governing bodies set down for them and stay within their own territories or neutral zones.
Our kind has been unaware that we have these others among us. Those who discover the truth are either fortunate to forget what happened or are about to die.
This book triggered my binge reading habit. I couldn't wait to learn what happens next and immediately went on to read the second book in the series. Now, I'm a bit frustrated because the third book isn't out yet! I hope you're working on that, Matt Spencer!
I received a free copy of this first volume from the author and publisher via BookSirens. This is my voluntary and enthusiastic review! It's my opinion that if you like horror/urban fantasy, you'll love this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Night and The Land
Author: Matt Spencer
Book Series: Standalone as of now
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: urban fantasy lovers
Publication Date: May 13, 2019
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, gore, violence)
Publisher: Back Roads Carnival Books
Pages: 356
Synopsis: Among the local hippies and squatters of Brattleboro, Vermont, Sally Wildfire is on the run, hiding from her cruel, relentless family. She finds unexpected love with Rob, a bristly young man freshly awoken to alien sensations and ancestral memories of a long-forgotten realm...setting them both on a collision course with a brutal rite of passage, as the Wildfire family leaves a trail of mangled corpses on the road to Brattleboro.
Review: Overall, I really liked this book. I thought that the world building was really well done and the story was well detailed and entertaining. I really liked the plot as well and I was fully interested in the book from start to finish.
The only thing that I wish was a bit better was the character development, although it was good enough throughout the book.
Verdict: Well done book! Recommend!
Book: The Night and The Land
Author: Matt Spencer
Book Series: Standalone as of now
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: urban fantasy lovers
Publication Date: May 13, 2019
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, gore, violence)
Publisher: Back Roads Carnival Books
Pages: 356
Synopsis: Among the local hippies and squatters of Brattleboro, Vermont, Sally Wildfire is on the run, hiding from her cruel, relentless family. She finds unexpected love with Rob, a bristly young man freshly awoken to alien sensations and ancestral memories of a long-forgotten realm...setting them both on a collision course with a brutal rite of passage, as the Wildfire family leaves a trail of mangled corpses on the road to Brattleboro.
Review: Overall, I really liked this book. I thought that the world building was really well done and the story was well detailed and entertaining. I really liked the plot as well and I was fully interested in the book from start to finish.
The only thing that I wish was a bit better was the character development, although it was good enough throughout the book.
Verdict: Well done book! Recommend!
August 30, 2020
'A Riveting Dark Fantasy'
Matt Spencer engulfs and transports the reader to an authentic, dark, and mysterious world through his impeccable world-building.
The author penned an intense, fast paced, full of action plot that expands densely.
It becomes un-putdownable as the author takes the reader to explore an engrossing realm through his picturesque writing style.
Matt's characterization is diverse, skillful, and relatable which keeps the reader rooting and rolling.
With each fold, the story unveils and consumes the reader, by the end it leaves you with unquenched, desperate for answers and next installment.
The Night and The Land is a high potential first installment in Deschembine trilogy that holds the reader firmly for a thrilling, puzzling ride, full or horror and adventure.
Highly recommended to readers of Dark/Urban Fantasy. A 5 star read.
Looking forward to the next installments in the series.
p.s. loved the animation and cannot wait to see how the cover art turns out for the series.
Matt Spencer engulfs and transports the reader to an authentic, dark, and mysterious world through his impeccable world-building.
The author penned an intense, fast paced, full of action plot that expands densely.
It becomes un-putdownable as the author takes the reader to explore an engrossing realm through his picturesque writing style.
Matt's characterization is diverse, skillful, and relatable which keeps the reader rooting and rolling.
With each fold, the story unveils and consumes the reader, by the end it leaves you with unquenched, desperate for answers and next installment.
The Night and The Land is a high potential first installment in Deschembine trilogy that holds the reader firmly for a thrilling, puzzling ride, full or horror and adventure.
Highly recommended to readers of Dark/Urban Fantasy. A 5 star read.
Looking forward to the next installments in the series.
p.s. loved the animation and cannot wait to see how the cover art turns out for the series.
January 3, 2021
ARC given by the author through BookSirens!!
When even a lonely not very interesting guy and girl, turn out to be huge players in our world!!
So yeah, this book was a pleasant surprise for me, as I knew nothing of it, or the author! At first I was rather confused, the world is not exactly described to us, as it it more like slowly presented to us, to the point that it takes a bit to see that we're in our own world, with some fantasy little touches... And by little I mean HUGE!
The Night and The Land takes place in our world, but where we, normal humans, have little attention! It's all focused on a race, or various races, from an old world in an unending war!!
I must confess, the beggining is a bit slow, I do think it starts getting its pace by halfway through the story, but once it gets more pace it just doesn't stop! It's fast, it's brutal, it's emotional, it's violent and gory! I wasn't expecting that, even when advised that it was a grimdark novel! I guess this was a first for me on this genre and I loved it!!
I love the characters, specially when their personalities come more at play and not so much the love side of it all!! It makes them more human and more relatable!! It all revolves around tradition and maybe a spice of religion and, of course, war politics between the Crimbones and the Spirelights!
At first seems simple enough... One side wants to chop up the other, while the reverse is also true, but with the Secret Police instead of the whole race! But by the end it takes so many turns that we feel like it goes so much deeper than we thought!
All this to say, by the end, I didn't want it to end and felt like the stopped just when it started! Felt like there was so much more to be said, to be told and to discover!! What happened to them at the end?? What about Sheldon?? What about that Talino dude??
Matt, we need the rest... Please!!!!
Thank you BookSirens for this ARC and thanks Matt for the opportunity!!
When even a lonely not very interesting guy and girl, turn out to be huge players in our world!!
So yeah, this book was a pleasant surprise for me, as I knew nothing of it, or the author! At first I was rather confused, the world is not exactly described to us, as it it more like slowly presented to us, to the point that it takes a bit to see that we're in our own world, with some fantasy little touches... And by little I mean HUGE!
The Night and The Land takes place in our world, but where we, normal humans, have little attention! It's all focused on a race, or various races, from an old world in an unending war!!
I must confess, the beggining is a bit slow, I do think it starts getting its pace by halfway through the story, but once it gets more pace it just doesn't stop! It's fast, it's brutal, it's emotional, it's violent and gory! I wasn't expecting that, even when advised that it was a grimdark novel! I guess this was a first for me on this genre and I loved it!!
I love the characters, specially when their personalities come more at play and not so much the love side of it all!! It makes them more human and more relatable!! It all revolves around tradition and maybe a spice of religion and, of course, war politics between the Crimbones and the Spirelights!
At first seems simple enough... One side wants to chop up the other, while the reverse is also true, but with the Secret Police instead of the whole race! But by the end it takes so many turns that we feel like it goes so much deeper than we thought!
All this to say, by the end, I didn't want it to end and felt like the stopped just when it started! Felt like there was so much more to be said, to be told and to discover!! What happened to them at the end?? What about Sheldon?? What about that Talino dude??
Matt, we need the rest... Please!!!!
Thank you BookSirens for this ARC and thanks Matt for the opportunity!!
January 19, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Night and The Land
Author: Matt Spencer
Book Series: Standalone as of now
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: urban fantasy lovers
Publication Date: May 13, 2019
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, gore, violence)
Publisher: Back Roads Carnival Books
Pages: 356
Synopsis: Among the local hippies and squatters of Brattleboro, Vermont, Sally Wildfire is on the run, hiding from her cruel, relentless family. She finds unexpected love with Rob, a bristly young man freshly awoken to alien sensations and ancestral memories of a long-forgotten realm...setting them both on a collision course with a brutal rite of passage, as the Wildfire family leaves a trail of mangled corpses on the road to Brattleboro.
Review: Overall, I really liked this book. I thought that the world building was really well done and the story was well detailed and entertaining. I really liked the plot as well and I was fully interested in the book from start to finish.
The only thing that I wish was a bit better was the character development, although it was good enough throughout the book.
Verdict: Well done book! Recommend!
Book: The Night and The Land
Author: Matt Spencer
Book Series: Standalone as of now
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: urban fantasy lovers
Publication Date: May 13, 2019
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, gore, violence)
Publisher: Back Roads Carnival Books
Pages: 356
Synopsis: Among the local hippies and squatters of Brattleboro, Vermont, Sally Wildfire is on the run, hiding from her cruel, relentless family. She finds unexpected love with Rob, a bristly young man freshly awoken to alien sensations and ancestral memories of a long-forgotten realm...setting them both on a collision course with a brutal rite of passage, as the Wildfire family leaves a trail of mangled corpses on the road to Brattleboro.
Review: Overall, I really liked this book. I thought that the world building was really well done and the story was well detailed and entertaining. I really liked the plot as well and I was fully interested in the book from start to finish.
The only thing that I wish was a bit better was the character development, although it was good enough throughout the book.
Verdict: Well done book! Recommend!
September 15, 2020
After finishing The Night and the Land, I am convinced that Matt Spencer has found the perfect recipe for speculative science-fiction. Spencer is a wonderful storyteller who developed suspense from the first page and never let up. I was instantly drawn in by Spencer’s narrative voice and was further enraptured with the voices of each character.
The rapid shifts in point of view threw me for a tiresome loop toward the end of the first act, but each change provided a deliberate piece of the larger puzzle. For transparency’s sake, I must add that I did grow frustrated with the over-use of dramatic irony with regards to Rob’s backstory. I am all for building interest, suspense, and dramatic tension, but Spencer stretched Rob’s ignorance of his lineage a bit too far for my tastes. And yet, that frustration did not hamper my enjoyment of the larger work.
I’m a little late to the Deschembine Trilogy bandwagon, but that means that I can hop right into The Trail of the Beast. No wait-time!
The rapid shifts in point of view threw me for a tiresome loop toward the end of the first act, but each change provided a deliberate piece of the larger puzzle. For transparency’s sake, I must add that I did grow frustrated with the over-use of dramatic irony with regards to Rob’s backstory. I am all for building interest, suspense, and dramatic tension, but Spencer stretched Rob’s ignorance of his lineage a bit too far for my tastes. And yet, that frustration did not hamper my enjoyment of the larger work.
I’m a little late to the Deschembine Trilogy bandwagon, but that means that I can hop right into The Trail of the Beast. No wait-time!
Read
June 6, 2019Review copy provided courtesy of the author.
Sally Wildfire is a runaway, Rob Coscan is a nomadic troublemaker. When they meet in Brattleboro, Vermont the sparks fly immediately, but this isn't a simple story of boy meets girl. Sally and Rob are members of two feuding races not of this world.
The Night and The Land is the first book of the Deschembine trilogy by Matt Spencer, and it's an urban fantasy that features many familiar tropes of the genre, but in a refreshing way. There's a bit of Romeo and Juliet style instalove, there's a chosen one archetype, and many a troubled past, but Spencer has some tricks up his sleeve and doesn't let things get too predictable.
There isn't a ton of exposition here, which I personally loved. You slowly learn bits and pieces about the Spirelights, Crimbones, and their history with each other, but to be fair, I have read Spencer's Changing of The Guards which exists in the same universe. I definitely think this gave me a bit of an edge here, and I could see the lack of a more detailed explanation of the backstory of the world being a bit frustrating for some readers (but I do feel all the immediately relevant information is there).
The love story between Sally and Rob is so integral to the story but....unfortunately I am just not really a romance kinda gal, so I wasn't too keen on that. However, this was very much about my own personal preferences and not at all about a lack in quality, and readers who enjoy romance (or are even just unbothered) will surely enjoy it. For my fellow romance unenthusiasts, the romance and the relationship are the driving force for events, but there is still plenty of action and twists (and blood, so much blood!) to keep things plenty engaging for the rest of us.
The Night and The Land definitely feels like the first in a trilogy, there are elements that aren't fully explored or explained so it doesn't quite stand on it's own, but it was one wild ride that makes for a great beginning to the story, and I am fully onboard and ready to read the rest of Sally and Rob's journey!
Sally Wildfire is a runaway, Rob Coscan is a nomadic troublemaker. When they meet in Brattleboro, Vermont the sparks fly immediately, but this isn't a simple story of boy meets girl. Sally and Rob are members of two feuding races not of this world.
The Night and The Land is the first book of the Deschembine trilogy by Matt Spencer, and it's an urban fantasy that features many familiar tropes of the genre, but in a refreshing way. There's a bit of Romeo and Juliet style instalove, there's a chosen one archetype, and many a troubled past, but Spencer has some tricks up his sleeve and doesn't let things get too predictable.
There isn't a ton of exposition here, which I personally loved. You slowly learn bits and pieces about the Spirelights, Crimbones, and their history with each other, but to be fair, I have read Spencer's Changing of The Guards which exists in the same universe. I definitely think this gave me a bit of an edge here, and I could see the lack of a more detailed explanation of the backstory of the world being a bit frustrating for some readers (but I do feel all the immediately relevant information is there).
The love story between Sally and Rob is so integral to the story but....unfortunately I am just not really a romance kinda gal, so I wasn't too keen on that. However, this was very much about my own personal preferences and not at all about a lack in quality, and readers who enjoy romance (or are even just unbothered) will surely enjoy it. For my fellow romance unenthusiasts, the romance and the relationship are the driving force for events, but there is still plenty of action and twists (and blood, so much blood!) to keep things plenty engaging for the rest of us.
The Night and The Land definitely feels like the first in a trilogy, there are elements that aren't fully explored or explained so it doesn't quite stand on it's own, but it was one wild ride that makes for a great beginning to the story, and I am fully onboard and ready to read the rest of Sally and Rob's journey!
April 20, 2021
In many ways this book defies categorization.
It's one jigger small-town New England gritty realism, 4 ozs epic fantasy with hints of space opera, all poured over ice cold weird that whispers in your ear and won't let go.
As a series starter it builds it's world confidently, never revealing too much at once, just letting you wonder as you put it together piece by piece... much as the main characters have no idea what is happening to them half the time. As a reader, I have no idea how this is going to play out over the next few books - and that's just the way I like it.
I don't want to get into too many details, but I'll say this - you'll need a strong stomach, because this book doesn't pull any punches or hold anything back. It's okay, let it take you along for the ride.
It's one jigger small-town New England gritty realism, 4 ozs epic fantasy with hints of space opera, all poured over ice cold weird that whispers in your ear and won't let go.
As a series starter it builds it's world confidently, never revealing too much at once, just letting you wonder as you put it together piece by piece... much as the main characters have no idea what is happening to them half the time. As a reader, I have no idea how this is going to play out over the next few books - and that's just the way I like it.
I don't want to get into too many details, but I'll say this - you'll need a strong stomach, because this book doesn't pull any punches or hold anything back. It's okay, let it take you along for the ride.
March 22, 2021
3.5/5
"The Night and the Land" by Matt Spencer is a dark fantasy book where the main characters, Sally and Rob meet each other amongst menacing circumstances. Living among ‘Earth-liners’, Rob has always known there is something different about him. Sally is on the run from her dangerous family and finds herself in Brattleboro, Vermont. The two meet and fall for each other but soon realize they are star-crossed lovers as a Spirelight and a Crimbone cannot be together.
The book starts with a scene where Rob is a child. Some murders take place nearby and he notices his father acting weirdly. They are visited by a man who is a stranger to Rob but seems to know his dad well. Rob doesn’t know what his dad is hiding but is aware that something about his dad scares other people.
It took me a while to get into the story. We don’t get to know about the background until the middle of the book and that left me confused as to what was going on. The plot picks up pace after that.
I admired Sally’s courage. She had been through a lot and she never let her guard down for anyone until Rob came along. At first, I didn’t like Rob. He is described as someone who is lazy and he fell in love with Sally too quickly. However, he turns out to be a more complex character as the book progresses. There are many other characters in the novel, especially sinister ones, like Sally’s family.
The story gets very gruesome in some places. There is a lot of violence.
I didn’t love the writing style. It was very crude and perhaps, that kind of narration is not for me. I think the writing style could have been more polished as it felt sloppy at places.
The Night and the Land is a good book for someone who enjoys fantasy on the darker side. It has lots of action, intriguing characters, and a romantic story filled with hope.
Check out more of my book reviews, recommendations, and other content on my blog Travelling Through Words and bookstagram!
"The Night and the Land" by Matt Spencer is a dark fantasy book where the main characters, Sally and Rob meet each other amongst menacing circumstances. Living among ‘Earth-liners’, Rob has always known there is something different about him. Sally is on the run from her dangerous family and finds herself in Brattleboro, Vermont. The two meet and fall for each other but soon realize they are star-crossed lovers as a Spirelight and a Crimbone cannot be together.
The book starts with a scene where Rob is a child. Some murders take place nearby and he notices his father acting weirdly. They are visited by a man who is a stranger to Rob but seems to know his dad well. Rob doesn’t know what his dad is hiding but is aware that something about his dad scares other people.
It took me a while to get into the story. We don’t get to know about the background until the middle of the book and that left me confused as to what was going on. The plot picks up pace after that.
I admired Sally’s courage. She had been through a lot and she never let her guard down for anyone until Rob came along. At first, I didn’t like Rob. He is described as someone who is lazy and he fell in love with Sally too quickly. However, he turns out to be a more complex character as the book progresses. There are many other characters in the novel, especially sinister ones, like Sally’s family.
The story gets very gruesome in some places. There is a lot of violence.
I didn’t love the writing style. It was very crude and perhaps, that kind of narration is not for me. I think the writing style could have been more polished as it felt sloppy at places.
The Night and the Land is a good book for someone who enjoys fantasy on the darker side. It has lots of action, intriguing characters, and a romantic story filled with hope.
Check out more of my book reviews, recommendations, and other content on my blog Travelling Through Words and bookstagram!
October 26, 2020
This is a standard Paranormal plotline with an otherworldly Romeo and Juliet situation to sweeten the plot.
Rob is a teenager who begins to realize that there is something other than the everyday world going on. Also that he’s one of the people participating. Then he meets Sally, who seems to know more of the situation, especially that he’s on the opposite side from her in some kind of conflict.
The interest in the first part of the story is that readers don’t know what’s going on, either, and the plotline jumps forward and backward to keep us unsure. But the writer blends the hints and suggestions in with the interesting, charismatic characters and their minor personal conflicts so smoothly that it all flows together.
When Rob meets Puttergong, his familiar, things start to open up. We already like Rob and Sally. We really like Puttergong for two reasons. First, he is a very cool, nasty little sprite. Second, he’s the one that tells us, and Rob, what’s what.
The story takes place in modern-day Vermont, so the world-building alternates between evocative description of real Earth, and hazy and hinted-at impressions of the hidden world of the protagonists.
At about a third of the way through the book we finally have it all figured out and the gloves come off. Now the story turns into an action adventure, including adult figures from the magical underworld who deal in more serious forms of destruction and mayhem. Throughout it all, we get emotionally closer to all the characters on both sides, so when they clash with each other we are torn who we should be supporting.
And then we hit Book 2, and realize that this is a serial novel in a larger set of stories, and we are being prepared for a wider conflict at several different levels in a continuing epic. I’m sure you’ll want to read them all.
Highly recommended for all paranormal and Sci-Fi/Fantasy fans.
Rob is a teenager who begins to realize that there is something other than the everyday world going on. Also that he’s one of the people participating. Then he meets Sally, who seems to know more of the situation, especially that he’s on the opposite side from her in some kind of conflict.
The interest in the first part of the story is that readers don’t know what’s going on, either, and the plotline jumps forward and backward to keep us unsure. But the writer blends the hints and suggestions in with the interesting, charismatic characters and their minor personal conflicts so smoothly that it all flows together.
When Rob meets Puttergong, his familiar, things start to open up. We already like Rob and Sally. We really like Puttergong for two reasons. First, he is a very cool, nasty little sprite. Second, he’s the one that tells us, and Rob, what’s what.
The story takes place in modern-day Vermont, so the world-building alternates between evocative description of real Earth, and hazy and hinted-at impressions of the hidden world of the protagonists.
At about a third of the way through the book we finally have it all figured out and the gloves come off. Now the story turns into an action adventure, including adult figures from the magical underworld who deal in more serious forms of destruction and mayhem. Throughout it all, we get emotionally closer to all the characters on both sides, so when they clash with each other we are torn who we should be supporting.
And then we hit Book 2, and realize that this is a serial novel in a larger set of stories, and we are being prepared for a wider conflict at several different levels in a continuing epic. I’m sure you’ll want to read them all.
Highly recommended for all paranormal and Sci-Fi/Fantasy fans.
July 10, 2021
This book has my mind blasted. Sally Wildfire, who is on the run from her brutal family. Lurking among the exiles of mainstream society, Sally falls in love with Rob, a man with memories of a long left realm and placing them both on a road to a vicious ritual of passage. Meanwhile, Sally’s family leaves their imprint on the countryside on their way to Brattleboro, where the pair are hiding, marked by blood and corpses. What am I supposed to do with this book??? I can only call myself an idiot and stupid person for delaying reading this book for so long. What was wrong with me???
I don't know what to do or what to think about this book. I have no words. This book was perfect in all ways. The character development and writing were so nicely and smoothly done. Even the side characters were well developed and that made me like this book more. I loved how each character had their own space and they were portrayed nicely. I wasn't confused between them.
The building of a different world...just beautiful. The description, the concept, and the way the whole world was formed and the characters in it were written, you could feel like the world is real, and what more does a writer want than seeing a world so beautifully carved??? The best part of this book was the concept. I don't read fantasy books much but the ones I have read, I can guarantee this book is my most favorite.
The conceptualization, the idea, and the portrayal of the whole story fitted well and at the end of the book, I wanted to read more of it. I don't know why I avoided the book for so long but I now know that I am picking up the second book no matter what happens. There were some nice gory elements that I loved, the book felt all action-packed and the writer's work was properly edited and I couldn't find any grammatical errors.
Overall the book is nicely written with well-developed characters and a clean portrayal of each character. The writing is smooth and this might be the most perfect book for any fantasy-horror lover.
I don't know what to do or what to think about this book. I have no words. This book was perfect in all ways. The character development and writing were so nicely and smoothly done. Even the side characters were well developed and that made me like this book more. I loved how each character had their own space and they were portrayed nicely. I wasn't confused between them.
The building of a different world...just beautiful. The description, the concept, and the way the whole world was formed and the characters in it were written, you could feel like the world is real, and what more does a writer want than seeing a world so beautifully carved??? The best part of this book was the concept. I don't read fantasy books much but the ones I have read, I can guarantee this book is my most favorite.
The conceptualization, the idea, and the portrayal of the whole story fitted well and at the end of the book, I wanted to read more of it. I don't know why I avoided the book for so long but I now know that I am picking up the second book no matter what happens. There were some nice gory elements that I loved, the book felt all action-packed and the writer's work was properly edited and I couldn't find any grammatical errors.
Overall the book is nicely written with well-developed characters and a clean portrayal of each character. The writing is smooth and this might be the most perfect book for any fantasy-horror lover.
December 2, 2020
This book is the first of the Deschembine Trilogy and I must say it is the best start.
The story is about Sally Wildfire and Rob Coscan and how they meet each other under intimidating situations. The story starts with Rob as a child and funds his father acting weird. He knows his dad is binding something but is not sure what it is. Sally is running from her sinister family and finds herself in Brattleboro, Vermont. When Sally and Rob meet they fall for each other only to find out they are star-crossed lovers who are not meant for each other.
The story started a little slow and we get clarity on many things only after few chapters almost in the middle of the book. But it soon picked up the pace and started getting more interesting. The story has some gruesome and violent scenes at some point.
The characterization and narration are really good. The plot turns interesting after a few chapters but it nevertheless kept me hooked till the end. I enjoyed reading this book.
The story is about Sally Wildfire and Rob Coscan and how they meet each other under intimidating situations. The story starts with Rob as a child and funds his father acting weird. He knows his dad is binding something but is not sure what it is. Sally is running from her sinister family and finds herself in Brattleboro, Vermont. When Sally and Rob meet they fall for each other only to find out they are star-crossed lovers who are not meant for each other.
The story started a little slow and we get clarity on many things only after few chapters almost in the middle of the book. But it soon picked up the pace and started getting more interesting. The story has some gruesome and violent scenes at some point.
The characterization and narration are really good. The plot turns interesting after a few chapters but it nevertheless kept me hooked till the end. I enjoyed reading this book.
September 17, 2020
DNF
I would like to thank the author for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my personal opinion.
I really would like to apologize because I do think this book is written well, the writing in particular is really impressive. But I knew from the first two chapters this book wasn’t for me. So this is a case where the book did not fit with the reader rather than it being a “bad book”.
I have tried to pick it up again and again but unfortunately my heart wasn’t in it. Thank you again for the author for trusting me with his work and I wish I could have provided something more.
I would like to thank the author for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my personal opinion.
I really would like to apologize because I do think this book is written well, the writing in particular is really impressive. But I knew from the first two chapters this book wasn’t for me. So this is a case where the book did not fit with the reader rather than it being a “bad book”.
I have tried to pick it up again and again but unfortunately my heart wasn’t in it. Thank you again for the author for trusting me with his work and I wish I could have provided something more.
November 21, 2022
An immersive read! First and foremost, I was struck by Spencer's skillful world building in The Night and the Land. The author has a sense of the epic while grounding his tale with believable characters--Sally, Rob, the entire ensemble came to life. The magic, lore, and action were fantastic. Highly recommend.
September 21, 2020
The blurb didn't accurately summarize the book. The book is more horror than fantasy. It is far more dark and violent then expected. Also there was a distinct paucity of hippies.
Not badly written, just not for me.
I received an ARC from Booksirens. I'm leaving my honest review
Not badly written, just not for me.
I received an ARC from Booksirens. I'm leaving my honest review
February 2, 2022
Nope, not reading that.
December 22, 2020
I felt that this book was very mediocre. Common tropes like insta love and the chose one were employed and they didn't feel like anything new. The world building was okay, the characters in this book were part of a race that seemed very similar to traditional fae but with different names. The backstory was vague but it is a trilogy and I assume it will be expanded on in the future. Character motivations were lacking for me. I didn't understand why the main characters fell is love and I didn't understand why anyone really did anything. There was no motivation for the actions other than "magic", which doesn't do it for me.
I also had a problem with how race was handled in this book. The writer seemed to make a half hearted attempt to address racial problems but it came across as a privileged white man making assumptions about racism without putting any effort into actual research. In the prologue we're presented with the line, "Dad isn't prejudiced, but..." Nothing good can ever come from that phrase. Everyone is prejudice, the key is to understand, learn from, and overcome your prejudice. As for the "but" that will ALWAYS be followed by an excuse as to why that person's racism should be excused. The author also calls Native American's "Indians" which is such an outdated phrase. Native American's aren't from India, why use phrasing from the 15th century? I feel like the author could have strongly benefited from sensitivity readers. If you're going to write about a race or culture that isn't your own at least do them the decency of working to get their culture correct.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher for free. I was not required to submit a review.
I also had a problem with how race was handled in this book. The writer seemed to make a half hearted attempt to address racial problems but it came across as a privileged white man making assumptions about racism without putting any effort into actual research. In the prologue we're presented with the line, "Dad isn't prejudiced, but..." Nothing good can ever come from that phrase. Everyone is prejudice, the key is to understand, learn from, and overcome your prejudice. As for the "but" that will ALWAYS be followed by an excuse as to why that person's racism should be excused. The author also calls Native American's "Indians" which is such an outdated phrase. Native American's aren't from India, why use phrasing from the 15th century? I feel like the author could have strongly benefited from sensitivity readers. If you're going to write about a race or culture that isn't your own at least do them the decency of working to get their culture correct.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher for free. I was not required to submit a review.
November 12, 2014
Matt Spencer's brilliance and caustic wit shines brighter than a Spirelight in this first volume of the Deschembine Trilogy. This book will suck you into its world faster than you can turn the first page. Prepare to be dragged mercilessly up and down the steep, wildly curving streets of Brattleboro, VT, as you follow the characters Rob and Sally through their passion filled nightmare. Back story is inserted with perfect timing, to explain and further draw you into their world. The beautiful and dark imagery throughout the story makes it virtually impossible to not see yourself surrounded by the story and setting as you progress. I found myself getting ready to turn the next page when I was still only halfway down the previously turned page, so as not to miss a single beat of the heart that pumps the blood that wrote this book.
Matt Spencer's style brings to my mind a mutant love child of Stephen King and Philip K Dick, with an embryo donated by Poppy Z. Brite. I can't wait to see more of the amazing prose that spills from this brilliant mind.
Matt Spencer's style brings to my mind a mutant love child of Stephen King and Philip K Dick, with an embryo donated by Poppy Z. Brite. I can't wait to see more of the amazing prose that spills from this brilliant mind.
January 8, 2014
I have been following Matt Spencer since his pre publication days. Already a master at the gothic and downright creepy, this is his best effort to date. His intense character development drew me inside his protagonist, his imagery had me checking out my windows and underneath my beds. Beyond that, Spencer simply weaves a darn good tale with his latest offerering, The Night And The Land.
December 30, 2021
I had just finished War and Peace. This book was a welcome change.
I am somewhat a 'familiar' with the author. Nonetheless, the adept, untainted first book language and cool characterization drew me into a world I think I know and one I was a little curious about.
The author is true and covers our world of good and evil in a way that gives fiction writing its props.
I am somewhat a 'familiar' with the author. Nonetheless, the adept, untainted first book language and cool characterization drew me into a world I think I know and one I was a little curious about.
The author is true and covers our world of good and evil in a way that gives fiction writing its props.
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