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The Locksmith #1
Night Latch
Sam Alvarez doesn’t just open locks. He’s the key.
Living in Bellemer, Iowa, Sam leads a typical small-town life. When he’s not looking after his Nana or dealing with his mother’s expectations, he runs a one-man locksmith company. Unlike regular locksmiths, he can open anything with a touch and a wish, but Sam keeps that secret to himself. No reason to alarm the neighbors, after all. And if he sometimes feels an indefinable pull to do more with his life, well, that's probably just indigestion.
Then one day, an unsettlingly beautiful out-of-towner asks for Sam’s help to open a door. Only one problem: The job’s in a graveyard. And the client? Turns out she’s Death.
Maybe that’s two problems.
When Sam unlocks more than he intended and demons come out to play, he discovers he’s far more than a locksmith with a hidden quirk. Now, he needs to figure out who he is and what he’s been called to do before darker forces close the door on him for good.
Living in Bellemer, Iowa, Sam leads a typical small-town life. When he’s not looking after his Nana or dealing with his mother’s expectations, he runs a one-man locksmith company. Unlike regular locksmiths, he can open anything with a touch and a wish, but Sam keeps that secret to himself. No reason to alarm the neighbors, after all. And if he sometimes feels an indefinable pull to do more with his life, well, that's probably just indigestion.
Then one day, an unsettlingly beautiful out-of-towner asks for Sam’s help to open a door. Only one problem: The job’s in a graveyard. And the client? Turns out she’s Death.
Maybe that’s two problems.
When Sam unlocks more than he intended and demons come out to play, he discovers he’s far more than a locksmith with a hidden quirk. Now, he needs to figure out who he is and what he’s been called to do before darker forces close the door on him for good.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2019
18 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Anela Huihui Deen
20 books116 followersA child of two cultures, this kānaka maoli girl is currently living among the tulips and windmills of the Netherlands. She now fills her days with family and fiction under rainy Dutch skies. With a house full of lovable kids, a three-legged cat, and one handsome Dutchman, she prowls the keyboard late at night while the minions sleep. Coffee? Nah, she prefers tea with a generous spoonful of sarcasm.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 23, 2025
When Mrs. Shu thanked Sam for doing a locksmithing favor, she had no idea just how accurate her statement was.
Sam, you're a miracle worker.
Sam has a...sort of gift. He can unlock things.
To be fair, unlocking things in and of itself, isn't THAT unusual of a talent but when you realize that he uses magic to do so...then it becomes a little peculiar.
But Sam's eked out a (somewhat) comfortable life for himself - he has his locksmithing career, he has a flat (over his mother's garage) and...he is close, personal friends with Lady Death?
Lady Death has taken an interest in Sam's talents and quickly snaps him up for a job.
"What's in there?"Little does Sam know, once you say yes to Lady Death, all attempts at normalcy vanish.
"A dead man."
Take her place. In everlasting torment. There's a heavy price, yet, didn't I owe it in a way?Awwww yes! Another Anela Deen book!
I loved her Beneath Cruel Fathoms, Failsafe, and Insurrection: The Complete Omnibus and the latest one sent to me for review is no exception!
One thing that I absolutely LOVE about Anela's book is the way she breaths life into her characters.
Lady Deaths macabre and yet uplifting look on life was wonderfully refreshing.
I've never wanted to become friends with Death but with each wry smile from her made me want to sweep her up in a hug.
Sam's character was the perfect mix of down-to-earth and comedy gold.
His little quips and one-liners made me smile throughout the book and I loved how he took each supernatural element in stride.
There's something so refreshing about having a main character who just accepts the unknown in his world. (I can't be the only one annoyed when the main character takes 2/3 of the book to accept that there's ghosts or what-have-yous.)
The book itself is told in three parts (Deadbolt, Night Latch, and The Skeleton Key) plus a bonus holiday-themed story (Reaping Christmas).
Each part is its own short story set within Sam's world - with reoccurring characters but separate plotlines.
Part of me was super curious what a full story in Sam's world would be like but at the same time it was different and fun to get these three adventures.
All in all - much like other Anela Deen's other books - this one was awesome. (Seriously though, if you haven't tried Anela Deen's works yet - cannot recommend it enough!)
A huge thank you to Anela Deen for sending this wonderful copy my way!!
July 1, 2020
*This is one of the books I had in my batch for #SPFBO 2020*
I actually found myself pleasantly surprised with this book, as it's an urban fantasy which had elements of humour and sass throughout. We follow a man called Sam who is, himself, pretty impressive as he has the ability to open any lock. This is very useful as he owns a locksmith business, but he lives in a small town where not much happens... until... one day, a new client appears. This client is Death. This is where thing start getting interesting, and from this point onwards we start to see mythical and magical people becoming part of the story.
I definitely liked Death/Alice's character, as she reminded me of Pratchett in some ways, and Sam was not a bad main character, despite some terrible lines occasionally. The two of them bounced off of each other pretty well, and I enjoyed their adventures and the trouble they managed to find.
I think my biggest criticism of this one is the pacing and shift in characters. I felt like there were a few different 'parts' of this book and each one kind of felt as if it was its own story and then there would be a time-skip or new plot. I think there's a lot of good ideas, but the shift from Sam to Alice in the last section felt a little forced to me, and honestly almost like a different story. I think I needed a bit more cohesion throughout to really believe this is how the story goes.
In the end, it's a fun book with a lot of cute and fun ideas, but it didn't hold my attention or flow as well as I had wanted. The characters were all likeable and fun to listen to, but their plotlines felt a little muddled at times and just didn't have the believable timeline for me in the end. 3*s so 6/10 for #SPFBO
I actually found myself pleasantly surprised with this book, as it's an urban fantasy which had elements of humour and sass throughout. We follow a man called Sam who is, himself, pretty impressive as he has the ability to open any lock. This is very useful as he owns a locksmith business, but he lives in a small town where not much happens... until... one day, a new client appears. This client is Death. This is where thing start getting interesting, and from this point onwards we start to see mythical and magical people becoming part of the story.
I definitely liked Death/Alice's character, as she reminded me of Pratchett in some ways, and Sam was not a bad main character, despite some terrible lines occasionally. The two of them bounced off of each other pretty well, and I enjoyed their adventures and the trouble they managed to find.
I think my biggest criticism of this one is the pacing and shift in characters. I felt like there were a few different 'parts' of this book and each one kind of felt as if it was its own story and then there would be a time-skip or new plot. I think there's a lot of good ideas, but the shift from Sam to Alice in the last section felt a little forced to me, and honestly almost like a different story. I think I needed a bit more cohesion throughout to really believe this is how the story goes.
In the end, it's a fun book with a lot of cute and fun ideas, but it didn't hold my attention or flow as well as I had wanted. The characters were all likeable and fun to listen to, but their plotlines felt a little muddled at times and just didn't have the believable timeline for me in the end. 3*s so 6/10 for #SPFBO
November 15, 2019
Anela Deen strikes again with an intriguing and engaging story that anyone and everyone will enjoy!
Night Latch is the first book in the Locksmith Duology and I was immediately hooked from the first page on! The story features Sam Alvarez, a young man with a very unique gift: he can open any door without a key...because he is a living key. I don't want to give too many other details away, because it will ruin the story but just know that this book also includes a voodoo doctor, ancient relics, witches, doomed souls, saints, curses, and even Death herself!
I loved everything about this book but honestly my favorite aspect of it was Sam himself. He was just such a great, likable, down to earth character that I couldn't help rooting for him no matter what shenanigans he got himself into! His dialogue and interactions with the other characters kept me engrossed and intrigued!
I also love how unique this book is. I really don't think I have ever read anything like it before and in a world of endless tropes, I found it quite refreshing! I highly recommend this book because it is a delightful read!
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review! :)
Night Latch is the first book in the Locksmith Duology and I was immediately hooked from the first page on! The story features Sam Alvarez, a young man with a very unique gift: he can open any door without a key...because he is a living key. I don't want to give too many other details away, because it will ruin the story but just know that this book also includes a voodoo doctor, ancient relics, witches, doomed souls, saints, curses, and even Death herself!
I loved everything about this book but honestly my favorite aspect of it was Sam himself. He was just such a great, likable, down to earth character that I couldn't help rooting for him no matter what shenanigans he got himself into! His dialogue and interactions with the other characters kept me engrossed and intrigued!
I also love how unique this book is. I really don't think I have ever read anything like it before and in a world of endless tropes, I found it quite refreshing! I highly recommend this book because it is a delightful read!
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review! :)
June 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this - Sam is a locksmith with the ability to unlock any lock without needing any tools. He meets Death in a graveyard one night and adventure and drama ensue. Sam is a really likeable character and oddly, so is Death.
January 16, 2020
Night Latch is a hard book for me to review: a collection of short stories/novellas, all revolving around the same group of characters and general themes. There can be no doubt that Anela Deen is a skilled author. There were so many lines in this book that I highlighted because they were so evocative: "I understood suddenly what her words had opened in me, the understanding like the hammer strike that reveals a vein of gold running through ordinary ground"; “Maggie keened my name over and over until I thought my chest would crack open and spill my heart onto the blacktop"; “She was beautiful and unsettling at the same time, like watching the skies go dark as a storm rolled in from the east" . . . Deen has a real knack for language, and it's on-display throughout this book.
In addition, the protagonist, Sam, is one of the more interesting characters I read last year. A college drop-out living in a small Iowan town, he doesn't have any aspirations for the future beyond working out of his kiosk in the shopping mall. He has one talent: he can open any locked door just by thinking about it. This superpower turns out to be applicable to much more than just getting back into his truck when he's left the keys sitting on the front seat. Sam has a sharp wit and a thoughtfulness towards others that make him really likeable. He also has great chemistry with the otherworldly Alice, an entity that approaches him about unlocking an especially tricky door.
So why only four stars? Night Latch is supposed to be a duology, but the second book hasn't been released yet. The stories themselves were interesting, but the plot never seemed to add up to much of anything. After I read the three short stories, the ones that were supposed to be included in Night Latch: Book One, I decided to skip over the bonus story, "Reaping Christmas." I loved all of the characters, but I didn't want to invest any more time into a story that hasn't really found its feet yet. There's some indication at the end of "Skeleton Key", the third story in the collection, that all of our adventures have been leading to something, but it was too-little too-late to invest me in reading a bonus story that probably wasn't even connected to the overarching plot.
I was also really confused about the ethics of Night Latch.
Recommended if only for Anela Deen's amazing writing style and character work.
In addition, the protagonist, Sam, is one of the more interesting characters I read last year. A college drop-out living in a small Iowan town, he doesn't have any aspirations for the future beyond working out of his kiosk in the shopping mall. He has one talent: he can open any locked door just by thinking about it. This superpower turns out to be applicable to much more than just getting back into his truck when he's left the keys sitting on the front seat. Sam has a sharp wit and a thoughtfulness towards others that make him really likeable. He also has great chemistry with the otherworldly Alice, an entity that approaches him about unlocking an especially tricky door.
So why only four stars? Night Latch is supposed to be a duology, but the second book hasn't been released yet. The stories themselves were interesting, but the plot never seemed to add up to much of anything. After I read the three short stories, the ones that were supposed to be included in Night Latch: Book One, I decided to skip over the bonus story, "Reaping Christmas." I loved all of the characters, but I didn't want to invest any more time into a story that hasn't really found its feet yet. There's some indication at the end of "Skeleton Key", the third story in the collection, that all of our adventures have been leading to something, but it was too-little too-late to invest me in reading a bonus story that probably wasn't even connected to the overarching plot.
I was also really confused about the ethics of Night Latch.
Recommended if only for Anela Deen's amazing writing style and character work.
October 7, 2019
Night Latch is an urban fantasy following the life of Sam Alvarez, a small town locksmith with the secret ability to open any lock. His abilities put him on death's radar- like not death but Death who's actually a young (kind of) woman who goes by Alice. You've read those cringy paranormals where death is super attractive snarky dude, get ready for a twist on that along with a cool magical plotline that you haven't seen before.
I liked how Night Latch wasn't as unrealistic as those, it didn't have the same degree of forced humor that I feel like these paranormal-type books think are so funny. I liked the magic because I think it's a cool skill that could definitely go under the radar, but be super helpful. I think Sam's transition into the supernatural was also a lot better than many of the ones I've seen, he questions things and all but he's not the cliche type to reject the "impossible" even though it's right in front of his face. He's a pretty likable hero, relatable with a nice small-town-guy-vibe.
I didn't like some of the pacing choices, the whole magic box plot divergence felt kind of random to me. It's like this additional character, Nick, was thrown in and suddenly relevant like he'd been mentioned previously. It felt a little strange, but I also appreciated the magic of the box because it was so funny. I liked Moreau as a character, more of him would be super appreciated cause he also was weirdly phased out. The side characters deserve a little more focus or development or I can't really recognize them as intrinsic. Looking forward to the sequel to see where it all goes.
I received an ARC of this book via Anela Deen in an exchange for an honest review! My honest opinion is that more people should be into Anela Deen's writing, this is the second book I've read by her and I think that she has a diverse skill-set and genre-expertise. Can't wait to see how this duology ends.
This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....
January 13, 2020
I received this as an advanced reading copy.
It was intended to be serialized but then was put together in one volume with a bonus short story that is actually a transition for the next book. After the first of four parts, I wasn't entirely sure how I felt about it. It turned out to be very good. The characters interesting. A good plot. Because of the plot, religion becomes central to the story without ever becoming a 'Christian' fantasy novel. I really can't wait to read more. I need to go mark the author as one to follow so I don't miss anything.
It was intended to be serialized but then was put together in one volume with a bonus short story that is actually a transition for the next book. After the first of four parts, I wasn't entirely sure how I felt about it. It turned out to be very good. The characters interesting. A good plot. Because of the plot, religion becomes central to the story without ever becoming a 'Christian' fantasy novel. I really can't wait to read more. I need to go mark the author as one to follow so I don't miss anything.
June 30, 2020
For some reason, stories about Death (or death, depending) always intrigue me. Okay, yes, some of this is because I quite like the darker side of fiction. But a good portion of that is also just curiosity about how people think about death, whatever comes beyond, and what value they place on life. So when I get to read a fantasy book about a character who meets death, I find it absolutely fascinating. Night Latch by Anela Deen (SPFBO entrant for 2020), is definitely in that category, and has the added benefit of being really well written and thought out.
1. Thoughts on the plot
This book is actually quite interesting for the fantasy genre (even in urban fantasy) because the stakes are, generally, low. This book follows Sam, a locksmith who can open any lock. He meets death when she needs his help to open a door. From there, he discovers the world of magic, of the metaphysical, and his own place in that world.
I found the plot to be very interesting, because it mixed Sam’s normal life with his newfound place in a hidden world. There were mundane things he had to deal with, as well as some not so mundane. This mix of large and small problems made the plot very interesting and entertaining to read, with very good pacing and a gentle build in drama.
2. Thoughts on the main character
As far as main characters go in fantasy novels, Sam is quite ordinary. He is a locksmith who lives above the garage of his mother’s house, where his family is. He wants little more than a quiet, comfortable life. And when he finds that fantastical things are being thrown in his direction, he does his best to help however he can. He requires some help in this, and inevitably tries to do the right thing as best he can.
Generally speaking, when we find an “ordinary” character in a fantasy piece, it’s really a hero who has been hiding (or raised in hiding) until the day they are called upon to become extraordinary. Sam is really just an ordinary person. And because of this, his flaws and good traits really resonate more than I initially expected. I find that I really like Sam, for being a person who feels familiar and yet still has a touch of magic in his life. Definitely one of my favourite characters that I’ve read in a while.
3. Favourite part
I think the situation with Maggie was probably my favourite part. I can’t really say much more than that without spoiling the novel, but I like the fact that this book doesn’t gloss over the hard things, or force a happy ending to make the reader happy. (Though this isn’t the end of the book.)
4. Critique
My only critique for this piece is that the ending felt like it had been cut off. Okay, I know that this book is only the first of two, and things were about to get suitably more dramatic if they continued, but it felt a little too abrupt to tie up this first book nicely. However, this doesn’t really detract from the rest of the book in my opinion, it just makes me want to read book two right away.
On the whole, I would say that Night Latch is a fantastically well-written piece. The language flows well. The plot is highly entertaining. I really like all of the characters (but especially Sam) and I really, really want to know what’s going to happen next. I would have to say that this is definitely on my list of best books for 2020. It’s really quite excellent.
1. Thoughts on the plot
This book is actually quite interesting for the fantasy genre (even in urban fantasy) because the stakes are, generally, low. This book follows Sam, a locksmith who can open any lock. He meets death when she needs his help to open a door. From there, he discovers the world of magic, of the metaphysical, and his own place in that world.
I found the plot to be very interesting, because it mixed Sam’s normal life with his newfound place in a hidden world. There were mundane things he had to deal with, as well as some not so mundane. This mix of large and small problems made the plot very interesting and entertaining to read, with very good pacing and a gentle build in drama.
2. Thoughts on the main character
As far as main characters go in fantasy novels, Sam is quite ordinary. He is a locksmith who lives above the garage of his mother’s house, where his family is. He wants little more than a quiet, comfortable life. And when he finds that fantastical things are being thrown in his direction, he does his best to help however he can. He requires some help in this, and inevitably tries to do the right thing as best he can.
Generally speaking, when we find an “ordinary” character in a fantasy piece, it’s really a hero who has been hiding (or raised in hiding) until the day they are called upon to become extraordinary. Sam is really just an ordinary person. And because of this, his flaws and good traits really resonate more than I initially expected. I find that I really like Sam, for being a person who feels familiar and yet still has a touch of magic in his life. Definitely one of my favourite characters that I’ve read in a while.
3. Favourite part
I think the situation with Maggie was probably my favourite part. I can’t really say much more than that without spoiling the novel, but I like the fact that this book doesn’t gloss over the hard things, or force a happy ending to make the reader happy. (Though this isn’t the end of the book.)
4. Critique
My only critique for this piece is that the ending felt like it had been cut off. Okay, I know that this book is only the first of two, and things were about to get suitably more dramatic if they continued, but it felt a little too abrupt to tie up this first book nicely. However, this doesn’t really detract from the rest of the book in my opinion, it just makes me want to read book two right away.
On the whole, I would say that Night Latch is a fantastically well-written piece. The language flows well. The plot is highly entertaining. I really like all of the characters (but especially Sam) and I really, really want to know what’s going to happen next. I would have to say that this is definitely on my list of best books for 2020. It’s really quite excellent.
September 29, 2020
Sam Alvarez isn't just any locksmith, he can open any lock with a touch and a wish. No one in his small town knows this and Sam plans on keeping it that way. One day a stranger asks for Sam's help unlocking something in a graveyard, and it turns out this mysterious stranger is Death, or as she refers to be called Alice. Circumstances change and Sam learns where his talent for open locks comes from, along with the news of witches, demons and witch doctors.
I thought this story was so well written and interesting. I loved Sam's character and how laid back and realistic he was. He doesn't try to hard and just wants to be himself no matter what's happening around him. He has a difficult relationship with his mother, and a wonderful relationship with his grandmother. Their interactions over the course of the book are really sweet and continue to give Sam a wholesome personality. Death/Alice was also an amazing character. She's a bit of a spit fire and is very pointed in her interactions with Sam. They dynamic and relationship growth between them isn't super fast paced and forced which is nice for a change. There is plenty of action in this story along with lots of paranormal entities. It does dive a bit into religion but you'll understand why once you start reading. I didn't feel like it was too much, but enough to give the story a feel for what the author was trying to do. Some people might find it a bit too much, but for readers like me who aren't well versed in the bible and biblical times, the minor explanations helped me understand the story a bit more.
Also if you are going to read this story, please read the Author's Note in the very beginning. I've seen several reviews complaining about the store not "flowing" and "time jumping" but Anela Deen states in her note that this book originally was supposed to be a novella serial but she decided to combine them into a novel. The story is supposed to be told in three parts and each part tells a full story with an overarching storyline running through all three. Also there are some complaints about the character view point swap in the last story. She also states that this is a bonus story, and as so many authors before her have done this, this bonus story is from a separate view point.
We are left with a huge cliff hanger and I can't wait to read the sequel to see what happens. I will admit I'm a little sad that it will only be a duology as I have fallen in love with the characters in this story.
I received a review copy from Anela Deen and Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this story was so well written and interesting. I loved Sam's character and how laid back and realistic he was. He doesn't try to hard and just wants to be himself no matter what's happening around him. He has a difficult relationship with his mother, and a wonderful relationship with his grandmother. Their interactions over the course of the book are really sweet and continue to give Sam a wholesome personality. Death/Alice was also an amazing character. She's a bit of a spit fire and is very pointed in her interactions with Sam. They dynamic and relationship growth between them isn't super fast paced and forced which is nice for a change. There is plenty of action in this story along with lots of paranormal entities. It does dive a bit into religion but you'll understand why once you start reading. I didn't feel like it was too much, but enough to give the story a feel for what the author was trying to do. Some people might find it a bit too much, but for readers like me who aren't well versed in the bible and biblical times, the minor explanations helped me understand the story a bit more.
Also if you are going to read this story, please read the Author's Note in the very beginning. I've seen several reviews complaining about the store not "flowing" and "time jumping" but Anela Deen states in her note that this book originally was supposed to be a novella serial but she decided to combine them into a novel. The story is supposed to be told in three parts and each part tells a full story with an overarching storyline running through all three. Also there are some complaints about the character view point swap in the last story. She also states that this is a bonus story, and as so many authors before her have done this, this bonus story is from a separate view point.
We are left with a huge cliff hanger and I can't wait to read the sequel to see what happens. I will admit I'm a little sad that it will only be a duology as I have fallen in love with the characters in this story.
I received a review copy from Anela Deen and Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2019
Preface: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Rating this one was a little hard. I did enjoy it, but it also definitely had its flaws. The premise is solid - the main character has an unexplained ability to unlock any door, and gets into trouble with it - but does wear thin after a little while when nothing is really explained. He finds out he's a "saint" and is meant to do something big, but what that means, we really have no idea. His mentor never really explains what he can do, and it's not super clear what the rules of sainthood are. It seems the Christian god is real, and hell exists (as well as the archangel Michael) but the main character coming to this realization is also never really explored, he just kinda handwaves it away because he isn't a fan of God. Vague ideas of the soul are also mentioned, but never really delved into. Nor do we understand where magic comes from in a Christian world, even though we run into several magic users.
The characters have a similar problem. They're charming, but kinda flat. Sam is a sweet, snarky do-gooder with a heart of gold, and that's kinda it. Alice has some more body to her, but once we get into her head, we find out there's not a whole lot there than the quiet, aloof lady we've already seen. His mother and grandmother are interesting, but pretty one-note as well. Not to say that I didn't /like/ any of them, only that they were lacking something more to make them feel like fully-fledged people.
I also kinda felt that the story leaves off in an unsatisfying place. Sam has a big revelation, but it's not explored in this collection, it's just left dangling for the next. Tbh I might read the sequel when it comes out, just to know how it ends, I'm not sure.
Overall, this book gave me strong Odd Thomas vibes (though it was a lot more coherent than any of those novels). Flat, sweet, good-hearted main character, lots of vague stuff that's never really explained, clear good and evil, etc. If you enjoyed those books, you'll love this. Even if you haven't read OT, as long as you're not expecting a lot of depth or world-building or whatever, I think you'll like this. It's a fine book to pass some time, even if it ends on an enormous cliffhanger.
Rating this one was a little hard. I did enjoy it, but it also definitely had its flaws. The premise is solid - the main character has an unexplained ability to unlock any door, and gets into trouble with it - but does wear thin after a little while when nothing is really explained. He finds out he's a "saint" and is meant to do something big, but what that means, we really have no idea. His mentor never really explains what he can do, and it's not super clear what the rules of sainthood are. It seems the Christian god is real, and hell exists (as well as the archangel Michael) but the main character coming to this realization is also never really explored, he just kinda handwaves it away because he isn't a fan of God. Vague ideas of the soul are also mentioned, but never really delved into. Nor do we understand where magic comes from in a Christian world, even though we run into several magic users.
The characters have a similar problem. They're charming, but kinda flat. Sam is a sweet, snarky do-gooder with a heart of gold, and that's kinda it. Alice has some more body to her, but once we get into her head, we find out there's not a whole lot there than the quiet, aloof lady we've already seen. His mother and grandmother are interesting, but pretty one-note as well. Not to say that I didn't /like/ any of them, only that they were lacking something more to make them feel like fully-fledged people.
I also kinda felt that the story leaves off in an unsatisfying place. Sam has a big revelation, but it's not explored in this collection, it's just left dangling for the next. Tbh I might read the sequel when it comes out, just to know how it ends, I'm not sure.
Overall, this book gave me strong Odd Thomas vibes (though it was a lot more coherent than any of those novels). Flat, sweet, good-hearted main character, lots of vague stuff that's never really explained, clear good and evil, etc. If you enjoyed those books, you'll love this. Even if you haven't read OT, as long as you're not expecting a lot of depth or world-building or whatever, I think you'll like this. It's a fine book to pass some time, even if it ends on an enormous cliffhanger.
November 17, 2019
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of Night Latch for free through the author in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I have to admit, when I first heard about Night Latch, I wasn't sure if it was going to be my thing. Yet, as with all of Anela Deen's books thus far, I finished reading it in record time.
You can't go wrong with Sam's boundless wit, but I particularly enjoyed the smaller details to his character, especially once we discover the truth about who he is. Sam is a young adult, but he's an old fashioned soul who uses a flip phone and stays away from social media (unless he's e-mailing his long-distance friends). While I'd previously only attributed those character traits to drug dealers, serial killers, and the tech-averse elderly, you might be relieved to know Sam is none of those things.
What a doozy of a cliffhanger! I need to know what becomes of Sam! And Alice, for that matter. Does the end of this journey lead to redemption?
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Will I be reading the sequel? Yes.
I have to admit, when I first heard about Night Latch, I wasn't sure if it was going to be my thing. Yet, as with all of Anela Deen's books thus far, I finished reading it in record time.
You can't go wrong with Sam's boundless wit, but I particularly enjoyed the smaller details to his character, especially once we discover the truth about who he is. Sam is a young adult, but he's an old fashioned soul who uses a flip phone and stays away from social media (unless he's e-mailing his long-distance friends). While I'd previously only attributed those character traits to drug dealers, serial killers, and the tech-averse elderly, you might be relieved to know Sam is none of those things.
What a doozy of a cliffhanger! I need to know what becomes of Sam! And Alice, for that matter. Does the end of this journey lead to redemption?
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Will I be reading the sequel? Yes.
January 3, 2020
Is Death A Door To Continue
I really enjoyed Sam and Alice. This story had wonderful world building and character development. Sam was considered by some to be saint like and he considered the negatives in his performance which some agreed in some small part. Remorse and actions to mitigate any harm seems to give hope for redemption. The book flowed quickly by in spite of the depth of the overall thoughts explored. Overall one of the best books I have read.
I really enjoyed Sam and Alice. This story had wonderful world building and character development. Sam was considered by some to be saint like and he considered the negatives in his performance which some agreed in some small part. Remorse and actions to mitigate any harm seems to give hope for redemption. The book flowed quickly by in spite of the depth of the overall thoughts explored. Overall one of the best books I have read.
November 27, 2019
Really enjoyed this creative sweet read. I loved the short story aspect of the first couple sections and was heart broken when I got to the end and realized I'll have to wait a while for book two. At times the Christian/Catholic themes were a bit strong but I found the writing sensitive and humorous so more than made up for that.
December 27, 2019
DNF at 30%.
The concept was interesting and some of the writing was excellent. But it needed a much better copy editor and to be honest, the religion got overwhelming. I felt like this was a Christian YA paranormal. Which is fine but maybe not what I was looking for right now.
The concept was interesting and some of the writing was excellent. But it needed a much better copy editor and to be honest, the religion got overwhelming. I felt like this was a Christian YA paranormal. Which is fine but maybe not what I was looking for right now.
January 2, 2020
An intriguing book and original I loved reading it the characters were interesting and there was t a dull moment it keeps u interested.
I can’t sit for the next book in the series to find out what happens.
I voluntary reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I can’t sit for the next book in the series to find out what happens.
I voluntary reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
February 9, 2021
Good book
Enjoyable book, but very light. I liked the characters and mishaps. I almost like that so much happens in such a short book, but it easily could have been more. It doesn’t really have an ending so I suppose there will be more to come!
Enjoyable book, but very light. I liked the characters and mishaps. I almost like that so much happens in such a short book, but it easily could have been more. It doesn’t really have an ending so I suppose there will be more to come!
December 28, 2019
I really did enjoy this book! It was a very unique concept and it has left me wanting to read the next one right away. Well done!
September 2, 2020
The format of the book was odd, but since I read the Author's Note before beginning, it didn't hinder me in any way from enjoying the story. I loved it and the characters and can't wait for book 2!
May 31, 2022
3.5 stars
I really like Anela Deens writing style. The premise of this book is so unique and I really liked that element. I really want to read beneath cruel fathoms as well by this author.
I really like Anela Deens writing style. The premise of this book is so unique and I really liked that element. I really want to read beneath cruel fathoms as well by this author.
May 11, 2020
I love Sam Alvarez so much! He’s one of the kindest and most relatable characters I’ve ever read. I completely understand the instinct to help people no matter what. I even related to some of Sam’s feelings about religion. And the relationship between him and Alice is so well written, and so very sweet.
Alice herself is incredibly fascinating as a character. Even if we don’t get in her head until the last story, I felt like I understood her.
I must say, the Saint mythology was fascinating, and I can’t wait to learn more about it. It was a totally unique take on many religious aspects I felt.
I really liked the format of this book as well, it was basically broken up into 4 mini books. This format made the story feel more real (as real as fantasy can get), because of course something interesting wouldn’t be happening every single week of Sam’s life. We only drop in on it when there is something going on. My favorite story of the four was the last, Reaping Christmas. It focuses on my favorite aspect of the story, Sam and Alice’s relationship. It’s also very fluffy in some aspects without dropping the heavier fantasy elements (such as Sam’s impending death date). And Alice was a delight to read, as she struggled through the trials of being human again for the first time in 1,000 years.
In short, I just really liked this book. I can’t wait to read more about Sam Alvarez’s life.
Alice herself is incredibly fascinating as a character. Even if we don’t get in her head until the last story, I felt like I understood her.
I must say, the Saint mythology was fascinating, and I can’t wait to learn more about it. It was a totally unique take on many religious aspects I felt.
I really liked the format of this book as well, it was basically broken up into 4 mini books. This format made the story feel more real (as real as fantasy can get), because of course something interesting wouldn’t be happening every single week of Sam’s life. We only drop in on it when there is something going on. My favorite story of the four was the last, Reaping Christmas. It focuses on my favorite aspect of the story, Sam and Alice’s relationship. It’s also very fluffy in some aspects without dropping the heavier fantasy elements (such as Sam’s impending death date). And Alice was a delight to read, as she struggled through the trials of being human again for the first time in 1,000 years.
In short, I just really liked this book. I can’t wait to read more about Sam Alvarez’s life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2019
Enjoyed
Reading this book. Who knew Death and a saint would make such chemistry, along with the other characters who made this book fun to read. Cannot wait for more.
Reading this book. Who knew Death and a saint would make such chemistry, along with the other characters who made this book fun to read. Cannot wait for more.
October 29, 2019
A fairly original take on some old, Christian-centric tropes.
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