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The Field #2
Midnight House
Haunted by the traumatic events of his abduction two years ago, sixteen-year-old Daniel Robinson has tried everything to make his escalating nightmares vanish. Failing to cope with it on his own, Daniel knows it's only a matter of time before his family, best friend, and his girlfriend notice the lingering effects of his insomnia. Will Daniel reach out for help, or allow the nightmares to consume his sanity?
Meanwhile, Daniel's best friend, Kyle Hanson, has been invited by Enterprise's Varsity basketball captain to take part in the Varsity team's rituals at the mysterious Midnight House. Skeptical of their motives, Daniel takes matters into his own hands to find out what's going on at the secretive hideaway. Is this Kyle's chance to prove himself to the Varsity team, or is something more sinister at play?
As the boys navigate through the complications of new friendships, jealousy, romance, and high school, their unbreakable bond and the strength of their friendship will be tested.
Can they survive what's waiting at Midnight House?
Meanwhile, Daniel's best friend, Kyle Hanson, has been invited by Enterprise's Varsity basketball captain to take part in the Varsity team's rituals at the mysterious Midnight House. Skeptical of their motives, Daniel takes matters into his own hands to find out what's going on at the secretive hideaway. Is this Kyle's chance to prove himself to the Varsity team, or is something more sinister at play?
As the boys navigate through the complications of new friendships, jealousy, romance, and high school, their unbreakable bond and the strength of their friendship will be tested.
Can they survive what's waiting at Midnight House?
426 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2021
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Ian Dawson
3 books18 followersIan Dawson has been writing his entire life. He started when he was a kid writing puppet shows to perform for his friends and family, then started writing and drawing comic strips as well. Ian has always enjoyed writing stories that are entertaining and fun, which led him to get his BA in Dramatic Art at UC Davis where he wrote and directed a popular comedy play and a variety of short films. Ian also wrote a play that was produced through Sacramento State University and worked at the Sacramento Educational Cable Consortium and Davis Media Access writing and producing content.
Ian later moved to Los Angeles to work on his Masters in Screenwriting at Cal State Northridge. While there he wrote a number of screenplays and interned at Lionsgate and Paramount Pictures. Ian has written educational/training videos for American Eagle Outfitters and Ralphs Grocery Company.
After working on it for 15 years, Ian finally published his first novel, The Field, which he is excited and proud to present to readers all around the world.
Ian loves to read, write, hang out with friends, travel, cook, and try new things. He also loves writing comedy and making others laugh. He currently lives in Los Angeles, California.
Email Ian at thefieldya@gmail.com
Ian later moved to Los Angeles to work on his Masters in Screenwriting at Cal State Northridge. While there he wrote a number of screenplays and interned at Lionsgate and Paramount Pictures. Ian has written educational/training videos for American Eagle Outfitters and Ralphs Grocery Company.
After working on it for 15 years, Ian finally published his first novel, The Field, which he is excited and proud to present to readers all around the world.
Ian loves to read, write, hang out with friends, travel, cook, and try new things. He also loves writing comedy and making others laugh. He currently lives in Los Angeles, California.
Email Ian at thefieldya@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 27, 2024
What happens to you when you got abducted years back? Is that the reason for your insomnia? Sleepless nights and haunting nightmares?
This novel is not just a thriller. It deals with relationships, jealousy and the bondings also.
You have to hide the facts from your girlfriend and your best friend. But they know that you are suffering.
On the other hand your best friend is invited by varsity captain for a ritual in midnight house. There is many layers of mystery for that.
I liked the narration and depth. This is the second book in the series
This novel is not just a thriller. It deals with relationships, jealousy and the bondings also.
You have to hide the facts from your girlfriend and your best friend. But they know that you are suffering.
On the other hand your best friend is invited by varsity captain for a ritual in midnight house. There is many layers of mystery for that.
I liked the narration and depth. This is the second book in the series
March 30, 2021
How do we stop the monsters from getting us even if we know they're gone?
Two years after surviving a harrowing experience, Daniel Robinson fights to maintain a normal life while battling the nightmares and demons that remain from his ordeal. His hope of recovery is quashed when his savior all those years ago ends up in danger in a plot for revenge. Can he overcome this new trauma and overcome his demons once and for all?
This is a continuation of the events from Ian's debut novel The Field, and though it is the second in a series, it doesn't carry allusions to the previous plot so that the reader of this book is lost. I will admit, I have not read The Field, but I do not believe that this was a detriment. In fact, Midnight House proves to work as a standalone piece.
This book carries an organic storyline that truly shows the character of the fallout of trauma. Though it was a quick read, it is also full of life-lessons about recovery, heartbreak, inner battles and personal development.
The portrayal of exhaustion from insomnia/nightmares really hit home for me, as I deal with chronic fatigue and terrifying dreams. I could feel Daniel's full-body fatigue through the pages. The fear of falling asleep and seeing images replay was very palpable. The natural progression of identifying and addressing issues regarding his trauma was evident: first with trying to admit that he was fine while using vices to get him through the day, to finally feeling comfortable with his friends/family in order to seek treatment and resolution.
Ian was very descriptive in his writing and most of the dialogue flowed naturally. Despite the traumatic events of the book, he injected pieces of humour to break up the tense moments, which also helped amplify the brief hilarity experienced in teens as they explore life and relationships.
Some dialogue involving the relationship of Daniel and Amber came across as weak. I also felt that some of the dialogue from April made her appear much older than she is portrayed in the book. There were times when I questioned the motivation of Kyle and why there was such a serious degradation of his relationship with Daniel.
There were times I had a hard time following which perspective I was reading from, as there wasn't much indication on when the POV shifted - this could be assisted with clear titles at the beginning of chapters or sections in which this perspective changed. The chapters also felt a bit short/quick, which did give a bit of a jolting feeling during my time with the characters.
That being said, I did find this book and the narrative enjoyable. It speaks to a lot of real-life issues faced by young people in their formative years: relationships with family/friends, peer-pressure, bullying, trauma, depression, maintaining distant communications and many other aspects. Some parts were raw and revealing, but they also opened opportunity for conversation.
Two years after surviving a harrowing experience, Daniel Robinson fights to maintain a normal life while battling the nightmares and demons that remain from his ordeal. His hope of recovery is quashed when his savior all those years ago ends up in danger in a plot for revenge. Can he overcome this new trauma and overcome his demons once and for all?
This is a continuation of the events from Ian's debut novel The Field, and though it is the second in a series, it doesn't carry allusions to the previous plot so that the reader of this book is lost. I will admit, I have not read The Field, but I do not believe that this was a detriment. In fact, Midnight House proves to work as a standalone piece.
This book carries an organic storyline that truly shows the character of the fallout of trauma. Though it was a quick read, it is also full of life-lessons about recovery, heartbreak, inner battles and personal development.
The portrayal of exhaustion from insomnia/nightmares really hit home for me, as I deal with chronic fatigue and terrifying dreams. I could feel Daniel's full-body fatigue through the pages. The fear of falling asleep and seeing images replay was very palpable. The natural progression of identifying and addressing issues regarding his trauma was evident: first with trying to admit that he was fine while using vices to get him through the day, to finally feeling comfortable with his friends/family in order to seek treatment and resolution.
Ian was very descriptive in his writing and most of the dialogue flowed naturally. Despite the traumatic events of the book, he injected pieces of humour to break up the tense moments, which also helped amplify the brief hilarity experienced in teens as they explore life and relationships.
Some dialogue involving the relationship of Daniel and Amber came across as weak. I also felt that some of the dialogue from April made her appear much older than she is portrayed in the book. There were times when I questioned the motivation of Kyle and why there was such a serious degradation of his relationship with Daniel.
There were times I had a hard time following which perspective I was reading from, as there wasn't much indication on when the POV shifted - this could be assisted with clear titles at the beginning of chapters or sections in which this perspective changed. The chapters also felt a bit short/quick, which did give a bit of a jolting feeling during my time with the characters.
That being said, I did find this book and the narrative enjoyable. It speaks to a lot of real-life issues faced by young people in their formative years: relationships with family/friends, peer-pressure, bullying, trauma, depression, maintaining distant communications and many other aspects. Some parts were raw and revealing, but they also opened opportunity for conversation.
April 9, 2024
Midnight House is the anticipated sequel to lan Dawson's compelling novel, The Field. As a fan of the first book, I was eager to delve back into the world of Daniel and Kyle, characters I've grown to care about. The narrative seamlessly picks up from the events of its predecessor, incorporating familiar faces while introducing new ones. Although the book stands on its own, readers who have experienced The Field will appreciate the nuanced references and character development carried over from the previous installment.
Dawson's decision to maintain the focus on the enduring friendship between Daniel and Kyle was a highlight for me, as was the introduction of romantic elements amidst the unfolding drama. While Midnight House presents a slightly different tone and pacing compared to its predecessor, I found myself captivated by its shorter, yet intense, chapters, driving the narrative forward with a sense of urgency.
The author skillfully addresses themes of trauma, friendship, and the complexities of adolescence, offering valuable lessons woven into the fabric of the story. From the portrayal of PTSD to the importance of genuine connections, Dawson delivers poignant messages without sacrificing the suspenseful plotline.
As Daniel grapples with the aftermath of his abduction and Kyle navigates the allure of newfound opportunities, the tension builds towards a gripping climax at the enigmatic Midnight House. Dawson expertly balances the intricacies of high school life with the looming threat lurking in the shadows, keeping readers on edge until the final page.
Overall, Midnight House is another triumph from lan Dawson, reaffirming my enjoyment of the series and leaving me eagerly anticipating the conclusion of this thrilling trilogy.
Dawson's decision to maintain the focus on the enduring friendship between Daniel and Kyle was a highlight for me, as was the introduction of romantic elements amidst the unfolding drama. While Midnight House presents a slightly different tone and pacing compared to its predecessor, I found myself captivated by its shorter, yet intense, chapters, driving the narrative forward with a sense of urgency.
The author skillfully addresses themes of trauma, friendship, and the complexities of adolescence, offering valuable lessons woven into the fabric of the story. From the portrayal of PTSD to the importance of genuine connections, Dawson delivers poignant messages without sacrificing the suspenseful plotline.
As Daniel grapples with the aftermath of his abduction and Kyle navigates the allure of newfound opportunities, the tension builds towards a gripping climax at the enigmatic Midnight House. Dawson expertly balances the intricacies of high school life with the looming threat lurking in the shadows, keeping readers on edge until the final page.
Overall, Midnight House is another triumph from lan Dawson, reaffirming my enjoyment of the series and leaving me eagerly anticipating the conclusion of this thrilling trilogy.
April 1, 2024
Midnight House is a sequel to Ian Dawson's book, The Field, a book in which two boys named Colby and Daniel are abducted and tortured by a thug named Austin. Daniel's best friend Kyle helps the two escape and in so doing more or less accidentally causes the death of Austin, to which Austin's reluctant cohort James pleads guilty. Fast forward two years. Daniel is often sleepless, suffering from PTSD from his abduction. Meanwhile, best friend Kyle has visions of becoming the captain of the varsity basketball team and relates Daniel's story to the current captain, a boy named Luke. Luke passes details of Daniel's adventure on to older brother, Tyler, who, it happens, was best friends with the sadistic Austin. It turns out Tyler is every bit as bad as Austin. He resolves to avenge Austin by killing Kyle, using the venue of the Midnight House. When Daniel and new girlfriend Amber arrive with the intent of rescuing Kyle, the plot thickens and the violence mounts. It's a tense adventure, and it's worth a look.
Author Ian Dawson offers a number of lessons throughout. Among them:
-a person may not appear to be a terrorist, don't absolutely rule out possibilities
-PTSD is real, and difficult to just "get over"
-real friends are difficult to find and important to hang onto
-pursuit of status in sports is not sufficiently important to overlook oddities in the behavior of others
-the perpetrator of a crime is not generally the sole "bad guy"; he may enlist assistants, and his partners in crime can be comparably evil
Author Ian Dawson offers a number of lessons throughout. Among them:
-a person may not appear to be a terrorist, don't absolutely rule out possibilities
-PTSD is real, and difficult to just "get over"
-real friends are difficult to find and important to hang onto
-pursuit of status in sports is not sufficiently important to overlook oddities in the behavior of others
-the perpetrator of a crime is not generally the sole "bad guy"; he may enlist assistants, and his partners in crime can be comparably evil
August 10, 2025
The second book in this series was just as good as the first! Shout out to Book tasters for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. Ian Dawson did not disappoint in the follow up to “The Field.”
In the second book, we continue to follow the story of best friends Kyle and Daniel. It has been two years since Daniel’s abduction, and with that comes struggles he faces. First, I love how the author connects the first story to this story. We learn early on that the brother of Luke, was the best friend of the main kidnapper in the first story, Austin.
I enjoyed the writing style in the first book and it was even better in this book! I feel as if the way things ended with both Tyler and Luke Darden awaiting trial there will be a third book. If not there absolutely needs to be one. I also felt as if the author did a really good job with not making the story drawn out. Thank you again Book tasters!
In the second book, we continue to follow the story of best friends Kyle and Daniel. It has been two years since Daniel’s abduction, and with that comes struggles he faces. First, I love how the author connects the first story to this story. We learn early on that the brother of Luke, was the best friend of the main kidnapper in the first story, Austin.
I enjoyed the writing style in the first book and it was even better in this book! I feel as if the way things ended with both Tyler and Luke Darden awaiting trial there will be a third book. If not there absolutely needs to be one. I also felt as if the author did a really good job with not making the story drawn out. Thank you again Book tasters!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2024
This young adult novel is the sequel to a previous book, The Field.
It featured some of the characters that I remembered and liked from the first book, and introduced some new ones. I noticed that this did make references to the events from the previous book, so I think that readers would find this book more enjoyable if they had read the first book previously. I felt there was still a lot of focus on the friendship between Daniel and Kyle, which I liked, and there was also some romance.
This book felt a little different from the previous one, and was a longer read, but I still liked it. The chapters were very short, but I think that made it a page turner, and I did like reading about these characters.
It featured some of the characters that I remembered and liked from the first book, and introduced some new ones. I noticed that this did make references to the events from the previous book, so I think that readers would find this book more enjoyable if they had read the first book previously. I felt there was still a lot of focus on the friendship between Daniel and Kyle, which I liked, and there was also some romance.
This book felt a little different from the previous one, and was a longer read, but I still liked it. The chapters were very short, but I think that made it a page turner, and I did like reading about these characters.
April 24, 2024
Being a sequel to The Field, it's commendable how Ian Dawson focuses on the friendship between Kyle and Daniel. I got to see how Daniel struggled with PTSD from his kidnapping and the very incident shaped his life moving forward. Judging from the fact that Dan was basically struggling with transitioning into adolescence in The Field, it's no surprise he has insomnia as a result of flashbacks from the incident. Kyle on the other hand is venturing into better opportunities by aiming towards being the captain of the varsity's basketball team which in turn leads to a series of disturbing events at the midnight house. Though it's a longer read than The Field, I enjoyed reading it as well and the short chapters were captivating.
December 25, 2025
I really like it cause it talks a lot about mental health and I feel like it's really important topic. The book is a great read, really intriguing tbh. I do find Kyle a little annoying cause I don't think one should treat their friends the way he treated Daniel at the midnight place but I guess he was drunk so that may be an excuse. I also feel like Daniel's and Colby's parents should have done more for them in getting help. I really do like Daniel's girlfriend tho she was super supportive and all. In general, great book and I really do love an happy ending so I'm excited I got one. The writing skill was also great and the book is one to keep you occupied for hours. Love it so much. Read the first part and all I can say is the author is astonishing
April 29, 2024
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review and my honest opinion is I didn’t really enjoy it. I loved the characters in the book and loved the friendship Daniel and Kyle still had following on from the first book. Amber was definitely my favourite character in this book, a tough kind girl that really grab my heart however it just felt like a really predictable story line. There was a couple of good points in the book but I wasn’t shocked at all by the story line and just felt a little bored reading this one. The start of the book was quite slow, it did pick up but again just didn’t grab me like I hoped it would!
March 12, 2025
Some scars are invisible, but they never fade.
Two years after his abduction, sixteen-year-old Daniel Robinson is still trapped in the nightmare, his sleepless nights threatening to unravel his grip on reality. Meanwhile, his best friend, Kyle, is lured into the secretive world of the Varsity basketball team’s Midnight House—a place where loyalty is tested, and danger is more than just a rumor.
As Daniel searches for the truth, friendships are strained, and darkness creeps closer. Ian Dawson crafts a gripping tale of trauma, secrets, and survival, keeping readers on edge until the very last page.
Two years after his abduction, sixteen-year-old Daniel Robinson is still trapped in the nightmare, his sleepless nights threatening to unravel his grip on reality. Meanwhile, his best friend, Kyle, is lured into the secretive world of the Varsity basketball team’s Midnight House—a place where loyalty is tested, and danger is more than just a rumor.
As Daniel searches for the truth, friendships are strained, and darkness creeps closer. Ian Dawson crafts a gripping tale of trauma, secrets, and survival, keeping readers on edge until the very last page.
December 26, 2025
Midnight House by Ian Dawson pulls you in quietly and then refuses to let go. The story feels raw and real as it follows Daniel, who’s still haunted by past trauma, while trying to look out for his best friend caught up in something dark and dangerous. What really stands out is how human the characters feel—their fear, loyalty, and confusion mirror the messy reality of growing up. The suspense builds naturally, without feeling forced, and the emotional weight gives the mystery real depth. It’s the kind of book that makes you uneasy in the best way, leaving you thinking about friendship, courage, and the things we carry with us long after the last page, genuinely struggled to put it down!
December 3, 2024
As the second book in this series I actually really liked it. I was really happy that it felt like a continuation of the story rather than just a retelling of the first book. With enough consistent callbacks to the first book it felt like the characters continued growing after the events of that book. The tone of the book also felt more mature than the last one. Which makes total sense in this case. Over all a very good sequel to “The Field”. I’m excited to read the final book in this series.
April 2, 2024
Again an incredibly good book! I can’t wait to read the final part of the trilogy.
As time passes, Daniel finds it gets more difficult to deal with the aftermath of the traumatizing events years ago.
And if that’s not bad enough, there’s new danger lurking in the shadows. Again a gripping story that keeps you on the edge or your seat!
As time passes, Daniel finds it gets more difficult to deal with the aftermath of the traumatizing events years ago.
And if that’s not bad enough, there’s new danger lurking in the shadows. Again a gripping story that keeps you on the edge or your seat!
May 15, 2024
Once again, Daniel and Kyle’s friendship is tested as they embark on another adventure . Will they be able to defy all odds?
This book is filled with the right amount of emotions, suspense that keeps you hooked on, from the beginning to the end.
Definitely worth reading.
I also like the fact that it’s appropriate for all age groups.
This book is filled with the right amount of emotions, suspense that keeps you hooked on, from the beginning to the end.
Definitely worth reading.
I also like the fact that it’s appropriate for all age groups.
April 17, 2021
🍷What a perfect weekend read it is, it's very very thrilling and quite nerve racking. I am surprised by the amount of intensity and twists which kept me going. This was super unpredictable. I loved it.
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Rating: 4.25⭐️
January 4, 2024
When you start reading book it will hard to put down it.. I was curious what would happen to the three main characters, Kyle, Daniel, and Amber.The book does not disappointed me . It is a page-turner from start to finish.
So go read The field first then come here
So go read The field first then come here
September 26, 2024
I enjoyed the storytelling and it was easy to picture the characters. Liked that when you start, you’re unable to put it down until you’re done. A good book!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews