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Nightmareland Chronicles #5
City of Blood: Nightmareland Volume Five
There’s a house on Utah Lake. A safe haven resting in the shadow of the unspeakable, the locale promises refuge for the Flashlighters after tragedy drives them back to civilization with John and company in tow. But grief is a nightmare of its own, and people will take desperate measures to escape its dominion. Even if the way out is drenched in blood.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2021
About the author
Daniel Barnett
16 books298 followersDaniel Barnett lives in Portland, Oregon and is a lover of stories--especially ones where things go bump in the night. His work has appeared in Crowded Magazine, and his short story The Sadie Hawkins placed in the top 6 for the 2015 Aeon Award. When he isn't writing or reading, he's discussing fiction with others. Whether they want to or not.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 20, 2022
This volume in the series, they're all important, but this one? This one sets up some heavy shit stage wise for the climax that is the next volume, Lily. Barnett's style and prose continues amazingly honed, heavy, but easy to read and just plain excites you, makes you cringe, makes you gasp. The very best things to feel while reading an amazing book.
Next review will be meatier, but I can't review it without spoilers, so my apologies to those who haven't read it yet, but I kinda, sorta, hafta. XD
Next review will be meatier, but I can't review it without spoilers, so my apologies to those who haven't read it yet, but I kinda, sorta, hafta. XD
April 19, 2021
I am absolutely blown away with this installment of the Nightmareland Chronicles.
Sadly, it’s the fifth book of the series, so if you are not caught up with the first four, there is not much I can tell you that would not be considered a spoiler. Even telling you character names could spoil some of the suspenseful happenings in the earlier books.
What I CAN tell you is that Daniel Barnett is a master storyteller. How he is able to weave such a fascinating tale fraught with terror and suspense while being so dang clever with how he does it is beyond me.
I loved that we got some closure AND some interesting reveals with this one and by golly, I am just about to spit nails for the want of having access to the next book.
The fifth volume of these chronicles lived up to my high expectations for this series and it remains my number one favorite post apocalyptic horror tale. The creative genius that is Daniel Barnett is astounding and we, as horror fans, are insanely fortunate he chooses to share these tales with us.
Sadly, it’s the fifth book of the series, so if you are not caught up with the first four, there is not much I can tell you that would not be considered a spoiler. Even telling you character names could spoil some of the suspenseful happenings in the earlier books.
What I CAN tell you is that Daniel Barnett is a master storyteller. How he is able to weave such a fascinating tale fraught with terror and suspense while being so dang clever with how he does it is beyond me.
I loved that we got some closure AND some interesting reveals with this one and by golly, I am just about to spit nails for the want of having access to the next book.
The fifth volume of these chronicles lived up to my high expectations for this series and it remains my number one favorite post apocalyptic horror tale. The creative genius that is Daniel Barnett is astounding and we, as horror fans, are insanely fortunate he chooses to share these tales with us.
June 7, 2022
Yet another fab entry in the Nightmareland Chronicles!
We follow our "family" of John, Mariah and Marcos as they migrate to Provo, Utah. Secrets are revealed about Father Ammon and the Flashlighters, a few about John, and a few others as well.
Blood is literally running in the streets and our gang must push through!
I can't wait for the final book in this part of the series, Lily
. (It has one of the loveliest covers I've ever seen! Danielle Serra ROCKS!)
*I received a paperback copy in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
We follow our "family" of John, Mariah and Marcos as they migrate to Provo, Utah. Secrets are revealed about Father Ammon and the Flashlighters, a few about John, and a few others as well.
Blood is literally running in the streets and our gang must push through!
I can't wait for the final book in this part of the series, Lily
. (It has one of the loveliest covers I've ever seen! Danielle Serra ROCKS!)*I received a paperback copy in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
June 17, 2022
Wow! What a cliffhanger this one ends on!
City of Blood is a fantastic addition to the Nightmareland Chronicles.
I love where this series is taking us with our main characters of Mariah, Marcus and John. The nightmares in Provo, Utah were just crazy good!
Check this series out if you like complex but flawed characters, along with nightmare imagery that will make your nightmares look tame.
I’m really looking forward to getting to the next book!
City of Blood is a fantastic addition to the Nightmareland Chronicles.
I love where this series is taking us with our main characters of Mariah, Marcus and John. The nightmares in Provo, Utah were just crazy good!
Check this series out if you like complex but flawed characters, along with nightmare imagery that will make your nightmares look tame.
I’m really looking forward to getting to the next book!
December 8, 2021
Again another book in the series that I inhaled - it was so good it was gone before I realised what had happened.
I mentioned that I felt a little (a tiny bit) cheated by the last instalment (Flashlighters) with regards to it feeling like part of a journey, and much of the meat and bones were missing - character development lacked in that outing for me, but with City of Blood we get all of those missing parts and more.
City of Blood is drenched in brilliance as if the blood in this book is pouring through the pages and puddling around your feet as you read. The terror in this book is heightened and causes unease on the reader, as we wonder a great many things before Barnett reveals them to us with a masters touch.
There is a lot of blood in the book, a lot of writing guts and also a huge beating heart at the centre of this particular chapter in the Nightmareland Chronicles - it also showcases Barnett's ability to move the reader, to have them invest themselves in the plight of the characters, and even share a tear or two at the acts, choices and ways in which the story progresses.
As mentioned where I felt cheated in the last book Barnett spends some time fleshing out those random faces and people we met fleetingly in the last book and the story and the direction this tale takes is much better for such exploration - we care, we feel, we fear what is happening now, not only to our main protagonists but to the lives of those they've come into contact with.
There was also a scene in a road flowing with blood that brought to mind the very best of Stephen King and IT - but this is not a carbon copy, this is Barnett adding his own to the drain in the ground and what resides in it will strip you of all the nails you cling onto reality with. Very cool indeed.
I feel in this book too we get a glimpse at what is to come, and what is to come is nightmarish and I can't wait to tread those blood-soaked streets and nightmare landscapes with our band of misfits.
I mentioned that I felt a little (a tiny bit) cheated by the last instalment (Flashlighters) with regards to it feeling like part of a journey, and much of the meat and bones were missing - character development lacked in that outing for me, but with City of Blood we get all of those missing parts and more.
City of Blood is drenched in brilliance as if the blood in this book is pouring through the pages and puddling around your feet as you read. The terror in this book is heightened and causes unease on the reader, as we wonder a great many things before Barnett reveals them to us with a masters touch.
There is a lot of blood in the book, a lot of writing guts and also a huge beating heart at the centre of this particular chapter in the Nightmareland Chronicles - it also showcases Barnett's ability to move the reader, to have them invest themselves in the plight of the characters, and even share a tear or two at the acts, choices and ways in which the story progresses.
As mentioned where I felt cheated in the last book Barnett spends some time fleshing out those random faces and people we met fleetingly in the last book and the story and the direction this tale takes is much better for such exploration - we care, we feel, we fear what is happening now, not only to our main protagonists but to the lives of those they've come into contact with.
There was also a scene in a road flowing with blood that brought to mind the very best of Stephen King and IT - but this is not a carbon copy, this is Barnett adding his own to the drain in the ground and what resides in it will strip you of all the nails you cling onto reality with. Very cool indeed.
I feel in this book too we get a glimpse at what is to come, and what is to come is nightmarish and I can't wait to tread those blood-soaked streets and nightmare landscapes with our band of misfits.
December 26, 2022
I give a 4-star rating to the Nightmareland Chronicles series as a whole. Keep up the good work young Daniel Barnett 😉
That being said ... The first half of the book kind of dragged a little bit, but the last half made up for it
On my way to #6 🙂
That being said ... The first half of the book kind of dragged a little bit, but the last half made up for it
On my way to #6 🙂
May 17, 2021
I just finished CITY OF BLOOD by Daniel Barnett and this is my favorite in the series so far. In this fifth installment of the Nightmareland Chronicles, an ongoing serialized adventure horror epic following one man's journey to reach his estranged daughter in a world claimed by eternal night, we pick right up from book four with the new group known as The Flashlighters and our trio is faced with even more difficulty decisions. John, Mariah, and Marcos all have HEAVY choices in front of them. Lies and trickery can be deadly and these three are about to experience this firsthand.
It is becoming slightly difficult to review these installments separately because Barnett's style and talent are apparent and steady throughout this series and the biggest changes are the plot points. BUT I will say this book has one of my favorite scenes so far, and it's an amazing and horrific blend of Pennywise and Circe (to me!) that I can't wait for people to read and discuss.
The CITY OF BLOOD is definitely full of blood - and the psychological horrors associated with this nightmare world-turned-reality will have you begging for book six, LILY. 4.5 stars and rounding this one up to 5!
It is becoming slightly difficult to review these installments separately because Barnett's style and talent are apparent and steady throughout this series and the biggest changes are the plot points. BUT I will say this book has one of my favorite scenes so far, and it's an amazing and horrific blend of Pennywise and Circe (to me!) that I can't wait for people to read and discuss.
The CITY OF BLOOD is definitely full of blood - and the psychological horrors associated with this nightmare world-turned-reality will have you begging for book six, LILY. 4.5 stars and rounding this one up to 5!
January 10, 2022
Whole Lotta Blood (and Brilliance!)
CITY OF BLOOD, the fifth installment in the Nightmareland Chronicles, certainly lives up to its title. It's also my favorite in a series that has gotten better with each entry. These characters are unforgettable, and Barnett's prose is nothing less than spellbinding. Don't believe me? Check this out:
"She had many ways to consume him, this siren of the storm drain, this lullaby in the flesh, and none of those ways involved teeth. To spend another minute down here, breathing her perfume, feeling her touch, would spell his undoing just as surely as standing in front of a speeding train. Self-destruction through mutual, irresistible appetite. That was the nightmare Marcos had found himself trapped in, and the scariest part wasn’t that it would eventually kill you. It was that you would be too satisfied to care when it did."
See what I mean? Hypnotic, and this book's ending sets the stage perfectly for Volume Six. Highly recommended!
CITY OF BLOOD, the fifth installment in the Nightmareland Chronicles, certainly lives up to its title. It's also my favorite in a series that has gotten better with each entry. These characters are unforgettable, and Barnett's prose is nothing less than spellbinding. Don't believe me? Check this out:
"She had many ways to consume him, this siren of the storm drain, this lullaby in the flesh, and none of those ways involved teeth. To spend another minute down here, breathing her perfume, feeling her touch, would spell his undoing just as surely as standing in front of a speeding train. Self-destruction through mutual, irresistible appetite. That was the nightmare Marcos had found himself trapped in, and the scariest part wasn’t that it would eventually kill you. It was that you would be too satisfied to care when it did."
See what I mean? Hypnotic, and this book's ending sets the stage perfectly for Volume Six. Highly recommended!
May 12, 2022
The Flashlighters know of a bomb shelter in Provo with plenty of supplies, so the group moves to that location. After a baby is born and dies, Mariah decides to do something about her pregnancy. Some of the Flashlighters let Mariah know that Father Ammon’s awakening of a sleeper was a farce. Father Ammon is failing. Marcos finds him making a recording for the Flashlighters’ friends who are in the Peaks arena. Marcos takes the recording and walks there through streets of blood, thinking perhaps some of them are still awake. John decides to leave, and Mariah lets him know that she wants to leave with him, but they can’t find Marcos. The truck is fixed, so they head to Provo and John proves he’s human after all. The weeping boy’s identity is revealed.
December 22, 2021
The fifth entry in Daniel Barnett’s Nightmareland series, “City of Blood”, feels woefully short. It is hard to believe it clocks in at however many pages it encompasses because they fly past like the wind. In fact, I'm very glad that the next book is the longest in the series because by now, Daniel has made it that we need to not stop reading his novels. Just how long can he keep this up?
Barnett builds in this book, upon the foundations of mistaken beliefs revealed in his previous book, “The Flashlighters”, and rips apart the carefully woven net of half-truths. It’s like having a particularly crusty scab peeled off, to reveal the gaping raw emotional wound of reality underneath, and it’s fantastic stuff. To have built those lies so believingly, and have them then about-face and shown for the lies that they are, but not have the protagonist at fault for those mistruths – well – this is Daniel doing what he does best – writing complex, emotionally biting, tension-filled situations in which he throws his three main characters, all of whom are so fundamentally different, that together they are unstoppable. That they are emotional wrecks through their experiences just makes the thing even more readable.
I loved the character progression for John in this book, after having had him so distant for two of the four books, the lengths that he goes to make sure Marco remains safe, is big-screen cinema action. You are right alongside him as he trawls through the arena. Perhaps he really is someone to cheer on, as he wades through hell to protect the ones he has come to love, even if he won’t admit that feeling to himself.
This book also throws the reader some answers – not least of which the identity of the sad boy (I wasn’t too far off, it seems). The connection to john and his immunity to that lullaby's explanation is still to be revealed, but with the next book up, Lilly, clocking in as the longest installment to date, I have high hopes that we are going to get some reveals that thrust us into the second half of the chronicles.
This maintains Daniel’s high standards, my loyalty to the series grows with each book.
5 out of 5⭐'s. Can’t wait for Lilly (and I’m going to finish it before new year’s – that’s a Christmas present all to myself).
Daniel, Nightmareland is astonishing. Keep going, mate.
Barnett builds in this book, upon the foundations of mistaken beliefs revealed in his previous book, “The Flashlighters”, and rips apart the carefully woven net of half-truths. It’s like having a particularly crusty scab peeled off, to reveal the gaping raw emotional wound of reality underneath, and it’s fantastic stuff. To have built those lies so believingly, and have them then about-face and shown for the lies that they are, but not have the protagonist at fault for those mistruths – well – this is Daniel doing what he does best – writing complex, emotionally biting, tension-filled situations in which he throws his three main characters, all of whom are so fundamentally different, that together they are unstoppable. That they are emotional wrecks through their experiences just makes the thing even more readable.
I loved the character progression for John in this book, after having had him so distant for two of the four books, the lengths that he goes to make sure Marco remains safe, is big-screen cinema action. You are right alongside him as he trawls through the arena. Perhaps he really is someone to cheer on, as he wades through hell to protect the ones he has come to love, even if he won’t admit that feeling to himself.
This book also throws the reader some answers – not least of which the identity of the sad boy (I wasn’t too far off, it seems). The connection to john and his immunity to that lullaby's explanation is still to be revealed, but with the next book up, Lilly, clocking in as the longest installment to date, I have high hopes that we are going to get some reveals that thrust us into the second half of the chronicles.
This maintains Daniel’s high standards, my loyalty to the series grows with each book.
5 out of 5⭐'s. Can’t wait for Lilly (and I’m going to finish it before new year’s – that’s a Christmas present all to myself).
Daniel, Nightmareland is astonishing. Keep going, mate.
June 5, 2022
Wow, this was good but emotionally heavy to me. There are a lot of difficult things to deal with here and in the previous book the kind of culminate and will no doubt continue in Lily.
I can’t believe this has come this far!
This series has flown by. I included quotes and really this writing is just brilliantly descriptive and amazing. I can’t believe how beautiful it is sometimes. I know that whatever hang ups I have here are going to be worth this because Barnett can seriously write.
I just didn’t care for some parts dealing with children in the last two books relating to abuse and other triggers that are worse. (See bottom) I can’t stomach it. Many reasons for that occur to me … the least of which would be akin to a guy feeling sick at seeing another man get whacked in the jewels. Ugh.
I am also, though I do know some things about Mormons and LDS; I was confused by some things talked about in the book when it came to that religion. That will probably sort itself.
Then there was confusion along the way with which sleepers got nightmares and which went into peaceful dreams.
I know that these books aren’t going to be perfectly explained and such, so I’m fine with that. That is part of the mystique of the genre. But all of these things together in the last two or three are why I chose to give this one a three. It made this one harder for me to get through. Only the abuse w children bothered me. He could have made it so much worse. I know.
I can’t believe this has come this far!
This series has flown by. I included quotes and really this writing is just brilliantly descriptive and amazing. I can’t believe how beautiful it is sometimes. I know that whatever hang ups I have here are going to be worth this because Barnett can seriously write.
I just didn’t care for some parts dealing with children in the last two books relating to abuse and other triggers that are worse. (See bottom) I can’t stomach it. Many reasons for that occur to me … the least of which would be akin to a guy feeling sick at seeing another man get whacked in the jewels. Ugh.
I am also, though I do know some things about Mormons and LDS; I was confused by some things talked about in the book when it came to that religion. That will probably sort itself.
Then there was confusion along the way with which sleepers got nightmares and which went into peaceful dreams.
I know that these books aren’t going to be perfectly explained and such, so I’m fine with that. That is part of the mystique of the genre. But all of these things together in the last two or three are why I chose to give this one a three. It made this one harder for me to get through. Only the abuse w children bothered me. He could have made it so much worse. I know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2021
This was easily my favorite of the series so far. I cannot wait for Lily to come out to wrap up this first season of the series.
March 16, 2026
“you tried, and trying is a lovely thing, the loveliest thing in the whole world.”
wow, this one . . . pure perfection . .
wow, this one . . . pure perfection . .
May 12, 2021
Verdict: 4.5 out of 5.0
Overview: (Synopsis copied over from Goodreads listing) There’s a house on Utah Lake. A safe haven resting in the shadow of the unspeakable, the locale promises refuge for the Flashlighters after tragedy drives them back to civilization with John and company in tow. But grief is a nightmare of its own, and people will take desperate measures to escape its dominion. Even if the way out is drenched in blood. // City of Blood is the fifth volume of the Nightmareland Chronicles, an ongoing serialized adventure horror epic following one man's journey to reach his estranged daughter in a world claimed by eternal night.
The Good: The addition of the Flashlighters in volume four is made more important in City of Blood, especially now that we are learning more about their pasts and the way they operate. When Marcus begins his journey down State Canyon Drive, he encounters a nightmare that proves to be a wonderful blend of IT and the sirens of the sea. And though not as explosive a finale as I was expecting, the closing scene within the Peaks Ice Arena is coupled with a shocking revelation that will surely excite readers and bring about speculation.
The Bad: With this being a continued series of many books (five so far, with at least twelve expected), it would be useful if Barnett explained previously introduced people and interactions a little more when they come back around. Multiple times, I was left smacking the side of my head as I tried to remember a name that was mentioned on the fly and why they were important. Sequels generally have “recap” moments to bring everyone back up to speed, but these books haven’t really done that.
The Takeaway: City of Blood continues to flesh out our vision of Nightmareland, while also providing new avenues for horror. Not only does this volume conclude with a surprising revelation that will get your heart working double time, Barnett notes that volume six is a major turning point that acts as a season finale for the series thus far. Judging by the provided synopsis for Lily, we will likely follow the Flashlighters the most this Fall when Nightmareland is expected to return. Though some readers may question such a shift in this character base, I am personally excited for a new group to take focus and surprise us some more. This series has been good at that every step of the way!
~
> Reviewed by Aiden Merchant - www.aidenmerchant.com / Instagram @ AidenMerchant89 / Twitter @ AidenMerchant89 / (e) contact@aidenmerchant.com
> Aiden is currently CLOSED to review requests - please refer to social media for updates on openings
> Aiden’s scoring system - (5) Perfection (4) Loved it (3) Enjoyed it (2) Disliked it (1) Hard pass / Aiden generally will not write a review for anything that scores lower than a (3) in his mind / DNF means “Did Not Finish” - this could be because of the writing, scheduling conflicts, lack of interest, or content; it does not necessarily mean the book was terrible
Overview: (Synopsis copied over from Goodreads listing) There’s a house on Utah Lake. A safe haven resting in the shadow of the unspeakable, the locale promises refuge for the Flashlighters after tragedy drives them back to civilization with John and company in tow. But grief is a nightmare of its own, and people will take desperate measures to escape its dominion. Even if the way out is drenched in blood. // City of Blood is the fifth volume of the Nightmareland Chronicles, an ongoing serialized adventure horror epic following one man's journey to reach his estranged daughter in a world claimed by eternal night.
The Good: The addition of the Flashlighters in volume four is made more important in City of Blood, especially now that we are learning more about their pasts and the way they operate. When Marcus begins his journey down State Canyon Drive, he encounters a nightmare that proves to be a wonderful blend of IT and the sirens of the sea. And though not as explosive a finale as I was expecting, the closing scene within the Peaks Ice Arena is coupled with a shocking revelation that will surely excite readers and bring about speculation.
The Bad: With this being a continued series of many books (five so far, with at least twelve expected), it would be useful if Barnett explained previously introduced people and interactions a little more when they come back around. Multiple times, I was left smacking the side of my head as I tried to remember a name that was mentioned on the fly and why they were important. Sequels generally have “recap” moments to bring everyone back up to speed, but these books haven’t really done that.
The Takeaway: City of Blood continues to flesh out our vision of Nightmareland, while also providing new avenues for horror. Not only does this volume conclude with a surprising revelation that will get your heart working double time, Barnett notes that volume six is a major turning point that acts as a season finale for the series thus far. Judging by the provided synopsis for Lily, we will likely follow the Flashlighters the most this Fall when Nightmareland is expected to return. Though some readers may question such a shift in this character base, I am personally excited for a new group to take focus and surprise us some more. This series has been good at that every step of the way!
~
> Reviewed by Aiden Merchant - www.aidenmerchant.com / Instagram @ AidenMerchant89 / Twitter @ AidenMerchant89 / (e) contact@aidenmerchant.com
> Aiden is currently CLOSED to review requests - please refer to social media for updates on openings
> Aiden’s scoring system - (5) Perfection (4) Loved it (3) Enjoyed it (2) Disliked it (1) Hard pass / Aiden generally will not write a review for anything that scores lower than a (3) in his mind / DNF means “Did Not Finish” - this could be because of the writing, scheduling conflicts, lack of interest, or content; it does not necessarily mean the book was terrible
May 24, 2021
What a treat it is to sit down with the latest installment of Daniel Barnett’s Nightmareland series every few months. If asked between books, I’d tell you one of my favorite aspects of this series is Barnett’s prose. And yet, every time I crack open a new one, I’m floored by his way with words. The prose is simple at times, but always effective. Perhaps economical might be the best way to put it, but I also want to avoid giving you the impression it’s bare-bones. The words are downright poetic at times. I’ve made the comparison to Cormac McCarthy before, but this time around I’m going to add in Gabino Iglesias. Both Barnett and Iglesias draw my envy at every turn for seemingly always knowing the right word to use.
It’s a pleasure to read, of course, but no way I’m sticking around for five volumes without a damn good story. If you haven’t read reviews for the first four entries yet, A.) What are you doing reading a review for book five? And B) You know Barnett delivers on that front. The slowly unraveling post-apocalyptic tale continues to keep the reader on their toes. After the awe-inspiring and terror-inducing finale of The Flashlighters, we’re now privy to some of the more primitive horrors of this new world. Barnett doesn’t let us get too many pages in before the first one comes scampering in and sinks it fangs into us.
City of Blood is an entry that could have fallen on its face without the character-building done up to this point. An especially poignant storyline surrounding John and Mariah holds the attention of the reader because we’ve become so invested. We’ve seen what they’ve gone through up to this point, and we’re settling into a natural, yet earned, progression here. Marcos’ solo adventure would be an interesting stand-alone short story, but Barnett puts the reader to work here, setting the stakes high in the readers’ minds, asking them to fill in blanks with embedded memories/experiences of this boy’s journey.
The ending is gruesome, exciting, and unforgettable. It sets the stage magnificently for volume six, Lily, in which Barnett promises us a season one finale, tying up many of the storylines we’ve followed thus far, and laying the groundwork for what’s to come in the future. I don’t know if this is my favorite book in the series, but I do know that I read in 2 days, and I don’t care. The whole thing is a gem, and City of Blood adds on to the scaffolding.
It’s a pleasure to read, of course, but no way I’m sticking around for five volumes without a damn good story. If you haven’t read reviews for the first four entries yet, A.) What are you doing reading a review for book five? And B) You know Barnett delivers on that front. The slowly unraveling post-apocalyptic tale continues to keep the reader on their toes. After the awe-inspiring and terror-inducing finale of The Flashlighters, we’re now privy to some of the more primitive horrors of this new world. Barnett doesn’t let us get too many pages in before the first one comes scampering in and sinks it fangs into us.
City of Blood is an entry that could have fallen on its face without the character-building done up to this point. An especially poignant storyline surrounding John and Mariah holds the attention of the reader because we’ve become so invested. We’ve seen what they’ve gone through up to this point, and we’re settling into a natural, yet earned, progression here. Marcos’ solo adventure would be an interesting stand-alone short story, but Barnett puts the reader to work here, setting the stakes high in the readers’ minds, asking them to fill in blanks with embedded memories/experiences of this boy’s journey.
The ending is gruesome, exciting, and unforgettable. It sets the stage magnificently for volume six, Lily, in which Barnett promises us a season one finale, tying up many of the storylines we’ve followed thus far, and laying the groundwork for what’s to come in the future. I don’t know if this is my favorite book in the series, but I do know that I read in 2 days, and I don’t care. The whole thing is a gem, and City of Blood adds on to the scaffolding.
April 14, 2026
Yea I’m still deeply uncomfortable yet relentlessly still locked in. But, what a cool passage among many here: “John was no stranger to the dark. During the long winter of his childhood, it had been family to him“…”There was nothing nurturing about his relationship with the dark, or if there was then it was a queer kind of nurturing, laced with danger and seduction and illicit, simmering desire. They were kissing cousins. She would come to him at sundown and lure him from his window, her voice as soft as shadow, her lips softer still, and they would roam the white Vermont wilderness until the full moon faded and dawn brushed the snow-shrouded woods with orange and indigo. They shared their first secret caress when he was no more than seven, and by his tenth birthday he knew the depths of her heart as well as the sting of her bite. Some mornings he returned to his bedroom scratched and bleeding. Other times (like when he disturbed the mother bear and her cubs during their January slumber, or when he slipped into the brook near the clearing where once upon a night he would make his final stand against his father’s wolves) he barely came home at all. And he loved her. He loved her despite the fact that she could kill him, or maybe he loved her for that very fact, because killing had always been a facet of John Hawthorne’s soul.”
February 20, 2022
City of Blood volume 5 takes us to Provo Utah.
"Provo was an open wound, and it was bleeding."
"It didn't matter that the whole city was a bottomless juice box"
This volume was totally a sit on the edge of your seat, page turning nightmare!
We follow along with The Flashlighters (from volume 4) as the religious cult seek out a farm with an excess of supplies. Truths get exposed and big changes are coming in the next volume #6 Lily.
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Every book has been 5 stars for me. Mesmerizing, engrossing, storytelling at its best!
"Provo was an open wound, and it was bleeding."
"It didn't matter that the whole city was a bottomless juice box"
This volume was totally a sit on the edge of your seat, page turning nightmare!
We follow along with The Flashlighters (from volume 4) as the religious cult seek out a farm with an excess of supplies. Truths get exposed and big changes are coming in the next volume #6 Lily.
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Every book has been 5 stars for me. Mesmerizing, engrossing, storytelling at its best!
June 18, 2022
I'm pretty sure it makes me some kind of sicko that this book makes me want to visit Provo, Utah in the worst way.
On to book six in July.
On to book six in July.
September 3, 2022
This is the second to last installment of The Nightmareland Chronicles, I’ve really enjoyed this entire series, and this definitely lived up to the other books!
June 9, 2021
Oh wow. Just wow.
City of Blood really raised the stakes for the John, Mariah and Marcos. Ahh, Marcos. I would say, like Lullaby was Mariah's book, this one is Marco's. His character arc, just in this volume alone, is incredible. But, John's character also grows significantly as well. I just love these 3 characters! They are all so well fleshed and so unique. Everyone of them feels like a real person, and yet my favorite part is that they are one unit. They are family.
I felt the more traditional horror elements come forward more in the volume. Before this the reader is left wondering what is happening and you have more of a fear of the unknown. The evil the characters had faced up until The Flashlighters had been mostly human. In City of Blood you really see Nightmareland, and it is terrifying.
The writing is still amazing, but I will have to re-read it to highlight my favorite lines. I just flew through this one. I didn't mean to, but I couldn't stop reading! There was so much tension right from the start and I was just along for the ride.
I will be doing a full review video for all 5 volumes on my channel soon. Until then, I don't know how much I can say without spoiling it. This is now my favorite of the books, but I said that about the last 2 when I finished them. This series is just that good.
City of Blood really raised the stakes for the John, Mariah and Marcos. Ahh, Marcos. I would say, like Lullaby was Mariah's book, this one is Marco's. His character arc, just in this volume alone, is incredible. But, John's character also grows significantly as well. I just love these 3 characters! They are all so well fleshed and so unique. Everyone of them feels like a real person, and yet my favorite part is that they are one unit. They are family.
I felt the more traditional horror elements come forward more in the volume. Before this the reader is left wondering what is happening and you have more of a fear of the unknown. The evil the characters had faced up until The Flashlighters had been mostly human. In City of Blood you really see Nightmareland, and it is terrifying.
The writing is still amazing, but I will have to re-read it to highlight my favorite lines. I just flew through this one. I didn't mean to, but I couldn't stop reading! There was so much tension right from the start and I was just along for the ride.
I will be doing a full review video for all 5 volumes on my channel soon. Until then, I don't know how much I can say without spoiling it. This is now my favorite of the books, but I said that about the last 2 when I finished them. This series is just that good.
May 31, 2021
I cannot get enough of this series. The end of this installment blew my mind. It also had some great character development and, as always, Daniel Barnett's writing is a pleasure to read. 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. Bring on the next book!
November 2, 2023
an amazing creepy and wonderful nightmare story
Okay. So I basically read this in one day. It’s a great read for this time of year as the days shorten and get cooler, the scary things in the night come out.
We are living in a nightmare. There are some really gross and creepy scenes. Barnett is so good at this! I cannot even imagine surviving in a weird world like this. But John, Mariah, and Marcos must depend on each other in order to get through this crazy event. We are left with people pursuing our heroes. So now the tension is ratcheted up even higher for the next book.
I mustn’t let too much time pass for the next story!
Okay. So I basically read this in one day. It’s a great read for this time of year as the days shorten and get cooler, the scary things in the night come out.
We are living in a nightmare. There are some really gross and creepy scenes. Barnett is so good at this! I cannot even imagine surviving in a weird world like this. But John, Mariah, and Marcos must depend on each other in order to get through this crazy event. We are left with people pursuing our heroes. So now the tension is ratcheted up even higher for the next book.
I mustn’t let too much time pass for the next story!
December 10, 2022
This series is so good!
This book is such a revealing contribution to the series and yet provokes even more mystery and intrigue. The characters, who have to endure and survive insane scenarios, are becoming so much clearer and I love what I’m reading. Barnett makes you interested in the story, then he makes you care for the characters, so he can then mess with you the reader more than you imagined. On to the next with great anticipation and possibly a therapist on speed dial.
This book is such a revealing contribution to the series and yet provokes even more mystery and intrigue. The characters, who have to endure and survive insane scenarios, are becoming so much clearer and I love what I’m reading. Barnett makes you interested in the story, then he makes you care for the characters, so he can then mess with you the reader more than you imagined. On to the next with great anticipation and possibly a therapist on speed dial.
November 29, 2022
This series continues to get better and better. So far volumes 4 and 5 have been my favorites and my expectations for the 6th part of this series are sky high. The characters are all well developed, the world is original and vast, and the writing is bleak and beautiful.
November 27, 2025
My expectations were already high, but Barnett always delivers with each subsequent volume of the Nightmareland Chronicles. If you haven't started this one, do so! Now, onto volume 6: Lily.
February 12, 2022
Another brilliantly written and horrifically creative installment in the Nightmareland. I'm happy I waited until the next installment was released to catch up with the series as I have some serious questions and need to know what's going on with some things.
“Part of him accepted the possibility that he was losing his mind, but another part — deeper, wiser — understood that sometimes, to chase away madness, you had to call to it first.”
“Part of him accepted the possibility that he was losing his mind, but another part — deeper, wiser — understood that sometimes, to chase away madness, you had to call to it first.”
November 29, 2021
Review to follow soon
October 28, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5.
"If you leave me one thing in this world, let it be love."
Book #5 in the Nightmareland Chronicles. WOW! Barnett's writing is so descriptive and vivid that you see, hear, and feel everything! After finishing this installment, I needed a long shower, and not a Sprite shower ;) By the end of City of Blood, I knew I had to start book 6, Lily, right away. Inital rating - very high 4.5 stars if not 5 stars.
CAWPILE Breakdown:
Characters: 9 - Barnett's characters only get better as the books continue. They continue to grow and develop and we keep learning more and more about them.
Atmosphere/Setting: 9 - I could see and feel the atmosphere and setting most of the time. Sometimes a bit too much for my liking (in a good way.)
Writing Style: 9 - Barnett's writing style continues to amaze me, impress me, and creep me out.
Plot: 7.5 - The plot in City of Blood was not particularly obvious or apparanty until you got to the last couple of chapters. Barnett's writing was soo good and I was enjoying what I was reading so much that it didn't really bother me, like it usually does.
Intrigue: 8 - The intrigue, for me, wasn't as prevalent throughout the whole book as it had been in previous books. When it was there, it was hard to ignore but also felt like it was resolved quicker than in other books.
Logic/Relationships: 10 - In my opinion, this is where Barnett's writing soard in City of Blood. Everything made perfect sense, even the things of nightmares. My questions and theories were answered almost as soon as I thought them - within like a chapter or two. The relationships in this installment were some of Barnett's best. Not only with our main characters: Mariah, John and Marcos, but also the side characters who drive the story in this book. Everyone developed and no one was static.
Enjoyment: 10 - I thoroughly enjoyed City of Blood. Even the nightmares - I kept thinking what will come up/out next. I've already got Lily ready to go! My favorite part of City of Blood was getting to know our characters more than we have in the past books.
CAWPILE Total: 62.5/7 = 8.9 = 4.5, nearly 5 stars!
"If you leave me one thing in this world, let it be love."
Book #5 in the Nightmareland Chronicles. WOW! Barnett's writing is so descriptive and vivid that you see, hear, and feel everything! After finishing this installment, I needed a long shower, and not a Sprite shower ;) By the end of City of Blood, I knew I had to start book 6, Lily, right away. Inital rating - very high 4.5 stars if not 5 stars.
CAWPILE Breakdown:
Characters: 9 - Barnett's characters only get better as the books continue. They continue to grow and develop and we keep learning more and more about them.
Atmosphere/Setting: 9 - I could see and feel the atmosphere and setting most of the time. Sometimes a bit too much for my liking (in a good way.)
Writing Style: 9 - Barnett's writing style continues to amaze me, impress me, and creep me out.
Plot: 7.5 - The plot in City of Blood was not particularly obvious or apparanty until you got to the last couple of chapters. Barnett's writing was soo good and I was enjoying what I was reading so much that it didn't really bother me, like it usually does.
Intrigue: 8 - The intrigue, for me, wasn't as prevalent throughout the whole book as it had been in previous books. When it was there, it was hard to ignore but also felt like it was resolved quicker than in other books.
Logic/Relationships: 10 - In my opinion, this is where Barnett's writing soard in City of Blood. Everything made perfect sense, even the things of nightmares. My questions and theories were answered almost as soon as I thought them - within like a chapter or two. The relationships in this installment were some of Barnett's best. Not only with our main characters: Mariah, John and Marcos, but also the side characters who drive the story in this book. Everyone developed and no one was static.
Enjoyment: 10 - I thoroughly enjoyed City of Blood. Even the nightmares - I kept thinking what will come up/out next. I've already got Lily ready to go! My favorite part of City of Blood was getting to know our characters more than we have in the past books.
CAWPILE Total: 62.5/7 = 8.9 = 4.5, nearly 5 stars!
September 29, 2022
The full review will be up soon on the blog/newsletter over at https://storyphoria.substack.com/
But these are my totally off the cuff initial thoughts.
NO SPOILERS OF COURSE
This series has been this wonderfully epic, episodic ride in which we were given a chance to really know our trio of hero's. But now, everything has changed and the ending of this book is so powerful and represents such a big shift in the focus of the story that you can't help but be excited by the realization that as cool as it's been up till now, the first 5 books have all been the setup for the final act coming in book 6.
Enough so that I am tempted to go back and bump all of my 4.5 star ratings for books 2,3, and 4 up to a full 5 stars just because my only knock on them was their short and episodic nature that left me wanting more.
By far, City of Blood(as the title would suggest) is the MOST graphic of this series but still never feels overly self indulgent in it's graphic nature. This isn't gore just for the sake of gore and shock value. It serves a purpose and that purpose is the final crucible to steel our trio against the darkness to come.
This book is an exercise in battling inner demons and coming to terms with the fact that no matter how far down you bury them, those past pains and truths will ALWAYS come back and you'll be asked to pay the bill due to them. Growth and strength of character comes from how you withstand the debt demanding to be paid up.
I feel like reading this series, up to this point at least, has been a privilege... like I've been invited in to bear witness to something special. I know that's flowery, high praise - and I don't normally get that extreme with my reviews - but I REALLY enjoy this series.
On to Lily to see how this all shakes out.
But these are my totally off the cuff initial thoughts.
NO SPOILERS OF COURSE
This series has been this wonderfully epic, episodic ride in which we were given a chance to really know our trio of hero's. But now, everything has changed and the ending of this book is so powerful and represents such a big shift in the focus of the story that you can't help but be excited by the realization that as cool as it's been up till now, the first 5 books have all been the setup for the final act coming in book 6.
Enough so that I am tempted to go back and bump all of my 4.5 star ratings for books 2,3, and 4 up to a full 5 stars just because my only knock on them was their short and episodic nature that left me wanting more.
By far, City of Blood(as the title would suggest) is the MOST graphic of this series but still never feels overly self indulgent in it's graphic nature. This isn't gore just for the sake of gore and shock value. It serves a purpose and that purpose is the final crucible to steel our trio against the darkness to come.
This book is an exercise in battling inner demons and coming to terms with the fact that no matter how far down you bury them, those past pains and truths will ALWAYS come back and you'll be asked to pay the bill due to them. Growth and strength of character comes from how you withstand the debt demanding to be paid up.
I feel like reading this series, up to this point at least, has been a privilege... like I've been invited in to bear witness to something special. I know that's flowery, high praise - and I don't normally get that extreme with my reviews - but I REALLY enjoy this series.
On to Lily to see how this all shakes out.
December 23, 2022
As always, Barnett’s prose is chef’s kiss!!
And oh man did he bring the house down with that ending - what a cliffhanger!! City of Blood drops some major reveals, lets loose some fatal secrets, and certainly lives up to the title - so much happens in this book!!
“Provo was an open wound, and it was bleeding."
X marks the spot at Provo where a fully stocked bomb shelter awaits that tenderly whispers a new safe haven for the Flashlighters, but screams just a supply run for John who’s ultimate destination is still a blue house by the Atlantic Ocean.
“Part of him accepted the possibility that he was losing his mind, but another part - deeper, wiser - understood that sometimes, to chase away madness, you had to call to it first.”
Marcos really shines in this book, in fact, all of the characters go through so much incredible growth here, but brave not-so-little-anymore Marcos definitely takes the stage again in this one and more new horrific nightmares, of course. This fifth installment takes on a more serious tone, and rightfully so, given all the things the main characters have endured up to this point and the hard choices that come with each of them facing some of their inner demons - and some choices can change everything.
“Perhaps it was the only thing that mattered in the end. Knowing that you’d tried.”
I CANNOT wait for Wyoming and the long awaited Lana reunion, but I’m afraid. Oh I’m so very afraid of what will happen in Lily, there’s a lot more pages which means more potential damage to be had and that sure is a dangerous thing.
And oh man did he bring the house down with that ending - what a cliffhanger!! City of Blood drops some major reveals, lets loose some fatal secrets, and certainly lives up to the title - so much happens in this book!!
“Provo was an open wound, and it was bleeding."
X marks the spot at Provo where a fully stocked bomb shelter awaits that tenderly whispers a new safe haven for the Flashlighters, but screams just a supply run for John who’s ultimate destination is still a blue house by the Atlantic Ocean.
“Part of him accepted the possibility that he was losing his mind, but another part - deeper, wiser - understood that sometimes, to chase away madness, you had to call to it first.”
Marcos really shines in this book, in fact, all of the characters go through so much incredible growth here, but brave not-so-little-anymore Marcos definitely takes the stage again in this one and more new horrific nightmares, of course. This fifth installment takes on a more serious tone, and rightfully so, given all the things the main characters have endured up to this point and the hard choices that come with each of them facing some of their inner demons - and some choices can change everything.
“Perhaps it was the only thing that mattered in the end. Knowing that you’d tried.”
I CANNOT wait for Wyoming and the long awaited Lana reunion, but I’m afraid. Oh I’m so very afraid of what will happen in Lily, there’s a lot more pages which means more potential damage to be had and that sure is a dangerous thing.
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