Welcome To Night Vale is arguably one of the most successful podcasts currently in production; its surreal storytelling and humour which is somewhere between Twin Peaks and The Mighty Boosh, has spawned sold out live shows, legions of fans across the world and continues to develop its literary credentials with spin-off books, written by Night Vale creators Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor. STARBURST took a look at their latest offering: It Devours!
It Devours! follows scientist Nilanjana Sikdar, who is assigned by Night Vale’s most handsome scientist, Carlos, to investigate a series of rumblings that even has the City Council nervous, so much so they have silenced sweet Carlos! So, as Nilanjana begins her assignment, she crosses paths with Darryl Ramirez, an enthusiastic member of the religious group, Joyous Congregation of the Smiling God. But as the chemistry grows between Nilanjana and Darryl, she discovers that the Joyous Congregation of the Smiling God may have a more sinister agenda, and does it link to the series of rumblings?
It Devours! is aimed primarily at Night Vale fans, it has all of the familiar tit-bits that you would associate with the successful podcasts: the surreal yet highly poignant remarks (you can imagine the NRA saying that ‘guns are the new kale’!), there are the regular catchphrases such as ‘interloper’ from pointing bystanders to mentions of a ‘vague yet menacing government agency’. Also, you have a good set of lead characters: Nilanjana is a very real protagonist, she is determined but when she is drawn to the very likeable Darryl, it becomes a familiar debate between science and religion that is told through a developing relationship.
However, it doesn’t offer much to the people that aren’t fans of Night Vale; the references that will go over the heads of people unfamiliar with the series. However, fans of the series may also be disappointed with a lack of the more familiar character from Night Vale.
Overall, It Devours! is a good story with strong characters, which all the familiarity of the podcast for the fans, it isn’t ideal for those that are only looking for an alternative introduction to the podcast series.
And now… the weather.
IT DEVOURS! A NIGHT VALE NOVEL / AUTHOR: JOSEPH FINK, JEFFREY CRANOR / PUBLISHER: ORBIT / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
