The Wanderer in Unknown Realms

his is the first novella I've read from John Connolly, but not my first read from him. Because of this, I know that his stories are always dark, and a bit odd. I love everything about the way that he writes. It's so atmospheric, that it reminds me a lot of reading Poe. Dark, foreboding, and bleak, yet you can't look away.

I thought Soter was an interesting enough character, what with his background in the military. The fact that he was a veteran made his reactions to otherwise extremely creepy occurrences a little more palatable. I suppose if you've seen men die in horrific battle, it's probably not too much of a jump to take a man made of shadows head on, eh? Although, trust and believe that if creepy backward walking children were anywhere near me? I'd be running full tilt as far away as possible. I never felt fully attached to Soter, but I did like him as a protagonist.

The one thing that disappointed me, was the ending. I felt like it was apt, considering the fact that this is a novella, but I really wanted more! Especially once things picked up. I wish I knew what happened to Maudling. I desperately want to know what's going to happen to the world, and I feel like it was just a little to easy to end it where it did. Still, I've come to find that novellas tend to do that sometimes. I guess it's leave them wanting more?

Still, a solid four star read. This prompted me to want more Connolly back in my life.

“The Wanderer in Unknown Realms”, is a gripping, spine-chilling novella that leaves you wanting more.