Overview

In Sworn Soldier – What Feasts at Night, T. Kingfisher brings Alex Easton back home to Gallacia after the events of What Moves the Dead. Alex returns at the request of a friend, hoping for quiet and familiarity. Instead, they find their family hunting lodge abandoned, the caretaker dead, and the surrounding forest filled with uneasy rumours.

Something is moving through the woods, something tied to old stories and local fears. As Alex settles into the lodge with trusted companions, it becomes clear that the past has not stayed buried. The threat is slow, strange, and deeply unsettling, feeding on breath and silence rather than sudden violence.

Writing & Voice

We enjoy Kingfisher’s clear, grounded style, which keeps the horror close and personal. The writing is calm on the surface, letting tension build through setting and small details rather than shock. There is dry humour throughout, often coming from Alex’s practical outlook and refusal to panic too easily.

The gothic tone works especially well here. The damp forest, the aging lodge, and the weight of local tradition all add to the feeling that something old is watching and waiting.

Characters

Alex Easton remains a strong and likeable lead. Their experiences as a former soldier shape how they respond to danger, and their exhaustion with conflict feels honest. We appreciated how their identity is treated as part of who they are, without becoming the focus of the story.

The supporting cast adds warmth and balance. Companions offer both support and moments of levity, making the growing threat feel more real and more personal.

Themes

This novella looks at how trauma lingers, whether from war or from home. It also explores the pull of place, and how old stories can regain power when people stop paying attention. The monster at the heart of the book reflects these ideas, feeling symbolic as well as genuinely frightening.

What Worked

• Strong atmosphere – The setting creates steady unease without rushing.
• Consistent character voice – Alex feels grounded and believable throughout.
• Effective folk horror – The story lets myth and fear build slowly.

Minor Quibbles

• The short length means some ideas could have been explored further.
• Readers new to the series may miss some emotional background.

Final Thoughts

Sworn Soldier – What Feasts at Night is a quiet, unsettling horror story that rewards patience and attention.

Rating: ★★★★☆ / 5