Comes the Night

The first book in the Obernewtyn Chronicles was published when I was nine years old; the seventh and final, when I was 37. To maintain that kind of dedication and loyalty from fans worldwide for 28 years is a remarkable feat, one only a legendary worldbuilder could manage. Fortunately, the highly anticipated and long-awaited new YA novel by Isobelle Carmody is a standalone and readers will be able to devour it, safe in the knowledge they won’t have to wait for more (although the ending is left open enough for a sequel to be perfectly possible!).

In 2070, the Australia Carmody imagines is somewhat different to the one we know today. Most cities, both urban and regional, have been enclosed in enormous domes, apparently to protect their inhabitants from the dangerous environment outside. Sixteen-year-old Will has never known his hometown of Canberra to be any other way, and it is through his eyes that we experience this futuristic but still familiar world. Grieving the loss of a beloved uncle, dealing with his parents separation, trying to decide what path to take after high school and realising that his feelings for his best friend might not be so platonic after all, should be enough angst for any young person to handle, but Will discovers his ability to dream walk at the same time as he unwittingly uncovers a huge government conspiracy.

Although a slow burn to start with, Comes the Night is a complex and intriguing masterpiece that is sure to win Carmody a whole new legion of devoted fans. For ages 12+.