This is a tough one to write - not the review, that’s not too bad. No, I’m talking about the second book in a post-apocalyptic epic series. I won’t say book one is easy, but there are certain expectations. We need to meet the main characters, or at least a few of them, we need to see the beginnings of the “threat” plunging the world into an apocalyptic setting, or if the story begins later on, gain an understanding of the dangers the apocalypse cost, then point those characters in a certain direction. An author needs to make it original, but at least there’s some kind of template available.

Book two, Lullaby in this case, is a different story (no pun intended). Generally you’d see new main characters introduced, and the group or individuals continue on their journey, but you might not expect massive transpirings if you know you’re still less than 20 percent in. The beginning of Lullaby introduces us to Marcos. We get to learn a little bit about him and suspect he may be a key player going forward before we’re whisked away to continue the story of John and Mariah.

This is a tough one, and now I am talking about the reviewing process. As I mentioned, most of the 97 pages here are spent transitioning John and Mariah through Death Valley, and onto the next stage of their journey, however Barnett does something completely unexpected pretty early on in the book, and it’s probably not what you think I’m hinting at. I want to talk about it, I want to tell you how interesting it makes this book, but I don’t want to tell you what it is. I’d rather hype this portion of the Nightmareland series up and sit back knowing you’ll have a similar reaction to the one I had here. Enjoy.

I’ve seen a few people write about the first book in the series and say that they devoured it all in one sitting, and I can get behind that based on book length, but as far as writing style is concerned, I believe Daniel Barnett is best taken in sip by sip. I’m a relatively fast reader, and I spread this book over the course of four days by design. With Nightfall, volume one, I did the same, taking almost a week to pore over a 140 page book so I could digest the prose and mentally prepare myself for the next stage. Barnett’s apocalyptic tale is one of the more literary takes I remember seeing in the genre, however it doesn’t come at the expense of storytelling ability.

In the afterword, Barnett says we can expect volume three - Sleepwalking - to be about the same length as books one and two combined. I, for one, am on the edge of my seat to see where we go next. The scope of this series and the amount of story still to be told, never mind the continued cover art from Daniele Serra, excites me to no end. If you read Nightfall you’re going to love what Barnett has to share with you in Lullaby. If you haven’t, order both today so you’re ready when the next installment drops.

I received a copy from the author for review consideration.