The mystery itself is interesting enough, and it’s only heightened by the excellent, dynamic characters written by Fink and Cranor. One part brilliant whodunnit, another part emotional family drama, another part absurdist humor, the book manages to combine a whole bunch of genres that often aren’t combined into this melting pot of entertaining literature. But it does, partially because the prose is so reminiscent of the language used in the podcast that it feels like an extension of what fans already hear and love.Īs for the story itself, Welcome to Night Vale really is one of those books that defies genres. There was always the possibility that without Cecil as the narrator, this wouldn’t have worked. It can be hard making a transition from one medium of entertainment to another, especially when you’re changing the entire format of the story. Again, I think this was a smart move for Fink and Cranor to make.

The prose itself is reminiscent of the podcast, which itself is reminiscent of writers like Douglas Adams. I have a soft spot for stories that will show the same event from multiple points of view.

The book alternates between their points of view in nearly every chapter, and it’s utilized with panache, especially when Jackie and Diane start interacting with each other.

The other point of view is Diane Crayton, a mother of a son who can change his appearance at will and desperately wants to know information about his dad. One point of view is that of Jackie Fierro, a pawn shop owner who has been nineteen for as long as she can remember. And the fact that the book actually jumps between two points of view is even better, giving us a nice variety of characters and experiences. Now we have the chance to experience life as a “regular” citizen of Night Vale. By changing the point of view, they’ve opened up the world of Night Vale more than ever. The novel isn’t told from Cecil’s point of view – like the podcast is – and that’s the best decision they could have made. Fink and Cranor do a great job of taking the absurdity and humor of the podcast and making it work as a novel. It’s honestly everything I wanted it to be, and even more. Their individual quests for answers will lead them on a journey that will change how they look at themselves, and at their families.įirst things first, I adore this book. Welcome to Night Vale: A Novel expands the universe of the podcast as we follow two women, Diane Crayton and Jackie Fierro, whose (already weird) lives get turned upside down when a man in a tan suit with a deerskin briefcase gives them both a piece of paper with the words “KING CITY” written on it. Welcome to Night Vale: A Novel is the first novel in the Night Vale series (based off the popular podcast of the same name) written by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor.

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