Title: Nightjars

Author: Michael Wehunt

Release date: September 29th, 2026

*Huge thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a digital ARC of this one!*

Since discovering Michael’s collection ‘Greener Pastures’ I’ve always been excited for each of his releases and devoured them upon their landing on my Kindle. I was honoured to have Michael even reach out previously to see if I’d review his novella ‘Everything Is Beautiful and Nothing Bad Can Ever Happen Here,’ and when I while writing my own novella ‘We Watch’ (which I also dedicated to Michael [humble brag, lol!]), his novella heavily influenced the tone and atmosphere I was going for within. When I read his PHENOMENAL novel ‘The October Film Haunt’ I couldn’t wait to see what his next full length release would be. And then ‘Nightjars’ was announced and I had to take a calming, collective gulp. Why? Because I struggle heavily with Vampire fiction. Since I was a kid, Vampire media – no matter the format – just never did anything for me. I didn’t find them terrifying. I wasn’t scared of their powers or their fangs or their glamouring ability. My wife and I watched True Blood when it originally aired and I don’t think I made it to the end of it, though I’m pretty sure she did. Vampires, to me at least, are far down on the list of things I enjoy.

So, with my significant Vampire prejudice in place, I put my trust in Michael’s storytelling ability.

‘I Believe in Wehunt’ just might need to a shirt.

What I liked: The novel centers around Luke, his ex-wife – who happens to be pregnant from her new significant other, and their daughter. Luke has battled addiction, which lead to his separation, but has vowed to stay on the straight and narrow to be their for his daughter. His father wasn’t always there and when he was, Luke has odd memories. Those memories are thrust into the forefront of his life when strange photos are shared with him. Soon, the meaning behind those photos is revealed and Luke needs to do whatever he can to prevent his daughter from being taken.

Michael does a really solid job of setting the stage here. We see Luke, learn to tentatively like him – even if he is a bit sappy and frustrating – and easily understand how much love he has for his daughter. It’s there in his efforts to stay clean and sober. It’s there in the playhouse he’s building with her when she spends time with him. And it’s there when he gets a small, wooden version of her made, one that lives in the playhouse to keep it warm while she’s at her mom’s.

Wehunt also does a great job of showing the push-pull nature of Luke and his ex’s relationship. How she wants to trust him and keep love for him in her heart alive – at least for their daughter’s sake – but when things start to go up the creek and they both can’t find paddles, it’s that mutual love for their daughter that band them together. Even when they’re apart.

One thing this book managed to do, which took me a bit to put into words, was how Michael painted colors with his prose. It was a phenomenal approach to storytelling. One where some scenes were faded blue and moldy green and others were warm yellows and glowing oranges. It was subtle at first, but as the book progressed, I could tangible feel the cinematic approach he was using with his descriptions, one where the dark greys and ashes blacks were ripped down the middle with thick splashes of vibrant read. It was as close to read a graphic novel – as a novel – as I think I’ve ever experienced.

The final quarter of the book takes a similar approach while also ramping up the pacing and tension. We arrive where all roads have lead and there we see and learn the history of the main Vampire that has been terrorizing Luke and haunted Luke’s past, and we see Luke transform from ‘just a dad’ to something willing to go that extra step and do even more to make sure his daughter is ok. It added a significant extra layer of emotion to the story, even as Luke’s POV was lessened and his ex-wife’s increased.

The ending can only be described as powerful. There’s a sliver of light (pun intended, ba dum tiss!) for a sequel within this world based on the decisions made and questions answered, but as is, if we see this as ‘THE END’ it was a gut punch and spoke to the family dynamics that played out across the scope of the story.

What I didn’t like: I mean… if you don’t like Vampire fiction, this is a Vampire book. But, if you’re like me, what pulled me through this novel was Wehunt’s mastery of atmosphere and the family emotional narrative.

Why you should buy this: If you’re a Wehunt fan, you’ve probably already pre-ordered this, like I have. If you’re a Vampire fan, then you’ll absolutely want to gobble this down. And, if you’re not a Vampire fan, I’d still suggest you give this one a go, simply for the fact that this felt like the first time I read the graphic novel ’30 Days of Night.’ That was one of the rare Vampire released I’ve loved and been unnerved from.

Wehunt takes a darkened idea and twists it into a blackened narrative that showcases what makes him such an amazing writer. Heart, soul, and atmosphere all coated with a thick layer of blood.

Perfection.