Introduction: A World of Dread
Kirsten Bakis, renowned for her novel ‘Lives of the Monster Dogs,’ returns with an atmosphere of gut-churning dread in her second novel, ‘King Nyx.’ The tale plunges readers into anxieties and terrors from the very first chapter, introducing us to a chilling narrative that is both scary and captivating.
A Protagonist’s Struggle
The protagonist, Anna Fort, reflects on the impact evil men have on the lives of women and girls. Throughout her life, Anna encounters such men, including her employer and father-in-law, and a mysterious magnate named Claude Arkel. Arkel invites Anna and her eccentric husband, Charles, to his private island, setting the stage for events that are both suspenseful and eerie.
The Trip to Arkel’s Island
On a late autumn day after World War I, Anna and Charles await the boat that will take them to Arkel’s island. Anna’s care for her parrots hints at her protective nature and introduces themes of captivity and freedom. Significantly, King Nyx is not a menacing figure but a childhood toy made of tin, representing complexity in its symbolic presence throughout the novel.
The Eccentric Hosts
Upon reaching the island, the Forts meet Frank and Stella Bixby, a couple with a peculiar and dark dynamic. Both Charles and Frank bond over their shared eccentricities, while Anna and Stella form a fast friendship. Stella’s character injects humor into otherwise tense scenes, offering relief amid mounting dread.
An Atmosphere of Unyielding Suspense
Bakis effectively uses tension to keep readers on edge. From the warnings by two strange women to the unsettling events on Arkel’s island, ‘King Nyx’ maintains a pulse-quickening pace. The novel’s capacity to evoke fear and unease ensures it is a compelling read for those who enjoy a well-crafted tale of suspense and horror.
