This aside, It Devours is an interesting book. There are also references to the hooded figures, the black helicopters, and the Smiling God – all of which have been referenced before in the podcast. The novel itself focuses on two original characters – Nilanjana Sikdar and Darryl Sanchez – but other characters such as Cecil and Carlos do make appearances. While they don’t need to be fully caught up on the podcast, some knowledge about the town and characters is essential. The reader who decides to pick up It Devours should have some prior knowledge about Welcome to Night Vale. And for the most part, the citizens of Night Vale get along well enough.

Strange and mysterious events happen aplenty and the town is populated with a wide variety of individuals – from a mysterious glow cloud (all hail) to a literal five headed dragon and from numerous humans of all walks of life to some who are mostly human. The difference being that Night Vale is not your typical town. Welcome to Night Vale is a currently ongoing podcast that mimics the style of NPR and small town talk radio. And that they are planning a special ceremony that could threaten the lives of every person in town. Grappling with her beliefs as well as her growing attraction to Darryl, she begins to suspect there is more to the congregation that meets the eye. Not wanting to disappoint her boss, Nilanjana follows the clues to the Joyous Congregation of the Smiling God – and to Darryl, one of the congregation’s most devout followers. These principles are put to the question when Carlos gives her a unique assignment investigate the strange rumblings and disappearances that have been occurring around town.

Working beside the town’s top scientist Carlos, her guiding principles are fact and logic. Nilanjana Sikdar is an outsider to the small town of Night Vale.

Joseph fink jeffrey cranor