It Devours!

It Devours!

Company type	Novel
Industry	Literature
Founded	2017
Founder	Joseph Fink, Jeffrey Cranor
Products	Supernatural mystery novel
Parent	Welcome to Night Vale franchise

It Devours! is a 2017 supernatural mystery novel with absurdist elements, authored by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor. It serves as the second literary work inspired by their ongoing podcast Welcome to Night Vale (2012–present). The narrative centers on Nilanjana Sikdar, a young scientist who delves into the enigmatic Joyous Congregation of the Smiling God amid a series of unexplained vanishings in Night Vale.

The book was released in the United States through Harper Perennial and in the United Kingdom by Orbit Books. Cecil Baldwin, the voice behind the Night Vale podcast, provides narration for the audiobook version. Critics responded favorably to the novel upon its publication.

Synopsis

Nilanjana Sikdar, a scientist working under Carlos—Night Vale's foremost researcher—holds reason and empirical evidence in high regard. Her convictions are challenged when Carlos tasks her with investigating strange tremors emanating from the desert surrounding the town. This investigation introduces her to Darryl, a devoted adherent of the Joyous Congregation of the Smiling God. As she navigates the tension between her scientific worldview and her growing affection for Darryl, Nilanjana begins to suspect that the Congregation is orchestrating a ritual that could endanger Night Vale. Together, they endeavor to expose and confront the Congregation’s hidden menace.

Reception

It Devours! was praised for its wit, well-crafted characters, and insightful examination of themes contrasting religion and science. Reviewers noted it as a notable advancement compared to the initial Welcome to Night Vale novel, with Danielle Maurer citing it among her top reads of 2017.