The Edge of Sleep

April 3, 2023
Adapted from the popular 2019 QCODE podcast of the same name, this dizzying debut posits sleep as a matter of life and death. Dave Torres, a night watchman, is no stranger to sleep problems, having suffered from chronic night terrors since childhood. The night of Independence Day, the coastal town of Santa Mira, Calif., along with the rest of the country, goes to sleep as usual. In the morning, Dave discovers that the streets are eerily quiet and empty; everyone except for Dave and his fellow insomniacs and night shift workers have died in their sleep. Joined by his best friend, Matteo; his ex, Katie; and Linda, an ER nurse, Dave works to understand this strange phenomenon—and struggles to stay awake. The line between dream and reality blurs when Dave realizes the answer lies within his terrifying nightmares, and he is forced to confront his inner demons to save himself and his loved ones. Though a fresh take on the apocalyptic genre, some of the elements undoubtedly worked better in audio form: a multitude of side characters and changing perspectives prove cumbersome to keep track of and the mystery leaves many threads dangling. Still, die-hard fans of the podcast are sure to be pleased.

May 1, 2023

DEBUT This debut novel, cowritten with Jason Gurley, is based on the hit podcast The Edge of Sleep, cohosted by authors Block and Emanuel. Dave Torres is a parasomniac. Ever since his childhood he's been suffering vivid night terrors with tragic consequences that resulted in a childhood stint in a psych ward. Matteo is his well-meaning but borderline obnoxious ex--Air Force pilot sidekick. Throw in Dave's ex-girlfriend and a surly ER nurse in over her head, and you've got your Final Four in this odd odyssey to not fall asleep. Are they all dreaming or are they already dead? Fear, suspense, and the supernatural dominate this eccentric narrative, as reality warps into hallucination when the story hits the four-day mark of no sleep. The true genius of this horror novel is sprinkled between the terrifying reality of the protagonists and the bittersweet vignettes of unsuspecting people unknowingly living their last moments before they fall asleep. Or is it all a dream? The terrifying final pages will leave readers guessing. VERDICT Cosmic horror at its finest (and weirdest), this is a wild ride that is equally trippy and jarring.--Alana Quarles

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2023
Sleep is no longer safe. Anyone that falls asleep dies, and those left behind can't see a clear reason why this is happening. Dave, Matteo, Linda, and Katie are working together to find the way forward as they fight against the possible illness and sleep itself. Dave, having suffered from intense dreams and night terrors, has a unique take on what is happening and thinks that he might be able to get some answers. Trying to tackle the problem in a scientific way is Linda, a medical professional. The team uses the metaphysical and medical means to work out the solution to the threat. What presents itself as something akin to a zombie apocalypse or a global pandemic simplifies the story. There is something creepy happening to the people that have fallen asleep, and Dave's connection to that does not make it less so. The twists and turns of the story will pull readers along while leaving them nervous about what will happen next in this unique blend of horror and apocalyptic fiction.

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