How utterly marvellous it is to be back in Finn’s world! Yet again, Hayes continues to master pacing, and I was right back in as if I’d read the last page of The Nightmares of Finnegan Quick yesterday. A part of me hadn’t realised how much I’d missed Finn, Cass, Squid and Gran until I opened this epic sequel, and now it’s going to be one of those books I don’t shut up about for the rest of the year. Horror/action hybrids have never felt as much of a pleasurable jaunt as they do in Hayes’ writing.
 
Before I get into plot, characters, and some other highlights, my first main shoutout goes to Gran! Throughout The Nightmares of Finnegan Quick and the reveal in that novel, I had a suspicion that Gran was going to become a larger part of the story and I’ve never been so happy to be right. The right amount of guardian figure meets comedic relief crossed with the general fact of how she came to exist in this world to make an absolute standout character arc in this novel, and I adored EVERY scene she featured in (Even with her atrocious acting skills!).

I discovered banshees very early in my life after a certain episode of Charmed had one of the witches turn into a banshee. Ever since then, they’ve become one of those creatures in mythology that FASCINATE me! With that in mind, when I say Hayes has found a completely new way to add to the banshee origin story, their capabilities, and the way a reader interacts with them… It’s INCREDIBLE! I’ve never known banshees like this, nor have I quite loved or feared them more and that’s a testament to Hayes’ creativity.
 
Another aspect I enjoyed a deeper dive into in The Fate of Finnegan Quick is Finn’s life and livelihood because of his gift. From the opening pages, we’re straight into how his ability messes with his life when, like many of his, he’s just trying to get on with life. I really enjoyed getting to go into what his ability has meant for him and how it impacts day to day life. I’m intrigued to see where this goes next given the conclusion of this novel and the absolute mass of potential a power concept like this has!
 
All in all, I’m delighted this novel is releasing in time for Halloween this year because it is the absolute PERFECT autumnal read. Whether it be as a back to school present or a half-term page turner, The Fate of Finnegan Quick has got any young horror lovers aged 9+ covered and will have them engrossed in Finnegan’s dreams… or, should I say, his nightmares…