The moment this came in the mail I literally jumped up and down all silly goofy HAHA I put so much hope in this that I didn't even look at the Goodreads reviews (I lied; I did peek a little, but it didn't affect my review)

This is a story about two very different individuals in the weird desert town of Night Vale -- a religious member (of the Joyous Congregation of the Smiling God) and a scientist -- who are connected through the pursuit of saving said town. 

I really love this, like it feels so good to be back in the world of Night Vale and seeing old faces (or names, rather) and making connections. (If you haven't listened to the podcast Welcome to Night Vale, don't worry! This book acts like a standalone but the podcast gives context to this bizarre town.)

The writing is definitely better than the first novel (though i also liked the vagueness in the first one, but this book's easier to read) There were parts I genuinely found funny, like Jamillah's power drill thing and the potatoes of disappointment,, I really loved the cast, I think they're very unique in a funny way. Oh, and I ADORE Carlos (who doesn't love the radio man's husband/most handsome scientist??!!)

HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
- CARLOS!!! THE SCIENTIST!!!!
- carlos is canonically autistic!! (not explicitly stated but very obvious)
- carlos
- carlos having a bad boy moment
- cute relationships (both romantic and platonic)
- CULTS i mean cults.
- i just realised every bullet point starts with a C
- I understand Nilanjana's feelings of being an outsider
- AMAZING IN-BOOK ILLUSTRATIONS (example on the 3rd slide)
- funny moments
- anxiety-spiking moments
- carlos lore, kevin lore, night vale lore, desert otherworld lore
- cecil and carlos' sweet moments
- Pamela Winchell is fucking scary, i did NOT expect her to do that
- the stained glass designs in the Church
- THE SMILING GOD