And He Shall Appear by Kate van der Borgh

This is an unsettling story about a young man who went to the University of Cambridge to study music. He was from a state school in northern England so felt as if he wouldn't fit in, even before he turned up. He is immediately drawn to a charismatic, handsome and popular individual whose party speciality is magic. Not a good mix for alcohol soaked parties.

The first part of the book describes the grandeur of the ancient university and the student life. The friendships that develop are often strong and supportive but also toxic and dangerous, and yet the desire to fit in with the 'in' crowd is alluring and obsessive. The second part of the story sees an increase in tension, paranoia and fear and it is an atmospheric and creepy read. Something has happened and the reader does not know what or why.

Told in a dual timeline in the first person, from when the narrator starts university and the present when he goes back and meets up with old students. There are also flashbacks to disturbing childhood events, perhaps supernatural but certainly psychological, that may affect the events at Cambridge. This is a well written book that slowly builds suspense and the scenes that include music are quite brilliant and original  (even though I don't understand all of it not being musical myself).

A dark academia tale about friendship, fear, the concept of self, memory, perception and illusion. Above all, it's a jolly good read.​

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Published by Fourth Estate on 16 January 2025.
​Advance review copy supplied by the publisher.

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