“The Midnight Man” is the second installment in D. A. Barney’s young adult horror fiction trilogy, “The Wiccan Chronicles.” This tragic love story delves into a world of witches, warlocks, and supernatural conflict, exploring themes of female oppression, loss, and the struggle for survival.
Photo Courtesy: D. A. Barney
The novel continues the story of Dani, a young witch whose mother died protecting her in the first book. Now four years old, Dani must accelerate her magical development under the guidance of her caretaker, Kaitlin. The stakes are high as they evade The Council Warlocks and the threat of a mysterious Talisman. Barney doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of their situation – Dani is forced to grow up too quickly, learning to fight and kill for survival.
Parallel to Dani’s story, we follow Jean Laveau, whose body lies comatose in Hagatha’s cave while his mind endures constant torture. His only escape is through his dreams, where he revisits his past with Kaitlin. This narrative thread provides a bittersweet contrast to the present dangers, offering readers a glimpse into the characters’ happier times and the events that shaped their current circumstances.
The novel’s premise is rooted in a rich backstory. Three centuries ago, witches became incredibly powerful, causing warlocks to view them as a threat. In response, the warlocks formed an alliance with vampires and werewolves, launching a 20-year war to eliminate all the old witches worldwide. In the present day, young witches are unaware of their true nature, with warlocks breeding with these unsuspecting witches only to kill them after they give birth.
Barney’s background in film and television shines through in the cinematic quality of the storytelling. Originally conceived as a film script, the story grew beyond those constraints, evolving into a three-book series. This expansion allows for more detailed world-building and character development, which serves the complex plot well.
The author skillfully blends tragic moments with touches of humor, creating a balanced tone that prevents the dark subject matter from becoming overwhelming. This approach, showing influence from writers like Aaron Sorkin and Neil Gaiman, makes the book more accessible to its young adult audience while still addressing serious themes.
One of the strengths of “The Midnight Man” is its exploration of female oppression through the lens of supernatural conflict. By framing the struggle between witches and warlocks as a battle for power and control, Barney creates a thought-provoking allegory for real-world gender issues.
The book’s success, particularly in India, where it has gained traction through social media and Instagram, speaks to its ability to resonate with readers across cultures. This international appeal suggests that the themes and characters have a universal quality that transcends geographical boundaries.
As the second book in a trilogy, “The Midnight Man” bridges the gap between the introduction and the conclusion of the larger story. Barney builds on the foundation laid in the first book while setting up intriguing possibilities for the final installment, expected in late 2024 or early 2025.
For fans of young adult horror and fantasy, “The Midnight Man” offers a compelling mix of supernatural elements, romance, and social commentary. The unique twist on witch lore, combined with the inclusion of vampires and werewolves, creates a rich mythology for readers to immerse themselves in.
However, potential readers should be aware that the book deals with mature themes, including violence and death. While these elements are handled with care and are integral to the plot, they may be intense for some younger or more sensitive readers.
Want to read an exciting story about witches, magic, and danger? Check out “The Midnight Man” by D. A. Barney on Amazon. It’s the second book in “The Wiccan Chronicles” series and follows young Dani as she learns to use her powers. You can get it as an e-book for your Kindle right now. If you like stories about supernatural stuff and brave characters, you’ll probably enjoy this book. Why not give it a try?
Published by: Martin De Juan
