Brilliant book, couldn't put it down! Also sort of kept me awake at night

This book was sheer brilliance! Have you ever wondered what would happen if you suddenly you were unable to sleep? Day One, you’d be grouchy but fine; after all, students do all-nighters all the time. Day Two? You’d be looking forward to a long sleep. What about Day Seven? Haunting, psychological, nerve-wracking, ‘Nod’ was a perfectly crafted post-apocalyptic style novel, which had me still thinking about it long after I’d turned the last page. I’m not much into zombie fiction, because I don’t believe it’s realistic, so when I read the blurb for ‘Nod’ I was instantly excited. Insomnia causing a breakdown of society? Yes, please! It was a believable scenario, which gave the story so much more impact. We see people who love each other turn against each other as the lack of sleep kicks in, and we see morality take a backseat as everybody desperately tries to stay alive. Adrian Barnes brilliantly questions what happens to human nature when the fundamental ability to sleep is taken away from you. It is a rollercoaster of a ride, and I guarantee you won’t be able to put the book down until you see how it finishes. 5 Stars!

Creative piece of speculative fiction. Wonderful use of language creates terrific colour and depth. Magic.

This was the first science fiction novel I read 2 years post writing my dissertation on the genre, and it reminded that SCIENCE FICTION IS AWESOME. A fascinating social commentary is presented in this dystopian novel, reminiscent of the likes of JG Ballard's High Rise. It investigates the idea of judgement, vindication, and collective disaster in such a compelling way that I couldn't put it down! The world presented is horrific, but it is not one without hope and humanity, the writing is absolutely sublime, and the overall concept is just outstanding. Adrian Barnes' poignant essay at the back is also tremendous, and adds another layer to this truly eye-opening novel. Remarkable, amazing, and mind blowingly brilliant.

Terrifying and haunting, Adrian Barnes creates a visceral vision of post-apocalypse Vancouver. Mixing medieval phraseology with dark motifs from fairytales, 'Nod' shows us an alternative future where insomnia creates psychotic beings in which every shred of kindness and empathy has been stripped away. Brilliant yet chilling ... it will keep you awake at night!