The Dead of Night by John Marsden continues the story of Ellie and her friends as they try to take back their country from invaders. This is worth your time if you enjoyed the first novel, Tomorrow, When the War Began, even a little bit.

It is a continuation of their fight and an evolvement of the characters. It provides more insight into how Australia is changing because of the invasion, the worldwide response to it, the fight against it internally, and how Ellie and her friends fall into that fight. The Dead of Night is slower than the first instalment and is not as action-packed as the other novels in the series but without it, you would be missing key moments of the story and a great read. Definitely a slow start but a strong component of the series and overall worth your time.

All you need to know is it is slow. And I really don't think that deters from the plot because to me, the slowness of the novel symbolizes the slowness of war. Wars aren't won in a day, as history shows they are rarely won in a year and because of that, the plot cannot always be insanity.

Slow and steady is what this plot is... or is it? Maybe there are some big bangs in here but you'll have to read to find out. The Dead of Night due to its speed does have my least favourite plot but is a must-read to continue this fabulous series.

In The Dead of Night, a new friend is introduced - Chris. He initially was meant to go camping with the original group and is instead stumbled upon during an outing and joins their adventure. Chris is a realistic addition and you will like him, or not, but will still value his addition to the story.

There is further evolution of the characters granting you insights into their flaws and strengths and straight up, makes you fall in love with them even more. They are real people and The Dead of Night truly provides character evolution and understanding.

... what can I say. I immediately started A Killing Frost (The Tomorrow Series #3) after finishing this novel. I recommend having the next one lined up because you will want to start immediately after that ending.

Anybody else want to punch the Harvey Heroes? Sexism, wrapped up in a neat little bow. And then Harvey begins to work with the enemy? I completely forgot that happened but I cannot say it doesn't make sense, he also was a sleaze bag wrapped up in a neat little bow. I admit, I understand why he flipped. Self preservation is mankind's greatest strength and for Harvey, the only way to fulfill that need was to befriend the enemy. Doesn't mean I like it, or him.

And Chris... oh, buddy. I knew it happened but rereading his death as an adult, the signs of depression were easier to recognize. I couldn't be angry at his death. The only thing to blame for it was the invasion. War kills in more ways than one and Chris is a symbol of the thousands that lose their life as an indirect casualty of war. The only difference than how those losses are portrayed in other novels is that we experienced his death through the eyes of someone who was pissed off that Chris died that way. Ellie had never been exposed to internal wars and for her first exposure to be via a friend, her anger is understandable and just another representation of how shitty war is. If you take a moment to think, this young adult series is quite deep.

It is because of this ability to introspect and reflect on this novel that I tip my hat off to Marsden. He wrote another great novel and I cannot wait to read the rest with you guys.