By Benjamin Percy

Hodder, out now

When the Comet came, Jack and Nora’s family was torn apart. Now, five years later, a terrifying series of deaths plagues Seattle…

It doesn’t matter if you’ve not read the first book in Benjamin Percy’s Comet Cycle before starting The Unfamiliar Garden, although I strongly suspect that that will be something you’ll want to rectify once you get to this end of this taut tale. It’s set against the same backdrop of events – and there’s an unpleasant character who turns up in both books – but everything you need to know (or reminding of) is set out both in the opening chapter, and as the tale progresses. Percy’s time writing comic books – from Wolverine to 007 – has honed his narrative skills yet further, and you’ll have that overpowering need to know what comes next as you get to the end of the chapter.

More than its predecessor, this is a horror story, with some very graphic moments of body horror that resonate long after you’ve turned the page. If you’re a Star Trek fan and been intrigued by the mycelium drive that’s at the heart of the Discovery, then you’ll learn a lot more about the networks that exist and I guarantee you won’t look at a mushroom omelette the same way again! Percy paints his characters in varying shades of grey and even the most grotesque you may find yourself sympathising with at the oddest moment.

Verdict: A strong continuation of the Comet Cycle. 8/10

Paul Simpson