Night Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko

Night Watch is the first novel in a four-part series that became a bestseller in Russia.

The novel takes place in an alternate reality in with "Others" exist; people of either Dark or Light who can become magicians, shapeshifters, vampires and many other fantastical beings. In this world an ongoing war between the two sides has shaped history, up until a treaty was signed. As the novel unfolds the forces of Light, who call themselves The Night Watch, are attempting to maintain the treaty.

The book is broken up into 3 smaller stories, each narrated by Anton Gorodestky, a young magician and member of the Night Watch. At first the premise was intriguing and the complex world was fascinating. I was impressed with Lukyanenko's imagination and the depth of the world he had created.

By the third story some of that wonder had worn off. While the events were still interesting, I found my interest waning. I believe a large part of this is due to a lack of character development, although, ironically, the third story offers the most development of any of the characters.

Most of this book seems to just touch the surface of who the characters are. We obviously know more about Anton than anyone else, but it isn't until the very end that we really start to see the inner struggles he faces and the problems he has with some of the policies of the Night Watch. I think it's this lack of character development that lost my interest.

However, despite this fault I'm not entirely unhappy with the novel. The concept was fascinating and for the most part the book was an interesting read. I am really curious to read the second book, which I believe is told from the point of view of a member of the Day Watch, the Dark Others who patrol during the day and hold Light Ones to the treaty.

I would not want to discourage anyone from reading this book. While I do believe there was a lack of character development, the world the story takes place in is extremely well thought out and the story is very well written. If you're interested in Sci-Fi I would recommend at least giving this book a chance. You may have a different opinion than I do.