The Nocturnals by Mariah Montoya

​Since I’m the first person to rate and review this book, here’s a fair warning/advice - I’ve been striking out with science fiction lately, not quite finding something to match my mood and interests, so this review must be considered accordingly.
Considered objectively, The Nocturnals is an original and interesting story about a world that spins the wrong way around and its population divided into those who strive to always stay in the light and those who prefer darkness. As always, in a society that strikingly polarized, misunderstandings are bound to occur, misunderstandings based on misinformation and fear, the sort of things that lead to aggression and violence.
And yes, a parallel to modern politics can easily be drawn there, but it doesn’t seem necessary.
In this strange light-divided world, a former retriever (bipedal variety) and his freshly appointed partner set out to rescue a young boy who might have (literally) gone over to the dark side only to uncover the great secrets about their divided society.
There are some complicated local politics that go way back and lies, lies, and more lies by those in power. Again, draw your own parallels if you’re so inclined.
The author created a nicely imagined universe for readers to visit with pretty clever world-building to boot. For me, the emotional engagement or connection or something wasn’t quite there, so it ended up one of those books I appreciated more than loved. Which is fine, for it’s just short enough of a story to not overstay its welcome either way. User mileage may vary. Thanks Netgalley.