The Dreaming of Man is a gothic horror novella, written by Nikoline Kaiser, and published by Neon Hemlock. An eerie piece that, for moments, gives similar vibes to Innsmouth and Outlasts, with a doctor coming to a secretive town after the mysterious death of a friend; a creepy place that he plans to abandon as soon as possible, but where he will be engulfed.

Doctor Lawrence Cooper travels to the harbour-town Osmund, searching for answers after receiving a letter telling him about the death of Henry, a long-time friend; Osmund immediately gives him a creepy place, resolving to abandon it as soon as possible. However, we will soon see how the town will throw Lawrence more reasons to stay, including the unresolved death of his friend and a young woman needing his help; a place full of secrets that will threaten our doctor while also might reveal more about him.

Kaiser has made an excellent job regarding on creating an oppressive, eerie atmosphere; Osmund is a town where you might guess something is happening behind the walls, a place where you won't feel safe as an outsider. Its inhabitants are a bit off, such as the Reverend and Marlyn (Josephine is an exception), but you can't exactly pinpoint why. Lawrence is slowly entering into the wolf's den, and you can fear for his sanity.

Interestingly, not we only have a really greatly paced horror novella, which perfectly works into creating the tension, but a piece that takes the opportunity to examine two relevant themes such as self-identity and the sense of belonging; proving how horror can be an excellent genre to touch nowadays topics.

The Dreaming of Man is a solid novella, one which I recommend to any reader that enjoys mysterious places and secrets; if you wanted a different approach to Innsmouth, this is your kind of book.