About this item
Highlights
- Middle grade master of horror J. A. White and acclaimed dark fantasy artist Yang Jialun deliver a boldly original story collection that dares its audience to turn the page with each increasingly terrifying tale--a Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark for a new generation of readers.You stand before a deep tunnel.
- 8-12 Years
- 8.25" x 5.5" Hardcover
- 256 Pages
- Juvenile Fiction, Ghost Stories
Description
Book Synopsis
Middle grade master of horror J. A. White and acclaimed dark fantasy artist Yang Jialun deliver a boldly original story collection that dares its audience to turn the page with each increasingly terrifying tale--a Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark for a new generation of readers.
You stand before a deep tunnel. The beam of your flashlight barely penetrates the darkness beyond the opening. You cannot know what secrets--or dangers--lie within, but you are curious, so cautiously you enter. At first you can still see the last rays of sunlight behind you, but soon the pathway begins to split and twist. There is scratching movement in the shadows around you, whispering voices in a language you cannot understand. The walls close in, something draws near. You want to turn and run but can no longer remember which path leads back.
And that's when your flashlight goes out.
Like this tunnel, the terrifying stories in this collection grow darker with each step. Around each twist and turn you'll encounter lost ghosts, insatiable demons, deadly prophecies, possessed children, ravenous monsters--and, for those who reach the final pages, unspeakable horrors too terrible to describe.
Review Quotes
PRAISE FOR WISH MONSTER: "White offers a smart, entertaining monster story. Vivid, painterly descriptions are a real strength, evoking slimy textures, noxious smells, and the unearthly wish monster itself. Underlying mysteries rivetingly drive the plot toward its satisfying conclusion." -- Booklist
"Packed with plenty of twists and action, this thoughtful novel explores the unintended consequences of getting one's deepest desire. Monstrous good fun." -- Kirkus Reviews
"This slow-building, suspenseful tale boasts a clever and surprising twist on the "Monkey's Paw" concept. White presents a thoughtful exploration of friendship, complex family dynamics, and grief, resulting in a treat for budding horror fans." -- Publishers Weekly
PRAISE FOR GRAVEBOOKS: "Alex's embedded short stories are interesting and inventive; the novel is chilling but not outright terrifying or gory. The courage, trust, and creativity of the book's lead duo add depth and heighten reader investment. A refreshing, imaginative take on supernatural evildoers." -- Kirkus Reviews
PRAISE FOR NIGHTBOOKS: "In this clever synthesis of One Thousand and One Nights and 'Hansel and Gretel, ' a boy captured by a witch must tell a different spooky story every night. The blend of folk and fairy tale elements works extremely well. Despite the dark premise, the narrative never crosses the line into horror, making it a safe bet for younger readers." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"A spine-tingling dark fantasy about the power of facing down fears and choosing your own fate. White has crafted a chilling fractured fairy tale. Fans of gloomy fare such as Lemony Snicket, Adam Gidwitz, or Neil Gaiman will find an equally twisting and terrifying tale here." -- School Library Journal (starred review)
"A story that is as spine-tingling as it is well written. In these Grimm-infused pages, Mr. White combines folklore, freakiness and fortitude to celebrate the art and enthrallment of storytelling." -- Wall Street Journal
"White presents an engrossing and creepy tale that explores the storytelling craft, and addresses perceptions of normalcy. Interwoven tales will thrill middle-grade horror fans. A thrilling tale of magic that is just scary enough." -- Kirkus Reviews
Praise for THE THICKETY #4: THE LAST SPELL: "White's fanciful world building is as rich as ever...series fans will surely be satisfied by this empowering final installment." -- Booklist
"This long-anticipated finale to the Thickety fantasy series will provide readers with as much excitement, monsters, evil characters, and constant change as they need to stay glued to the page. Magic, suspense, and close calls-what could be better?" -- Kirkus Reviews
Praise for THE THICKETY #3: WELL OF WITCHES: "For fans, this is a sharp, moving, intense dive into a lushly described world that seems to be headed for a good versus evil showdown in a future volume." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Praise for THE THICKETY #2: THE WHISPERING TREES: "With a plot that coils like a tangle of brambles and an ending no less twisty than that of its predecessor, this sequel will keep readers invested in Kara and Taff's adventures in this dangerous and imaginative world." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"The twisted plot is perfectly matched by the twisted atmosphere. . . . Spine-tingling." -- Booklist (starred review)
"An exceptionally well-written and compelling sequel." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)
"This title has all the ingredients--a doughty heroine and her admirable younger brother, an unreliable guide who can't stay the same age for long, and a heavy "ick" factor-to keep readers glued to it. The unexpected climax and ending guarantee another book to enjoy." -- Kirkus Reviews
Praise for THE THICKETY: A PATH BEGINS: "The spellbinding story, lashings of suspense and stalwart heroine will draw in fantasy fans and keep them reading until the bitter ending." -- Kirkus Reviews
"White's debut novel is darkly bewitching. The well-crafted characters operate beautifully within the fantastical world he has created. Readers will devour each twist and turn of the plot, right up to the startling conclusion." -- School Library Journal