I’ve only recently discovered J.A. White and his series, The Thickety (of which I’ve only read the first book, but plan to dive back in this summer) and I was really excited to find he’s got a new book coming out this July.

Okay, so we are immediately thrown into the story right when Alex has snuck out of his apartment in order to go downstairs to burn whatever he’s got in his backpack, and he is captured by a witch who locks him in a room with no escape. I mean, there’s two doors, but one goes to a closet and the other only opens into the exact room he’s trapped in.

Already, he’s aware that this is not an ideal situation to be in.

“She likes stories,” says a random other child from behind the door. This works out in Alex’s favor, because the stuff he was going to burn? His Nightbooks- a collection of scary stories he’s written over the years. And the witch, (Natacha) keeps him alive so he can read a new one to her every night. No spoilers here, this all happens in the first thirty or forty pages.)

Random Other Child -or as she’s known in the book, Yasmin- has been captive herself for longer than Alex. She’s already tried escaping and failed, and she knows that the only way they’ll stay alive is if they can be useful to the witch.

But coming up with a new original story every night is a challenge, and they’re desperate to escape before Alex runs out of tales to tell.

What I love about this book is that White has taken an ancient fairy tale and stretched it around and back in upon itself so that you’re not quite sure what to expect next. When you finally reach the end, it’s so satisfying you can feel your brain vibrate on at least four dimensions. Thrilling and horribly creative, this is a must-read for any kid who likes a good scare!