When Gwen’s mother dies, her stepfather moves her and her three younger siblings to Gloam Island to live in their grandmother’s house. But things aren’t as sunny as Henry, her stepfather, says they’ll be. From the start, Gwen senses something is off. It has been off since her mum died, and now it’s worse. Especially since Esme Laverne arrived to babysit. The trouble is, Gwen is the only one who can see what’s really going on, and she keeps getting in trouble when she tells people. She needs to prove she’s right before it is too late.

The intriguing premise of Gloam plays on childhood fears, worries and grief as a monster tries to fracture what is left of Gwen’s family. It’s dark and gloomy in all the right places, and the pacing ebbs and flows well. Shadows slink in and out of the pages, tripping the reader up, almost making them second guess themselves. But believe Gwen. Trust her instincts. And follow the spooky story to unravel the mystery of what is happening to Gwen and her family’s new home.

Gloam also explores anxiety and grief, shown through everyone’s reactions to Gwen’s behaviour throughout the novel. It emphasises that everyone deserves to be heard, because grief affects everyone differently. It also shows that following our instincts can be what helps us or saves us when things go terribly wrong. This book is filled with spooky and horror vibes that tween and teen readers will love. Gloam is also a book worthy of being devoured so you find out what happens before the monster gets you.

Reviewed by Ashleigh Meikle
Age Guide 10+

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jack Mackay is a writer, theater-maker and horror enthusiast. Though he’s currently floating around somewhere near York, his heart is in the Midlands, in his grandparents’ creaky old house. He has written stories since he was four years old.

He is also the co-founder of Griffonage Theatre, a York-based company with a taste for the madcap and macabre. He loves his family, his dog, and K-pop.

Read about his book here.