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Gloam
In a house on Gloam island, there is a rot growing, there is a monster feeding and a girl fighting.
Thirteen-year-old Gwen doesn't want to admit anything is wrong. Nor that everything feels different after her mum's passing – especially now it’s just her, her three younger siblings and their kind yet hopeless stepdad, Henry.
When the family relocate to the remote island of Gloam to take over their grandmother’s house, Gwen believes things can’t get any worse. Until Esme Laverne arrives.
Despite her perfect appearance, Gwen can’t shake the feeling there is something seriously wrong with their new childminder. As horrors unfold, Gwen must face everything she’s been running from to defeat the monster infesting her home…
Thirteen-year-old Gwen doesn't want to admit anything is wrong. Nor that everything feels different after her mum's passing – especially now it’s just her, her three younger siblings and their kind yet hopeless stepdad, Henry.
When the family relocate to the remote island of Gloam to take over their grandmother’s house, Gwen believes things can’t get any worse. Until Esme Laverne arrives.
Despite her perfect appearance, Gwen can’t shake the feeling there is something seriously wrong with their new childminder. As horrors unfold, Gwen must face everything she’s been running from to defeat the monster infesting her home…
208 pages, Hardcover
Published August 12, 2025
23 people are currently reading
4185 people want to read
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October 17, 2025incredible!!! reminded me of coraline and a series of unfortunate events, which i loved growing up, so this was definitely a delightfully chilling and spooky read! would recommend :)
May 15, 2025
Thank you to Oneworld for sending me the proof of Gloam. I really enjoyed it! It was seriously spooky, and great to read a kids' book that is not afraid to be truly frightening.
April 22, 2025
Oh wow. For a middle-grade horror book, 𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐀𝐌 seriously caught me off guard with how intense and eerie it got. Jack Mackay’s debut centers on Gwen, a 13-year-old girl whose life is already falling apart after the death of her mother. She and her family move into their grandparents’ crumbling house on a fog-covered island, a place that feels wrong from the moment they arrive. Grief is already swallowing Gwen whole, and the last thing she needs is someone like Esme Laverne entering their lives.
On the surface, Esme is the perfect babysitter: pretty, kind, adored by everyone around her. But Gwen sees what no one else will: the monster behind the smile. There’s something twisted beneath the surface, something unnatural, and it grows more terrifying the longer Esme stays. Shadows start to move on their own. Nightmares bleed into reality. The house itself begins to rot, and Esme is at the center of it all.
This book really leans into the creeping dread. Gwen’s journey becomes one of survival and courage as she’s forced to face horrors no child should. She’s determined to protect her siblings, even if it means confronting the truth behind Esme’s monstrous facade and unlocking the only way to stop her.
What really made this story hit for me was how 𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘥 it was. Yes, it’s middle-grade, but Mackay doesn’t hold back. There are some clear trigger warnings to keep in mind, especially for animal lovers and those sensitive to themes of abuse. (SPOILER ALERT‼️) Without giving too much away, I will say this: the cat? Yeah, don’t expect it to be a long-term sidekick like Coraline’s. That part 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵. It’s not graphic, but it’s on-page enough to linger. And Esme’s treatment of the children? While not explicit, it’s unsettling and heartbreaking in the way only horror aimed at young readers can be.
And yes, 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 fans, this one’s for you. There are definite parallels: a mysterious cat acting as a guide, creepy “other” world monsters, a search for three key items, and a villain that feels spiritually related to the Beldam/Other Mother. But 𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐀𝐌 takes those familiar elements and twists them into something nastier, something darker. I’d even argue this book leans darker than 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 in several ways.
I’ve read a lot of middle-grade horror, and it’s rare for a debut to stand out like this. So many fall into the same repetitive tropes, but 𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐀𝐌 genuinely surprised me. Jack Mackay doesn’t play it safe, and I love that. Aside from the cat (seriously, I’m still upset), I devoured this book.
If you’re into horror and don’t mind reading middle-grade, do not sleep on this one. It’s eerie, emotional, and just the right kind of unsettling. As a debut? Mackay absolutely delivered.
(𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙑𝙞𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠!)
On the surface, Esme is the perfect babysitter: pretty, kind, adored by everyone around her. But Gwen sees what no one else will: the monster behind the smile. There’s something twisted beneath the surface, something unnatural, and it grows more terrifying the longer Esme stays. Shadows start to move on their own. Nightmares bleed into reality. The house itself begins to rot, and Esme is at the center of it all.
This book really leans into the creeping dread. Gwen’s journey becomes one of survival and courage as she’s forced to face horrors no child should. She’s determined to protect her siblings, even if it means confronting the truth behind Esme’s monstrous facade and unlocking the only way to stop her.
What really made this story hit for me was how 𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘥 it was. Yes, it’s middle-grade, but Mackay doesn’t hold back. There are some clear trigger warnings to keep in mind, especially for animal lovers and those sensitive to themes of abuse. (SPOILER ALERT‼️) Without giving too much away, I will say this: the cat? Yeah, don’t expect it to be a long-term sidekick like Coraline’s. That part 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵. It’s not graphic, but it’s on-page enough to linger. And Esme’s treatment of the children? While not explicit, it’s unsettling and heartbreaking in the way only horror aimed at young readers can be.
And yes, 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 fans, this one’s for you. There are definite parallels: a mysterious cat acting as a guide, creepy “other” world monsters, a search for three key items, and a villain that feels spiritually related to the Beldam/Other Mother. But 𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐀𝐌 takes those familiar elements and twists them into something nastier, something darker. I’d even argue this book leans darker than 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 in several ways.
I’ve read a lot of middle-grade horror, and it’s rare for a debut to stand out like this. So many fall into the same repetitive tropes, but 𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐀𝐌 genuinely surprised me. Jack Mackay doesn’t play it safe, and I love that. Aside from the cat (seriously, I’m still upset), I devoured this book.
If you’re into horror and don’t mind reading middle-grade, do not sleep on this one. It’s eerie, emotional, and just the right kind of unsettling. As a debut? Mackay absolutely delivered.
(𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙑𝙞𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠!)
January 20, 2025
Once I saw that beautiful cover I simply knew that I had to have this book. I was so lucky to be able to get an eARC of it to read early. I was so excited for this book. It sounded spooky and oh so lovely at the same time. But oh. I'm sad to say that I did not love this book like I wanted to. It ended up as a two star for me.
I tried my hardest to love this story. But I just could not do it. And I have a whole lot of things to say about. I will try my best not to write too much and not to give too much away. I did not hate this book, not at all, I just did not like it much. Which is disappointing to me, as it could have been an amazing story. It was not for me.
I am going to start with the writing. In a way, it was a well written book. Parts of it was great. But I felt like things got a bit awkward when characters were talking together. The writing did not make me feel anything at all. I sadly did not care for the main girl. And the siblings annoyed me. Yet there were parts of this book that I did like. But then there were more parts that I didn't. Shall do my best to describe it. It's told from the point of view of thirteen year old Gwen. She just moved with her three siblings and their stepdad to their grandma's house. Their family history was a little weird to me. Grandparents were dead. Dad moved to France. Mother just died from a sickness. And the four children are now living with her husband of just two years. It was a little bit weird.
Yet Henry tried his best with the kids. Kind of. Gwen was thirteen. Roger was ten. Hazel and Hester were twins and six. At first I liked all of them. They were trying their hardest to be okay after losing their mom. And I loved this grief and the family coming together. Except they did not come together. They fell more and more apart. The house they moved to is on a very small island. I did like that part, and wanted more details of this island. Sigh. There was a break from school; so this book takes place in less than a week.
Henry is looking for a job, and decides to hire a nanny to look after the children. And in comes Esme. She seems like the perfect woman. Kind and sweet and lovely. But Gwen hates her right away. She sees right through her, that she is evil. I think this part happened a bit too fast and it should have taken a little longer for Gwen to think that Esme was evil. But anyway. All the others love her. She is charming. And they want her to stay. But Gwen does not. Esme hurts her. Henry doesn't believe Gwen at all. And I hated that part.
I do wish the whole family had been a little more believing. None of them listened to Gwen. Okay, I guess she did yell a whole lot and seemed a bit crazy. But still. They were her family. And I was not happy with that. I wish I had loved Gwen more. But, to me, she seemed more to be the age of eight, and not thirteen. That kept taking me out of the story. She should have been a little bit more mature. It bothered me. Still. I did like her sometimes. And she also tried her best, trying to protect her siblings from an unseen monster.
This book takes place over just a few days and it was also a quick and easy read. I do wish it had been longer. And I wish that I had liked it more. But the pages were enough to tell a story. But what did annoy me was how two things were written as The House and then The Well. It was highly annoying. There was also a cat, like in Coraline. Then it was dead. Which was depressing. I suppose that this book was about facing your fears. About coming together with your family. I just did not enjoy the way it was written, sadly.
One thing that annoyed me about this book was how extremely similar it was to other stories. I don't mind reading books that are inspired by others. And have somewhat of a same feel to it. But this had too much just like Coraline. The three pieces of the key hidden inside nightmares. Plus the look of the villain. Then there was the ending of the book, where this monster turned out to be a lot like what Pennywise looked like at the end of IT two, the movie, when he was destroyed. It was a little too much just the same for me.
The biggest thank you to the lovely PRH International people for this free eARC copy of Gloam to read and review via Edelweiss. I'm so thankful to you. I could not resist and had to read this book as soon as I could. It is not officially out until August. And even though I did not love this book, I think I'm still getting a copy for my shelves, just for that gorgeous cover. And I think you should all give this book a try. Although it was not for me, I do think others might love it. I am simply a bit more picky. Wish I had loved it, though.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: https://carinabooks.blogspot.com/2025...
I tried my hardest to love this story. But I just could not do it. And I have a whole lot of things to say about. I will try my best not to write too much and not to give too much away. I did not hate this book, not at all, I just did not like it much. Which is disappointing to me, as it could have been an amazing story. It was not for me.
I am going to start with the writing. In a way, it was a well written book. Parts of it was great. But I felt like things got a bit awkward when characters were talking together. The writing did not make me feel anything at all. I sadly did not care for the main girl. And the siblings annoyed me. Yet there were parts of this book that I did like. But then there were more parts that I didn't. Shall do my best to describe it. It's told from the point of view of thirteen year old Gwen. She just moved with her three siblings and their stepdad to their grandma's house. Their family history was a little weird to me. Grandparents were dead. Dad moved to France. Mother just died from a sickness. And the four children are now living with her husband of just two years. It was a little bit weird.
Yet Henry tried his best with the kids. Kind of. Gwen was thirteen. Roger was ten. Hazel and Hester were twins and six. At first I liked all of them. They were trying their hardest to be okay after losing their mom. And I loved this grief and the family coming together. Except they did not come together. They fell more and more apart. The house they moved to is on a very small island. I did like that part, and wanted more details of this island. Sigh. There was a break from school; so this book takes place in less than a week.
Henry is looking for a job, and decides to hire a nanny to look after the children. And in comes Esme. She seems like the perfect woman. Kind and sweet and lovely. But Gwen hates her right away. She sees right through her, that she is evil. I think this part happened a bit too fast and it should have taken a little longer for Gwen to think that Esme was evil. But anyway. All the others love her. She is charming. And they want her to stay. But Gwen does not. Esme hurts her. Henry doesn't believe Gwen at all. And I hated that part.
I do wish the whole family had been a little more believing. None of them listened to Gwen. Okay, I guess she did yell a whole lot and seemed a bit crazy. But still. They were her family. And I was not happy with that. I wish I had loved Gwen more. But, to me, she seemed more to be the age of eight, and not thirteen. That kept taking me out of the story. She should have been a little bit more mature. It bothered me. Still. I did like her sometimes. And she also tried her best, trying to protect her siblings from an unseen monster.
This book takes place over just a few days and it was also a quick and easy read. I do wish it had been longer. And I wish that I had liked it more. But the pages were enough to tell a story. But what did annoy me was how two things were written as The House and then The Well. It was highly annoying. There was also a cat, like in Coraline. Then it was dead. Which was depressing. I suppose that this book was about facing your fears. About coming together with your family. I just did not enjoy the way it was written, sadly.
One thing that annoyed me about this book was how extremely similar it was to other stories. I don't mind reading books that are inspired by others. And have somewhat of a same feel to it. But this had too much just like Coraline. The three pieces of the key hidden inside nightmares. Plus the look of the villain. Then there was the ending of the book, where this monster turned out to be a lot like what Pennywise looked like at the end of IT two, the movie, when he was destroyed. It was a little too much just the same for me.
The biggest thank you to the lovely PRH International people for this free eARC copy of Gloam to read and review via Edelweiss. I'm so thankful to you. I could not resist and had to read this book as soon as I could. It is not officially out until August. And even though I did not love this book, I think I'm still getting a copy for my shelves, just for that gorgeous cover. And I think you should all give this book a try. Although it was not for me, I do think others might love it. I am simply a bit more picky. Wish I had loved it, though.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: https://carinabooks.blogspot.com/2025...
August 14, 2025
To hold this book (albeit a proof) in my hands and read the almost final version, having followed its journey from the first draft, is a kind of once in a lifetime magic I will never forget. I am one very emotional, very proud girlfriend.
September 6, 2025
I was drawn to this book by the sheer fact that next to his authors photo he talks about loving his dog and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. From that I was in. The story itself is a perfect gateway to horror with so many knowing nods to literary titans of the genre like King or
Lovecraft and Jackson.
Lovecraft and Jackson.
August 16, 2025
Holding this book in my hands is a little bit of a surreal experience. I can remember receiving an email over 2 years ago with the first draft of this novel attached. Its changed quite a bit since that January day that I spent devouring it, but reading the published edition now, its the same beautiful story that made me cry a little.
My cousin is a very talented person, for as long as I have known him (and that is my whole life) he's been a storyteller. When he wasn't writing, he was making up stories, fake sci-fi radio shows we hosted in his bedroom, lego battles that we filmed on an old 'Kids First' Camcorder in my aunt's front garden, the most memorable stories he ever told however, were made in our grandparents house. That's why it seems so fitting that his debut novel, after two decades of writing, is so heavily inspired by those stories.
'Gloam' truly is a labour of love, its literally oozing with the stories we loved to play out as children. I can't help but imagine The House looking just like my grandparents, the big garden, the odd carpets, that creepy corridor, the cellar we were never allowed in.
Jack really does evoke how creepy that house could be as a little kid in the dark, running to reach the light switch and dismiss the terrors. The creepy, sinister and downright terrifying monsters in this book give me chills, and the descriptions are at exactly the right level, evoking these images perfectly. Esme is also perfectly depicted, she's exactly the right kind of sinister, I'm sure we can all remember that one person who just rubbed us the wrong way as children, and its a truly horrifying thought that we may have been right, that that person really was an evil *thing* out to get us, Jack evokes this perfectly. It's really refreshing to see a scary childrens book again. We may have grown up with them, but they seem to be in short supply at the moment so its a breath of fresh air to know that kids around the world are going to be sleeping with the light on out in the hall again. Being scared of a story is such an amazing and formative experience, and I'm sure I wouldn't have the love of horror I have today without it.
It of course would be reductive to only mention how scary this book is. Its far more than just a medley of creepy figures tailored perfectly to spook the readers, its a really heartfelt story. Its a book concerned with fear, sure, but not with wallowing in it, but in overcoming it and being brave. Not just ignoring those bad feelings, be they terror, sadness, anger or grief, but accepting them, knowing that they are there and that they can push you forward, make you stronger. Its a super important message for everyone, not just the middle grade readers this book is aimed at. There's also a really strong core in the family dynamic in 'Gloam'. The siblings may fight or bicker, but they love each other and always protect each other when they need to, its really really sweet and warms my heart more than a little (I also do have to admit, I see a lot of my family in the four). All of the kids are developed so, so lucidly, they're all individuals with individual emotions, personalities and fears, but they're united by their bravery. This is super impressive to see in a world of tropey characters we often see in literature today. Henry is also a really strongly developed character, and has such an amazing journey. I really did have to hold back some happy tears at that ending, its really sweet.
As I've said, its a surreal experience to read this. More than anything I want to emphasise just how proud of my cousin I am, because I am honestly blown away by how good this book is. Its creepy, its full of love and its gorgeously written, what more could you ask for? I'll be hiding under the covers tonight, reading this again.
(Also a little fun fact, the story that Henry tells the kids in Chapter Four is one that Jack told me when I was little! Hope it gives you all as many nightmares as I got from it :) )
My cousin is a very talented person, for as long as I have known him (and that is my whole life) he's been a storyteller. When he wasn't writing, he was making up stories, fake sci-fi radio shows we hosted in his bedroom, lego battles that we filmed on an old 'Kids First' Camcorder in my aunt's front garden, the most memorable stories he ever told however, were made in our grandparents house. That's why it seems so fitting that his debut novel, after two decades of writing, is so heavily inspired by those stories.
'Gloam' truly is a labour of love, its literally oozing with the stories we loved to play out as children. I can't help but imagine The House looking just like my grandparents, the big garden, the odd carpets, that creepy corridor, the cellar we were never allowed in.
Jack really does evoke how creepy that house could be as a little kid in the dark, running to reach the light switch and dismiss the terrors. The creepy, sinister and downright terrifying monsters in this book give me chills, and the descriptions are at exactly the right level, evoking these images perfectly. Esme is also perfectly depicted, she's exactly the right kind of sinister, I'm sure we can all remember that one person who just rubbed us the wrong way as children, and its a truly horrifying thought that we may have been right, that that person really was an evil *thing* out to get us, Jack evokes this perfectly. It's really refreshing to see a scary childrens book again. We may have grown up with them, but they seem to be in short supply at the moment so its a breath of fresh air to know that kids around the world are going to be sleeping with the light on out in the hall again. Being scared of a story is such an amazing and formative experience, and I'm sure I wouldn't have the love of horror I have today without it.
It of course would be reductive to only mention how scary this book is. Its far more than just a medley of creepy figures tailored perfectly to spook the readers, its a really heartfelt story. Its a book concerned with fear, sure, but not with wallowing in it, but in overcoming it and being brave. Not just ignoring those bad feelings, be they terror, sadness, anger or grief, but accepting them, knowing that they are there and that they can push you forward, make you stronger. Its a super important message for everyone, not just the middle grade readers this book is aimed at. There's also a really strong core in the family dynamic in 'Gloam'. The siblings may fight or bicker, but they love each other and always protect each other when they need to, its really really sweet and warms my heart more than a little (I also do have to admit, I see a lot of my family in the four). All of the kids are developed so, so lucidly, they're all individuals with individual emotions, personalities and fears, but they're united by their bravery. This is super impressive to see in a world of tropey characters we often see in literature today. Henry is also a really strongly developed character, and has such an amazing journey. I really did have to hold back some happy tears at that ending, its really sweet.
As I've said, its a surreal experience to read this. More than anything I want to emphasise just how proud of my cousin I am, because I am honestly blown away by how good this book is. Its creepy, its full of love and its gorgeously written, what more could you ask for? I'll be hiding under the covers tonight, reading this again.
(Also a little fun fact, the story that Henry tells the kids in Chapter Four is one that Jack told me when I was little! Hope it gives you all as many nightmares as I got from it :) )
January 2, 2025
Lucky enough to read a pre-publication version of this. A remarkably assured debut novel from a young author - gripping, inventive, well-plotted and beautifully written. Looking forward to the next one!
November 23, 2025
You know it's a well written book when the villian makes you really mad 😂especially when nobody believes the main character when they say they're a monster. Great book 💯
September 30, 2025
Super dark and fun. I enjoyed this style of writing and the illustrations. Very unsettling for a ‘children’s’ book. My kind of book. I would love to read more like this. 3.8 stars
June 4, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC!
Usually when I review a book, I pick out the things I particularly liked. I can’t do that with this book because that would just be listing the whole thing. I absolutely loved reading this book and I know for a fact 12 year old me would have loved it as well! I would recommend it to kids who crave creepy books, the atmosphere was haunting.
Our main character Gwen is the oldest child (at 13 years old) and I think so many kids who are older siblings would love and identify with her character. She’s fiercely protective over her siblings and takes on the responsibility of getting things sorted with the evil babysitter. We also get chapters following Roger who is her younger brother. Lastly of the siblings are Hazel and Hester. These younger siblings definitely remind me of my siblings and I love books that follow siblings as they navigate their adventures. Though this particular adventure is harrowing and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat. You feel for Gwen who has gone through so much and is grasping to keep her siblings safe and happy. You feel for Roger who doesn’t understand why his older sister is acting so different. You feel for Hazel and Hester who at only 6 years old need to be so brave in the face of danger. I just wanted to scoop them up away from harm (which Gwen was certainly doing her best to do).
The adults are Henry (who looks after the children) and Esme (the babysitter). Oftentimes in books, the adult who is clueless is just that. Infuriatingly ignorant to the children’s struggles and while Henry not believing Gwen is infuriating (a feeling most people can relate to when they are a child trying to get help from an adult), I do commend this book for giving him a bit more nuance. He does deeply care for the children and is simply unprepared and eventually does come to realise Gwen was telling the truth. I don’t really know what to say about Esme other than she’s evil and very scary which we realise very fast. Her manipulation on the younger children feels chilling and you definitely feel how Gwen is feeling as well as Roger in these moments.
The setting of the Grandma’s house is perfect and the horror of the nightmares and rot made this story compelling and enticing. Once again I love this book and will definitely be making my siblings read it.
Usually when I review a book, I pick out the things I particularly liked. I can’t do that with this book because that would just be listing the whole thing. I absolutely loved reading this book and I know for a fact 12 year old me would have loved it as well! I would recommend it to kids who crave creepy books, the atmosphere was haunting.
Our main character Gwen is the oldest child (at 13 years old) and I think so many kids who are older siblings would love and identify with her character. She’s fiercely protective over her siblings and takes on the responsibility of getting things sorted with the evil babysitter. We also get chapters following Roger who is her younger brother. Lastly of the siblings are Hazel and Hester. These younger siblings definitely remind me of my siblings and I love books that follow siblings as they navigate their adventures. Though this particular adventure is harrowing and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat. You feel for Gwen who has gone through so much and is grasping to keep her siblings safe and happy. You feel for Roger who doesn’t understand why his older sister is acting so different. You feel for Hazel and Hester who at only 6 years old need to be so brave in the face of danger. I just wanted to scoop them up away from harm (which Gwen was certainly doing her best to do).
The adults are Henry (who looks after the children) and Esme (the babysitter). Oftentimes in books, the adult who is clueless is just that. Infuriatingly ignorant to the children’s struggles and while Henry not believing Gwen is infuriating (a feeling most people can relate to when they are a child trying to get help from an adult), I do commend this book for giving him a bit more nuance. He does deeply care for the children and is simply unprepared and eventually does come to realise Gwen was telling the truth. I don’t really know what to say about Esme other than she’s evil and very scary which we realise very fast. Her manipulation on the younger children feels chilling and you definitely feel how Gwen is feeling as well as Roger in these moments.
The setting of the Grandma’s house is perfect and the horror of the nightmares and rot made this story compelling and enticing. Once again I love this book and will definitely be making my siblings read it.
September 13, 2025
GLOAM by James Mackay had me hooked from the first paragraph. My heart was beating faster, I shouted “NOOOOOOO!” on a crowded train (the cat bit, if you want to know 🧟) and it made me insanely jealous that someone so young can write so incredibly well. And also -nice shout-out for stepdads who try hard - I have a hero stepdad too! ❤️) Against some fierce competition, this might be my best middle grade read this year. If you loved ‘A Monster Calls', you’ll love this. Stunning, gloriously spooky artwork by Ben Joel Price. Thanks for the review copy Oneworld Publications. I predict this will sweep the prize board clean. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 19, 2025
Gloam brought me back to the days when I was a child reading Goosebumps and Spooksville, where I couldn’t hang my leg off the bed for the fear that monsters had climbed out of the book and hid under. Mackay’s writing instilled a fear in me that I felt I had lost long ago, and I loved every minute of it.
We follow our protagonist Gwen and the rest of the Clayton-Fenn children as the move to the lonesome Gloam Island, an island that can only be accessed when the tides recede. After their step father appoints a babysitter things begin to go awry, walls start to rot, trees begin to talk, and the children are left wondering what creatures inhabit the house.
Mackay conveys grief to his audience in a refreshing way, showing the honesty of death in its many facades. Fear is also a strong theme throughout with vivid imagery in the shape of deep wells and a Stitchy Man, and while I very much enjoyed these frightful parts as an adult reader, I believe a parent should make sure their child understands the difference between what is real and what is not before tackling this novel to make sure there isn’t too much of a fright.
Gloam is a novel I intend to purchase for myself, I truly loved it. I would highly recommend and I commend Jack Mackay on such a brilliant piece of work.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for this eARC in exchange of an honest review. Thank you to Jack Mackay on a fantastic story that will certainly live within my head for some time, I couldn’t recommend it enough.
We follow our protagonist Gwen and the rest of the Clayton-Fenn children as the move to the lonesome Gloam Island, an island that can only be accessed when the tides recede. After their step father appoints a babysitter things begin to go awry, walls start to rot, trees begin to talk, and the children are left wondering what creatures inhabit the house.
Mackay conveys grief to his audience in a refreshing way, showing the honesty of death in its many facades. Fear is also a strong theme throughout with vivid imagery in the shape of deep wells and a Stitchy Man, and while I very much enjoyed these frightful parts as an adult reader, I believe a parent should make sure their child understands the difference between what is real and what is not before tackling this novel to make sure there isn’t too much of a fright.
Gloam is a novel I intend to purchase for myself, I truly loved it. I would highly recommend and I commend Jack Mackay on such a brilliant piece of work.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for this eARC in exchange of an honest review. Thank you to Jack Mackay on a fantastic story that will certainly live within my head for some time, I couldn’t recommend it enough.
August 14, 2025
Book Review 🍂🗝️📖
thank you so much partner @PenguinKids @storygramtours for the gifted copy!
Gloam
by Jack Mackay
About the book 👇🏽
Gwen doesn’t want to admit that everything has been different since her mom died. There’s no time for all these feelings now that she has her younger brother and twin sisters to look after. Especially not after the move into their late grandmother’s creaky old house on a tiny, damp island where someone—or something—is waiting for them.
Esme Laverne. Gwen isn’t fooled by the beautiful babysitter with the hungry eyes and too-sharp teeth, even though everyone else is. How does no one notice the sinister threats beneath her sickly sweet words? It quickly becomes clear that if Gwen wants Esme gone, she’ll have to handle it herself.
🗝️ My thoughts:
Okay this is right up there with my love for Coraline! This middle grade horror book was quite chilling. I rarely read middle grade but when I do, I like the creepy ones and boy did this deliver. It’s dark and twisted and I can imagine will bring nightmares to the young… who knows maybe even the old. While touching on grief and loss, this story also shows the importance of facing your fears and adjustment when life throws you a curve ball. I really enjoyed this book and it one I’ll be holding onto for my boys to read! If you’re looking for a fast spooky read or know a young reader looking for something to keep them up at night, this is the one to pick up and it’s out now!
Happy reading 📖 🗝️🍂
thank you so much partner @PenguinKids @storygramtours for the gifted copy!
Gloam
by Jack Mackay
About the book 👇🏽
Gwen doesn’t want to admit that everything has been different since her mom died. There’s no time for all these feelings now that she has her younger brother and twin sisters to look after. Especially not after the move into their late grandmother’s creaky old house on a tiny, damp island where someone—or something—is waiting for them.
Esme Laverne. Gwen isn’t fooled by the beautiful babysitter with the hungry eyes and too-sharp teeth, even though everyone else is. How does no one notice the sinister threats beneath her sickly sweet words? It quickly becomes clear that if Gwen wants Esme gone, she’ll have to handle it herself.
🗝️ My thoughts:
Okay this is right up there with my love for Coraline! This middle grade horror book was quite chilling. I rarely read middle grade but when I do, I like the creepy ones and boy did this deliver. It’s dark and twisted and I can imagine will bring nightmares to the young… who knows maybe even the old. While touching on grief and loss, this story also shows the importance of facing your fears and adjustment when life throws you a curve ball. I really enjoyed this book and it one I’ll be holding onto for my boys to read! If you’re looking for a fast spooky read or know a young reader looking for something to keep them up at night, this is the one to pick up and it’s out now!
Happy reading 📖 🗝️🍂
August 16, 2025
Loved the book, appropriate that I read long into the night on the island that conjured the world of Gormenghast. Echoes of Lemony and his Baudelaire triplets for sure (and what is it about villainous Esmes? Laverne outsqualors Squalor) but with a more vibrant beating heart. The world is established very quickly, meaning that the gothic / fantastical (cats and trees) when introduced feel perfectly natural (no mean feat). I might be mad but I’d love to visit Gloaming (and feel like I have). Impressive descriptive powers - quite a few made me chuckle and pause - one in particular about a guilotine. Gripping and intense as we roll up trees, between floors, down wells towards the climax, siblings sticking together, facing their fears and the ever destructive powers of loss, self-doubt and fear to emerge stronger as one. A shout out to stepdads that was pitch perfect. Of course Henry as an adult does not see what is in front of him, his imagination stilted, suckered by appearances and it’s the kids who have to save their world, but he plays his part and when he opens up it’s a beautiful moment. It is a world that I would love to return to but expect their will be many other worlds that Jack brings forth. Loved the dedication too to family and the ‘Phandalin Five’. Big well done to Jack (and all the lovely people who helped him along the way).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
For a children's book, this was CREEPY, and unsettling. It's exactly what I wanted out of a book when I was in elementary school.
Siblings who have experienced trauma together ✅
A dark and mysterious house that is also most definitely haunted ✅
A very sinister babysitter that is disguised as good ✅
A deep, dark well ✅
Gloam had major Coraline x Series of Unfortunate Events vibes, however, I appreciate that the guardian eventually admits their mistakes.
This is going on my library order list ASAP.
Siblings who have experienced trauma together ✅
A dark and mysterious house that is also most definitely haunted ✅
A very sinister babysitter that is disguised as good ✅
A deep, dark well ✅
Gloam had major Coraline x Series of Unfortunate Events vibes, however, I appreciate that the guardian eventually admits their mistakes.
This is going on my library order list ASAP.
September 10, 2025
Audiobook is phenomenal!
June 11, 2025
4.25✨
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion. This was very good! I was reminded of Coraline and the Baudelaire kids from A Series of Unfortunate Events while reading. This is the author’s debut, and I believe this is someone you want to keep on your radar!The way they handle the topics of grief and fear in this book is *chef’s kiss*
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion. This was very good! I was reminded of Coraline and the Baudelaire kids from A Series of Unfortunate Events while reading. This is the author’s debut, and I believe this is someone you want to keep on your radar!The way they handle the topics of grief and fear in this book is *chef’s kiss*
August 18, 2025
"At first, when Henry told her that they were going back to Gloam, Gwen had been almost relieved. If they had to move, then at least it was somewhere she knew, rather than some sterile apartment. This was the family home. There were pieces of all their lives here. But lying in bed, listening to the wind, Gwen realised that she had been wrong. Everything was different. She could hear no echoes of her childhood in the halls. Mum and her grandparents were well and truly gone, and Henry was a stranger in this place. Everything was greyer, and stiller, than it had ever been. Life had left The House."
I discovered this book in the latest issue of the book magazine, Booktime. I have to admit that, as soon as I saw the cover, I was intrigued. It seemed to be ticking a lot of my boxes, so I quickly ordered a copy. And overall, despite being somewhat older than its intended audience, I did enjoy this book. I had seen other reviewers compare it to Coraline, which I love, so I was interested to see how I would find it.
Gloam tells the story of Gwen and her three siblings. Having lost her grandparents, and their mother, the children have been left in the care of her mother's relatively new husband. Following the change in their circumstances, they move back to the town of Gloam; Gwen's grandparents left the children the family home, so they are returning there. But things are not quite the same as they remembered. The house seems to be more scary than it had been when their relatives were alive. And the addition of Esme, a babysitter, takes things to another level of strange.
This is a pretty creepy book. The illustrations by Ben Joel Price were fantastic - there's not a lot of them, I wished there were more, as they helped to bring out the creepiness in the tale. Personally, rather than echoes of Coraline, I thought that this reminded me of "The Ocean at the End of the Lane." For both tales, the sense of an old, malevolent magic is an important part of the plot. And both feature a family with siblings seemingly at odds with what is happening at first. I found Gloam to be not quite so tight as "The Ocean..." or Coraline, for that matter. This isn't quite on the same level, but that's not to say it is bad, by any stretch of the imagination. For younger readers, I am sure that there will be plenty for them to find creepy.
I discovered this book in the latest issue of the book magazine, Booktime. I have to admit that, as soon as I saw the cover, I was intrigued. It seemed to be ticking a lot of my boxes, so I quickly ordered a copy. And overall, despite being somewhat older than its intended audience, I did enjoy this book. I had seen other reviewers compare it to Coraline, which I love, so I was interested to see how I would find it.
Gloam tells the story of Gwen and her three siblings. Having lost her grandparents, and their mother, the children have been left in the care of her mother's relatively new husband. Following the change in their circumstances, they move back to the town of Gloam; Gwen's grandparents left the children the family home, so they are returning there. But things are not quite the same as they remembered. The house seems to be more scary than it had been when their relatives were alive. And the addition of Esme, a babysitter, takes things to another level of strange.
This is a pretty creepy book. The illustrations by Ben Joel Price were fantastic - there's not a lot of them, I wished there were more, as they helped to bring out the creepiness in the tale. Personally, rather than echoes of Coraline, I thought that this reminded me of "The Ocean at the End of the Lane." For both tales, the sense of an old, malevolent magic is an important part of the plot. And both feature a family with siblings seemingly at odds with what is happening at first. I found Gloam to be not quite so tight as "The Ocean..." or Coraline, for that matter. This isn't quite on the same level, but that's not to say it is bad, by any stretch of the imagination. For younger readers, I am sure that there will be plenty for them to find creepy.
October 14, 2025
Идеална хелоуинска история за деца с точните дози страховитост, мистерия и приключения! 🎃👻💀
Теми:
📖 загуба на родител
📖 преместване
📖 отношения брат/сестра
Харесах 👍
📖 страховита и мрачна обстановка
📖 мистериозна детегледачка
📖 среднощни приключения в стара къща
Не харесах 👎🏼
📖 исках да е по-дълга
Възраст: 8+
Книжни поздрави,
Криси 📚
Теми:
📖 загуба на родител
📖 преместване
📖 отношения брат/сестра
Харесах 👍
📖 страховита и мрачна обстановка
📖 мистериозна детегледачка
📖 среднощни приключения в стара къща
Не харесах 👎🏼
📖 исках да е по-дълга
Възраст: 8+
Книжни поздрави,
Криси 📚
September 14, 2025
Excellent amount of creepiness and spookiness with a lot of heart and commentary on grief. I liked all the characters in this and the atmospheric writing. With short chapters and lots of action my students will love this.
October 30, 2025
it’s not every day you know the author of such a spectacular book, but even still, i cannot recommend this enough. one million stars
September 10, 2025
Grief+ monsters for kids
Lowkey kids horror for suree
Lowkey kids horror for suree
October 14, 2025
Read this with my son. It's a perfect read for October. Rich descriptions that help to pull you into the story, where there's no escape. Great characters and just enough tension . A great, scary read for spooky month.
October 15, 2025
What if someone wrote Coraline, but made the importance of family even more significant!
Scary, heartfelt, mysterious and exciting - I loved Global from start to finish!
Scary, heartfelt, mysterious and exciting - I loved Global from start to finish!
October 15, 2025
Absolutely spooky, eerie and terrifying, loved it, the ending loved it, would hugely recommend for a Halloween spooky read 🖤
October 9, 2025
This was a lovely, fun, and suitably creepy story. I couldn't ignore that there were MANY similarities with Coraline (creepy woman in creepy house, mysterious cat in the back garden, an eerie well, a series of tasks the main character needs to complete to defeat the evil character who gets progressively more terrifying and spider-like, ...). However (!), there was enough separation to have this stand out on its own. I loved the relationship between the children and I thought the central message was a really important one for kids and adults alike.
December 9, 2025
I would love to watch a movie about this story, preferably a stop motion animation would be AMAZING!
October 7, 2025
3.5. Vibes were immaculate!
October 3, 2025
Moving to a spooky old house on Gloam Island sounds like the start of an adventure, but for Gwen it’s the beginning of a nightmare.
After losing her mom, she has to take care of her siblings while strange things creep through the house: black rot on the walls, whispers in the garden, and a babysitter who looks perfect but feels terrifyingly wrong.
What makes this story so gripping is Gwen herself. She’s scared but brave, ordinary yet extraordinary in the way she fights to protect her family.
After losing her mom, she has to take care of her siblings while strange things creep through the house: black rot on the walls, whispers in the garden, and a babysitter who looks perfect but feels terrifyingly wrong.
What makes this story so gripping is Gwen herself. She’s scared but brave, ordinary yet extraordinary in the way she fights to protect her family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews