The Thrift Shop

by Steven Anthony Charles

Behind a bright red door on a random concrete wall on an ordinary street in New York, or Birmingham, or Tokyo is a thrift shop like no other.

You don’t come to shop here, the shop comes to you. It beckons to you from where fate meets reality. If you get the call, and one of its many, wondrous items selects you to be a part of its history, you will experience a magic like no other. A boon to you, your family, and friends, or if you are not so lucky, a bane upon your name. Either way your fate was sealed before you were born.

Enter Devon, a young boy, his life one misery after the next, when he encounters this thrift shop, and takes fate into his own hands, upending the delicate balance of history not yet written.

The fate of the world is now in his hands. Devon must face true evil and win, or humanity may be thrown into another Dark Age.

202 pages, Paperback

First published February 16, 2026

About the author

Steven Charles was born in 1972 in Staten Island, NY. He taught himself how to read at a young age by having his mother read Danny and the Dinosaur over and over again until he could read it himself. He moved to Westchester, NY, when he was 10, where he eventually went to Manhattanville College to study music. He moved around, spending some time in Connecticut and Hawaii, before moving back to the mainland where he met his wife, Daniela, who was visiting the US from Brazil. After a short, long-distance courtship, he asked her to marry him by reciting a Sonnet on the beach on New Year’s Eve in Brazil. They now live in Florida with their four kids where he works as a Workday Consultant during the day and an author by night.

Reviews

[Jenée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved every minute of this book! My heart goes out to Devon who lost his father at the age of 13. Now 15 he isn’t living his best life. Running from bullies he finds himself in a thrift shop that is anything but ordinary. The thrift shop is rather magical in that is holds ordinary objects that call to people and have the ability to alter their life either positively or negatively. Needless to say Devon is offered a job here and life is never the same.

There was not a slow moment in this story. It’s touching and has the ability to make you stop and think about what could have been and is.

I’m grateful to have read this book as an ARC. I’d classify this book in the genre of magical realism right up there with The Midnight Library, The Book of Doors, and Remarkably Bright Creatures.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

I thought this book was fabulous. It's a super fast-paced read that keeps you interested. Devon, the main character, is a typical teenage boy who faces believable challenges with bullies and his mother. The book is similar to Stephen King's Needful Things, but is written for a young adult audience and isn't excessively dark. I thoroughly enjoyed it and definitely recommend it!

Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

I ONLY finished this book because I got it as an arc and wanted to make sure I could give it a complete review and had an expectation that my opinion might turn around. It never did. To start, the book description sounds so cool. I was expecting something like a Doctor Who episode. But everything interesting that happens, all the interactions with the people that come to the shop, the “cataclysm” and negative impacts on the world that almost launch the world into a dark age as mentioned in the description, all happens off page. It is described in very short terms with Devon reading it in his journal or looking back on his life, but that is it.

There is more about this kid’s boners and his time masturbating than there is the fantasy world that is promised in the description. I know I’m probably not the target audience, but it was excessive.

And, assuming the target audience is YA, 14-18 year old boys, there is a lot that I found to be pretty problematic. I looked at it the whole time thinking on whether I would want my son to read this when he was older, and the answer is no. It normalizes abuse with Devon’s mom abusing him, Devon throwing things at his girlfriend when he’s mad, her slapping him, and him gaslighting and manipulating his girlfriend AFTER explicitly mentally planning to manipulate her with a “guilt trip.” There is also the issue of how he ends up getting his girlfriend. When he initially asks her out, she tells him she is a lesbian. He gets mad, storms out, remains mad at her for the rest of the night and throws things. He tells an adult about this, and the adult tells Devon that she isn’t ACTUALLY a lesbian and encourages him to confront her. He does and it turns out she was just “nervous” because she really liked him so she lied about being a lesbian. I found this to be completely unacceptable in a book targeted to teen boys. There are enough issues with people not taking no for an answer and not understanding consent. Whether the reason given is that a girl/woman is queer or not, even if her answer is no, we really need to have no means no normalized and by having this confrontation occur in the book and having it work out in Devon’s favor is so problematic.

The book also normalizes physical fighting as a solution to problems. Devon resolves several of his problems by getting into fights, and smacking another kid in the face with a tray results in him finally getting a friend. This is another thing I thought was an issue.

Devon has had an, objectively, terrible life. But everything in his life seems to start going better for him when he starts behaving badly. He faces minimal to no consequences, and there isn’t even a lesson learned other than to say “people aren’t all good or all bad” and you need to accept people how they are. And the bad things that are used for the bad traits are all abuse. While that message might be good, the way it is presented and defended is terrible, and I would give this zero stars for that if I could. It draws you in with the promise of a cool fantasy book, and then doesn’t deliver.

[Jess Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Steven Charles and BookSirens for this ARC

This review contains NO spoilers! And all that is said is my honest and non-biased opinion.

I am not going to give spoilers or massive details of what happens in this book. That would be silly and counterproductive!

Release date for this book is 16th Feb 2026

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶 some sexual talk, not in great detail, natural feelings and thoughts of mid-teens.

This book does contain the following:
- death
- talk of death
- talk of suicide
- some violence against teens (non sexual)
- grief
- divorce
- talk of possible infidelity
- teen on teen physical assaults
- blood & vomit
- PTSD in advanced form
- fate/ magic/ destiny
- first love
- bullying
- life decisions
- cancer

I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! I have not felt a rollercoaster of emotions for a book in a while!
I laughed, I cried, I got angry, I got scared.

There was so much too unpack in this book, with an underlining deaper meaning, I really hope Steven wrote this with that in mind, because I felt it. It connected so well with a new/ mid teens' struggles they go through coming of age and becoming an adult, with a magical/ mystical/ murderous story.

Thank you so much again to Steven Charles and BookSirens Stunningly mystical, marvellously magical, tantalising twists and perfectly down to earth!

[Marypat · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an intriguing concept. This was a well written & executed story. I was completely enthralled with the storyline & characters. I would definitely recommend to others who like to travel outside the typical storylines.

[Jessica Corley · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review….This was such a good book. It follows a young boy who discovers a thrift shop like no other.
He's experienced a deep tragedy in his life, losing his father, and it shows in every part of his world. He's bullied, has no friends, and his mom has to work constantly just to make ends meet.
His life feels heavy and heartbreaking.
The story gave me a strong sense of nostalgia and parts of the book made me think of The NeverEnding Story, a movie I loved as a young girl. I found myself wanting to jump into the pages and help this boy through his struggles.
The thrift shop and the people he meets because of it slowly begin to change his life for the better. Just when things start to improve, more tragedy strikes. Faced with devastating news, the boy makes a choice that could alter time itself... but the thrift shop has rules, and it will not allow that decision to go unchallenged.
This story is emotional, imaginative, and touching, blending grief, hope, and a bit of magic in a way that really stayed with me.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Devon is a 15 year old boy who has experienced more tragedy in his short life than most. He lost his father to gruesome suicide and ended up living in poverty with his mom in the slums of New York. Devon is bullied constantly and has no friends. He is running away from bullies chasing him around New York when he stumbles into a magical thrift shop that flips his life upside down.

This standalone story brought together teenage angst, realities of living in a big city barely surviving, and the magic that history can bring to anyone’s lives. The thrift shop is meant to find those when they need it the most. The items in the shop call to people when they are ready for them. Of course a shop like this needs a shop keeper. We go through the trials alongside Devon as the shop chooses him and he has to battle his way to living his life while also committing himself to the shop.

This story was well paced and had enough realism to make the magic seem possible. I very much enjoyed reading this.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of The Thrift Shop by Steven Charles, a YA novel about a 15-year-old boy who discovers a mysterious thrift shop full of secrets beyond its dusty shelves. It spirals into a coming-of-age tale with friendships, family revelations, and subtle supernatural elements that keep you hooked—perfect if you like stories where ordinary objects unlock big mysteries.

I enjoyed the story overall; the ending was satisfying, and the twist surprised me. The POV captured a teen boy’s voice authentically, with solid character growth from uncertainty to confidence.

Minor inconsistencies, like the cat Vibrissa being referred to as a she and then a he, and then a she again from the main character's pov after being told it was a he and a few other editing slips, were annoying—but as an ARC, they may get fixed before publication.

A quick, engaging YA read blending mystery and heart—worth checking out!

[Julia Reitzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and here is my honest review with no spoilers:

I cannot rave enough about how good of a story the thrift shop is. From the moment I started reading it I was obsessed and had to know and understand what would happen through each instance of items at the thrift shop. What I really loved and enjoyed was the telling of each character story and how they evolved. The love story is adorable and touches your heart. Watching the main character grow and evolve and come into his own remind you of when you’re a teenager try to figure out your way in the world. I would recommend this book to anybody it’s fantastic.

[Amy Crull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with a good message!

This wasn't what I normally read but I liked the message of the book.
You have Devon, a sweet kid trying to survive everyday and make his mom happy. He's trying to survive high school and life. The day he enters the thrift shop changes his life. There's magic in the air and while Devon doesn't understand it, he sees it over and over again. He also sees what happens when you alter it as well. The magic of the store can either make your life better or worse depending on what you do with the item it gives you.
The author did a beautiful job of bringing this story to life and showing the hardships of life.

[Gisela Marengo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Thrift Shop loved the book from the beginning, is magical and emotional. I really enjoyed the reflective story that finds meaning in the overlooked and forgotten. It shows how items can carry deep personal meaning and how people often leave pieces of themselves behind without realizing it. Ginni and Devon story , what he was willing to sacrifice for her and his mom . This was such a wonderful cozy blanket stay in the bed reading kind of book really enjoyed this read .

This book was giving to me as an ARC here is my voluntarily and honest review.

[Jessica Ungar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Thrift Shop by Steven Anthony Charles. I gave this book 4 stars. This is a thought provoking read and addresses some heavy issues. This is labeled as a YA read, but does contain some details that would make me consider this book for older teens in the 15-18 year old age range. If you are looking for a deep read that really makes you think, while incorporating some fantastical elements, I would recommend giving this book a read.

[Mary]

This story is crafted with skill and thoughtfulness, capturing both emotion and imagination. The narrative and its characters draw the reader in completely. It weaves together themes of hope, grief, and a touch of magic. The author offers an insightful exploration of bullying, resilience, and the distinction between need and desire. It is a book I would recommend to others.

[Zulma · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all know how it feels to be a teenager. but one that loses his dad and himself along the way. he finds himself being bullied and ends up in a Thrift shop. but let me tell you this isn't a normal Thrift shop. if youvread and loved books like Midnight library you will absolutely love this book. I loved loved so glad I was able to read as an ARC. thank you Steven.

[Armando Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thrift Shop by Steven Charles immediately gave me Friday the 13th: The Series vibes with its mysterious store filled with enchanted and cursed objects, but that’s where the similarity ends. This story takes the concept in a completely original direction, weaving whimsy and darkness together beautifully. I was fascinated by how each object could bring either unimaginable joy or unspeakable horror, depending on how it was received.The love story at the heart of the book was especially touching. I loved how the protagonist cleverly found loopholes within the shop’s strange rules to build the life he’d always dreamed of. And Devon’s sacrifice, to give up everything just to dance with his mother, was both heartbreaking and uplifting. That moment summed up the book’s deeper message: sometimes giving everything away gives you back even more.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very different story then what I thought I was going to read. It's a coming of age story aimed square at teenage boys . It was fast paced and had loads of action. It was also written from a 15 year olds viewpoint. Along with cold showers and first girlfriends and growing up in the city poor. I received this ARC from Booksirens and am happy to leave this review.

[Karol A · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25
Nice premise, interesting characters to follow, it could've gone deeper into the lore or the relationships, although it was sweet all along.

[Frosted Fern · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Thrift Shop follows Devon as he deals with loss, moving, bullies, love and unusual thrift shop that he stumbles upon.
Overall I enjoyed the book and characters. The idea of the thrift shop is really intriguing and while I do wish the author would have gone into a little more detail about the thrift shop and the items within it was still interesting. There are some areas that may be a little too dark for younger teens and there are definitely some trigger warnings that should be checked prior to reading. All in all it is a cool concept and was a good and easy read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ronnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thrift Shop is such a fun and fascinating read. The idea that the objects choose their owners — and can change fate for better or worse — is incredibly creative and kept me hooked. The story moves quickly, and I was engaged the whole time. I finished it wanting more. Thank you for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy!

[Twinkle.butt.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What starts as a dusty little shop full of second-hand odds and ends quickly turns into something far more intriguing. The Thrift Shop blends speculative fiction, quiet magic, and emotional growth into a story that’s as thoughtful as it is imaginative.

We follow Devon, a teenager weighed down by grief and social isolation, who stumbles upon a mysterious thrift shop that doesn’t just sell objects, it opens doors. Sometimes literally. Each discovery pushes Devon further into realities that challenge him to confront his past, his pain, and who he wants to become.

What really works here is the balance. The magical elements are creative and well-handled, but they never overpower the emotional core of the story. Devon’s struggles feel genuine, and his journey toward healing and self-acceptance is easy to root for. I also loved how the world subtly connects to the author’s larger universe, adding depth without confusing new readers.

At its heart, this book is about loss, hope, and finding a place where you belong even when the path there is strange and unexpected. If you enjoy speculative fiction with heart, a touch of magical realism, and character-driven storytelling, The Thrift Shop is absolutely worth a visit.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sara Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thrift Shop by Steven Anthony Charles presents a fascinating premise: a mysterious thrift shop that appears only when fate calls. Hidden behind a bright red door that could exist in any city in the world, the shop offers enchanted items that can change a person’s destiny for better or worse.

The concept is one of the strongest aspects of the book. The idea that the shop chooses you, rather than the other way around, creates an intriguing sense of mystery and inevitability. Each item carries its own history and power, adding a layer of magical realism that keeps the story engaging.

At the center of the story is Devon, a young boy whose life has been filled with hardship. His encounter with the thrift shop becomes the turning point that sets him on a path far greater than he could have imagined. What begins as a personal struggle quickly escalates into a much larger battle involving the fate of humanity itself.

The book blends fantasy, fate, and coming-of-age themes in a way that keeps readers curious about what will happen next. While the story leans heavily on its imaginative premise, the emotional core lies in Devon’s journey and the choices he must make when faced with forces far beyond his understanding.

Overall, The Thrift Shop offers an imaginative and mystical story about destiny, power, and the consequences of tampering with forces that shape the world.

[Bee 🐝🐝 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC.

The premise of this book is incredibly appealing. A mysterious thrift shop that appears when you need it most, filled with objects that can change your life. It’s the kind of idea that immediately draws you in, and I was genuinely excited to see where it would go.

However, the execution didn’t fully live up to that promise. The first half of the book is quite slow, mostly focused on Devon’s life and backstory, without much happening plot-wise. While I understand the intention behind building his character, it made the story feel a bit stagnant at times, especially when I was expecting more of the magical elements.

Devon as a character was also difficult for me. While his anger and behavior are understandable given everything he goes through, I found it hard to connect with him. The way he expresses himself — often through anger and physical reactions — felt uncomfortable at times, and I wasn’t a fan of how that was portrayed throughout the story.

That said, the writing itself is solid, and I did appreciate the message behind the ending — the idea that sometimes change requires sacrifice. It was a meaningful way to wrap things up.

Overall, it’s an interesting concept with potential, but I was left wishing for more magic, more balance between plot and character, and a stronger sense of direction.

[BookishBee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Steven Charles, for this eARC.

I loved the idea of this book, a magical door that appears when you need it most. Our main character, 15-year-old Devon, stumbles upon the shop with items that call to you that can help change the course of your life. He begins to work for the shopkeeper, further uncovering the magic behind the shop, and in turn, helps to change his life.

Devon went through so much tragedy that no kid should go through. Going through the death of his father after a suicide, he and his mother move to New York, living in a dump of an apartment, barely able to afford much of anything. His mother occasionally beats him, letting her anger and stress out on her son. Devon gets picked on and bullied at school fairly badly, and in turn, he is angry at the world. I did not like how he justified how he treated those around him, using his anger and lashing out at those close to him. In many instances, he used anger and violence to express himself, and I didn't really like how that can come across to young teens reading this book.

The writing was really well done, and the ending was sweet, giving a message that you have to give up certain aspects of your life to change it and make it better.

[Erin Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Devon is a 15 year old boy who has experienced more tragedy in his short life than most. He lost his father to gruesome suicide and ended up living in poverty with his mom in the slums of New York. Devon is bullied constantly and has no friends. He is running away from bullies chasing him around New York when he stumbles into a magical thrift shop that flips his life upside down.

This standalone story brought together teenage angst, realities of living in a big city barely surviving, and the magic that history can bring to anyone’s lives. The thrift shop is meant to find those when they need it the most. The items in the shop call to people when they are ready for them. Of course a shop like this needs a shop keeper. We go through the trials alongside Devon as the shop chooses him and he has to battle his way to living his life while also committing himself to the shop.

This story was well paced and had enough realism to make the magic seem possible. I very much enjoyed reading this.

[Raychel Klotz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading The Thrift Shop early, and this one took me by surprise.

A mysterious red door appears just in time to shield a high school boy from his bullies, leading him into a strange thrift shop he does not remember being there. As he hides, the bullies are drawn to different items on the shelves… items that "call" to people. What they don’t realize is that each object carries its own history, good or bad.

Devon lives with his mother, doing his best to navigate bullies, love life, and everyday school struggles. When he starts working at the thrift shop, an item calls to him too. But opportunity does not come free, and only Devon can decide the best path.

The writing gives us a clear, emotional look at bullying, survival, and the difference between need and want. The blend of fantasy, magic, family dynamics, and a backdrop of horror creates a story that's heartfelt and eye opening. Also, the last part turned into a horror fever dream that was awesome!

I Recommend, and wont be going into any thrift stores with red doors.

[Mystyc Metrik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was an interesting story, but I'd have liked to see more of the items in the Thrift Shop. Devon, our protagonist, escapes into the thrift shop to escape some bullies, who the shopkeeper allows to choose a "free" item in order to get them to leave. In fact, all items are free if they "call" to a person, as Devon learns when he's called by one. He gets a part-time job there and grows closer to both the shopkeeper and one of the customers, Ginni. However, when presented with a Sophie's choice between his present and his mom's future, he starts a cascade of events that he could never have anticipated. I thought the characters felt not entirely developed, and there was a lot going on - Devon's relationships, his father's suicide, Mr. Growling, Ginni, the shopkeeper, etc. I enjoyed the story but it was more of a huh that's interesting than a riveting page turner. Still kind of an interesting concept, but I think there was some potential that wasn't fully realized. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to start by saying the premise of the book is so very appealing. A thrift shop full of items that pull at people and can change their lives for better or worse, depending on how they're used?? Sign me up!! (I mean, I did sign up). I feel like this book could have been a mix of being plot and character-driven, but it was pretty much overwhelmingly character-driven. And that character was a 17-year-old boy with BIG feelings ALL THE TIME. Now that in itself isn't inherently bad, but we focused so much on him and his feelings about his girlfriend (both PG and R), his outbursts of anger, his immaturity, etc., that the plot of the thrift shop and its items became a sidenote. The supporting characters were also pretty immature at times. His mom and the shopkeeper frustrated me to no end.

Regardless, I have never written a book. I give kudos for doing that and having a great idea. I don't want to say rewrite it, but it could be great.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mr. Elex Icon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this story to be very intriguing. While the idea of a used items shop that has magical inventory is not unique, Mr. Charles does a great job of giving it a fresh twist. The items aren't cursed, per se., but... I won't give it away. Let's just say it warps the standard trope enough to keep it familiar but provide a fresh take on it.
The characters were good, believable in their actions and reactions. The protagonist(s) are teenagers, causing their moods and behaviors to vary, as they do in real life. Real world troubles drive our MC, providing a background that most can relate to - high school bullying, divorce, and money worries.
I enjoyed reading The Thrift Shop, and if you enjoy tales that are based in the real world but offer a small glimpse into something bigger and bolder, something magical and elusive, then I know you'll enjoy this story.

[My_Books_In_Nooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review of ‘The Thrift Shop’

What an interesting book.
When Devon runs through a special door which hold a space of countless possibilities, either horrible or beautiful.
When he gets a job here, he embarks on a journey of personal growth, good and bad ways.

I did have some thoughts how he treated the ones closest to him.
He put his hands in his GF, how he is with his mom, he is very physical in a negative way for a teenage boy.
Which makes me feel uncumfy for younger readers to read.
Felt like normalizing these ‘tantrums’ by being physical. I don’t know how I feel about this.
His upbringing was bad, so I can understand where his anger comes from.
I just hope that younger readers will not ‘learn’ from what this character goes through.
But in the end, the here have to be sacrifices to get back what you really desire.
And that was a great message for everybody.

3/5⭐️

[Heather H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Thrift Shop is a contemporary fiction novel that explores themes of personal growth, emotional resilience, and the complexities of human relationships. Like other standout works in the genre, it presents characters whose journeys are marked by genuine compassion and authenticity, inviting readers to engage with their vulnerabilities and strengths. The narrative is expertly paced, balancing moments of drama with quieter, introspective scenes that deepen emotional impact. Through evocative settings and thoughtfully crafted connections, the novel presents a dynamic interplay between tenderness and conflict, ultimately offering a memorable reading experience for fans of character-driven storytelling and those seeking inspiration and emotional resonance.