Nightbooks
VERDICT: Avoid
Concern Level: High
Christian Parent Review
Concern LevelHigh
Concerning & Potentially Concerning Content
This is a children's horror story. It feels like a gateway book into darker and darker stories.
VerdictAvoid
Our Thoughts
This is a scary story in the middle of which more scary stories are told… to a witch… that has kidnapped/captured and imprisoned a young boy. There is a very real sense of darkness revolving around it. This is another in a line of kid's horror-type books and like those others it should be a pass from a Christian parent perspective. Keep in mind what we as Christians are called to be focused on: 'Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.'
Plot SummaryNote: This information is typically from the publisher.Use with caution
A boy is imprisoned by a witch and must tell her a new scary story each night to stay alive. This thrilling contemporary fantasy from J. A. White, the acclaimed author of the Thickety series, brings to life the magic and craft of storytelling. Alex's original hair-raising tales are the only thing keeping the witch Natacha happy, but soon he'll run out of pages to read from and be trapped forever. He's loved scary stories his whole life, and he knows most don't have a happily ever after. Now that Alex is trapped in a true terrifying tale, he's desperate for a different ending—and a way out of this twisted place.
Purchase LinkAbove Reproach: We intentionally do NOT use referral links on this site.No purchase convenience link provided for 'Avoid' books
Other Reviews for this Book
Plugged In (Movie review)
Note: This is for the movie Netflix made based on the book, but it will prove useful to parents. Notice they categorize this as 'Horror'. This review steps through nearly the entire plot in detail if interested.
Plugged In often 'buries the lead' when it comes to concerning content. Also, the image on this movie review looks somewhat tame, but really imagine this content in the mind of a child reading the book.
Read ReviewCommon Sense Media
This is a perfect example of the danger to christian families on using 'Common Sense Media' reviews. Calling this book 'creepy, but sweet' and saying the 'rewards are huge' to those who are not 'sensitive souls' and labeling it 'Fantasy' is absolutely sending the wrong message to parents. CSM at times can provide helpful insight into concerning content, but they often promote a liberal secular worldview that Christians should be very cautious of. Also, while sometimes helpful, always be cautious of putting too much weight on 'parent' reviews
Read ReviewScripture Reflection
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
— 1 John 2:15-17
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