Review Detail

FIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE is a fantastic horror middle grade read that will definitely make readers want to turn on all the lights! Jamal feels invisible, especially when compared to his twin, Malik, who is popular, good at everything, and is always in the spotlight. After his grandmother's death, she sends something special for each twin. Malik gets an awesome trumpet, which has been passed down through the generations of great jazz players in their family. Jamal gets an ugly necklace that his grandmother always used to wear and a warning about the shadows.

When he tries to throw it away, the skull eyes glow, and he ends up keeping it, hoping that the protection his grandmother thought was in it will keep his bullies at bay. Instead, the necklace seems to attract a strange and dangerous man, Dr. Facilier, who desperately wants it. Dr. Facilier immediately pinpoints Jamal's weakness and offers him all the things he has wanted - in exchange for the necklace.

Jamal resists, but as Dr. Facilier's friends on the other side seem to keep coming after him, Jamal seems to think more and more about the bargain - for all the things Jamal wishes he could have.

This is a creepy good read for middle grade readers with the right amount of scary. This is not a happy-ending book, but a good ghost-story style read. Fans of GOOSEBUMPS will love reading this clever new series.

The book also has some intriguing lessons about jealousy and appreciation for yourself as you are that are really important for this age group, and make it an easily relatable read. Jamal is an understandable character who is trying to do the best he can while also wishing for the grass on the other side. Other characters we meet are equally intriguing, and middle grade readers are sure to enjoy Jamal's story - though beware the Shadow Man.

Perfect for the month leading up to Halloween, FIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE is a chillingly creepy read that will make readers want to leave the lights on.