*This post contains affiliate links. if you use these links to buy something, I may earn a small commission.*
Book Details
- Title: Nightbooks
- J.A. White
- Publisher: Clarion Books
- Page Count: 320
- Genre: Middle-Grade, Fantasy
- Mood
- Available Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Get the Book
Synopsis
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.
Format Read: Paperback
Stories are dangerous; they change you. —J.A. White, Nightbooks
You know the adage “write what you know”? That’s how this little spooky nugget ended up in my TBR pile. This semester, I’m taking a fiction workshop for creative writing, and I’ve been dipping my toes into the world of middle-grade fiction. So why not research a little—and immerse myself in middle-grade spooky worlds that combine my love of horror and heart? I was all in.
After a bit of bookish digging, I stumbled across J.A. White’s work and was immediately intrigued. His stories seemed to have everything I was looking for: clever premises, eerie atmosphere, and that perfect mix of wonder and unease. So I built an entire reading month around my Middle-Grade Magic theme — Dark Academia edition. September’s reads were so much fun! I haven’t been this immersed in fictional worlds in a long time, and honestly, my TBR grew thanks to all the other fantastic middle-grade titles I discovered along the way.
Nightbooks was one of those rare reads that completely pulled me in and didn’t let go until long after I turned the final page. I’m still thinking (and talking) about how much I loved it—and now I can’t wait to curl up one evening after a long day and watch the movie adaptation. That’s how you know a story cast its spell.
My Thoughts...
This book was the perfect blend of Stephen King and Roald Dahl, all wrapped up beautifully in a gorgeous cover. There was just enough subtlety to the mystery of the apartment — the magic, Natacha the witch, and Alex’s discovery in the library — and the whispers of a fairytale, vivid characters, and of course, the grumpy cat, Lenore.
As much as I adored the story and characters, there were a few things that stood out to me from a reader and writer perspective — those little details that make a story sparkle.
What worked
Pacing and Atmosphere
I was hooked from the very first chapter, which is a first for me. I usually need at least three to five chapters to really be pulled in, but this doesn’t wait to throw you right into the adventure and then keeps the fast-paced action throughout.
As an adult now, I know the kid version of me would’ve sat up, flashlight under the covers, trying to finish this book as quickly as she could. I wouldn’t have left the stairs (my favorite place to read during the day) until I had devoured the entire thing.
Characters that Stick
The characters were realistic — not necessarily likeable — but I became invested in Alex and Yasmin almost as soon as they were shut into the apartment.
My favorite character of the entire book? The cat, Lenore, who doesn’t say a word! She was sassy and, at times, the villain, so her appearances within the story were some of my favorites.
“The cat, however, did not seem eager for companionship. It looked back at him with a condescending expression: Stop talking to me. I'm a cat.”
There were several places throughout the story that I found myself giggling at Lenore and her antics, and by the end, she was the character who, to me, had changed the most.
The Magic of Discovery
There’s so much more I could tell you, but I think if I told you all of my thoughts on this book, I’d ruin the experience of reading it for yourself. And I feel that it’s something you should experience for yourself, without having the magic ruined.
What didn't work (or what could be stronger)
As much as I loved this book, there were a few small moments that left me wishing for a bit more depth.
Toward the climax, there’s a major reveal, and I found myself wanting just a touch more backstory in that moment. Maybe that’s the adult reader in me, completely enthralled and craving to understand how everything came to be — but I wanted to linger there longer. A little more detail about the characters and the history behind that reveal could have added an extra layer of eeriness to an already haunting story.
It might have also rounded out Natacha (the witch) a bit more, giving her a touch of complexity that made her feel almost sympathetic by the end. And honestly? I’d love a prequel — something that lets us see her story unfold. Maybe that’s just the reader in me not ready to leave this world behind.
Takeaways:
What I loved most—beyond the scares and storytelling—was what this book reminded me about writing: that creepiness lives in the details. It’s often the things hinted at but not fully revealed until the end that linger the longest. The build-up between that first chapter and the final reveal had me literally saying, “Wait—what?!” in the best possible way.
As I move into the writing phase of my creative writing course, I’m taking a few lessons from Nightbooks with me: pacing doesn’t have to be fast and furious, but it should never wander. The balance is what keeps readers hooked without rushing the magic. Sometimes a non-speaking character can hold just as much depth as one who has dialogue—and let’s be honest, animals almost always steal the show. And those small, imaginative details—a blue mist, an underground nursery, a magic apartment—matter more than readers realize. They’re what make the world unforgettable.
As I step into my own middle-grade story world, these lessons feel like a guide. Keep the pacing steady, the details deliberate, the humor tucked between shadows, and the characters relatable (preferably with a loyal animal sidekick). Nightbooks reminded me why I love writing stories that make readers lean in, hold their breath, and feel the wonder behind the weird.
My Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 Stars)
This one surprised me in all the best ways. It’s creepy, clever, and emotionally rich — a story that lingers long after the last page.
Originally a 4.5, but the longer I sat with it, the more I realized this is a full five-star read.
Recommendation
Great for readers who love:
- Eerie worldbuilding that feels alive
- Clever storytelling and nested tales
- Sassy, scene-stealing animals
- Characters who face fear with humor
- Magic that’s beautiful and unsettling
Perfect for adults craving a cozy-creepy story that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place.
If you loved...
If you loved the haunting small-space tension of The Shining, the fairy-tale dread of Coraline, or the gothic cleverness of The Thirteenth Tale, you’ll adore Nightbooks.
It has the heart of The House with Chicken Legs, the eerie charm of The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and just enough twisted whimsy to feel like a bedtime story you’re not sure you should tell.
From the Editor's Desk...
In my original review on GoodReads, I rated this a 4.5 out of 5 stars — but the longer I’ve sat with it, and now that I’ve written this reflection for the blog, I’ve changed my mind. This is a full five-star read.
From the vivid characters to the intricately built world inside the apartment — and the magic that traps and transforms them — this story is pure enchantment. It’s one of those rare books that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. I’ve been thinking about it, talking about it, and recommending it to anyone who loves middle-grade fiction with a dash of horror.
I have a feeling a few kids on our Christmas list will be unwrapping copies of this one.
If you’ve ever wished Stephen King and Roald Dahl had collaborated on something spooky, clever, and heartfelt, Nightbooks is it. And when you’ve finished, come find me on Instagram or drop a comment below — I’d love to hear your thoughts on this magical world.
