A story about grief, family, and what you are willing to sacrifice to keep your loved ones safe. it takes a little bit for the fantasy elements to come into play, around chapter 10. The book has a good conclusion where this could be all we get and it would be satisfying at the sametime there are some threads left open for a possible sequel.

A spooky middlegrade fantasy novel, first in the duology, about a boy who must venture into a magical forest in search of a cure for his sick brother all the while facing monsters, magic, and unlikely new friendships. All his life, it's been Nox and his twin brother Noah together, but as Noah grows sicker and no one can find an answer, Nox is determined to find a cure. Noah has always been the nicer and more social twin while all Nox has been good at is fighting and keeping to himself. Yet when Noah is moved to Evergreen to find a cure, Nox comes along too but he is convinced that Evergreen is doing more harm than good for his brother and is determined to find out how its connected to the stories of the cryptids and mysterious disappearances around. When Noah falls into a deep sleep Nox knows that he has to venture into the woods... into a world where it is eternal night and filled with supernatural creatures to find a way to cure his brother... but that means facing off against unlikely foes while also learning to make allies and friends for the first time in his life. This was a really fun first book in a series in and it definitely gave off Over the Garden Wall vibes, and makes a great read for the autumn season. I liked the strong brotherhood between Noah and Nox and I loved seeing Nox grow and opening himself up to making friends. It's a fun adventure and I am curious to see where the second book goes!

Release Date: September 3,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperCollins for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

"Nox Winters and the Midnight Wolf" is the first book in the Nox Winters middle grade series by Rochelle Hassan. Nox's twin brother Noah is sick with an unknown illness. To attempt to treat it, their mother has sent Noah to live with two old friends of hers (who happen to be cancer specialists) in the forest of Evergreen. Nox is always getting into trouble and fights in school and seems to be ruled by his anger. His mother makes an agreement with him: He can go stay with Noah as long as he doesn't get in trouble. Nox notices that things seem off. The story takes a supernatural turn when Nox sees a dark wolf-like figure stealing light from Noah when they are supposed to be asleep. The book then becomes an interesting fantasy with a magical woods, strange powers, and the twins hidden past.
A recommended purchase for middle grade collections where modern fantasy is popular.

Nox Winters and the Midnight Wolf contains a hidden world where it's always night, a mysterious illness, mythological beings plucked from the sky, and a protagonist who is slowly learning the value of friendship. I think kids will enjoy this one!