Paul Tremblay’s Another is a masterfully written mystery thriller that skillfully captures the suffocating anxiety of isolation and the psychological toll of being trapped—both physically and emotionally. Though labeled as YA fiction, the book’s nuanced exploration of its themes resonates deeply with readers of all ages, offering a complex and immersive experience.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its atmospheric tension, mirroring the feelings many experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tremblay achieves his goal of evoking the universal anxiety of that time without directly referencing it. Instead, through the main character’s unraveling sense of self and confinement, the book conveys the claustrophobia and unease that defined much of the global experience. The struggles of children, in particular, who were used to escaping to school as a reprieve, are poignantly represented, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative.
The story remarkably addresses heavy topics like bullying without being overly heavy-handed. The bullying subplot is handled with sensitivity and purpose, showcasing its long-lasting effects on individuals while emphasizing the possibility of recovery through support and resilience. Tremblay artfully shifts the focus from the trauma itself to the healing process, with the protagonist’s parents playing a pivotal role in guiding their child toward resolution.
While the book’s ending leaves some questions unanswered, this ambiguity feels deliberate and aligns with Tremblay’s belief that stories have "beginnings before beginnings" and "endings after endings." This open-mindedness encourages readers to reflect on the character’s lives beyond the final page, but it may also leave some yearning for more closure.
Despite the suffocating tension, a thread of hope is running through the narrative, making Another a fantastically rewarding read. Tremblay's writing is immersive, his characters relatable, and his themes universally compelling. This book lingers in the mind long after it ends, offering layers of meaning to unpack.
Highly recommended for those seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant thriller, Another is a powerful testament to Tremblay’s ability to craft stories that echo both the personal and the universal.

This book was just scary enough for children and I loved how wholesome it is. I enjoyed as an adult, and I would definitely buy it for my 9 year old daughter.

Let me admit that I love Tremblay's work and I'll read anything by him.
I got an ARC from Net Galley and the publisher. This was a trippy book. Very clever and unique! I'm not sure I "get" what was going on, and the ending left me confused. But I couldn't put it down and I'm so glad I got to read it.

Ever since the pandemic, Casey Wilson has had a difficult time fitting back in with his peers. Something called the ‘Zoom incident’ occurred, and now Casey has withdrawn from all of his old friendships.
One day his parents come home with an old rotary phone, and when it rings, things start to change. Casey’s parents inform him he will have a friend coming over for a sleepover, but no details of who it will be. When Morel arrives, Casey can tell something is not quite right about him, specifically his appearance. His father also tells Casey’s parents that Morel cannot eat or sleep in a bed. Despite the rules that come with Morel, Casey’s parents are delighted with him.
Casey thinks Morel’s skin looks like he’s made of clay, but his parents don’t seem to notice. Over time, Morel’s appearance begins to look more human. But the more human he looks, the more Casey’s parents draw away from Casey and praise Morel.
What is going on with this odd new friend and where exactly did he come from?


I really enjoyed this middle-grade horror. It felt like a classic 90’s Goosebumps book, and I loved the cozy, nostalgic feeling.

Tremblay did a magnificent job of capturing the essence of a child during the early pandemic times. 👏🏻

I love a horror story that touches on relatable topics and gives all the feels. This one certainly did just that.

Our protagonist, Casey, is dealing with anxiety and isolation at school-manifesting physically in the form of tics. And while he initially thought his “friend” Morel just showing up for an extended was weird and off-putting, he starts to become grateful for a friend. Unfortunately, he starts seeing and experiencing strange changes for him and his parents, and they are not for the better.

Tremblay does a great job of creating a story around the idea of a kid who after experiencing something he deems traumatic, sees his fear of isolation and feeling invisible comes to life. Casey also fears not being good enough at anything he tries-drawing, baseball-and not being able to live up to “expectations”. But even though he feels things slipping out of his control, he finds that he truly does form a friendship with Morel, and finds someone who cares for him just as he is. He also learns to fight for who he is, and what he has-despite it all coming dangerously close to being ripped away.

Tremblay gives us a protagonist worth cheering for, and a story equal parts unsettling and heartwarming. I enjoyed this middle school book and other will, too.

Another by Paul Tremblay took me back to my roots of reading good, wholesome horror when I was a kid! Atmospheric and fast paced, this novel will keep you hooked and not wanting to put down. Tremblay is a master weaver of stories and as always, leaves you wanting more.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's for allowing me to devour this ARC!

What a great middle school “horror-genre” read.

It was an all-around great story that draws you in right away and has you questioning what is going on from the very beginning.

I kept thinking, say something!!!!!!! What are you doing?!?!?

I did enjoy how it ended.

It definitely is a book I would have never seen back in my day when I was of middle school age, but I love that kids nowadays have the opportunity to read books like this now.

I received this advanced reader copy from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book. I have been a fan of Paul Tremblay's writing for a few years now, and am impressed that he is able to craft a story for young people as well as he does for adults. This reminded me a lot of R.L. Stein's Goosebumps series.

Casey is a boy struggling with the loneliness of being neurodivergent, when a man shows up at his door with a "friend" for him. Through a chain of events, Casey and his friend begin to closely resemble one another. The story is the perfect balance of terrifying and tame, just right for young readers.

🍄 ┊ “ the beginning isn't always obvious or easy to pinpoint. ”

This is my intro to middle-grade horror, and I loved every page of it! The beginning, when Morel first arrived in the sack, was a great opening to what was a book filled with (age appropriate) unsettling moments; from the uncanniness of Morel's body to the odd reactions from Casey's parents, it was impossible to put down. I was engrossed, and very interested in finally learning just what Morel was (as well as more about the strange man who'd brought Morel to their house in the first place!).

Casey, the protagonist, was very easy to relate to. I thought his tics and anxiety were a nice touch, showing children that anyone could be the hero. I really enjoyed his growth, and thought that his story's ending was satisfying. He was a sweet kid and definitely deserved a happy ending.

All in all, this is a great introduction to horror for younger readers! I think many kids will be able to relate to Casey, and enjoy the frights that Paul Tremblay supplies. I can't wait to read more of his works!

This book scared me! I thought I was ok to read horror books as other books I've read by this author didn't scare me much. This one is different, but it's also for teenagers so that doesn't make sense! The story is about Casey, a teen who gets settled with a "friend" that his parents invite over on his behalf. The "friend" is unlike any other kids Casey has ever been friends with. I was creeped out by what happens at night over the sleepover that never ends.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Another Paul Tremblay masterpiece (no pun intended)! What a fantastic middle grade horror. I was sucked in from the beginning and would have finished this in one sitting, if I didn’t have other priorities this week. When a strange man brings an even stranger friend to Casey’s house, immediately my brain goes, “Why would his parents be OK with this!?” and as the story unfolds, my mind goes even further down the WTF rabbit hole. Great for horror fans of all ages! A must read, for sure. Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collin’s Children’s Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Well, this was certainly a lot of fun! I can’t stop thinking about how much I would’ve loved having this book as a youngster. I was always a Goosebumps reader and this reminds me a bit of that but with much more story and depth.

I really bounced back and forth about how I felt about Morel. I liked him, then I hated him, and then I liked him again.

This story plays out like a claustrophobic nightmare, and I mean that in a good way. I’ve read almost all of Paul Tremblay’s regular horror work and this was a nice surprise to come from him. Middle grade readers are going to love this.

It’s a quick and page turning read that is full of suspense with likable characters. Also, who doesn’t love a creepy old rotary phone?!

Another by Paul Tremblay is a dark and thought-provoking psychological thriller that pulls readers into a world where nothing is quite what it seems. Tremblay's signature blend of eerie suspense, complex characters, and unsettling twists makes this a gripping and unpredictable read. The novel explores themes of grief, identity, and the blurring of reality, all set against the backdrop of a disturbing and surreal situation.

The story follows the main character, who finds himself caught in a strange, almost supernatural event that defies explanation. As he navigates his increasingly warped reality, the tension mounts, and the sense of unease becomes almost palpable. Tremblay does an excellent job of keeping readers on edge, slowly unraveling the mystery while leaving just enough ambiguity to keep the suspense alive.

The character development in Another is one of the book's strengths. The protagonist is relatable and complex, and his internal struggles add emotional depth to the eerie premise. The pacing is strong, with the plot steadily building to a climax that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. Tremblay’s writing is atmospheric and immersive, pulling the reader deeper into the mystery with each turn of the page.

That said, while Another is a highly engaging and well-crafted novel, the ending may leave some readers feeling a bit perplexed. The ambiguity and open-ended nature of the conclusion may not satisfy everyone, particularly those who prefer a more definitive resolution. However, for those who appreciate a story that challenges perceptions and explores complex themes, it’s a satisfying, if slightly ambiguous, conclusion.

Overall, Another is a solid four-star read—compelling, eerie, and thought-provoking. Paul Tremblay once again delivers a gripping psychological thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, though the final ambiguity may leave some craving more closure. It’s a must-read for fans of psychological horror and literary thrillers. I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.

5/🍄‍🟫🫚🕸️🫚🍄‍🟫

Sinking and molding, ah. Two things I’m very familiar with. Paul got me with this book. I hate mushrooms so much, probably as much as Paul hates pickles.

Another is the story of a boy named Casey. He’s down on his luck. Something happened at school and his sister is away at college, but his parents just showed him how to use an old rotary phone so there’s that. He loves to draw and play video games, but he’s lonely. Then a strange man visits with a “gift” and says it’s for him. He reveals the gift as a boy (in a bag!) called Morel, but Morel’s skin is like clay and Casey is confused, but his parents seem thrilled for him to have a sleepover so he goes with it. The man leaves and Morel stays. Time goes by and as Casey reveals more and more of himself to us and Morel, his life, his hobbies, and his family, Morel begins to take shape...

Disappearance will always be my favorite but Another is tied with it, or second if you don’t believe in ties. This book is so good. It’s middle grade, but any reader who likes eeriness, like a shivering kind of creepy, and a younger main character like Casey (who is the best!) will love this book. It was reminiscent of Coraline, Longlegs (solely for the clay mannequin boy), Get Out, and Enemy for me, but it is very much its own ominous and unique tale!!

Something about YA horror connects me to my weird, dark but cool and self-assured inner child and reminds me of why I fell in love with reading in the first place. You’re such a great writer, @paulgtremblay. Thanks for another favorite!

Don’t sleep on this one. Another comes out on July 22! Perfect summer treat. Thank you so much to Netgalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the arc!

This novel feels like a classic 90s to early 2000s Goosebumps novella, and I found myself enjoying it far more than I initially expected. I was initially skeptical about setting, which is during the pandemic, I appreciate how the author chose to explore a demographic often overlooked, the school-age kids grappling with these circumstances. The fact that the author was an educator during this time added a layer of authenticity.
While the book is technically middle grade, there are moments where it goes into YA territory. I was especially impressed by how the author presented difficult topics in an accessible, yet thoughtful way, trusting young readers to process them.
That said, I do hope the author will move away from pretentious writing and focus more on nature horror where his talents truly shine.

Tremblay nails this one. Is his usual ambiguity at play? No. But he spins a great narrative, with a unique and terrifying concept, that will leave you racing to get to the end to see how it all unfolds. It's a great piece of storytelling that will be enjoyable to all audiences, not just younger readers.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In "Another," Paul Tremblay crafts a chilling, introspective narrative that delves into the dark recesses of human nature and the uncanny. The novel introduces readers to a seemingly ordinary protagonist whose life is upended by a series of inexplicable, eerie events.

Tremblay's writing style is sharp and atmospheric. He effortlessly evokes a sense of unease that permeates the entire novel, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to build gradually and keeping readers hooked.

The characters in "Another" are well-developed and multifaceted. Tremblay excels in portraying their psychological depth, capturing their fears, doubts, and moments of vulnerability. The protagonist's journey is particularly compelling, as they grapple with their own sanity while trying to uncover the truth behind the unsettling occurrences.

One of the standout aspects of "Another" is its thematic exploration. Tremblay delves into the concepts of identity, memory, and the fragility of the human mind. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of reality and the power of perception, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease and contemplation.

While "Another" is a gripping and atmospheric read, it does have moments where the pacing could be tighter. Some readers may find the slow-burn approach a bit frustrating, but it ultimately pays off with a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion.

"Another" is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that showcases Paul Tremblay's talent for weaving intricate and unsettling narratives. It is a must-read for fans of psychological horror and those who enjoy stories that challenge their perceptions of reality.

For middle-grade, this was a pretty creepy book. Paul Tremblay did a great job writing, what feels like, something most ages will find unsettling. He hits the fears that we feel as we get into the early teens and the primal fears most people have. He even gives a lesson on new things to be afraid of...
A running theme in his works has always seemed to be heart (from what I've read so far). That lends itself well to a book for kids.
Get it for your kids, then read it when they go to sleep!

Wow! I read this book in about two sittings. I admittedly have been a little burned out/less than impressed with more recent adult books from Paul Tremblay so I was hesitant to give this a try but I am glad I did. Any concern that I am not the target audience flew out the window, the target audience is anyone who loves a solid creepy book. COVID being referenced a few times through out the book really does highlight the emotional state of some of the characters and their development. If this is Paul’s foray into middle school books, he has a winner on his hands and I look forward to more.

If there is any criticism, I will say this review is coming from an adult horror, an average middle schooler might find the pacing and build up to be on the slower side. That said, those that do stick with it can become the next generation of horror literature fans.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for this advanced copy.

As a former Goosebumps kid, imagine my delight in reading this creeptastic middle grade gem from one of my favorites! I’m a BIG fan of the “something is clearly wrong but I’m the only one who knows it” trope so this was right up my alley. I loved the creepiness and Tremblay’s storytelling, as always, is top notch. I was unsettled, anxious, and captivated. Younger Me would have loved it just as much as current me does and I sure hope this isn’t the last novel of its type we get from Tremblay! As a middle school teacher myself, I would totally recommend this to my school’s media specialist to check out in the hopes it could be included in our school’s library. Thanks to the publishers and to NetGalley for sending this my way!