Format Read: Paperback
Number of pages: 336 pages
Published: February 11th, 2025
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review
Opening Lines: "They were whispering about her again."
Ix Tatterfall has always felt like an outcast in her small town of Brittlewick. She's the only one who can see Nightmares, dark creatures like Inklings, Mistcats, and Dire Frogs. Her classmates sadly are unable to see them and dismiss her as being strange, even accusing her of being a witch. Concerned over the growing rumors, her Aunt Tara urges Ix to keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention to herself. Which is difficult when her abilities set her apart from everyone else.
In the Kingdom of Spinar, the elite Candle Corps, known as the Flames, protect the realm from the dangers of the Labyrinth. Armed with magical weapons known as Shadow Renders, they banish Nightmares before they can breach the Waking World. Ix is one of the rare few who can enter the forbidden Labyrinth of Souls and possesses the unique ability to attract Nightmares.
During one of her secret excursions into the Labyrinth, Ix encounters Raggedy Jack, a scarecrow Nightmare who devours wraiths and lost souls. While trying to escape Jack, she becomes cornered by Captain Kel and Morrigan Bea, who are investigating the disturbance in the Labyrinth. Though Ix's powers seem to defy the rules of Spinar, Captain Kel recognizes her potential and invites her to train at Candle Corps Academy. Ix joins the novice class beside Morrigan Bea, a hot-tempered girl with a shadowy lineage, Ollie Pembrooke, a quiet bookish boy with a deep knowledge of Nightmares, and Hanky, a loyal Inkling who has followed her to the school. As the trio start their training, Raggedy Jack begins his hunt within the Waking World.
The Labyrinth of Souls is a perfect eerie escape for the Halloween season. With it's gruesome, nightmarish scarecrow, soul devouring Sorrows of Chaos, Terror, Misery and Greed, it wonderfully conjures a chilling atmosphere ideal for a crisp autumn night spent reading by flickering candlelight. The forbidden maze of dark magic also adds an extra layer of mystery that pulls you deeper into its haunted world.
I really love the blend of magical school and the gothic vibes of Ix's black and purple shirt, combat boots and violet overalls. They give her a moody, rebellious, edgy feel that fits perfectly with the story's eerie tone. It's reminiscent of both Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland, complete with a grinning cat of Chaos that Ix refers to as "Smiles." Topping it all off is the Devious Doorway, and a chilling mystery surrounding Ix's father, who's soul was lost within the maze while his body remains suspended in a crystalized state. Not to mention the malevolent voice trapped in the school's tower, begging Ix for help to escape.
It's haunting, whimsical and deliciously unsettling, perfect for anyone craving a spooky and magical adventure. The book also features a handful of black and white illustrations by Abigail Larson, that complement the story. I'm super excited to see that the next book in the series, The Nowhere Beast is set to release in February 2026. I'll definitely be counting down the days. ** A huge thank you Leslie Vedder for the paperback copy in exchange for an honest review **
I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE
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