The Slither Sisters, by Charles Gilman, is the second spine-tingling instalment in the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series and it delivers another thrilling dose of fantasy horror for young readers. Set in the eerie halls of Lovecraft Middle School in Dunwich, Massachusetts, a name that will ring a bell for fans of H. P. Lovecraft’s weird fiction, this instalment continues the adventures of 12-year-old Robert Arthur and his unlikely band of allies. Packed with a fantastic blend of creepy creatures, school politics and interdimensional danger, The Slither Sisters is a fast-paced, thrilling and exciting read, one that is perfect for readers aged 8+, especially ones who enjoy a touch of the macabre lurking between the pages.
Now the story continues, picking up from where Professor Gargoyle, the first book in the series, left off, cleverly opening with a dream sequence that serves as a recap to help readers reorient themselves without slowing the pace. Young Robert is once again joined by the former school bully, Glenn, who is now his loyal friend; Karina, the mysterious ghost girl; and Pip & Squeak, the ravenous two-headed rat who adds a dash of grotesque humour to the mix. Together, this unlikely group of friends must confront a new threat in the school: the Price sisters, Sarah and Sylvia. The Price sisters have just returned to school after a five-day disappearance, but something is seriously off. Their popularity remains intact, yet their behaviour is chillingly strange. As it turns out, the sisters are not who they seem – they are monstrous entities in disguise, known ominously as the Slither Sisters.
Sarah is now campaigning for Student Council President and the stakes soon escalate quickly. Her plan isn’t just to win votes and become the Student Council President but has a more evil aim – to abduct students and further the sinister agenda of the alternate dimension lurking within the school’s walls. To stop her, Robert must run against her in the election, which plunges him into a battle not just for leadership, but for the very soul of Lovecraft Middle School.
Overall, I think that The Slither Sisters is a fun, creepy and clever continuation in the Lovecraft Middle School series, a series that’s quickly proving itself to be exceptional in the middle-grade horror genre. Balancing action and adventure with humour, horror and heart with impressive ease, it leaves readers eager for the next chapter – Teacher’s Pest. For fans of spooky school stories, monstrous mysteries and brave young heroes, this is a book, and series, worth sinking your teeth into (or maybe it will sink its teeth into you first). The idea of a hidden “alternaverse” within the school buildings adds a rich layer of mystery coated with eerie tension to the story, while the imaginative world-building ensures that readers are constantly surprised.
What makes The Slither Sisters particularly appealing to it young readers is its readability. It is very easy to read with it short chapters, brisk pacing and relentless action. Scenes are well-crafted; vivid, suspenseful and just scary enough to thrill without overwhelming. The book’s holographic cover, which morphs between images, is a brilliant touch that will undoubtedly catch the eye of curious readers browsing the shelves – it is an excellent physical representation of the story’s central theme that appearances can be deceptive.
I also feel that this series is an excellent choice for reluctant readers as the language is straightforward, the plot engaging and the characters memorable. Parents should note that the books are American, so some terminology and spelling may differ from UK conventions, but this is unlikely to hinder the enjoyment.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £12.99 (Hardback)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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