When the nights start to get cooler in October, the wind blowing through the trees so that the leaves are rustling, the darker nights beckons young readers to seek out scary stories that send delightful shivers down their spines. October, the Halloween month, is the perfect time for tales that blend eerie enchantment with heart-pounding adventure. The Twig Man by Sana Rasoul delivers on every spooky promise: it’s a middle-grade horror fantasy that keeps children clinging to their torches under the covers, eager to turn just one more page.
One year has gone by since seventeen-year-old Lana vanished without a trace. Her nearly twelve-year-old, still grieving brother, Ari, refuses to entertain the idea that she ran away from home as her parents and the police believe. He’s convinced she was taken by the urban legend haunting their hometown of Hanging Hill – the aptly named Twig Man. For over 100 years, the so-called Twig Man has lurked in the dark woods, abducting children and vanishing without a whisper. When Ari follows a strange black cat into those same woods, he awakens the very monster he’s vowed to defeat. Now, racing against time and encroaching danger, Ari must confront his deepest fears to rescue his sister before he becomes the next victim.
Beware the Twig Man,
the Twig Man’s hex.
Beware the Twig Man,
or you’ll be NEXT!
– Sana Rasoul / The Twig Man
Overall, I have loved reading The Twig Man, it is a dark and chilling story that strikes the perfect balance between spine-tingling horror and heartfelt adventure, perfect for all year round – not just Halloween! A tale that’s equally about family bonds and facing the unknown. Opening with an ominous warning that sinks its hooks in, it keeps you gripped until you turn that final page.
The Twig Man is an exciting and eerie adventure that enthrals its readers. As young readers follow the black cat into the woods with Ari they will start to feel the fear of Ari and his friend Timmy as they try to defeat the wicked Twig Man, who has been regularly stealing children with ease. A excellent dark and creepy children’s horror that will keep readers tingling with frightful delight.
Sana Rasoul has created a very enjoyable and suitably scary tale for children (middle grade readers / age 8+). The atmosphere of the creepy woods and the unsettling Twig Man who is able control his surroundings, including the plant life, insects and animals which makes the woods are a very frightening place to be – especially for children, just jumps out of the out of the pages and grabs hold.
The story is also one of family dynamics. It examines how the with the disappearance of a family member the enormous effect it can have on a family – especially on 11 year old Ari who no longer has the freedoms that he once enjoyed with his parents becoming very over-protective.
The Twig Man is eerily scary and utterly enjoyable with mysterious black cats, creepy woods, possessed animals and an urban myth that is really alive. It is a story of sibling bonds, family dynamics, true friendship, courage and never giving up in the face of fear. Featuring great characters, an excellent writing style and plenty of scary tension that slowly builds until it explodes all over the pages, The Twig Man will keep you reading chapter after chapter into the dead of night (just make sure that there are no branches from a tree outside your bedroom window).
An atmospheric children’s horror novel that just crackles with energy and emotional depth. The pacing accelerates with each chapter, thrusting readers deeper into the haunted forest. The Twig Man will haunt hearts and imaginations of it young readers, beckoning young page turners and daring adventurers back into the woods time and again.
Readers will be drawn into a tale of fantasy and horror that is exciting and exhilarating. Young readers will just love it!
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £7.99 (Paperback) / £2.99 (Kindle)
For more information, visit sanarasoulauthor.co.uk. Available to buy from Amazon here.
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