Gloam is a hauntingly atmospheric book that celebrates the power of sibling bonds and the unexpected family that can be found in a step-parent. It’s a great choice for readers who enjoy a story that skillfully combines both physical and psychological horror.
While the overarching themes are universal, I will note that this might not be a book for every reader. There is some pretty intense psychological manipulation in this one, making for a very unlikable antagonist and an unsettling read. As the manipulation clearly becomes a form of abuse, you want to shake the step-dad and disbelieving siblings and tell them to get a clue, but all the reader can do is sit there and watch as the horrors unfold. It is frustratingly tense at times, and I did feel that some moments were a bit contrived.
Overall, this is a good read that I would recommend to fans of the genre.
Note: I received this book as an ARC. It is scheduled to be released August 12, 2025.
4 stars
Genres: Middle Grade, Horror
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