Uncanny

A chilling stand-alone novel by the acclaimed David Macinnis Gill. This original and sinister spin on gothic tradition will appeal to fans of Asylum, American Horror Story: Coven, and The Walking Dead.When a bolt of lightning causes a Boston-wide blackout on her sixteenth birthday, Willow Jane doesn’t think anything of it—until she begins stopping time, until she comes face-to-face with her menacing familiar, until her sister disappears.But these aren’t the only strange and horrifying things to come out of the storm. An ancient witch named the Shadowless has awoken and escaped from her crypt, and she’s looking for revenge on Willow Jane’s family.From the critically acclaimed author of Black Hole Sun and Soul Enchilada, this eerie horror story lingers long after its bloody end, and is perfect for fans of Madeleine Roux, The Ghost Files, and anyone who likes things that go bump in the night.

From School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up—Willow Jane's 16th birthday is marked by a citywide blackout in her hometown of Boston and a series of inexplicable events that range from eerie to downright horrifying. A 400-year-old witch, the Shadowless, who has a penchant for tearing people's thumbs off, emerges from her crypt seeking revenge for deeds done to her by Willow Jane's family centuries ago. In the ensuing hours, Willow Jane learns of the witch's vendetta and her own burgeoning supernatural power. Now the protagonist has to remove the witch's curse from her family and all of Boston before it is too late. The brevity of the chapters keeps the story moving at a rapid clip. Those who enjoy horror will appreciate vivid descriptions of the smell of seared skin, the appearance of a face with lips recently ripped off, and the feel of ravenous crows eating human flesh. The plethora of curses, curse blocks, and other elements inspired by Scottish folklore will enthrall fans of the supernatural, as will scenes in which Willow Jane manipulates time in order to achieve different outcomes. Willow Jane's tough-talking BFF, Siobhan, provides drams of comic relief and comforting realism. Harken, the witch's familiar who mesmerizes people with his good looks, has his own compelling backstory and he provides a romantic foil for Willow Jane. VERDICT Consider buying where demand for horror novels is high.—Jennifer Prince, Buncombe County Public Libraries, NC

School Library Journal

“Those who enjoy horror will appreciate...The plethora of curses, curse blocks, and other elements inspired by Scottish folklore will enthrall fans of the supernatural, as will scenes in which Willow Jane manipulates time in order to achieve different outcomes.”

New York Journal of Books

“Nonstop action...awaits with every turn of the page, making this a quick read. ...Fans of Daniel Kraus’ Rotters and Scowler will dive into Uncanny and demand more.”

About the Author

David Macinnis Gill is the award-winning author of Soul Enchilada, Black Hole Sun, Invisible Sun, Shadow on the Sun, Rising Sun, Uncanny, and Zombie Train. His books have been named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, a Kirkus Best Book, a Bank Street College Best Books of the Year, and an NYPL Stuff for the Teen Age as well as nominated for a variety of state and regional lists and awards. His short stories have appeared in several magazines and anthologies. He holds a doctorate in education from the University of Tennessee and was the president of ALAN (the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents) and an associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. David Macinnis Gill lives in North Carolina.

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