The MagazineCanada

This ten-story collection pulls together works by different authors, each centering on boys and built to deliver quick, gripping thrills. The appeal lies in variety: some tales lean toward uncanny hauntings, others toward sly, everyday fears that feel suddenly dangerous when the lights go out. One standout tale revolves around a pair of ghostly glasses that reveal things hidden from ordinary sight, turning a simple moment into a doorway for what might be seen and what might be feared. The stories are short enough to read in one sitting, yet they are crafted with enough atmosphere and character to linger in the imagination long after the last page is turned. Readers who enjoy swift, spine-tingling suspense will find plenty to savor here, with moments of humor breaking the tension and a few twists that catch the reader off guard. What unites the collection is its focus on boy protagonists who confront situations that stretch their courage and curiosity, offering insights into resilience, imagination, and the thrill of discovery even in frightening circumstances. The editors—collectors of voices rather than a single, dominant author—offer a balanced mix of pitches: some stories hum with brisk tempo, others breathe with quiet dread, yet all are anchored in clear narration and vivid detail that makes the fear feel immediate. The ghost-glasses tale, in particular, showcases how a fantastical premise can serve as a mirror for what a young reader fears most: the unknown, the consequences of choices, and the difficulty of knowing when to trust what one sees. The collection rewards attentive readers who notice texture in language, tone shifts, and the ways a small setting can become a stage for big emotions. It works as an introduction to horror that respects its audience, delivering clean, concise prose, crisp dialogue, and constructively unsettling imagery rather than gratuitous shock. For parents and educators, the book offers accessible entry points into discussions about fear, courage, and the difference between imagination and reality, without talking down to readers or turning away from authentic emotion. In short, this ten-story set proves that short horror can be serious, entertaining, and emotionally resonant; it invites readers to lean in, fasten their seat belts, and discover that fear, when handled with care, can illuminate resilience, empathy, and the power of a well-told tale.