My Review
I hadn’t realised before starting that this book carried religious undertones or that it was primarily aimed at readers aged 13–18. What initially drew me in was that it was a short story, and I love those. They’re perfect for stepping into something new without a huge commitment.
In the end, I was pleasantly surprised. The story turned out to be both heartwarming and gently thought-provoking. William and his friends are tempted to explore the belfry of a church, and what begins as a curious adventure quickly becomes a genuinely tense and rather eerie experience. The author captures that mix of youthful bravado and underlying fear very well, which made the story engaging and easy to follow.
Without giving too much away, I found it refreshing to read something different from my usual choices. That’s the beauty of short stories, they allow you to try new genres, themes, or styles you might not normally pick up. This one certainly did that for me, and I’m glad I gave it a chance. If you’re open to something slightly outside your comfort zone, it might surprise you too.
Books
Book Blurb and Link
A storm drives William and his friends inside the dark church for shelter. Are animals making noises in the loft or is it something more sinister?
This story originally appeared in Catholic Teen Books’ Hallowtide anthology, Shadows: Visible & Invisible. Shadows included seven mildly spooky stories set during Hallowtide and written with Catholic teens in mind.
World of Stories 