“In this darkly imaginative debut, White creates a fantasy world with creatures that are anything but sweet-a cyclopean bird, a multi-mouthed horror-and, after a deceptively satisfying resolution, he unfurls a twist that will make readers want the next chapter of Kara’s story immediately. White’s prose is evocative without being dense, and Offermann’s sharp-edged silhouettes add an ominous note. Absolutely thrilling.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Absolutely thrilling.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Nail-biting suspense is the hallmark of this pleasantly accomplished debut. The spellbinding story, lashings of suspense and stalwart heroine will draw in fantasy fans and keep them reading until the bitter ending.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“The Thickety is a sinister, magical debut with a marvelous and shocking heroine. J.A. White’s elegant writing and masterful plot kept me turning pages late into the night.” - Lisa McMann, author of the New York Times bestselling The Unwanteds series
“A startling plot twist at the end will have readers urgently waiting for a sequel, and it may even lead them right back into the book to see if they missed earlier clues.” - The Bulletin of The Center for Children's Books
“The Thickety may give you nightmares, but it is a gripping story with a great heroine.” - Angie Sage, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Septimus Heap series
“Fresh and original. The author has created a world that is vivid and beautifully realized. The characters are well drawn and fully developed, particularly Kara, whose struggle to understand her new powers and fear of being persecuted are poignant. Readers enter this world and feel at home almost immediately. The cleverly suspenseful plot moves along at a good pace. Fans of Jaclyn Moriarty’s Colors of Madeleine fantasy series or Neil Gaiman’s fantasy novels will eagerly snap this one up.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
“White’s debut novel is darkly bewitching. The well-crafted characters operate beautifully within the fantastical world he has created. Readers will devour each twist and turn of the plot, right up to the startling conclusion.” - School Library Journal