A certain intense level of fear exists in the idea of being replaced, especially as a child. Ideas of lost friendships, parents no longer noticing your existence, or feeling misunderstood thrive in adolescence, something that has only become more relevant within the context of the isolation of the COVID pandemic. Paul Tremblay, master of deeply unsettling emotional horrors, explores this idea with his YA novel, Another, capitalizing on the strengths of creativity and individuality to combat these growing fears.
For Casey Wilson, everything has felt a bit off following a terrible incident on Zoom during the pandemic. He doesn’t feel quite as confident as he used to, his friends and family feel distant, and his tics have only increased in intensity and frequency. But, Casey’s parents inform him a new friend is coming over, a friend Casey’s never heard of until now. When Morel arrives, Casey is shocked to see this strange boy enter his home. He’s nearly featureless with no way to speak; yet, everyone else acts completely normal under these strange circumstances. Things grow even stranger when Morel doesn’t leave, and Casey’s parents begin to grow more and more interested in Morel rather than Casey. Soon, it feels as though Casey isn’t there at all, or is he?
Tremblay taps into numerous levels of unease with Another, not only for those of a younger age. Sure, a lot of the horror implemented within these pages is felt most intensely in our youth, but I would argue that the greater fears examined are those experienced by all. Morel’s shapeless form feels representative of the amorphous blob our world seems to be trending towards with our reliance on artificial intelligence, generic presentation, and terrifying malleability to be whatever anyone expects of us rather than ourselves. Through Casey’s individuality and artistic talent, we see a lifeline for an authentic, irreplicable experience.
This is what makes Another such a timely, important novel for readers of every age. I could unpack the masterfully creepy horror that Tremblay utilizes to get this message across, but I believe his ability to tell the stories we need most, in the tone we need to hear, is worth celebrating as well. In fact, I would even argue this is his most punk book yet with its robust messaging for individuality despite the incessant pressure to conform to the masses. Move over Pallbearer’s Club (I say with the utmost affection).
A book that belongs in the hands of every reader, Paul Tremblay’s Another is the kind of novel that settles deep within your mind to excavate the truest form of self in the face of fear. Casey and Morel’s journey towards an existence of individuality despite unideal circumstances feels vital in this day and age, especially for young readers who are learning the importance of self. Creepy, lingering, and apt for this time, Another is a stunning horror fiction release that needs to be read by all.
Another by Paul Tremblay hits shelves on July 22, 2025 from Quill Tree Books. The audiobook, narrated by Ramon de Ocampo, is available for preorder at Libro.fm!
Paul Tremblay joins the Capes and Tights Podcast for Episode 233 on July 9! Also, check out Justin Soderberg‘s review of Another!
