The Boy Who Feared his own Reflection

by Liam Bellamy, (not listed), Anastasia Soroka (illustrator)

Aliens! Anxiety! Bullies! Horror!

Imagination is powerful, but so is fear. What happens when fear gets a hold of imagination?

There are many weird and wonderful experiences young students face at primary school. But one little boy has an experience like no other. William is a bundle of fear and anxiety. These feelings that have manifested into something real and terrifying. But there's another problem. What exactly lies in the barn at the end of Oak Street? It’s up to Will and The Mystery to find out whatever’s inside.

But they’re not alone.

This Middle-Grade horror by debut author Liam Bellamy will enthral, shock and entertain anyone who's ever experienced fear or anxiety.

178 pages, Paperback

Published July 12, 2024

Reviews

[Megan Wintrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who suffers from anxiety myself I really enjoyed this book. Also for someone who has a toddler who is very anxious it was great to be able to have a bit of an insight of more of how he would be feeling even though he's still little compared to the character Will.

It's brilliantly written and I recommend it to anyone. Can't wait for the next one!

[barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will is a boy who struggles with social anxiety, bullies, and his introverted nature. When his anxiety shows up as a creature in his head, things start to go awry. When Will and his friends, Tony and Bree, the group they call The Mystery, discover so weird happenings, they go in search of answers.

Told through Will's perspective in both reality and his imagination, this book takes you on his wild adventures with his friends, overcoming his anxiety and the social situations only the middle school years can place you in. Add to that an extraterrestrial element and you've got yourself a book perfect for those middle readers. My 12yo also read this book and loved it! It's a fun read with twists and turns about the importance of friendship and learning about yourself.

**Thank you Liam Bellamy for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.**

[the.james.bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I read this book in a ebook form I highlighted a lot of passages and sentences that interested me. Above that it was incredibly relatable which at times made me sad and other happy that mc of the felt the same as I felt when I was Will age.
I have anxiety a really bad anxiety. I really relate to this book cause it talks about it. Anxiety and social anxiety. As well as bullies and having a naturally introverted self that’s the personality of this book.
I really enjoyed it! It made me happy that Will found a way to feel better in his own life.

I don’t read many middle grade books, don’t remember the last time I read anyway. But I sure loved this one.

Gonna try and see if in the future I can one or two once in a while since I don’t have to think much, they’re relaxing and relatable.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engaging tale that delves into the struggles of a young boy named Will who is dealing with social anxieties. The narrative captures the essence of childhood fears and the journey to overcoming them through courage and friendship. Will's internal and external battles are both relatable and inspiring, making it a compelling read for young audiences. Overall, it's a heartwarming and insightful book that encourages self acceptance and resilience.

[Harriet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book nails the feeling of being a child afraid of something you can’t explain. The writing is vivid, the concept is strong, and the mystery at the heart of the story is handled brilliantly. A powerful read that proves fear can be just as real as anything you can see.

[Juke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is super duper dope I like this one very much I read it overnight without sleeping . I just couldn't stop reading the book

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Lantana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brought up the feelings of childlike imagination and past anxieties. It made me invested instantly in will and his will-being * heheheh* I clung to every word this author wrote and could relate to the characters as if I was a child again.