Gustav Gloom Series

Gustav Gloom and the People Taker (#1)

“In this promising series opener, a homicidal maniac stalks two children through a spooky old house that’s far larger inside than outside […] The author leaves much to be explored and explained in future episodes, but fans of [Lemony Snicket's Series of] Unfortunate Events will be willing to wait.”

Kirkus

“Here’s a great read for fans of dark tales with happy endings, not to mention wonderful graphite illustrations…the eternal theme of friendship is beautifully explored in the relationship that develops between Fernie and Gustav. Castro’s well-paced story keeps readers engaged in these relationships and in the mystery that unfolds. This is a satisfying introduction for middle grade readers into the scary and dark themes that resonate so well with teens. Fans of Adam Gidwitz’s A TALE DARK AND GRIMM (Dutton, 2010) can add this to their list of creepy tales.”

School Library Journal

“[This] is a fun adventure novel […] It’s optimistic about people, especially our ability to do the right thing, and the scariest parts are also the funniest parts. Most of all, the friendship that develops between Gustav and Fernie is really nice, and doesn’t ever put either of them in the position of sidekick or tag-along. Definitely worth picking up.”

io9.com

“GUSTAV GLOOM is a very exciting story […] filled to the brim with ideas that will make you ponder the concept of shadows and whether they are really alive.”

Deseret News

“One of those books that grown children keep and pass on to their own kids.”

More Miami Guide

“Fernie and Gustav’s adventure is bizarre, wonderful, and totally engrossing. The word play, puns and the clever, sometimes tongue-in-cheek descriptions will entertain young readers and adults who are young at heart […] Highly Recommended.”

SFRevu

“This is a great tweener horror thriller starring two delightful ten year old children […] Adam-Troy Castro’s exciting tale is enhanced by Kristen Margiotta’s wonderful illustrations that affirm Gustav Gloom looks like the unhappiest child ever seen.”

Worlds of Wonder

"Really fast read. [...] I love the characters"

SF Book Review

Gustav Gloom and the Nightmare Vault (#2)

“Castro sheds light on the past and nature of the aptly named Gloom mansion […] spooky!”

Kirkus

“Adam-Troy Castro [...] holds an exquisite imagination and brings a nightmarish world to life in the Gustav Gloom series.”

Kids Reads

“There’s pretty much nothing not to love about a mansion filled with endlessly spooky rooms, shadows with minds (and appetites) of their own, and sweet characters with dark secrets.”

KidLit

“This is an amazing book. And if you still haven’t read the first one, you need to do so right away. Because Gustav Gloom is such an amazing person, and you will all fall in love with him.”

Carina’s Book Review

“The paranormal aspects are well-done but not over-done, and there’s enough of an overarching plot to assure readers that this isn’t a series full of one-shot adventures. And so I hereby proclaim middle-grade paranormal to be the next big trend.”

Pass the Chiclets

"Fun fast read. I love Fernie and Gustav and the dynamic they have together"

SF Book Review

Gustav Gloom and the Four Terrors (#3)

“Adam-Troy Castro continues to give his readers a scary story within the Gloom estate, full of shadows, dangers, mystery, and appeal.”

San Francisco City Book Reviews

“I enjoyed the book. It’s fun and full of adventures, like the first two books […] I loved it all.”

Carina’s Book Review

“There aren’t enough words to describe how much I love this series! It’s spooky and quirky and incredibly amusing in places. The voice sucks me right in and keeps me reading…The combination of Adam-Troy Castro’s words and Kristen Margiotta’s illustrations guide the reader on another amazing adventure through the Gloom Mansion.”

Joan Stradling

"Fast read. Same fun characters. If you liked the previous books you'll like this one"

SF Book Review

Gustav Gloom and the Cryptic Carousel (#4)

" Fast, fun read. I really like Fernie and Gustav. [...]Creepiness edging towards horror."

SF Book Review

Gustav Gloom and the Inn of Shadows (#5)

"Fast, fun read. Same level of enjoyment as the rest of the series"

SF Book Review

Gustav Gloom and the Castle of Fear (#6)

"We get to see the heroes reach within themselves to bring out an extra level of courage. [...] I'll give this one props for having a good conclusion to the series."

SF Book Review

Andrea Cort Series

Emissaries from the Dead (#1)

“With its creepy background and complex plot, [EMISSARIES FROM THE DEAD] offers an intriguing combination of SF and detective story.”

Locus

“As great as I’d hoped…Cort and her universe have terrific scope for future development.”

io9.com

“A brilliantly executed novel, fully successful as both science fiction and murder mystery. Indeed, it evidences a writer at the peak of his career, and it shows none of the flaws one expects from first novels […] EMISSARIES FROM THE DEAD is one of the best science fiction novels of the year so far, and it can be recommended especially to fans of science fiction mysteries.”

SciFi Weekly

“A uniquely absorbing read. It envelops you in a truly exotic and alien environment, and gives you a heroine to root for… It offers mystery, action, a few good jolts, and a bit of the old redemption sans mawkishness. All of the ingredients for a story sure to knock ’em dead.”

SF Reviews

“This is the one we’ve been waiting for: the first non-tie-in novel by one of the best short-story writers in the business. Adam-Troy Castro’s EMISSARIES FROM THE DEAD is SF at its best: Silence of the Lambs as Larry Niven might have written it. A clever, thought-provoking page-turner. Bravo!”

Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo Award-winning author of ROLLBACK

“Adam-Troy Castro has given us the ultimate high-wire thriller.”

Jack McDevitt, Nebula Award-winning author of SEEKER

The Third Claw of God (#2)

“The second novel in Castro’s Andrea Cort series confirms this series really is something special […] These books are compulsively readable space mysteries, but they’re also hiding little packets of cleverness and substance under the surface. Highly recommended.”

io9.com

“I’m particularly fond of blends of SF and the detective story [...] when they’re as well done as this one. Castro is finally showing the promise at novel length that his short fiction has been suggesting for years.”

Critical Mass

With Unclean Hands (#0.75)

“Castro sets his puzzle up and then unravels it with care. The story packs a potent emotional punch. Cort is a character unlike just about any I’ve encountered over a lifetime.”

Fantasy Literature

Standalone

Minnie and Earl

"[E]ach novella is well written and researched, and charming throughout."

Analog

Collections

Her Husband’s Hands and Other Stories

“Adam-Troy Castro is also a masterful storyteller in terms of technique […] HER HUSBAND’S HANDS AND OTHER STORIES is a stunning collection. Highly recommended, especially if you like a dark, not to say disturbing edge to your fiction.”

Tor.com

“HER HUSBAND'S HANDS AND OTHER STORIES by Adam-Troy Castro is a top class collection from one of the best prose stylists around […] the best collection so far this year.”

Thinking About Books

Short Story

Illustrated A-Z Series

Z is for Zombie: An Illustrated Guide to the End of the World

“It’s dark and twisted and hilarious […] The artwork complemented the story while having its own kind of fun with the subject. Long time zombie fans and anyone interested in genre will love this book.”

The Fake Steph

“Like Zombieland and Shaun of the Dead there is more than a little [that is] amusing about it […] There are moments in some of the 26 very short stories that are amusing–some are laugh-out-loud funny.”

A Momentary Taste of Being

“Laugh out loud moments […] Zombie fans will enjoy the quips regarding ammo and the kind of people you’ll be most likely struggling with for survival after the zombie uprising.”

Writing About Reading

“For true graphic novel aficionados or lovers of all things zombie I suggest this book wholeheartedly.”

Bookalicio

“Fantastically illustrated […] if you are a fan of all things zombie, then this is a great dry and dark humored piece for you.”

Rex Robot

“Apocalyptic alphabet awakens awesome alliteration. The narrative in this book is a lot of fun […] the apocalypse begins with A, and it travels nicely throughout the book.”

Zombie Slam

“It’s not the first alphabet book you’ve ever read… but it may be the last.”

John Scalzi, New York Times bestselling author

“Z IS FOR ZOMBIE is hilarious, subversive and gruesome. You need to know your basics if you’re going to survive the zombie apocalypse. Highly recommended!”

Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author

“It’s time to remember that the educational power of the alphabet isn’t just intended for the classroom. With Z IS FOR ZOMBIE, words and pictures marry to bring brilliant, bloody fun to your fingertips. B is for Buy this Book!”

Mira Grant, author of FEED

“The perfect going-away gift for the human race, Z IS FOR ZOMBIE is smart, sumptuous, excruciating undead fun.”

John Skipp, author of BOOK OF THE DEAD

V is for Vampire: An Illustrated Alphabet of the Undead

“Vampire fiction fans looking for something a little unusual this summer should check out V IS FOR VAMPIRE […] Stellar illustrations and a highly amusing narrative make this book as appealing to fans of vampire fiction as a nubile virgin with an unusually long neck.”

Barnes & Noble

“A fun, brief book about horror. If you are looking for an amusing, illustrated guide to the undead that also has some shock value for leaving about so your non-genre savvy friends can find it, then this is the book for you.”

SFRevu

“V IS FOR VAMPIRE is a celebration of wit that points out the ups and downs of life after dark, the various rules and inconsistencies attributed to said un-life, and the heroes and villains that go bump in the night. It’s a must-have for anyone who loves the classic horror movies, likes ‘conversation pieces’ on the coffee table, or just loves vampires in general.”

Zombie Slam

“The subversive element is evident from the very first page […] Castro’s witty, and detailed, descriptions reward multiple and close readings.”

SF Site

“V IS FOR VAMPIRE is a tongue-in-cheek look at the lore of those iconic creatures from the night […] Castro’s prose will likely attract those people who yearn for their daily dose of Sookie Stackhouse or Edward Cullen.”

Hollywood Soapbox

“V IS FOR VAMPIRE […] is an illustrated guide to the dark, dangerous, and occasionally absurd world of vampires. This slim volume makes for light bedtime reading, and is beautifully illustrated.”

FEARnet

“The summer is winding down and you are looking for a fun, short read […] I have just the ticket for you: V IS FOR VAMPIRE by Adam-Troy Castro […] This is a great book to read as the beaches are closing or while you are waiting for the flight home. It is the perfect period on a long holiday. Recommended.”

HorrorWorld

“Castro heavily plays with the vampire mythos (and horror movies in general), pointing out many of the logical inconsistencies and silly cliches that infest the genre.”

Blood of the Muse

“By turns entertaining and thought-provoking, an entertaining alphabet book for those of us who love creatures of the darkness.”

Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author