100 Cupboards Series by N. D. Wilson

Henry York is spending the summer with his cousins at his aunt and uncle’s house. When he hears strange noises coming from behind the wall, he tries to ignore it. Soon, two knobs appear through the plaster, and as Henry chips away at the rest he finds 99 cupboards of all different shapes and sizes. When Henry opens the doors, he can hear and see strange new places. Henry and his cousin, Henrietta, soon discover these are more than doors, but rather portals to other worlds.

What Henry and Henrietta don’t yet understand is the excitement, challenges, and danger lurking behind these doors…and how going to these places will uncover secrets that will completely turn their lives upside-down. How nothing will be the same anymore, for better or worse.

Reading Level: 8-14 (I recommend no younger than age 10)
Read Aloud Age: 10+

100 Cupboards is an excellently written fantasy, perfect for adventure lovers. The first book is a bit of a warmup to the longer two sequels, and if you don’t know what’s coming it can take a dark turn quickly. Book one sets the stage, introducing us to the characters in Kansas, builds suspense about the cupboards, and helps up wrap out mind around what’s going on. When the characters from the other worlds enter the story–especially Nimiane–things build quickly and get darker. Books two and three follow this theme as the reader uncovers the worlds and people hidden behind the cupboards and the secrets they carry to the past.

There are very heavy magic themes, with Nimiane the witch wielding evil magic and others possessing good magic. The lines of good and evil are very clearly drawn, with the source of magic easily distinguishable between light and dark. There are also lots of heavy themes, with characters in much peril and several dying. While this might not be a good series for a sensitive child, it could be an absolute favorite for one who is drawn to stories of excitement, sacrifice, and bravery. Henry is also an outstanding protagonist, learning and growing through the series, acknowledging when he has failed, and becoming a humble leader. Wilson succeeds in creating not only a captivating fantasy world, but characters you will love.

A common writing tactic that Wilson uses is to tell you what’s happening before you truly understand what’s going on, so it does take a bit of critical thinking to navigate some of the storytelling, but frankly, I found this a breath of fresh air as many middle-grade fiction insults the intelligence of its readers. Do know, author N. D. Wilson is the son of (controversial) Pastor Doug Wilson. While this series is completely secular (there are no theological statements or the like), you can see glimmers of it being written by a Christian in names, themes, and allusions used. Overall, while this series may not be for everyone (there are some disappointing language issues and a few more things to be aware of below), it could be impactful for the right (mature) child.

Language:
“stupid” and “shut up” used several times
“moron,” “dumb,” “idiot,” “fat,” and “damn” are used a few times
someone “swore,” there was “cursing” (the actual words are not mentioned)
“ass” and “bastard” are used once
“hell” is referred to as a place, but it’s more poetic than literal
There is a moment when it seems like Henry is going to pray and he starts, “God…” Then he simply repeats, “God,” as he begins a journey. Another time Henry says, “God, no!” which could sound like cursing in either of these instances, but I don’t believe it was intended that way, but as a literal plea to God.
“Good Lord, have mercy”
In a journal, Henry’s grandfather wrote, “I have no priest, and so you must hear my confessions, even though I will already number among the damned when you do.”

Violence:
There is a substantial amount of violence throughout the series. Instead of listing out every violent act, parents should know that self-defense and war are pervasive. The evil characters kill innocent people, the evil magic can turn anyone to dust, there are a few descriptive lines- however these are quite brief and never simply for the sake of being gruesome, but a child needs to be able to handle a fair amount of “blood” for this series.

Questionable Behaviors:
Uncle Fred once tells Henry not to tell his aunt about something
There are several instances of lying, but it’s not condoned
Henry has complicated and sometimes odd feelings about his parents and not feeling attached to them (this is later explained in the storyline)

Other Things to Know:
The dark magic elements might make some parents uncomfortable. They are clearly portrayed as wrong and evil, but there are things like cutting skin for a blood rite and a finger that emerges from someone’s heads when the witch is controlling them.
When Henry is desperate and looking for help from magic, he alludes to being willing to do something like drink something vomitous and “dance around and shake some bones in a monkey’s skull.” He doesn’t do this, but the thought shows his desperation.
There are a few mentions of alcohol and of people being drunk.

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