Hide and Seeker

Daka Hermon’s work is part of a growing body of middle grade horror literature that includes titles like Small Spaces by Katherine Arden, Malamander by Thomas Taylor, Doll Bones by Holly Black, and Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie. Like Hide and Seeker, these works blend fear-inducing supernatural elements with everyday childhood experiences, compelling young protagonists to confront mysterious or paranormal forces, such as tricksters, ghosts, or monsters. The children in these narratives are often transported to dystopian worlds or face the incursion of sinister elements into their realities. To survive, they must exhibit bravery, overcome their deepest fears, and triumph against seemingly insurmountable odds. The popularity of middle grade horror continues to rise, driven by young readers’ appetite for suspenseful and adventurous stories, the genre’s ability to address real-world anxieties in a fantastical context, and its appeal to the universal desire to explore fear in a safe and manageable way.

The horror genre’s “purpose is to create feelings of fear, dread, repulsion, and terror in the audience—in other words, it develops an atmosphere of horror” (“What Is Horror?” Literary Terms). At its core, the horror genre grapples with the fundamental question of how humans continue to live their everyday lives while faced with the unknowability of the world and their lack of control over it. By confronting dark anxieties, horror captivates readers with suspense and tension, offering a safe space to process fear. For young readers, middle grade horror provides a thrilling yet age-appropriate way to explore these emotions while developing resilience and empathy.

Elements considered “scary” or “creepy” are central to the genre, alongside four key conventions: the core need for safety, the core value of damnation to life, the core emotion of fear, and the core event of the victim(s) at the mercy of the monster (“Horror Genre: Stories of Life and Damnation Against Uncanny, Supernatural, and Ambiguous Monsters.” Story Grid). These elements transcend age groups and are crucial to crafting effective horror. In Hide and Seeker, Justin and his friends’ lives are often in danger from fears like fire—showing the need for safety. The theme of damnation manifests in stories like Mary’s and Duke’s, in which they are trapped in an alternate reality. Hide and Seeker also explores what happens to people who can’t handle the pressure of their horrific circumstances with characters like Hyde and Zee, who make desperate bargains with the Seeker to escape their suffering. Fear serves as both a central theme and the driving emotional force of the plot, with Nowhere functioning as a manifestation of the kids’ worst nightmares. The story’s core event—the children being at the mercy of the Seeker—anchors the narrative. The Seeker, as the monstrous antagonist, forces the children to rely on teamwork and courage to reclaim their freedom. By adhering to these foundational elements, Hide and Seeker creates a gripping and emotionally resonant entry in the horror genre, offering readers not only the thrill of suspense but also the satisfaction of witnessing characters confront and overcome their fears.