13 Apr Book Review: 100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson

100 Cupboards is a middle-grade fantasy that feels like discovering a creaky, forgotten attic full of secrets and then realizing that the walls are hiding entire worlds. It’s imaginative, quirky, and packed with just enough danger to keep things tense without ever tipping too far into full-on horror. Think magical realism meets Narnia, but with a bit more dust, mystery, and oddball charm. This is the first book in a trilogy, and it does a solid job laying the foundation while still standing on its own as a fast-paced adventure.

What’s it about?

The story follows twelve-year-old Henry York, a quiet and somewhat timid boy who is sent to live with his aunt, uncle, and three cousins in the small town of Henry, Kansas (yes, the town shares his name). His parents have gone missing while traveling in South America, and this unexpected relocation to his relatives’ old farmhouse is meant to be a temporary arrangement. At first, things seem relatively normal—at least by rural Kansas standards.

But one night, Henry hears a strange tapping behind the plaster of his attic bedroom wall. When he investigates, he discovers a small door—a cupboard—embedded in the wall. As he peels back more of the plaster, he finds not one, not two, but ninety-nine more cupboard doors, all different sizes and shapes, lined up in rows like an elaborate advent calendar of mystery.

Each cupboard is a portal to another place, and some of those places are magical, others are terrifying, and a few are both. The cupboards don’t behave in predictable ways, and not all of them open willingly. Some lead to faraway landscapes filled with strange creatures. Others offer only brief glimpses. One or two are actively dangerous.

Henry enlists the help of his cousin Henrietta (who is spirited, bold, and more than a little reckless), and together they begin exploring what lies beyond some of the cupboards. The process is risky, and not everything—or everyone—they find is friendly. Along the way, Henry starts to unravel the truth about the cupboards, the magic that connects them, and, more alarmingly, his own identity and family history.

There’s a larger mythology at play here, one involving ancient magic, powerful guardians, and sinister forces that have been waiting a very long time to escape one of the cupboards. Henry’s exploration quickly escalates from innocent curiosity to something far more urgent and dangerous. As the boundaries between worlds start to break down, Henry has to find the courage to protect not only his new family, but the doors themselves.

What This Chick Thinks

Wonderfully weird world-building

The charm of this book lies in its world-building. N.D. Wilson doesn’t overwhelm you with exposition—instead, he lets the mystery build naturally through Henry’s eyes. The cupboards are such a brilliant concept, and the way they vary in function, personality, and danger level keeps the pacing fresh. Some lead to fairy-tale-like realms, while others open into nightmares. The unpredictability is part of the fun.

It also helps that the writing has a dry, slightly old-fashioned tone to it—one that makes the story feel timeless without trying too hard to sound like a classic. The Kansas setting is grounded and ordinary in a way that makes the magic behind the walls feel even more jarring when it shows up.

A relatable, evolving protagonist

Henry is an easy character to root for. He starts off as cautious and quiet, a kid who’s used to living in his head and staying out of trouble. But as the story progresses, he’s pushed into situations where he has to be braver, more decisive, and more trusting of his own instincts. His arc feels natural and well-earned.

I also loved the dynamic between Henry and Henrietta. Their relationship captures that slightly antagonistic but deeply loyal energy of cousinhood. Henrietta is a bit of a wildcard, and her impulsiveness causes some of their biggest problems—but it also pushes Henry forward in a way he needs.

Some moments of darkness

For a middle-grade book, there are definitely a few eerie and unsettling scenes—nothing graphic, but enough to create real stakes. One particular cupboard unleashes something that’s clearly malevolent, and the tension ramps up in the second half of the book. That said, the tone stays appropriate for younger readers, and the sense of wonder always balances out the fear.

Just the beginning

It’s worth noting that this book leaves quite a few questions unanswered. The mythology around the cupboards, Henry’s origins, and the broader implications of what’s been set in motion all point toward the sequels. If you’re the kind of reader who likes a tidy resolution in book one, you might find the ending a bit abrupt. But if you’re ready to dive into a series, this one sets things up beautifully.

Final Thoughts

100 Cupboards is inventive, atmospheric, and full of the kind of quiet magic that sneaks up on you. It’s a story about curiosity, courage, and the idea that sometimes the scariest doors are the ones you most need to open. If you like fantasy that unfolds gradually, with a strong sense of place and a touch of menace, this is a great place to start.

Rating: 8.5/10

Try it if you like

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman – For another middle-grade fantasy with secret doors, dark magic, and a brave protagonist.
• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart – If you’re into puzzles, oddball kids, and slightly off-kilter adventures.
• The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black – A similarly adventurous sibling tale with magical creatures and hidden threats.