Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

Something Wicked This Way Comes is a 1962 novel by Ray Bradbury which tells the story of two young boys, Jim Nightshade and William Halloway, who battle an evil force in their small Midwestern American town.

The novel is set in the small Illinois town of Green Town. The people of Green Town lead very peaceful and mundane lives, until the mysterious Mr. Dark comes to town. He’s the owner of a carnival, but Jim and William have a feeling something is off about him.

When Mr. Dark arrives, he does not advertise his wares and festivities, choosing to keep it a secret. Instead, he sends out a small caravan of loud music and bright fireworks to attract the people of the town. It is soon revealed that Mr. Dark is actually a supernatural being who is in search of souls to add to his carnival. The audience gradually learns that Mr. Dark is summoning the town’s adults with his carnival to make them part of a permanent exhibit.

Jim and William are initially terrified of Mr. Dark and the carnival, but their curiosity eventually gets the better of them. They decide to investigate the carnival in the hopes of discovering Mr. Dark’s true intentions. Along the way they make a series of discoveries. They find out that Mr. Dark is actually an immortal being that cannot die, unless he meets his chosen opponent in a game of chance. They also learn that Mr. Dark can steal a person’s courage and soul with a single touch.

The two boys eventually must battle with the evil forces Mr. Dark has presented to them. Along the way, they discover their own strengths and weaknesses and come out of their journey as brothers, no longer just friends. The boys must ultimately face their common enemy, and gain the courage to stop him from stealing their souls.

At its core, Something Wicked This Way Comes is a story about bravery and overcoming fear. It shows readers the importance of facing your fears and taking risks in order to achieve success. It also serves as a reminder that good can prevail over evil, no matter how powerful the dark forces may be. The journey that Jim and William take presents interesting obstacles and conflicts, making the novel an intriguing read. With its unique storyline, the novel stands the test of time and remains a popular and beloved classic.