Fans of Halloween Town are headed back to the Hinterlands soon. The popular book series based on Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is growing with a third installment. Titled Shadow Over the Pumpkin Queen, the new novel by Megan Shepherd hits shelves in July 2026.
This series has already seen major success with previous titles, Long Live the Pumpkin Queen and Hour of the Pumpkin Queen. Both books reached the top of the New York Times bestseller list by expanding the world of Jack Skellington and Sally beyond the original film. Yesterday, D23 got an exclusive cover reveal.
Recently, Disney Books announced a New The Owl House Graphic Novel: The Long-Lived King by Dana Terrace. Now, we have two books on pre-order that we cannot wait to read.
A New Threat Emerges. The story picks up with Sally firmly established as the Pumpkin Queen. Although she has already saved her home from multiple magical threats, a mysterious figure remains a danger to her people. The peace of Halloween Town is interrupted when strange weather patterns appear, and citizens begin to vanish without a trace.
The situation turns personal for Sally when the dark force captures Jack Skellington. To rescue him, Sally must leave the familiar borders of her kingdom and travel to a forgotten realm known as Shadow Town.
Expanding the Hinterlands. The upcoming book introduces readers to several new locations within the holiday world. Sally’s quest leads her through a complex area called the Hinterlands Maze and into a new setting named Chance Town. Throughout the journey, she is hunted by a dark prince who seems focused on a specific type of revenge against the Pumpkin Queen.
The plot suggests that the history of this new villain might hold secrets that could change Sally’s understanding of the realms forever.
Pre-Order and Format Details. Shadow Over the Pumpkin Queen is published by Penguin Random House. The hardcover edition is currently listed at $20.99. Fans looking to secure their copy before the summer release can find pre-order options on the publisher’s website and through major retailers like Amazon.
The series continues to be a go-to for readers who want to see Sally take a lead role in protecting the holiday worlds. This latest entry promises to raise the stakes higher than ever as she fights to prevent the destruction of Halloween Town.
Sally’s Biggest Nightmare: New “Nightmare Before Christmas” Sequel Finally Arrives
