Reviews with content warning for Classism - You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight

Very fun YA slasher, second half is definitely stronger than the first half though. Had some unexpected twists and turns and good characters, although my favourite two did die. RIP.

The first few pages had a fews cases of "you've just said this word and now it's all I can focus on" moments, which had me a bit worried. For example, on page 1 it says "the moon is just a silver sliver hanging in the sky" and page 2 says "reflecting the silvery sliver of moon in the sky"--it's a nice big of alliteration, but it does not need to happen twice in the span of twenty lins. Really took me out of the story, which is not when you want, especially in the first two pages. But I read on, and ended up liking the story just fine overall.

Also, love the name Sheriff Lillard. I see what you did there Kalynn, very fun 🧐❤️

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shector1's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

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lilacs_book_bower's review against another edition

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mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I loved YA horror as a teen, and I have been searching for that high ever since. I think aging and becoming a more analytical reader has made it more difficult (damn you, English degree!). Because this book wasn't it, sadly. I had high hopes for this one, and I enjoyed it while I was reading. I read it in almost one sitting, and it has some tense and atmospheric moments. The two last plot points/twists at the very end surprised me, and seemed fitting, so I appreciated that. I am always in favor of more books featuring BIPOC and LGBTQ characters, especially teens, and I welcome discussions of the issues that they face (not all books need to be about trauma though; let's read about joy, I say in a review for a horror book.) However, as soon as the book was over, all I could think about were issues. The characterization is non-existent, even for our heroine. The events are ridiculous, and people make stupid choices, even for a horror book. Why is this happening now, when it could have happened years ago? Or even earlier this summer? It's suddenly supernatural, in a way that is both ridiculous and incredulous. The villains are super predictable. The book should have been longer, which would have allowed more time for character and plot development.

I know they have just murdered your friends, but a middle-aged man in an owl costume isn't exactly terrifying. And anyone who believes Kyle is an idiot. The sheriff came, saw a girl with her belly sliced open, and just decided to dismiss what was going on? Ok, sure, Kyle. And people have been dying at the camp for years, including six teens in one summer, and you have never even told there was a camp there in the first place. You don't think someone might have mentioned that?

Content Warnings

heather667's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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