A review by popthebutterfly
Only If You Dare: 13 Stories of Darkness and Doom by Josh Allen

dark emotional medium-paced

5.0

Disclaimer: I received this arc and e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Only If You Dare: 13 Stories of Darkness and Doom

Author: Josh Allen and Sarah J. Coleman (Illustrator)

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 5/5

Recommended For...: Middle Grade readers, horror

Genre: MG Horror

Publication Date: August 31, 2021

Publisher: Holiday House

Pages: 208

Recommended Age: 12+ (death, some scary moments)

Explanation of CWs: Very free of gore and violence, but death is shown and mentioned. There's also some scary moments for younger kids.

Synopsis: You never know what's out to get you. Though you might think you're safe from monsters and menaces, everyday objects can turn against you, too. A mysterious microwave. A threatening board game. A snowman that refuses to melt. Even your own heartbeat has its secrets. Thu-thump. Thu-thump. When you stop to listen, each beat sounds more menacing than the last.

Master storyteller Josh Allen brings thirteen nightmare scenarios to life in this page-turning collection that's perfect for budding horror junkies. In his wondrous world, danger waits behind every doorway . . . even in the most ordinary places.

Review: I really liked this! It was a fun short story anthology and I loved how horrifying but fun they all were. The book had great story building and it's definitely campfire story material!

My only concern is that I wish the book was a bit more interwoven and connected.

Verdict: It was great!