You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight

LoveReading4Kids Says

Revealing that it definitely doesn’t only happen in the movies, Kalynn Bayron’s You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight is founded on a killer summer camp concept. Short and sparky, it crackles with crisp writing, shock twists and chilling atmosphere, and comes recommended for YA readers who relish fast, furious fearsome fiction, and non-readers who love scary movies.  

In classic horror movie style, the set-up involves a gory game gone wrong: “Camp Mirror Lake is a full-contact terror-simulation experience…As far as slasher films go, it’s somewhere between Friday the 13th and Scream”. Camp Mirror Lake is also the location of an actual eighties’ cult horror movie. With last night approaching, teenage camp manager Charity is excited about playing the “final girl” role in the big finale. With unreliable co-workers, she enlists the help of her girlfriend and best friend.   

When an old woman turns up with a gun warning, “If you knew what I know…” and the police get involved, the last game is called off. As Charity and co. prepare to close camp for the season, the scares get very, very real, with genuine disappearances and shocks aplenty.   

Alongside the scares, there’s also a nod to the coming-of-age theme of shifting friendships —“Are we growing apart or are we just learning a new way of being friends?” Readers are in for a thrilling ride!

Reviewed by Joanne Owen
Joanne Owen is a writer, reviewer and workshop presenter whose lifelong love of books began when she was growing up in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
More reviews by Joanne Owen

About You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight

This heart-pounding slasher by New York Times bestselling author and TikTok sensation Kalynn Bayron is perfect for fans of Tiffany D. Jackson's White Smoke, Friday the 13th, The Haunting of Bly Manor and Get Out.

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