*I was sent an ARC of How to Survive a Horror Sequel in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Little Tiger Group and Scarlett Dunmore for my copy of the book*
Synopsis:
Can you be a final girl and survive your own horror movie – twice?
Almost a year after the horrors of Harrogate, Charley and her mum find themselves stranded in a small village called Glendale, AKA ‘The Devil’s Punchbowl’. Then she befriends the local misfits and learns of her new home’s ties to witchcraft – and realises that Glendale has even more secrets than she bargained for.
However, the town’s troubled past might just be the key to Charley understanding her ability to speak to the dead, especially with Halloween approaching. But after a series of disappearances, the ghosts acting differently this time, and the Harrogate Killer making a shocking return, Charley realises she might have taken on more than she can handle.
Before she can flee town, a new terror is unleashed, placing her friends and family in danger. Charley’s horror knowledge will be put to the test once more, and if she and the Harrogate Killer don’t figure out how to work together, they’ll be trapped in Glendale forever. Or worse – buried in it.
Review:
When I found out about How to Survive a Horror Sequel I knew I had to get my hands on an advanced copy. I loved book one so I was really excited for the sequel. While I did really enjoy this book, it wasn’t as good as the first.
The tension from book one wasn’t as present in How to Survive a Horror Sequel. In book one, Charley was on an isolated island with a serial killer with no means of getting away. This time she literally could have just walked away from the town. I did like the setting though. Small towns are one of my favourite settings for books, apparently even creepy ones that are full of ghosts.
I adored the slasher style of book one so was hoping How to Survive a Horror Sequel would be similar. Unfortunately, it leaned a lot more into the paranormal, which wasn’t particularly bad, but I don’t find paranormal horror as unsettling. I loved the slasher style of book one but I will say the ‘new terror’ was really interesting and I liked how it tied into traditional folklore.
I also really liked the new cast of characters. Charley’s new friends, Flora and Max, were great. Flora was a particular standout – she had a really cool vibe from the first second you met her. I weirdly also like the antagonists of How to Survive a Horror Sequel. They were definitely bad people but also really interesting. They did a good job at fooling you into thinking they were just not nice rather than actually evil.
The small town really helped with the creepiness too. I didn’t like the setting as much as book one, this one had more of a cosy vibe, but the descriptions of it were great. I love the idea of a creepy little Scottish town with a history of witchcraft and other paranormal activities. Very cool. Not for Charley though, she did not have a great time.
I honestly don’t feel like I can comment on much more without giving huge spoilers. There’s one particular reveal that had me quite literally rolling my eyes as it was a bit ridiculous but the tension from the point onwards was incredible.
As with book one, How to Survive a Horror Sequel hints at a next installment, which I will 100% be checking out whenever it is published. If I’m able to get my hands on an advanced copy again I will be very happy.
I’d highly recommend you check out this series for yourself. It’s twisty, full of suspense and has really great side characters.
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