- Genre: YA Horror Anthology
- Published by: Tor Teen / Macmillian
- Publish date: July 16, 2024
- Number of pages: 320 pages
- Author’s website:
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13 SCARY STORIES. 13 AUTHORS OF COLOR. 13 TIMES WE SURVIVED… THE FIRST KILL.
The White Guy Dies First includes thirteen scary stories by all-star contributors and this time, the white guy dies first.
Killer clowns, a hungry hedge maze, and rich kids who got bored. Friendly cannibals, impossible slashers, and the dead who don’t stay dead….
A museum curator who despises “diasporic inaccuracies.” A sweet girl and her diary of happy thoughts. An old house that just wants friends forever….
These stories are filled with ancient terrors and modern villains, but go ahead, go into the basement, step onto the old plantation, and open the magician’s mystery box because this time, the white guy dies first.
Edited by Terry J. Benton-Walker, including stories from bestselling, award-winning, and up-and-coming contributors: Adiba Jaigirdar, Alexis Henderson, Chloe Gong, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, H. E. Edgmon, Kalynn Bayron, Karen Strong, Kendare Blake, Lamar Giles, Mark Oshiro, Naseem Jamnia, Tiffany D. Jackson, and Terry J. Benton-Walker.
A collection you’ll be dying to talk about… if you survive it.
Rating: 4/5
Such a fun collection of YA horror stories. Although they all have the premise that “the white guy dies first”, I was naively mistaken that this doesn’t always mean the POC doesn’t die, isn’t harmed, or can potentially be the villain!! I won’t provide more details to avoid spoilers other than to say to check your expectations at the door.
The stories vary greatly between the sub-horror genres and if you scare easily, I think you can read these safely and still go to bed at night. Nothing was too scary in my opinion– this is YA after all. However, the stories certainly give you a lot to think about regarding how minorities have historically been portrayed in horror.
In this collection, you’ll find– classic slasher, twisty thrillers, magic, and spiritual entities. Not all are bangers, but there’s fun for everyone! I recommend this read especially if you like short stories. This would be perfect during the fall / spoopy season!
Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? I’d love to know!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book from Netgalley and Tor Teen / Macmillian. This has not impacted my rating and this review is voluntary.
Musings by Michelle 