What a wild ride!!! This was the book I didn’t know I needed. I’m a huge fan of Japanese culture, so love Japanese fantasy; which are unfortunately few and far between (and it can be hard to find a good one). And let me tell you, this one was epic! I think this is one of my all time favorite bookish worlds! Kristen knows how to write unique stories, and this was no exception. Think Jumanji, but if it were an anime that takes place in hell. Sounds awesome, right?!

This 10/10 needs to be an anime. It felt like a book version of an anime, which I’ve only ever felt with one other book – Shadow of the Fox. It’s also disturbing AF, and I was totally here for it! I loved how creepy and twisted the world of Meido was. Kristen’s world building is top knotch, and I had zero issues picturing everything (even the things I didn’t really want to picture, lmao) in my head. I really loved the backstory of Izanagi and Izanami!

My goldfish-short attention span loved the fact that this picked up almost immediately and never let up. The action was non-stop, and there was never a dull moment! From start to finish, this book had me on the edge of my seat. Every single scene was more disturbing than the last. Just when I thought the trials couldn’t get any worse, they did. I adore books that can disturb the shit out of me. (Not sure what that says about me….) The tone and setting were both gloriously dark and ominous. The atmosphere of this book was a tangible thing!

I never knew what was going to happen next. There were a couple of twists I didn’t see coming, either! [spoilers removed] And THAT ENDING!!!! That was just plain rude. I neeeed the next book *cries*

The only complaint I have about this is that I never really connected to the characters the way I would have liked to. They were realistic, fleshed out, and well written; but I didn’t forge much of an emotional connection with them. (I really think this is a me issue because I’m not usually a huge fan of third person narrative.)

P.S. I can’t waaaait for the audio of this book to come out, I’m desperately hoping it will have a separate narrator for each character!

Original review posted on Novel Heartbeat

I really loved this! Granted, there are not many horror books I don't love, but this one took it up a notch with the Jumanji styled trials mixed with Japanese folklore.

I really enjoyed the four main characters. I feel like each was well-rounded and fully developed in a way that I could easily connect to. This was full of twists and turns that kept me interested along with the fast pacing.

Definitely recommend this creepy read!

Out September 26, 2023!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

Love love love this atmospheric title by Author Kristen Simmons!! The storyline and characters, both were amazing!

I've Also read the article 5 Series by Kristen Simmons, and let me tell you, she absolutely doesn't disappoint with her new novel.

First of all: THIS COVER. YES. GO OFF.

With a cover/title/premise like that, how could I *not* be entirely on board? This is the twisty, surreal, JAPANESE JUMANJI (yelling for the folks in the back) nightmare game book of my heart. Thank you Kristen Simmons for delivering.

This was a breathless, ambitious thrill ride all the way through. However, despite containing SO much to love, I did end the book feeling kind of underwhelmed. The pace was a bit disjointed, somehow fast and slow at the same time, and from the pitch, I was expecting more genuine horror. Though there were great chilling moments, overall, it just ... wasn't that scary. The worldbuilding often felt difficult to absorb, with somewhat arbitrary & fluid rules, and I struggled to care about the characters -- which is kinda necessary when the plot hinges on caring about their survival.

Although I'm not bouncing off the walls about this one, there's still lots to love here, and I'd recommend for anyone who sees that cover and thinks YES.

[4.25 stars]

For whatever reason, I decided it was a good idea to read horror at night and it was 2:30 AM by the time I finished it. My heart was pounding and I became jumpy and I didn't know if I would be able to fall asleep. Sure enough, I slept at 7:30 AM.

But that's precisely what the author gets right in this absolutely unhinged horror novel! Kristen Simmons takes Japanese mythology and turns it into a chilling tale of friendships and Jumanji-like quests, only way more bloody and gory!

If you're someone who loves the spooky season and horror stories, and especially reading horror stories during spooky season, this is one you should definitely pick up.

Brrrr. That ending is still creeping me out!

Cannot wait for book 2 though!

I Know What You Did Last Summer meets Jumanji that’ll make you think twice before you play games with your friends.

If you know me you know that I adore KS and her work. She has this special way of instantly connecting you to her characters and that helps you get more invested in the story. She certainly knows how to shock her readers and I love it. Here she dips her toes into the land of the horror. I’m glad she has come to the dark side because we have the best cookies.

Another thing that grabbed my attention with this book is that it was Japanese folklore-inspired. That mixed with horror and a neat little game made me drop everything and start this book.

For this being her first horror novel, I applaud her. This is no easy feat but she pulled it off well. It makes me excited to see what other horrors are swimming around in her brain. This wasn't as horror-heavy as I thought it was going to be but it was still a read that I devoured.

This was an okay read. I think I enjoyed the first half more than the second. There were times I had to reread certain chapters or pages because I thought I had missed something. Things did move a tad bit slow and fast at times. Which is weird to say because they are very opposite things but that was how I felt at times. The ending will definitely leave you wanting more.

For an opening of a horror book this hit! We open and for the first few chapters, we as the reader are genuinely left scared and unsettled.

If you've read The Forbidden Game or seen the Pumpkin Tree, this has similar vibes. A game that was left incomplete that sold a loved one, that calls for completion if you want to be free and save someone. The intensity and fear is there.
Where I think this book went downhill was how fast paced it was and how late the lost connection/aka the reason they use to be friends was shown.

However, I will say the mythology and game was very interesting to learn about. We usually see western horror games and I love seeing new ones.

Find Him Where You Left Him Dead is described as a mix of Jumanji and Japanese folklore. This is true, but it’s more like a dash of Jumanji and a heaping spoonful of Japanese Folklore. Throughout the book we are introduced to Japanese mythology concepts. This worked somewhat for the book, but at other times it just kind of came off as info dumping.

The info dumping probably comes from assuming that most readers of the book will be ignorant when it comes to Japanese folklore and mythology. And, this assumption isn’t wrong. As a reader, Japanese mythology is a foreign concept to me. I am completely unfamiliar with all characters and stories from this genre of culture-based beliefs. Because of this the author has to explain a lot of ideas in the book. Even though, by her own admission, she interpreted and reimagined some of the mythology to create the fictional world and characters in her book, it still takes either a lot of world building or a lot of explaining. While world-building probably would’ve been the better route to go in terms of story-telling, it would also take the longest to fully develop. Honestly, it’s a conundrum on what the better option should have been. As far as the pacing, the characters, and the storytelling go, there were also some hits and misses with these as well.

The pacing was extremely quick. The story picks up right from the first page, goes full blast, and never stops. This makes the book feel like a thriller from the start. The reader (and the characters) barely gets any kind of a respite from one action/freak out scene to the next. The main characters are on a clock and everybody, the reader included, feels it. This works wonders in creating the thriller-like vibes, but at the same time it doesn’t allow the reader really any time to get to know the characters, especially at the beginning. Everything felt rushed. The introduction of the characters was rushed, the introduction of the setting was rushed, and the plot going into the Jumanji situation was also rushed. It wasn’t until about midway through the book where the characters started to really shine and tug at the heartstrings.

The characters, Madeline, Emerson, Owen, and Dax are teenagers who carry an awful secret that has ripped them apart. They abandoned their friend Ian four years ago in a cave. They have no idea if he is alive or dead, and the guilt eats at them in different ways. They haven’t spoken to each other since that fateful night. That is until a yokai, or ghost (maybe it’s a ghost of Ian) comes to haunt each of them on the fourth anniversary of the night he disappeared. Now, they must all come together, go back to the cave, and find Ian. This is where Jumanji comes in. Once the teens go back to the cave, they are transported to a different realm and all sorts of shenanigans break loose.

As characters, in the beginning, all of them were slightly annoying with Emerson being at the top of that list. The teenage angst and guilt was running rampant in this group. I honestly didn't know if I could keep reading if they stayed that way. Fortunately, they began to work through some of their issues and mellowed out a bit. They even began to open up to each and heal some old wounds, which I thought was a nice touch. Each character was individualistic and represented different aspects of American teenagers/citizens. The relationships that they rekindled between each other was really the theme and the highlight of the book, and it was executed excellently by the author. By the end of the book, you begin to root for all four of them as they try to rescue their friend.

Also, this book is categorized as YA. I would actually place in between YA and middle grade. Some of the situations, like the romance, were more YA. However, most of the conversations between the characters as well as the social concepts in the book felt more directed at middle grade readers.

All in all though. I enjoyed this book. It just didn’t wow me like I wanted it too.

3.5/5

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group/Tor Teen for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

*I received an e-arc from the publisher via Netgalley for review. All thoughts are my own*

This book surprised me in a good way! I thought this story was going to be a thriller, but it wound up being based on Japanese Folklore/Mythology in a Jumanji inspired setting. Fans of YA thrillers, paranormal and mythology will enjoy this one.

Four years ago, five kids started a game and only four of them made it out alive.

The four survivors, Dax, Maddy, Owen and Emerson have been reunited once again. They have all been summoned by the ghost of their friend Ian who didn’t make it and was left for dead.

Together they return to the cave where it all began with the goal of finding Ian and bringing him home. They restart the matching game, Meido, that they never finished. A game that wound up not having instructions, and not being as innocent as they once thought.

As soon as they begin the game again, they’re sucked into the Japanese underworld which is more terrifying and horrifying than they could have ever imagined. They meet Shinigami, a wise old woman, who explains to them the rules of the game. They have one night to complete seven challenges, or all of them, including their friend Ian, will be trapped in the game forever. They meet many different mythological creatures and strange animals along their journey.

Although the friends were once besties, they now cannot stand being around each other. The game forces them to work together again and make some hard decisions. Will they all make it out alive?

I think the multiple points of view worked really well in this story as we got to know each of the unique characters. I really grew to care about each and every one of them and found myself rooting for them.

This story will keep you entertained from start to finish. I thought at first that this was a standalone, but I am under the impression there will be a sequel. I definitely recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and Kristen Simmons for this exciting new book. It’s a nice blend of Dungeons and Dragons plus Stranger Things set in a truly creepy world straight out of Jumanji. I was constantly looking over my shoulder at every weird noise in the house this book kept me on the edge of my seat. Worth your time if you like a scary book😱😉

a gripping and chilling young adult novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with mystery, supernatural elements, and complex relationships. And will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The author weaves an intricate tale that combines elements of horror, suspense, and friendship. The pacing is fast-paced, making it difficult to put the book down. The vivid descriptions bring the eerie hellscape to life, immersing readers in a world more terrifying than any folklore. The characters are well-developed and undergo significant growth throughout the story. Their complex relationships and individual struggles add depth to the narrative, making it relatable and engaging. As the challenges escalate, the survivors are forced to confront their darkest secrets and make difficult choices, testing the strength of their bond.

This author wrote an interesting horror book overall but for me the plot of the book got confusing sometimes so it was hard to follow sometimes. Find Him Where You Left Him Dead did have gore, filth and drama in the best way and it was scary. The world she created was impressive especially with all of the characters she created. I would recommended this book to other horror fans. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC book.

Loved:
This book caught my interest based on the premise and TOR Publishing releasing knockout books continually. I am a huge fan of horror/gore and Find Him where you Left Him Dead provided feelings of disgust, filth, and drama in the best way possible. Kristin Simmons is a great writer, overall. Her attention to detail, the ability to create a new world, is impressive. She makes spiders gross, like really gross. She writes about characters in detail, and atmospheres that activate your senses. These are traits not all authors can wrap up in a solid package. Clearly, here, she was, the Queen of Creation.


Liked:
Find Him Where You Left Him Dead was an interesting book, overall. Would I say it is a Japanese verison of Jumanji, no. A lot of books had retold tales and this one was full of folklore, but what I think fell flat was the description behind the folklore, and who these folklore characters were. As someone, too, with a mixed, background, I thought I would be diving into more Japanese folklore. Though it was one main character explaining Kanji, or with very few specifics that initially attracted me to the premise of the book. The story also plot holes, like the origin of the cards, where did they come from? Information about Ian meeting Dax (initially), and the discovery of the cave. I am left with some why(s)?

Overall:
I found it enjoyable. The story was compelling, but I felt it was not fully complete for me. I loved the Japanese Folklore that was explained and the details and writing style of the author. I did find it enjoyable and would recommend a Japanese Folklore book to follow up or read prior for a better understanding. I, now, am intrigued to continue my journey into Japanese Folklore.

Solid three Stars.

A mixture of Japanese folklore and Jumanji with a touch of horror as four friends are forced to play a game that trapped their friend whom they abandoned... yet if they lose they'll be trapped here forever. Four years ago, five friends started playing a game... but only four of them survived. Now at the end of their senior year of high school, Owen, Madeline, Emerson, and Dax begin seeing Ian (their friend who disappeared) and his apparition is telling them to finish the very game they played all those years ago. Now they find themselves restarting the game that got them in this problem in the first place, a very complicated game with no instructions and transports them into a eerie hellscape of Japanese underworlds, facing off against monsters and demons, and trying to solve seven challenges in one night before they are trapped in there forever. Who will survive by the time the clock runs out? This one was a weird one for me, I love Jumani and I love Japanese folklore/horror, yet the combination of both in this story just felt off for me. It was told through various POVs and I just didn't find that I cared much for any of the characters or the story in general. I tried to remain invested but in the end just found myself spacing out. I love horror, and I adore game style challenge horror games but this one just felt very meh. I think if you enjoy very light horror and game style adventure stories, this one might be for you!

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group, Tor Teen for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Wow! I thought this was just a straight up thriller, but I was wrong! It took a turn off the beaten path and dropped us straight into some paranormal trials based around Japanese mythology.

When Maddy, Emerson, Dax, and Owen are brought back together four years after their friend Ian went missing in the caves, they were exploring together they find out their all seeing some strange things. When they decide to go back to the caves to find answers on what happened to Ian, they are dropped into a Jumanji style game that includes all sorts of creepy crawly animals and mythological creatures.

I enjoyed the multiple POV's, the trials were intense and will keep you on your toes, and the twist at the end was definitely a surprise I did not see coming. I 100% recommend this one!

This took me by surprise in a great way! Maybe I just didn't read the blurb well, but I was not expecting paranormal trials or Japanese mythology, both of which are things I love. The story also jumps right in, with short chapters and ghosts(?) to draw you into the plot and get things going.

The group of former friends have to complete seven challenges before dawn if they want to return home and I enjoyed seeing them work through their past issues and feelings, while also fighting deadly creatures. The plot kept me intrigued and the bits of romance sprinkled in were a nice addition.

What I struggled with were the uneven chapters and how long some of them were. In the beginning the chapters are fairly short, but once the game starts they become four times as long and slowed the pace down a bit. I think several of them could have been cut into two chapters and it would have broken up the story a little bit.

I had a great time reading this and I hope there's a sequel in the works!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Tor Teen and NetGalley for the copy.

This was an interesting story steeped in Japanese folklore - it was pretty fun and has a bit of the setup of a video game story in that everything was set up in levels and one level has to be solved before the characters could move on to the next. It has some interesting twists, and overall, I enjoyed it.

DNF at 26%. (I normally refrain from rating books I DNF but in this case, I will leave it with a neutral rating).

I'm really sorry but this book is just not for me. My issues with it are largely on a personal level, but they greatly impacted my experience with this book...

1. The Jumanji but heavily Japanese-inspired thing really put me off. Although Japanese culture is treated respectfully enough here, the incorporation of it didn't feel...authentic? I don't know how to explain it well, but all the Asian aspects that popped up in this book felt as though they were plucked and dropped into a Western setting. They just didn't gel well with the Jumanji part of the book and many times, I even forgot it was supposed to be Japanese-inspired.

2. The introduction of the characters by their hobbies instead of creating memorable, solid personalities resulted in lukewarm characters whose importance and memorability lessened with each chapter. By the time I finished reading the first trial, the characters gave off strong "I'm only here to move the plot forward" vibes!

3. There's just so much talk, talk, talking instead of showing or experiencing that the story lost its horror- and attention-grabbing- touch. I wasn't creeped out by what was happening and my attention wandered off a lot throughout the parts I actually managed to read.

I'm giving this book a neutral rating because I did stop reading about 40% of the way through and started skimming to the end instead.

I think this book started out really interesting, and I loved the concept of it. I liked getting to know the different characters at first. But the first two challenges they go through (out of seven) went by too quick, and left me confused after it all. I do think the horror elements are there for sure, and I honestly did not see that twist at the end coming. But ultimately, this book wasn't for me.