“There’s No Way I’d Die First” has an interesting premise, but it ends up being a complete mess of a book. Granted that horror slashers often exist in implausible scenarios, but so much of this book seems completely incomprehensible in its logic within each set piece for the action sequences (all of the traps set up within the house makes Kevin McAllister’s boobytrapped house in “Home Alone” seem entirely probable in comparison). The physical layout of the house was confusing and it wasn’t clear how they were trapped inside for over half the book when many of the main characters had previously escaped outside to a boat. For most of the book, because it was so implausible, I assumed that the whole setup was just a prank on the main character because of how ridiculous it was. The book becomes quite repetitive by the end and the motive for the killer seems fairly tacked on at the end as it wasn’t developed thematically for much of the book. Finally, there’s so little character development that there’s no real emotional connection to any of the deaths.

This is a story about final girls.

I can’t believe this was a debut! The writing style is fast-paced and atmospheric, capturing the essence of a horror movie perfectly. Grab the popcorn for this one, for sure. The suspense builds from the entrance of the killer, but there were still some unexpected twists and turns- the anxiety was real until the last page!

Also- this did somehow specific that books never seem to, that I always wonder about by exploring how hard it would be to explain the horror scene the next day.

Thank you so much @netgalley & @delacortepress for the eArc!

First and foremost, I live for the Scream and Stephen King references.

This is the sort of book that I definitely would've picked up during spooky season. Big mansion, creepy clown, thunderstorm, give me all the horror tropes. I loved the focus on Black centered horror and the thought that went behind Noelle wanting to throw a wrench in the works, so to speak. She is a final girl through and through, and she definitely deserved it after all that she went through.

That being said, Gage's kills were over the top in the best way. None of them were the typical cookie cutter, just stab them in the chest, sort of kills and I loved that. While I did manage to figure out 'Ghostface #2' pretty quickly after a couple of kills, the lead up to it was never boring. If this is the sort of book we're going to get a lot of from Lisa Springer, I can't wait to see what's next!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the e-arc!

This book was so much fun! A fast-paced, scary slasher that constantly kept me on my toes! As a horror movie lover myself, I adored all of the references, the isolated estate, and the game element of this book. And THAT COVER!!

I loved this book so much, but there were a handful of errors that I hope will be corrected in the final copy. I think there was a typo in the scene where Noelle crashed the car and it slipped that Josh was in on the murders before we actually go that reveal. There were a couple of other realizations that happened out of order (like the reading about the video that was secretly recorded in the therapist's office, but then having the reveal/shock a few pages later that he secretly recorded their sessions) Overall, though, this was so much fun!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lisa Springer for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for There’s No Way I’d Die First coming out September 5 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Seventeen-year-old Noelle Layne has known horror. She has studied all the great horror movies. Every trope, every cliche, every survival tactic. She even leads a successful movie club dedicated to the genre. Who better to host the topnotch, exclusive Halloween party on Long Island?

With some of the top social influencers in her school on the guest list, including the elusive singer-songwriter Archer Mitchell, her popularity is sure to rise. She needs the social boost for an upcoming brand expansion. Nothing will ruin her party.

Except…maybe the low budget It clown she hired for a game of tag. He axes one of her classmates. From the looks of his It smile and bag full of killer tricks, he's just begun his reign of terror.

A murderous clown is out for revenge, but Noelle has been waiting her entire life to prove that she was born a Final Girl.

Horror is one of my favorite genres so I was so excited to read this book! I loved the different quotes from horror movies at the beginning of the chapters. I thought Noelle was a strong character. I loved the writing and dialogue. I think a couple of the side characters weren’t as developed and it was a little hard to get a reading on their personalities. But I thought it was a fast paced, full of action book. A lot of books talk about Final Girls, but I thought it was a fresh take on the YA horror genre.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys modern horror books!

I read this book in one sitting, if you like books about teenagers dying and just plain good horror, then this book is for you. It was a bit predictable but I enjoyed it all the way to the end.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. This was a great book, and while I did easily guess the ending, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it!! A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads.

This is a very contemporary YA thriller novel, (one that I probably would only recommend to select my 8th graders given some of the content included). The premise works for the setting--it's modern day, so everyone wants to be famous, followers online influence self-esteem, and "the gram" drives far too many decisions in the average teen's life.

Noelle's horror obsession is cool, and it's nice that each character has their own "thing"....yet wildly unrealistic that the high school just breeds so many social media standouts like that, especially when they're cursory friends and not actively driving new "likes" to each others' pages.

I liked the story at first. The gore caught me off guard, but I like the impact it was making. In the end, though, I struggled with TWO plot points: 1. Fight back. So much talk for very little action. 2. The killing took forever. Run...tease...kill....tease...run. It was 250+ pages of killing that just seemed to needlessly continue on and on and on.

That said, I don't think there are many books (if any) like this in the YA market, so I think it could really garner some traction with teen readers!

Overall: 4 stars

I'll tell my students about: alcohol, drugs, gore, death, language, trauma, LGBTQIA+

**Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for the free DRC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review .

Wow. I read this book in mostly one sitting. I had to go to bed unfortunately and wake up and finish because I have work today. This book has a little bit of mystery about who the killer is but it’s not very difficult to put two and two together about where they got their information. But I don’t think that’s the point of this book. I think the point of this book is to be a thrilling slasher akin to teen slasher movies. I thought it was a little graphic at points and gruesome, which to be honest is the same as teen slasher movies so in that respect I can see why it is YA. However, if you’re used to other YA horror books, this one is a bit more gory and has a bit of body horror. If you don’t care for that I’d definitely skip this book. It was a very visceral read. My biggest gripe is the fact that two characters did some stupid slasher movie things like being concerned about their love life in the middle of a killer trying to take their life. Maybe because I’m not experienced in dealing with this kind of situation but I cannot understand how that could happen; it just seems super dumb. This book had me making up theories left and right and hoping people made it that shouldn’t be able to make it. It was just a big fun time. Fully recommend to horror fans both young and old(as long as you can handle the gore). I will be recommending we get this at my library and recommending it to my horror fan besties.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. I have mixed feelings about this book. My like biggest fear in the whole world is clowns, so that alone made it hard for me to get through. I usually love horror/thriller books, especially ones heavily inspired by old 90s slasher films. This one definitely had that energy! A lot of the deaths felt very outlandish and unrealistic though. I will also say that the story was inspired by Scream and had a secret second accomplice, however I figured out who it was by about half way through the book, so the “surprise ending” wasn’t really much of a surprise to me…Definitely a good read if you are a fan of Scream-style 90s horror and snotty rich kids getting killed one by one.

Rated down. My Rating 3.5

Noelle Layne is the ultimate horror fan. She knows everything there needs to be known about horror movies and how to survive one. So, why shouldn’t she be the most qualified to host and exclusive over the top Fright Night? Desperate to boost her follower count to turn her movie club into a podcast, Noelle invites the who’s who of her senior class for a night of dancing, food, fun, prizes and scares in her home. Everything seems to be going according to plan including the creepy clown Noelle hired to play a game of horror tag, but when her guests start dropping dead, everyone starts to realize it’s not all fun and games. Can Noelle summon her horror knowledge and prove once and for all she is a Final Girl, or will fail to make the sequel?

I think every horror fan has gone through the scenarios of what they would do if they found themselves in a real-life horror story, so I was excited to read this debut horror novel about that very thing. This is a great YA read and it’s contemporary setting will be a hit with the current generation. Noelle and her small friend group are instantly loveable and complement one another. I thought it started off strong with great hints that something is amiss (although as a Horror fan Noelle should have known better, tsk tsk). I love all the nods to horror classics throughout.

I will say I found that after the first couple kills it became very redundant in a Scooby Doo way. Clown kills friend, they fight or flee to another room and then just stand around plotting and repeat. Too much cat and mouse and not enough action. Also, I was a bit disappointed in the how Noelle seriously kept considering just saving herself and leaving her friends and party guests to their fates. To me, that didn’t feel very Final Girl. There was too much time spent contemplating fighting back which just resulted in another Scooby Doo Gang huddle run to another part of the house.

I will say I found the kills to be pretty imaginative and no one person was killed the same. Made things feel fresh. I would have loved to get some classic horror homage kills, but not a dealbreaker.

I would still recommend as a great YA read, it fits the bill and despite my complaints, the mystery of who is behind the mask makes it worth the read and I still found it quite enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Springer, and Random House Children’s, Delacorte Press for the ARC to review. This review is my honest opinion and a voluntary submission.

3 stars.

Thank you very much to Netgalley, Random House Children's, and Delacorte Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

I went into this story knowing very little, because I tend to prefer that with horror novels. I did, however, see lots of comparisons to the Scream movies, which made me really excited since I am a huge fan. I also thought that the cover and the title were both so amazing and alluring.

I will start off by saying Lisa Springer does such a great job getting the reader to fall into the story. In just those first few chapters, I was already invested in Noelle, the main character, and her life. There was an easy and immediate chemistry in her friend group between her, Demario, and Elise. I really enjoyed seeing the relationships between the entire cast and how they interacted with each other, as friends and frenemies. I also really loved seeing a Black girl at the center of a horror novel, who was an avid horror fan. Plus, the fact that she had a club where they watched Black horror films, including those that aren't well known to the mainstream was such a cool detail. I was quickly on edge due to the unknown messages that Noelle was receiving in the beginning and was already guessing who the culprit could be. I really liked the fact that all of the kids were privileged and well off. Usually with stories following rich kids, there's one character who doesn't come from money and acts as an entrance for the audience into the world of wealth. In this story, all of the teens at the party have wealthy parents, inheritances, and resources that everyday people don't have, including Noelle. I thought that was such an interesting move. I also really liked the ending and felt satisfied with the way the story concluded.

I will say I think things got repetitive very quickly. After the clown was introduced, it seems like the entire plot was watching the kids run from room to room, try to attack Gage, fail, getting injured or dying, then running to another room, and the cycle continues. Due to that, I struggled to feel any tension or stakes in the story, which led me to be a bit bored around the 40% mark. I also didn't find Gage to be a very captivating villain, even after the final reveal. I think that while I didn't hate the romance, it felt out of place and unnecessary the farther into the story I got. It was weird having these flirty and romantic moments, when just pages ago, someone was brutally killed or they were being chased by this serial killer clown. I think that it could have been a little less in the forefront. With all of that said, that's my own preference and I'm sure there will be others who find the romance very sweet and a nice refresher from the violence.

Overall, I think that this is a solid debut. I would especially recommend it to those who like stories set in one location for a long period of time. I'm curious to see what the author writes in the future.

I really enjoyed this! I thought this was a great debut and a great work of contemporary YA horror. I loved the main character and her strength as well as the twisty-turny nature of the plot. I also am a huge fan of killer clowns (though I gotta be honest, I'm pretty bored by them IRL, but in horror novels I am absolutely sold). Vividly imagined and gruesomely penned, this was so well done and I would absolutely LOVE to see this adapted to the screen (like the R L Stein Fear Street series). Absolutely amazing *chef's kiss*! And it comes out just in time for spooky season, woo!

Rating: 4/5 stars

Thanks to the publisher for the advanced readers copy!

Synopsis: Horror reviewer/influencer Noelle Layne throws an exclusive horror themed party at her parent’s house, inviting the top influencers at her private school. When the entertainment—a terrifying IT clown impersonator—arrives and things go south, the question remains: will everyone survive the night?

I read this book in two days and MAN it was exciting. I was hooked from the beginning (while I’m not huge on the term and concept of influencers, reading about them interests me) and, while the buildup was slower than expected, THERE’S NO WAY I’D DIE FIRST packs a punch.

First off, Noelle. The amount of books I’ve read recently with horror movie buffs as main characters is few, but easily has become a new personality type I love in books. I think their confidence that they’d survive a hypothetical horror movie scene vs when they’re actually thrown into it creates such an interesting dynamic and subverts expectations. Noelle is like that; she has the intended bravado that would accompany a horror movie buff pre-killing spree, but as soon as she is put into it, some of that bravado chips away. She is such an effective main character in this way, showing the two sides of the coin.

Looking at the full range of characters, including Noelle, there was such a range of representation. There was LGBTQ+, POC, and AAPI rep strewn about the cast of characters, showing a range of identities and personalities. Some were insufferable, some innocent, some were neutral, but all of them had something to add that made the plot more entertaining and more engaging. Not a single person was just “there”.

To the plot itself! The kills were BRUTAL but so creative. The keyboard keys kill? I still think about it and start gagging. Gives me some minor Saw vibes. I love that even though we’re confined to just Noelle’s house as a setting, there’s so much happening and it feels more constricted and dire to the characters. And the twist at the end?? I thought it was great, BUT I also was expecting someone else to be the accomplice, not who it turned out to be. Without spoiling it, it would’ve been great if someone even closer to Noelle had been the accomplice.

I really REALLY enjoyed this book and thanks again to the publisher for the ARC!

Absolutely amazing! If you are looking for a scary book this is for you...it has murder, scary movie references, strong female heroine, and a killer clown (which I'm terrified of). There are so many twists and turns.

The details of the gruesome occurrences are vivid. If Netflix doesn't turn this into a limited series, I'll be shocked. The perfect book for spooky season or really whenever you just need a good scare.

This is a fun slasher novel that reads like a movie almost. When a private party is held for the top influencers in the town, the situation quickly spins out of control as the hired clown has more on his mind than fun and games.

The characters are all wealthy to a certain degree and they all carry deep secrets about themselves that they try not to have exposed. But the killer knows each one and he wants to punish them before untimely killing them. The kills in here are very creative and nasty. They really give off those slasher film vibes.

While some people took issue with the romance element between two characters, it didn't bother me in the least. I thought it was always kept in the background as the party guests try to escape and get out alive.

The only minor issue for me was the amount of physical damage the killer took yet always jumped right back up as if he were made of steel. While this is one of my favorite tropes in a slasher MOVIE, it felt a tad ridiculous in written form. Maybe that's just me though.

But still, I enjoyed this novel and I thought the pacing was just right. It's a lot of bloody slashery fun and I definitely recommend it.

Writer is clearly not a Long Island native....but only a Long Island native would know that :) We say live ON Long Island, not IN Long Island. Overall, great concept, pace was great. I did find the main character annoying at many turns but I wonder if she's supposed to be annoying as a rich influencer kid. I didn't feel a character change in her but she did survive. Not a bad read but not my favorite.

I have a special love for YA thrillers and horror. There's no way I'd Die First by Lisa Springer is a lot of fun. Halloween party, killer clowns and a final girl? Yes! This is a fast paced read with lots of action. I thought the denouement was a bit of a letdown but overall the book was a fun read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this digital ARC.

Thank you so much for this arc!!

I love this book's cover and can't wait to buy a copy. This book follows Noelle as she is throwing an exclusive Halloween bash. She hopes that this event will increase her popularity and expand her movie club to a podcast. This book had me on my toes!!!! I got lost in the story when the reveal happened, I was shocked like Noelle. This book was filled with so many gore and bloody moments. It pays homage to horror movies and those who love the genre. How the genre can be used to scare or shock people but also discusses themes of empathy, helplessness, and wealth. I really hope that this book gets adapted into a movie or show. I was not so interested in Noelle's crush so that element did not work for me as much. Anyone who enjoys slasher movies will enjoy this book

Exciting, action-packed book perfect for YA horror fans. Keeps you guessing and turning the page. The book will certainly draw in reluctant readers. Highly recommended.