Omg. Some stories I did admittedly like more than others, but they were all good. I especially liked “The Golden Dragon,” “Best Served Cold”, and “Docile Girls.” But all of these are worth the read, and they all had good prose and were fun.

3.5 rounded up - overall a strong and diverse collection of horror short stories. The variety of representation is incredible, and I appreciate that these stories do not pull their punches with the terror and gore. As with any short story collection, there is a wide range of success in execution, and I did struggle with the stories that felt the most YA. I liked the premise of the framing device but it needed to be better fleshed out to make the collection feel more cohesive.

My favorites: Best Served Cold, The Protégé, Everything's Coming Up Roses, Heaven

This book had it ups and downs. I didn't like it but I also didn't love it. I would have to say my faves were Faridah, Kalynn, and Tiffany. I would for sure get a physical copy for my shelf to re read it for sure tho!

A mixed bag of good and very good stories as many anthologies are.
Some of the stories felt more emotional drama than horror but all of them approached the theme in unique ways.
This is a great intro book for those new to horror, especially teens or those coming into the genre from movies like Scream or The Midnight Club.

I will literally read ✨anything✨ Chloe Gong writes. So when I saw that she wrote a short story for a horror anthology, I IMMEDIATELY requested an ARC from NetGalley. Horror is not my typical genre, but I 👏🏻 ate 👏🏻 this 👏🏻 up. The authors included in this book are to die for, pun intended. And the stories! They range from slashers, psychopaths who don’t know they’re psychopaths, ancient myths and legends, creepy clowns, haunted houses, and a good old fashioned demon summoning. Some stories were scarier than others, but a couple of them really creeped me out. Maybe read with the lights on?

This was a collection of 13 short stories all by different authors all centred around horror/thriller style plot lines. The biggest difference was that the main character(s) were a different race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or some combination of those representations. The one thing all the stories had in common was the white character(s) were the first to go or the only ones to perish. It was flipping stereotypical horror movie norms and twisting them to build a new kind of narrative. Some of the stories I found to be very compelling and I would read a full length novel or watch a movie based off of a few of these stories. I loved the concept of this book!

This year I am really excited to do a horror/mystery short story unit with my students so when I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. What could be wrong with some of my favorite WA, authors, writing horror stories, that not only deal with traditional horror, but also the horror that power allows people to inflict on others. I loved all of the stories, my top three were “Hedge”, “Everything Coming up Roses” and “All Eyes on Me”. They were all so unique in their horror and the way the pulled the reader into to their scary worlds!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I received an eARC of this YA anthology.

To say I loved this with all my heart is an understatement. Especially as a white cis-woman I learned so so much from these brilliant stories.
If I could recommend only one book to my readers this year, it would be this one.
The concept is smart: 13 of the greatest writers in the YA genre partner up to bring together 13 short stories about BIPOC characters that stand up to their white and mostly male bullies. The authors challenge our society’s norms and ways and open the readers eyes about everyday racism experiences real people have to endure in our world.
The characters in these stories often reconnect with their culture and call out white characters for cultural appropriation and fetishisation. Also misogyny and sexual abuse is a topic.
Gender identity and sexuality is also a very important part of these books.
The stories rangers from classic splatter horror to dystopian science fiction and I was immensely entertained while reading.
Every single author crushed this assignment and I kept thinking about which story is my favourite but in the end I can’t tell. All of them were unique and beautiful in their own way and I don’t think they were written to be compared. Since all of them were so different it’s even hard to compare.
In the end I think this book will say with me for a very long time, understanding the experiences of BIPOC and queer people is extremely important to fight the real system that oppresses them everyday.
As for the message I felt like this was the gory, bloody and horror version of Babel so I’m all here for it!

Thanks so much again for giving me an early copy of this book, it was truly wonderful.

Great collection of short stories. Most of the authors were those I have lead before or are already autobuy author of mine. So i thoroughly enjoyed the book.

A spine-tingling anthology of horror stories that challenges stereotypes and upends expectations. Featuring an impressive lineup of bestselling and award-winning authors, "The White Guy Dies First" is an anthology that reinvents the horror genre with thought-provoking stories that shatter conventional narratives. From killer clowns and hungry hedge mazes to rich kids gone rogue and ancient horrors, this collection explores the dark recesses of the human psyche and the complexities of race and identity. Each tale is a unique tapestry woven with literary prowess, leaving readers with lingering chills and a newfound appreciation for the diverse voices in horror literature. Prepare to be immersed in worlds where the unexpected unfolds, where the marginalized rise, and where fear takes on countless forms. "The White Guy Dies First" is a must-read for fans of contemporary horror, those seeking to broaden their literary horizons, and anyone who dares to venture into the realm of the unknown.

I thought this was a really good an insightful book! I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for something freaky and insightful!

The White Guy Dies First is a stand out collection of horror stories. Great addition to the cannon of BIPOC horror stories. Highly recommend.

This was a fun collection of stories from different authors. There were some definite standouts, and of course, A few fell flat for me. But overall I enjoyed most. I especially loved the anthology's theme, and that's what initially drew me in.

My reviews averaged 4.5 and I’m rounding up to 5 because overall I thought the theme tied well through the anthology and while horror is not my usual genre, I enjoyed almost every single story and am excited to read more from these authors.

All Eyes On Me- 4⭐️
Less horror, more finding yourself, coming out and starting over. Liked it though!

Hedge- 4⭐️
Creepy, scary, gory, body horror! Loved how deeply we got to know the brothers in such a short story. Teen boys can be nasty and I liked the climax of the story and the ending made me sad - but in a good way?

Golden Dragon- 5⭐️
Racism, sexism, trying to fit in, attempted assault leading to violent revenge? I’m here for it!

“This is a Japanese revenge ghost, and I’m Korean you shits! and I was born in Boulder!”

Best Served Cold- 5⭐️
Wow. So twisted and messed up, like a fever dream but with commentary and queer gender rep and… it will take me a long time to process that one. This was a really good horror story.

Protege- 5⭐️
Wowow! This was surprising! So much lore, world building, intrigue and suspense! Pretty gory but well deserved and now I want to read a whole series about Darius. Not my usual genre at all but I thought it was well done.

Docile Girls- 3.5⭐️
A LOT of gore and violence in this one. A bit of thrill and a bit of suspense but mostly just gore. I did appreciate the commentary behind the murders but it did feel a little heavy handed compared to the other stories.

Gray Grove- 4⭐️
I really appreciated the commentary in this one. The setting of an old plantation house, now used for weddings (disgusting, this happens in VA a lot and I hate it) was full of history and darkness and I loved the contrast with the wannabe blogger white girl. The climax was really fast and it felt shorter than the others because we didn’t really get to know the characters - but I still enjoyed it.

“This was one of Kaitlin’s most common refrains. As long as the racist in question was older than them, their racism could be excused, if not forgiven entirely.”

Everything’s Coming Up Roses- 5⭐️
I liked the journal entry format! The MFC is, uh, pretty messed up but I LOVED the way things were revealed. Love an unhinged flower girl, this might be my favorite story of the bunch.

Heaven- 4⭐️
More dystopian than horror but the story building was great. Loved the hints at the beginning, as well as some of the more detailed explanations later in the story. I loved the twist at the end and overall really enjoyed this.

Break Through Our Skin- 4⭐️
Loved the genderqueer discussion and archeological vibe. The body horror was very intense but was surprised and pleased with the happy ending.

Wasps- 5⭐️
Yes yes yes. Feed the colonizer to the wasps. Absolutely loved this.

Hell is Other Demons- 5⭐️
Loved the context and lore of this. Wasn’t really horror more thriller and adventure. I would read an entire series of this!

The road to hell- 5⭐️
A sentient haunted house who just wants friends and love, at any costs? Absolutely love it! Loved that the main human character is pissed he can’t publish his AO3 fanfic.

3.9 rounded up to 4/5.

"The White Guy Dies First: 13 Scary Stories of Fear and Power" is a powerful and diverse anthology featuring a collection of chilling tales written by thirteen authors of color. Each story offers a unique perspective on horror, weaving together themes of fear, power, and survival in a captivating and thought-provoking manner.

The anthology begins with an engaging "intro" story that sets the mood for what's to come, drawing readers into a world where the unexpected and the terrifying lurk around every corner. From there, readers are treated to a variety of stories, each with its own distinct voice and style.

Standout stories include "All Eyes on Me," which explores sapphic elements and the consequences of actions without moral repercussions, and "Best Served Cold," which offers chilling commentary on whiteness through a Hannibal Lecter-esque narrative.

However, not every story hits the mark. "The Protege" falls short with its disjointed and confusing plot, while "Docile Girls" feels too on the nose in its exploration of revenge against white people.

Despite some unevenness, the anthology delivers strong entries like "Break Through Our Skin," a gripping monster transformation revenge story, and "Wasps," which offers a cosmic horror experience with a satisfying ending.

Overall, "The White Guy Dies First" is a compelling collection that showcases the talent and diversity of its contributors. While some stories may not resonate as strongly as others, the anthology as a whole offers an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of fear and power. Whether you're a fan of horror or simply appreciate diverse storytelling, this anthology is sure to leave a lasting impression.

"The White Guy Dies First" is a groundbreaking anthology that breathes new life into the horror and thriller genres. Curated by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, this collection brings together an impressive array of talent, including Kalynn Bayron, Kendare Blake, H.E. Edgmon, Lamar Giles, Chloe Gong, Alexis Henderson, Tiffany D. Jackson, Adiba Jaigirdar, Naseem Jamnia, Karen Strong, Mark Oshiro, and Terry J. Benton-Walker. Each author contributes their unique voice and perspective, collectively challenging traditional horror tropes and the genre's historically monolithic portrayal of characters and narratives.

At its core, "The White Guy Dies First" is a celebration of diversity and creativity, showcasing stories that place characters of color at the forefront of suspenseful, eerie, and sometimes downright terrifying tales. The anthology refuses to stick to a single type of horror story, instead offering a kaleidoscope of horrors that range from the supernatural to the all-too-real, ensuring that there's something to unsettle every reader.

The strength of this collection lies in its ability to subvert expectations. In traditional horror narratives, characters of color often find themselves relegated to supporting roles, frequently meeting untimely ends. This anthology flips that script, giving these characters agency, depth, and stories where they're not just survivors but stars. The varied backgrounds and experiences of the characters add layers of complexity and richness to each story, pushing the boundaries of the genre in exciting new directions.

What sets "The White Guy Dies First" apart is not just its commitment to diversity but the quality of storytelling. Each author brings their A-game, crafting tales that are as thought-provoking as they are chilling. From Bayron's gripping narrative to Blake's haunting prose, and from Giles's suspenseful plot twists to Gong's atmospheric world-building, the collection is a masterclass in horror writing. The inclusion of emerging voices alongside established names creates a dynamic and fresh reading experience, highlighting the depth and breadth of talent within the genre.

Moreover, the anthology doesn't shy away from tackling heavy themes such as racism, identity, and social injustice, weaving these into the fabric of its stories in ways that are both natural and impactful. The result is a collection that is not only entertaining but also meaningful, encouraging readers to reflect on the world around them and the ways in which fear is both a universal and uniquely personal experience.

In conclusion, "The White Guy Dies First" is a seminal work that marks an important moment in the evolution of the horror genre. Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and the contributing authors have created an anthology that is thrilling, innovative, and profoundly resonant. This collection is a must-read for fans of horror and thriller genres, as well as anyone looking for stories that challenge conventions and celebrate diversity. It's a powerful reminder that the most compelling tales are those that reflect the full spectrum of human experience, in all its terrifying and beautiful complexity.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

I always talk about how I don't like to read horror or spooky things, but I think maybe I've been lying to myself, because I could not stop with these creepy as hell stories!

Like some kind of glutton for punishment, I'd read two or three each night before bed and always wanted to keep going. I stayed up til way passed my bedtime and slept with lights on multiple nights because I am a coward, but it was WORTH it.

Each story took on another aspect for racism and hatred that people of color often face, and throughout each story the theme of being an outsider and alone simply because the characters weren't white prevailed. I loved the way the issues were tackled and resolved (here's a hint: murder!) and as much of a chicken as I am, really enjoyed this anthology.

A short story horror anthology where (no spoilers) the white guy always dies first. Tons of fun and a great mix of genres and styles in this collection. The characters aloft squarely into the YA space, with a broad range of ethnic and cultural representations.

Stories that stood out to me:
“Hedge” by Kalynn Bayron
“The Golden Dragon” by Kendare Blake
“The Protégé” by Lamar Giles
“Wasps” by Mark Oshiro

Among a company of great stories, these were memorable for their subject matter, their ability to capture weird or creepy in the best ways, and their examination of race/class in the context of horror.

As a librarian, I’ll add this book to my YA collection and recommend it to lovers of horror and lovers of diverse stories.

Such a fun, insightful, and creepy collection of short stories by some amazing authors! Couldn’t put this down, and I’m not a huge short story fan but I sped through this!

This was so good and creepy. These stories took you through very different scenarios with ghosts, haunted houses and self reflection can get you killed. My top three stories were: Docile Girls, Everything’s Coming Up Roses and The Golden Dragon.