Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. Okay I thought this was a genuinely FUN slasher read. There are rules to follow like your standard slasher movie, but the backdrop for the story was unique! I would certainly pick this up to read this coming spooky season, and highly recommend! I also did NOT predict that ending, which was awesome.

This book had everything that I enjoy in a YA fiction novel. A group of friends who grew up together and will stick by each other no matter what (found family), suspense (this is a supernatural horror book I believe), witty banter and humor, minority and queer representation done beautifully, and a very interesting plot. This was also my first introduction to Joelle Wellington and her writing is amazing; it is realistic and truly draws you in. I love books having a main female character who is black, because I do believe representation matters, but I know for a fact that anyone and everyone can and will enjoy this book, no matter their background. I was rooting for them every step of the way, and even when it ended, I wanted more time with these characters and their story. Even though some elements of the story were predictable, it was interesting to see exactly how the author intended to have things play out from beginning to end.

Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC!

I liked it, but the ending was not what I had expected. At some parts, I got a bit bored but it got good real fast.

The Blonde Dies First is a heart-racing supernatural horror thriller that will have you at the edge of your seat. If you've ever needed a reason to stay away from Ouija boards, this book is like the 50th reason! When twins Andrea and Devon and their friends decide to play with an Ouija board at a party, they accidentally unleash a demon. The demon starts following the classic horror movie rules, making it impossible for them to know who it's targeting. This horror comedy novel is packed with "Scream" movie vibes and explores the themes of friendship and sisterhood. A thrilling young adult horror novel that has left me eagerly anticipating more from this talented author.

I normally don’t read ghost or paranormal stories, but this seemed interesting, especially coming from the author of The Vicious Games. It almost had Scream or other 90s horror vibes to it. I enjoyed the thrills and the descriptions of what was taking place when the demon was taking chase. The other outside plots tended to bore me. Thats why I’d rate this a 3.5 rounded up.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

2⭐️

Thank you netgalley for sending me a copy of Joelle Wellington’s newest book The Blonde Dies First

The premise of this story had potential but it fell sooooo flat for me. This just missed the mark and was a bit of a disappointment, so I was surprised to see how many high reviews it was getting. I could not relate to any of the characters and actually found all their personalities quite annoying. There was way too much focus on the complicated sister relationship that two of the characters shared in addition to talking way too much about all the teenage relationship drama, it was kind of cringe to me. When the plot finally got to the demon hunting I found myself so confused and bored. The motive of the villain in this was so elementary and lame and I felt like there really wasn’t a lot of depth to it. I found myself skimming a good 45% of the book just to see what happens in the end. Definitely a pass for me but I’m sure there are people out there who will like it! Just wasn’t for me!

The Blonde Dies First is like the movie Scream in book form. Not necessarily the same killer or rules. It does state the rules they are to follow.
At first before any of the action starts it seems really boring and slow. Once the action starts it does move a little faster and it gets better. I wouldn't recommend anyone under 14 to read in my opinion. It isn't really gory or any of that. There are deaths in it but they don't over describe anything. There is a lot of talk about virgins and sex as they apply to some of the "horror movie rules". Overall it was a decent read.

An interesting novel that is exciting and easy to read. Follow a group of inner city kids that have a major problem to solve.

The Blonde Dies First is a queer thriller that is centered around a core group a friends. Our story begins with Devon who is coming to terms with her gifted twin sister heading off to college early. She and her twin, Drew, have a strained relationship, but with this new change, Devon wants to do everything in her power to make their last summer together, the best summer ever.

Between her fear of being left behind by her twin and her growing feelings for her best friend, Yaya, our main heroine has her hands full. But things go from strained to terrifying when a demonic presence begins to pursue the group and shows no signs of slowing down. Can Devon and her friends work together to stop the demon and salvage their “best summer ever” or will they fall before this seemingly unstoppable force?

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

I really enjoyed Their Vicious Games so I was foaming at the mouth for a chance to read this one. This has some of the classic thriller and slasher aspects that I love and explores the dynamic of the friend group so well. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC 🫶🏾.

I wanted so badly to enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed Joelle Wellington's previous novel. I had loved it, so was very excited to read this (and thank you to the author/publisher for my copy)! Unfortunately, I was taken aback by how different of a reading experience it was, considering it was by the same author. Personally, I found it difficult to finish reading (but kept going in hopes that it would somehow turn around). While I appreciated the diversity/representation and some of the more powerful themes (sibling dynamics, social status, racism/prejudice, etc), I did not enjoy the overall plot or flow of the story. I really, really struggled to stay engaged. I absolutely loved her previous novel, but this one was a miss for me personally.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Blonde Dies First and its metamodernist approach to the supernatural slasher tropes and themes.

I love horror, movies, books, novellas, podcasts, bring it! First of all The Blonde Dies First is YA and I am not. But, I loved it!
It is more than a horror story; it’s a story of friends, family, unconditional love and tenacity! It follows the typical horror trope (group of friends stalked by a demon unintentionally unleashed during a fateful Ouija board escapade at a really pretentious party) but it’s much more! Rich, quirky, relatable characters, an atmospheric setting and a well crafted plot keep the reader captivated. I’d love to see this adapted into a Netflix series!

Okay first have you seen this cover? I mean wow right! Even the title made me giggle because I mean yes in horror films the dumb blonde always dies first have you seen Scream? The start of this book was a bit slow I was already thinking of putting it on DNF but something told me to keep going and man am I glad I did!! You will not be disappointed keep going! The characters the plot the whole vibe of this book brought me back to the classic horror films that I love!! Definitely an amazing book! I can't wait to check out some of her other books!

Read if you like books with:
🔪 Horror Movies
🩸 Slashers
🏃🏼‍♀️ Horror Tropes
🖤 BIPOC characters
🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ Rep
📚 YA Books

From someone who does not watch horror movies but kinda knows a bit about them I feel like this book was everything it was meant to be, but also, that’s coming from someone who doesn’t watch horror or slashers so take my opinions with a grain of salt.

I was so excited to read this one after seeing all the hype the authors previous book received, but for me, I think it didn’t work quite as well because of what I said above, horror just isn’t my thing in this sense.

That said, I loved the bipoc rep, the lgbtq rep, and that the YA in this made it a good foot in the door to this type of horror read for me!

Thank you to the publisher for my ARC and my ALC in exchange for my honest review!

This was insane. omg. I went in very blind to what the actual plot of this was, and it kinda added to the shock value of everything that happens. The cast of characters is very diverse, but not in a way that made any of the characters feel like a token. This book as a whole made me feel like it should be October, not July just from the overall vibe of it.

I had such a great time once the plot of the book picked up. My biggest complaints were that the beginning of the book drug a little bit, just as the characters were established, since it is a slightly large group of main characters. There were some points where everything did feel a little repetitive, but it wasn't so bad to the point where I wasn't enjoying the book. I also did guess the twist, which is not something I can usually do, so there's that too. Overall though, had fun.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the advanced copy of the book!

I did make it 50% through this book but it seemed pretty predictable and I didn't feel I needed to continue on.

I did somewhat like the characters and the story line is a fun teenage friend group haunted by a demon they accidently released via a Quija board.

ARC Review: The Blonde Dies First by Joelle Wellington

Rating: ★★★★☆

Joelle Wellington’s The Blonde Dies First is a clever and engaging young adult thriller that pays homage to the slasher genre with a fresh twist. With a premise steeped in horror movie tropes and a touch of self-referential humor, this novel is a delightful ride for fans of both classic and modern horror.

The story revolves around Devon, who is perpetually in the shadow of her twin sister Drew, and their group of friends as they try to make the most of their summer before Drew heads off to college early. Their plans for a perfect summer take a sinister turn after a Ouija board session unleashes a demon that follows the slasher movie kill order—starting with the blonde, Devon. The narrative twists and turns as Devon, along with her crush Yaya and the rest of their circle, attempts to outsmart their supernatural adversary.

What makes The Blonde Dies First stand out is its meta approach to horror. The characters are acutely aware of slasher movie conventions, which they use to their advantage as they navigate the chaos. This self-awareness adds a layer of humor and depth, allowing Wellington to explore and subvert typical genre expectations. The demon's methodical, slasher-style approach is both a nod to classic horror and a unique twist that keeps the reader guessing.

The dynamics between Devon, Drew, and Yaya are well-developed, providing a strong emotional core amidst the tension. Devon's struggle to assert her own identity and significance, especially in the shadow of her sister and the looming threat, adds a relatable dimension to the narrative. Yaya’s role as the “Final Girl” provides an interesting dynamic, as she must confront her own fears and potentially sacrifice her humanity to save others.

The pacing of the novel is brisk, and the suspense is well-maintained throughout. However, some readers might find certain elements predictable if they are well-versed in horror tropes. While the book’s meta approach is refreshing, it occasionally leans heavily into genre conventions without pushing the boundaries as far as it could.

Overall, The Blonde Dies First is a satisfying and entertaining thriller that successfully combines classic horror elements with a contemporary twist. It’s a fun, fast-paced read with a clever narrative that horror enthusiasts will appreciate. The novel’s exploration of sibling rivalry, unrequited crushes, and survival against supernatural odds offers both thrills and emotional depth, making it a solid addition to the young adult thriller genre.

If you enjoy a good slasher flick with a touch of humor and self-awareness, Joelle Wellington’s latest is definitely worth your time.

I LOVED their vicious games. It’s a favorite ya book from last year.

The Blonde Dies First tackles movie horror tropes, friend/family/sibling relationships, growing up, and gentrification.

Wellington writes a dynamic friend and sibling group, a robust neighborhood full of shared history, and a great creepy killer. Playing with movie tropes Wellington crafts a compelling read that left me satisfied. I think young adult readers will love this, and if they’re unfamiliar with the movie tropes it will be an education! Adult readers who love the trope-y tails of their youth will also love the new take on some nostalgic favorites.

Side note:
I love books that include caring parents. I think too often parents are left out of a story to make it easier on the plot, but I love books that include loving parents who are paying attention to their kids. As a parent of almost teens, it especially warms my heart.

What a wonderful, wild ride!

I loved "Their Vicious Games," and just knew that I had to get my hands on a copy of "The Blonde Dies First."

The Blonde Dies First started off a bit slow in terms of plot, but that allowed me to get to know the cast of characters a bit better. When the slasher started, though- the action didn't slow down!  I loved that all the cheesy slasher aspects were included but were also flipped, and nothing was ever exactly as I expected. Overall a perfect addition to my summerween reading!

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for an ARC of this book. Thank you Joelle Wellington for coming up with such brilliant plots and characters, I can't wait to see what you write next!

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.