I experienced this novel via audio with a multicast lineup. While some of the narrators did sound robotic (like I can tell you are reading from the paper instead of regaling me in a story), a couple deserved a Grammy for their performances!

TWDF wasn't for me. It came off more juvenile than I expected, but this is for budding teens, so it serves its purpose. Overall, the work was ehh. Anthologies are either a hit or miss, and this was a miss for me.

Well, I ended up liking this a lot more than I thought I would....so that's awesome! I usually struggle with anthologies, as I only like a couple of the stories within the collection. However, this was one that I liked most of them, and the one that weren't exactly my faves didn't make me mad. Definitely, one that I am gonna recommend we get for our library!

4/5

Looking to break out of a reading slump? This collection will do it!

I've delved into many short story collections this year, and they've been hit or miss, but "The White Guy Dies First" surprised me in all the right ways. Each story stands out with its unique tale, woven together in a way that connects them while still allowing each to shine individually. I was lucky enough to experience both the digital ARC and audiobook versions, and I can say some stories truly come alive through narration. Having the opportunity to experience both formats was a treat. One in which you can fully appreciate the effort that went into providing such a uniquely diverse voice and delivery.

From start to finish, the book sets a clear tone, self-aware and deliciously eerie, explaining its premise effectively. The book presents a unique forward that sets the stage for what’s to come and wraps it all up neatly at the end. This was a delight that I rarely see explored in short story collections, and I found myself wishing more books took this approach. What I love most about this book is its willingness to explore every corner of the horror genre. Whether it’s the unhinged characters, eerie atmospheres, or dark twists reminiscent of classic 80s slasher films and sci-fi horror, there’s something here for everyone. The variety ensures that different readers will find different stories to love, as evidenced by the diverse reviews I’ve seen.

While some stories burn slower than others, most kept me engrossed, especially with the added auditory experience. The collection tackles heavy topics like gentrification, assault, racism, sexuality, coming of age, and societal perceptions. It's unsettling, at times darkly humorous, and occasionally downright chilling. Some stories focus less on blood and gore, instead highlighting the horrors of living silenced lives. It's not afraid to make readers uncomfortable, and that's precisely why I found it successful.

One interesting critique I've encountered is disappointment from those expecting more senseless horror, typical of films where people of color often meet senseless ends at the hands of a white antagonist. However, this collection flips that script, reminding us that existing as a person of color is not a senseless act, but a lived truth with its own complexities and fears. Every death in these stories serves a purpose, contributing to the overarching theme of "scary stories of fear and power." Each character's demise, survival, or motive speaks to deeper societal truths, whether it's the fear of losing oneself, the fear of invisibility, power imbalance, or the struggle against oppressive forces.

Overall, "The White Guy Dies First" is a thought-provoking and engaging read that will leave you intrigued and introspective. While not every story may resonate equally, you'll certainly find new favorites and plenty to discuss.

Thank you to Tor Publishing Group, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for providing an immersive reading experience and allowing me to share my honest thoughts.

As it goes with short story collections, there were some hits and some misses. It was a great idea for a collection but the execution was kind of up in the air. The opening concerning infamous horror movies where the white guys dies first was fun. I wish it had been carried throughout the rest of the collection. I did enjoy being able to explore new authors in this collection. I did not realize this was YA when I requested it. I think had I been in that age range, I probably would have enjoyed this more.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Tor Teens for this arc. I devoured this so fast. This is a collection of horror stories written by bipoc/queer authors about bipoc/queer characters where the white guy dies first. My two fav stories were Everything’s coming up roses by Tiffany D Jackson and The road to hell by Terry J Benton Walker. Out of 13 stories there wasn’t a single one I didn’t enjoy. There were a few that were slow but majority of the stories were fast paced and entertaining. I will be buying this when it comes out!

Normally I have found that with collections there are a few good stories and the rest are mediocre. That is not the case with this collection. Every single story is fantastic. They kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. I loved the variety of monsters and types of horror.

When it comes to anthologies, I’m always a bit apprehensive because they aren’t always cohesive especially when different authors are contributing. However, that is NOT the case in The White Guy Dies First. This horror anthology contains short stories from so many of my favorite authors, and they all NAIL the horror elements.

My favorites were: Hedge by Kalynn Bayron, Best Served Cold by H.E. Edgmon, Gray Grove by Alexis Henderson, and Everything’s Coming Up Roses by Tiffany D. Jackson.

I found the narrators excellent. Each story had an accurate and articulate reader. I only gave the audio 3 stars because I didn't find the stories very "horrifying." I wasn't drawn in waiting for the discomfort or the scare that usually occurs or wanting more after the story concluded. I would search for more audio by these voices but not in this genre and not short stories.

I loooooove this title, love the cover, love the concept and attached authors. Like come on I want to see some son-of-a-b*tches go down but I was quite bored by story 2 and couldn’t bring myself to carry forward 🥲

OMG! While I dont enjoy being scared. This book was so good! yes. I love the premise of this and the storys are short but just the right amount of scary! I enjoy some of these authors already, but this did introduce me to a bunch of new authors of color that write horror. Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC.

This audiobook was made available for me to listen to and review by Terry J. Benton-Walker, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley.

Ghoul Friends Online Blog by TJBW I assume sets up the scary stories as films made by Black horror director extraordinaire, Jakobi Warren. He founded a movie production company before he disappeared. Supposedly left behind were 13 films labeled 'The White Guy Dies First'.
Each of the 13 short stories in the collection relate to the missing films. The set up is clever and the pay off is wonderful!

All Eyes On Me by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
There's a new circus in town. Helen has decided to go on a date with her boyfriend Asher.

Hedge by Kalynn Bayron
Wesley and Brandon join a few friends at a condemned topiary garden.

The Golden Dragon by Kendare Blake
The assimilation struggles of Sophie and Summer, 2 Korean sisters who work at their families Chinese restaurant.

Best Served Cold by H.E. Edgmon
On the way home from a powwow an Indigenous person picks up a friend.

The Protégé by Lamar Giles
It's Saturday morning Troy & Darius's parents on a week long Caribbean cruise when the neighbor comes over to ask a favor.

Docile Girls by Chloe Gong
Adelaide is dreading decorating with her ex and his racist friends for the last school dance.

Grey Grove by Alexis Henderson
Grey Grove is the site of the disappearance of racist Kyle Adams 40 years ago and the perfect place for the Girls and Ghosts Podcasts 1st séance.

Everything's Coming Up Roses by Tiffany D. Jackson
Lisa Nelson has her first job in the gardening department of Home Depot.

Heaven by Adiba Jaigirdar
A dystopian tale of an Incinerator and a Navigator who seek beyond the confines of their protected home called Heaven.

Break Through Our Skin by Naseem Jamnia
An archeology grad student with Persian ancestry assists their obnoxious white professor with an exhibit. Easily my favorite story in this collection.

Wasps by Mark Oshiro
Nina lives with her Mami & Abuela in an area of Brooklyn that's being gentrified around them.

Hell is Other Demons by Karen Strong
Brett invites his girlfriend Ivy to a demon summoning he is planning. Ivy attends with her friend Evelyn who is skeptical.

The Road to Hell by Terry J. Benton-Walker
This story is told by a haunted house that was built during the early days of colonization of North America. This house has survived trauma while seeking a forever family. Definitely my 2nd favorite story in this collection. This would be a fantastic film.

I truly enjoyed this anthology. This has excellent representation for POC and includes Indigenous mythology from multiple continents and stories with gay/lesbian and Trans main characters. Perfect for teenagers.

The narrators of this audiobook are Alejandro Antonio Ruiz, André Santana, Angel Pean, Joy Ofodu, Kausar Mohammed, Nicky Endres, Samara Naeymi Terry J. Benton-Walker, and Torian Brackett. I adore a cast of narrators for short stories. This is a high quality audio production that really makes you want to savor each individual story. Well done narrators and production staff!

Thank you to Terry J. Benton-Walker, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

I got this book as an Arc from Net Galley

I very much enjoyed this collection. Some stories more than others but I really enjoyed the spooks. More collections like this please!!

🎧𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 &| 𝐞𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰📔
4 🌟
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This audiobook production is phenomenal!!!! Great for the spooky season. This is a 13 short scary stories, with 13 different BIPOC authors where WE survive the first kill. Some stories were great, and some were just ok. But the audiobook was everything I needed and more.
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 July.16
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Thank you, Netgalley, MacmillanAudio for the (ALC)-audiobook and Tor Publishing Group for the (eArc)-eBook for my honest review.

As with every short story collection, there were some hits and some misses. Honestly, I wish the framing structure was explored more--the idea of a filmmaker who's entered into some divine contract for fame by sacrificing his white male leads is fascinating and very Jordan Peele-esque. But, I like that it was explored, at all, by the opening and closing pieces. I think I was expecting too much or something too specific from this collection based on the title, so maybe this is why I feel like my expectations weren't fully met. But I still liked this! I just don't think it will stand out in my memory as a great collection (I love story collections and read a lot of them).

Anthologies for me are usually a hit or miss. This was no exception, however there were no bad stories, only good and better. The concept came through in every story and I was thoroughly creeped out which is the main goal of a horror book.

4.5 stars for this audiobook! Rounded down because I'm staying true to my original ranking of the ebook version.

I previously received the epub version of this collection through Netgalley and have included that review below. Listening to the stories this time definitely made me feel so immersed in each one. It was like a friend was telling me spooky stories. I had goosebumps and even had to stop listening for a bit because hearing the stories told by the authors themselves just really freaked me out! I loved each of the narrators and the life that they brought to their works. For this audiobook version, my favorite story changed. I really enjoyed Best Served Cold even though it made me feel physically sick. Overall, I think I enjoyed this audio version more than the ebook just because of the character that is brought by the author's narration.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audiobook ARC!

(Review from my original reading on ebook)
4 stars.
What a whirlwind of short stories! I told myself originally that I was going to take it slow and read one story per day but I got completely sucked in. I loved almost all of the stories and one even almost made me sick to my stomach, which is a win for the horror genre. I loved the diverse representation that each author brought to their story and the advocacy for issues that their culture faces.

My favorite story in this was The Golden Dragon by Kendare Blake. Someone about the story really resonated with me. It such a beautiful and heartbreaking story that touches on very real micro and marco aggressions that BIPOC citizens in America face.

This is really my first even toe dip into horror and I think I like it? I was definitely spooked and gasped at many many moments but overall, I enjoyed this collection so much. I will definitely be rereading some of the stories when spooky season comes back around! Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for this ARC.

I enjoyed the collection of Short Stories in The White Guy Dies First. I particularly enjoyed the stories from Adiba Jaigirdar, Chloe Gong, H.E Edgmon, and Tiffany D. Jackson. Despite its title, I was always surprised to read that the white guy really does die first! It was quite satisfying to say the least. Each short story had a colourful and diverse cast and it all had its own special flare.

I think there's a story for everyone to enjoy. A really well curated selection!

This was a very fun anthology of horror stories that flips the traditional narrative of the token POC on its head. As with all anthologies of short stories, I enjoyed some more than others, but overall it was an enjoyable read. I really liked how the prologue sets up the stories to connect when they wouldn't any other way. It is self aware and well done. My favourite was "Everything is Coming Up Roses" but none of the stories I really disliked. I also enjoyed how the authors are all different BIPOC authors so you get a variety of voices and influence on the stories. Highly recommend.

TW: death, blood, gore, transphobia, homophobia, cannibalism
Thank you, Net Galley and McMillian Audio for providing an arc for The White Guy Dies First.
When people ask me for examples of YA horror that has no bounds I will give The White Guy Dies First. Terry J. Benton Walker perfectly gathers the spookiest and most daunting stories that revolve around queer identity, race, coming of age, and honestly the terror of being a young person of color in today's society. I want to highlight the authors H, E. Edgmon, and Naseem Jamnia for not only highlighting trans identity in Native American and Persian society in horror but also using folklore to grab the attention. Hell is Other Demons by Karen Strong, The Roads to Hell by Terry J. Benton-Walker, and Docile Girls by Chloe Gong truly need to be enjoyed audibly to get the full experience. While reading the stories I suggest playing a haunted playlist on Spotify to match the atmosphere. The book kept getting crazier the more you read so I recommend reading all of the stories in order.

Here are my top five stories
Best Served Cold
The Road To Hell
Hell is Other demons
Break Through Our Skin
Everything's Coming Up Roses

When I saw that Terry J. Benton-Walker was the editor and I knew this would be a good time.

Reviews for the stories are as follows:
All Eyes on Me by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé - 4 Stars
Hedge by Kalynn Bayron - 3 Stars
The Golden Dragon by Kendare Blake - 4 Stars
Best Served Cold by HE Edgmon - 5 Stars
The Protege by Lamar Giles - 3 Stars
Docile Girls by Chloe Gong - 4 Stars
Gray Grove by Alexis Henderson - 4 Stars
Everything’s Coming Up Roses by Tiffany D Jackson - 4 Stars
Heaven by Adiba Jaigirdar - 4 Stars
Break Through Our Skin by Naseem Jamnia - 5 Stars
Wasps by Mark Oshiro - 4 Stars
Hell is Other Demons by Karen Strong - 4 Stars
The Road to Hell by Terry J Benton-Walker - 5 Stars

I did really like the series, even though short story collections aren't always my jam.

I will say that I do have a little book crush on the narrator for Terry J. Benton-Walker's writing, He's a stellar narrator and I want nothing but good things for him. The other narrators also did a stellar job and I highly recommend if you a sprinkle of horror in your life. And revenge, because my god, it feels good.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for an audio copy.