YA Halloween Roundup of Scary Books, Thrillers, and Horrors
Welcome to spooky season everyone! October always has that cool, crisp, and uncanny feel to it and we all know why—Halloween! For all you ghouls, goblins, and ghost lovers who are avid readers, I’m sure you’re looking for some good old creepy reads that will really get you into the Halloween spirit this year. Lucky for you, I am here to supply you with five spooky reads that might just have you sleeping with the lights on. These dynamic authors bring you some of the most haunting books of the season and trust me when I say, you’ll love every minute of it!
1. Ski Weekend Weekend by Rektok Ross (280 pages)
Image via Good Reads
A silly ski weekend and looking after her little brother are the least of Sam’s problems on this supposedly fun excursion that her and her friends are about to embark on. Sam, her brother, and a few of their friends and classmates all cram into a small SUV to head into the mountains for the senior ski trip. But when the car crashes into a snowbank, they find themselves in a dire situation. Stuck in the mountains with no cell service, limited food, and freezing temperatures, Sam and her friends soon realize that if no one comes to save them soon, they don’t stand a chance.
Why You Should Read It
Everyone needs a goofy survival thriller in their lives once in a while! The twists and turns of this eerie story sent chills up my spine with every word I read. It was like The Breakfast Club stranded in a snowy mountain with a lot more scary turns. Ski Weekend tells the story of a group of teenagers’ ultimate survival and what lengths they are willing to go to save not only themselves, but each other. Rektok Ross delivers an absolute dynamic story packed with goofy teens, heartstopping moments, romantic tension, and one adorable pup in this adrenaline-filled survival story.
Spook Scale
3.5/5 Brookie Stars
2. Lakesedge (World at the Lake’s Edge #1) by Lyndall Clipstone (384 pages)
Violeta Graceling will do anything to keep her brother safe, including going to the infamous haunted Lakesdege estate, where the chilling rumours about Rowan Sylvana, also known as “the monster”, run rampant. To keep her own brother safe from the darkness that follows him, Violeta will have to trust Rowan, the man or monster who supposedly murdered his entire family when he was a boy. But as their time at the Lakesedge estate progresses, Violeta soon discovers that not everything is as it seems, especially with Rowan himself. When Violeta learns that the real threat is the Lord Under, the death god who lives in the black waters of the lake, she realizes that her brother isn’t the only one who needs saving.
Why You Should Read It
A dark, gothic fantasy with hot monsters. Need I say more? Lyndall Clipstone absolutely delivers with this haunting story that sent me straight to a dark oblivion of beautiful prose and captivating characters. This story captivated me from page one, when the mystery of Violeta’s brother’s darkness took hold at the very beginning. Clipstone’s characters and descriptions were utterly enticing and nothing short of swoon-worthy. The author’s prose would easily transport any reader to the Lakesedge estate with her stunning and grounded descriptions. It is quite the refresher for some gothic fantasy that the YA world hasn’t seen much of lately for such a dark book.
Spook Scale
4/5 Brookie Stars
3. Small Favors by Erin A. Craig (480 pages)
Image via Good Reads
Living in a small, quiet town, Ellerie Downing has known that not many people come to visit after the haunting tales of the early townsfolk fighting off devils in the woods. But when a supply party goes missing, there are talks that those devilish creatures have returned to Amity Falls. As the days go on, so do the strange occurrences, and the blame is placed on these mythical creatures who promise to fulfill the resident’s deepest desire for just a small favour. However, those small favours are not even close to small when the intentions of these creatures prove to be more sinister than Ellerie ever imagined. Now it’s up to Ellerie to save all of Amity Falls, her family, and the boy she loves before it’s too late.
Why You Should Read It
Anyone who enjoyed House of Salt and Sorrow by Erin A. Craig will most definitely enjoy Small Favors. Craig has a knack for vivid descriptions and dialogue while weaving in those haunting elements that blankets the story in stunningly creepy vibes. Yes, you read that correctly: stunningly creepy. The chilling atmosphere of Amity Falls immerses the reader from start to finish as we explore the creepy town and all its history. As someone who grew up in a small town, a small-town mystery always reels me in as the main character and the residents add so much depth and resolve to the spooky story. And when you have a resilient protagonist like Ellerie Downing, you’re going to be rooting for her to save the whole town.
Spook Scale
4/5 Brookie Stars
4. All These Bodies by Kendare Blake (304 pages)
Image via Good Reads
In the Summer of 1958, a string of murders plague the midwest. Sixteen bodies, all drained of blood, are found with no explanation and leaves everyone on edge. When a beloved family is killed and drained of blood in their own home, a small town is left quaking from the horrendous crime. 15-year-old Marie Catherine Hale is found at the scene of the crime covered in blood, and the case finally has its first lead. But when Marie insists she will only tell her story to 17seventeen-year-old Michael Jensen, and aspiring journalist and the local sheriff’s son, he jumps at the chance to kickstart his career and be involved in the investigation. However, once Marie begins recounting her story to Michael, he finds that the truth won’t come easy, and as Michael and Marie start to form a connection, the chilling tale might never come to an end.
Why You Should Read It
All These Bodies was the perfect bone-chilling story we all needed around Halloween time. With every twist and turn Kendare Blake threw at us with this creepy story, my mind was going in 100 different directions with all the possibilities. Blake did an excellent job balancing the dark tones of this book with real human connection as Michael and Marie grew closer as her haunting story overtook the book. The ending will leave anyone who reads this book reeling from all of the emotions.
Spook Scale
5/5 Brookie Stars
5. The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass (244 pages)
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Jake Livingston has always struggled to fit in at St. Clair Prep School. He’s one of the only Black kids at his school, and he is constantly living in his popular brother’s shadow as he navigates his teenage years. Being an outcast teenager proves even more difficult when you can also see the dead. And yes, to add even more to his plate, Jake can undoubtedly see the dead, and he can see them all the time. So when Jake meets Sawyer, a troubled teen who shot and killed six kids from his high school last year before taking his own life, Jake soon learns that Sawyer is the type of ghost who is out for revenge. To make matters even worse, because Jake just can’t catch a break apparently, Sawyer’s plans to get revenge involve Jake, and when bodies start turning up, high school turns into a survival game.
Why You Should Read It
For anyone who is looking for a super frightening story, The Taking of Jake Livingston is definitely the one to pick up. Ryan Douglass’ story was a multidimensional and dark piece of writing that will most definitely have readers looking over their shoulders. Throughout the books, Douglass also focuses on many sensitive issues like mental health, microaggressions, Black queer trauma, and living as an outcast in a seemingly perfect high school. The intensity of this book shined through its horror elements and Jake’s overall emotions on the whole situation, which would captivate any reader. And, not for nothing, a horror story with a slow burn romance can take over my brain any day.
Spook Scale
4.5/5 Brookie Stars
Don’t miss these epic spooky stories! There is no better way than to get into the Halloween season by curling up on a dark and stormy night with a creepy book and a cozy blanket. Just make sure to always leave a light on!
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Brittany Amalfi is a 20- something- year- old developmental specialist living in Massachusetts where she loves all things New England. Brittany is currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing, and working on her young adult fantasy novel. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, working with awesome kiddos, and spending time with friends and family.
