How to survive a horror movie

Rosie Year 8

I extremely enjoyed How To Survive A Horror Movie by Scarlett Dunmore. I found the ghosts very funny, and the plot twists made the book very exciting and leaves you wondering what is going to happen next. I also enjoyed the play on words, and jokes hidden in the book. In addition to this, I found the structure of the chapters interesting, (so each chapter was one of the survival rules.) My favourite character, is Olive because she is so unpredictable and my favourite scene is when Saorise and Charley are talking in the cave, and the plot starts to unravel. The book is very cleverly written, making us feel like we are Charley trying to find out who the Harrogate killer is. An example of Scarlet Dunmore using play on words to make the book more intriguing (spoiler alert), is when Olive quite literally stabs Charley in the back. This is another one of my favourite scenes. Overall, the book is a great mix of comedy and horror, and I am eager to read book 2!

Bella St Paul’s yr10

‘How to survive a horror movie’ was a delight to read. Though it started off rather slow, as soon as the ghosts were introduced in a quite frankly creepy library scene I just couldn’t put it down! This book was amazing but not for the squeamish, the in depth description of various murders made me feel as if I were there. I would have liked to hear more about Saorise and her life before the island and also more about Charley’s life back on the mainland. The ending was one of the best I have read with two major plot twists in the course of a page at the end and the very final line left me dying to know what comes next (pun intended). I liked the semi-informal tone throughout the novel and loved the build up of tension using sound and light all the way through such as Sarah’s “snap, crackle, pop’ and Megan’s vocal warm ups. Dunmore did an excellent job here and I will definitely be buying the next book! The whole book kept me guessing who it could possibly be and at one point even believing Charley to be a psychopath and unreliable narrator but through all my guesses I never would have got to the real answer though now I think about it, the signs were all there. None the less the book left me shook and wanting more.

Dasha year 8 St Paul’s

I found that at the start of the book, it took me a while to get into it but as soon as the ghosts and everything else was being introduced, I started to really enjoy it. Near the end I couldn’t put it down and accidentally went to bed a 3am. The fact that it was a horror book and I was reading late at night made it even more dramatic for me and I literally screamed so many times after I finished it because I was so freaked out. This book had lots of good moments and plots, which means that I will be reading the second book, but I feel like the author could have made it better. The reason for this was because I found the plot to be quite similar to some other books l’ve read, and they could have made it more unique to make it even better to how it is now! However, I think I really enjoyed the plot and reading about Charley’s background and what caused her to do the things she did. This book is definitely for horror fans of all sorts and I would rate it a 8.5/10 because it wasn’t my favourite but definitely not my least favourite.

Anonymous

Amazing plot with an interesting story for the main character; really good setting. Must read. I loved it!

Niamh year 8 St Pauls

I actually enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. The story was so gripping and the multiple plot twists at the end were so unexpected I almost screamed in class! As well as that, the constant references to different horror movies made it feel more like it was real and the ghosts were actually quite funny. The only thing I’d have like to see more of was Charley’s backstory – we got some hints but never knew the whole story. I’d rate this book a 9.5/10 and I think that both horror book lovers and horror movie lovers would enjoy this book.

Olivia year 8

This is very good book, once I read the first few chapters I could not stop!
I loved the survival rules at the beginning of the chapters. The ghosts made me laugh.
I could really picture the story happening in real life. Great mix of comedy and horror. Well done.

Saoirse

I enjoyed the mix of comedy and horror in this book and how fast paced it was. I liked the constant references to different horror movies and also the horror rules at the start of each chapter. I enjoyed the build up of tension especially the scene when the murderer comes to kill the main character with the axe. I also enjoyed the many unexpected plot twists throughout the book because I didn’t see any of them coming. I’m sure the sequel will be just as good

Evie

I found it hard to get immersed into the book at the start, but once I got more into it, I found it was really easy to read as one scene just flowed into the next. I enjoyed the experiencing journey with Charly as I found her very easy going and funny. My favourite scene as probably the one with the fridge and the head, and of course the last scene- the plot twist was so unexpected and was very thrilling and also I found the ghost really funny. Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who like humour, horror and mystery.

Conrad Year 8

SPOILER ALERT!

I liked this book because it was thrilling and immersive. It made me feel like I was Charlie. It was a perfect mix of funny and scary. I liked the ghosts because they made funny comments and did mad actions that made me laugh. I liked the plot twist at the end when Olive stabbed Charlie in the back at the last second because it was unexpected because I thought they were best friends. I liked this book because I read it even out of school.

Lily Year 8

This is one of my favourite books ever, I love Charlie’s reconciliation with who she is and the things she’s done in the past. I love the scene where she finds the head but the best part for me was when the plot twist is revealed. I never would have guessed it and reading that scene was perfection! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes horror or mystery. I cannot wait for the next book and I already know it’s going to be just as amazing as the first.

Saskia

How to survive a horror movie was a brilliant book. I loved how fast – paced it was and how although it describes very scary scenes, they make it seem funny. It is very clever how each chapter links back to a different rule of how to survive in a real horror movie. I never saw the plot twist at the end coming and I was so shocked and worried for Charley at the end of the book. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

Gabriella Ardingly Y9

From the start, “How to survive a horror movie” was mysterious and captivating. The plot was thrilling, and overall, the book was well written. The main character, Charlie, was like-able, and it was funny when Megan made sarcastic jokes to her. The setting of the book really helped with the horror element, as the characters were stuck on an island, which none of them could leave, and they were all far away from home. It was spooky how all the ghosts followed Charlie around, and disturbing as she could see all of their injuries. In conclusion, I really enjoyed reading this book because of the gripping plot and tension.

Adrian YR8

This book is an excellent introduction to horror movies as a “preview” for people who haven’t watched any yet. The classic story of a pair of friends in a school that defies its purpose of being a safe place for students, where you can trust no one. The main character, Charlie is the generic horror movie lover, but has an unexpected backstory. It is full of funny gags and references, as well as a mix of a familiar environment with the unknown. Funny yet scary, perfectly blended.

Kasia Yr 9- St Paul’s

When I first started reading How To Survive A Horror Movie, I found it quite similar to other books I have read. However once the ghosts started being introduced one by one I couldn’t put the book down! Also, the small bits of Charley’s past were very interesting and helped lead up to the final part when the killer was revealed. I did enjoy the ending but I thought it was all quite sudden. Especially the final plot twist. My favourite part of the book would be the scene when Charley and the ghosts are trying to find out who the killer could be. I thought it was very funny and entertaining! I think How To Survive A Horror Movie was a well written book with elements of horror and comedy. I will definitely be reading the sequel!

Amelia Yr8

This book is one of the most captivating novels I have ever read. Just when you think that you know who the luring killer is, there is another intriguing plot twist that throws you off the scent completely. I really love the character Megan as she mixes humour and sarcasm to light up the fact that she is dead! I also really enjoyed the dramatic and enticing characters, Saoirse and Charley. The way that the author wrote these characters’ intertwined back story was dynamic and haunting. As Charley struggles to find out who the great Harrogate Killer is, more and more people that somehow are connected keep dying. This is truly one of the most masterful and intelligently made books and I would definitely recommend. Well do you want to know who the Harrogate Girls Killer is? I guess you’ll have to read the book!

Ayla Yr8

How to survive a horror movie is one of the most gripping stories I have ever read and much recommended. I love the character Charley, she was brave and strong and I love her very descriptive back story which really made me feel like I was in the book. Also I loved Megan and her humour, how she was sarcastic and how she was helpful to Charley. My favourite scene was the bathroom scene and with Megan’s help Charley could escape unharmed There were lots of chilling twists and turns throughout this book. It was very well written, well described and enticing the whole way through. I especially loved the sense of gore without it being too over the top scary. This is definitely one of my favourite books of all time and I can’t wait to read the sequel!

Quinn – Park Community School

I absolutely loved this book. It had so many significant features giving the story a more authentic feel. Especially, as the book is made to seem like an instruction manual, but within the guidelines there is still an emotive story that I could connect and empathise with the characters inside the book. Also, the plot twists that are entangled within such a manipulative tale, made the book ever more grasping to read. Overall, a fantastic book and would recommend to those who love a teen scream with a humorous touch.

Ruby yr 8

At first, I wasn’t sure about this book, but then I got more into it and it’s amazing!! I thought it mixed humour and horror really well, and the author is very descriptive, you really feel like you’re the one finding the murders, not Charley! One of my favourite things about the book is how it mentioned many movies, tv shows and books that I’ve read or watched in real life. I also loved how Charley was literally hunting down a school murderer but still managed to make time for her crush, because of course that’s the most important thing! But, I didn’t really like ending, I felt like it happened way too quickly and was quite confusing. Other than that. I thought this was a great book and would definitely recommend to anybody looking for gory teen horror or anyone who loves dark murder books.

Finley – Year 8

This book had a gripping storyline that hooked you from the very first chapter and had characters that weaved into the plot. I really loved the elements of humour scattered throughout the story even though it is a horror. I also enjoyed the ending building up to the final reveal of the killer and motifs. It was unexpected and shocked me.
I only disliked the different paces throughout the book, however it sometimes flowed nicely, and I felt there could have been a few more characters introduced. Scarlette Dunmore’s way of keeping you reading was incredible and her introduction of ghosts to a classic horror theme was interesting. How to Survive a Horror Movie particularly reminded me of the Good Girl’s Guide to Murder book series and the horror movie Scream (which is even mentioned in the story). Even though it had similarities to different stories, it had many aspects that were new to my reading. I will definitely be picking up the sequel!

Anonymous

I thought How to Survive a horror movie was actually a pretty good book!! At first, I wasn’t sure about it, but then I got more into it and it was really interesting. It was creepy but also hilarious.

Alexandra Year 8

How To Survive A Horror Movie might be one of the most gripping books I’ve read. I finished the entire book in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. Every chapter’s ending and beginning draws you straight into the book, from the cliffs where Charley found her first body, to her finding Gabrielle’s head in the fridge! I was squealing with excitement every time I flipped the page. You can tell the author put a lot of thought and effort into the book, the book is full of details and in some gruesome way, it’s really beautiful. And the plot twists are crazy! You never know what to expect next. In conclusion, How To Survive A Horror Movie is a perfect mix of humour, thriller, and of course horror!

Felix Year 8

I like this book because it only took me two weeks to read. It pulled me in and made me want to read more and find out what happens next! My favourite part is when the Ghost of Megan makes comments on what to do and its funny because only Charley can see her and everybody is thinking, “What is she doing speaking to herself ?”. I think the book did a really good job of making you think you are the character and you think what she thinks in the book. I would really like a part 2 too see what happens to Charley and see if Olive tries to kill her again.

Tommy

How to survive a Horror Movie was a book I really enjoyed. The pacing was fast but flowing, and I found the plot satisfying and surprisingly original! I especially enjoyed the vivid description and atmosphere about the remote location, and the way in which the author built up tension around the ‘pop, snap, crack’ noise towards the beginning, before Charley discovers the ghosts. There were a few parts of the story that I didn’t particularly like, such as the ending which I felt was slightly too fast with the way the killer was revealed, and I don’t think there were quite enough real clues to who it was throughout the story, and the backstabbing part at the end seemed random and abrupt compared to the flow of the story.
Overall though, I’m definitely glad I read this book and I would certainly recommend it to others! I would love a sequel, especially given the irony of the fact that the main character hates them.

Clea Year 8

I really loved How to survive a horror movie, it only took 2 days for me to finish this book. After picking it up I didn’t stop – I had to take the book so I could eat and as soon as I woke up the next day I read the last chapters and it was done. I have not read a book so good since I first read Harry Potter! I think my favourite scene in the book would be at the party when Charlie finds Gabriella’s head in the fridge I laughed so much! I think this book definitely deserves the title, and I cant wait to read the sequel I know it will be amazing!

Ella Yr8

I loved How To Survive A Horror Movie, it was incredibly detailed right down to the smallest point. I love the amazing plot twist that I never knew was coming. The realisation of the plot twisted in to a slow but breath-taking finish. This audience is perfect for those that love the bitterness of the horror and heart stopping mysteries. One of the many scenes I love, is the scene of Charlie in the library realising the ghosts are following her and she is trapped in this two dimensional world she can’t escape. How To Survive A Horror Movie was an outstanding, phenomenal book that most definitely deserves the title. I already know that the sequel will be nothing but exceptional!

Tabitha year 9

This book has been my favourite book for a while, I love how the author consistently referenced horror movies that I have watched and love. I love the scene from the party and I basically loved all of it. the book is incredible and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves horror movies (especially Scream and Final Destination) who also wants to get into reading. I also love how each of the chapters are about one key element of surviving a horror movie. A great mix of comedy and horror.