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A review by booksamongstfriends
The Blonde Dies First by Joelle Wellington
4.0
3.5 Rounded up I picked up The Blonde Dies First by Joelle Wellington was such a pleasant surprise! I picked it up mostly because of the eye-catching cover and an interesting premise, but I wasn’t expecting much—it’s a young adult horror, and those can be hit or miss. By the time I finished, though, I was genuinely impressed with how much I enjoyed it.
The story centers on a group of kids growing up on the same block, navigating that awkward but fascinating space between adolescence and adulthood. It’s not just about “coming of age” but stepping into young adulthood, where lifelong friendships are tested and deepened. The twin dynamic between the sisters was a standout for me: one feeling overshadowed by her “genius” sibling and the other quietly struggling with the pressure to live up to everyone’s expectations. It felt real and relatable, and this kind of complexity carried through the entire friend group.
Yes, the book was predictable—you can figure out who the villain is pretty quickly. But instead of being a flaw, it felt intentional. It’s satisfying to have your instincts validated while still being intrigued by the “how” and “why.” The friend group dynamics were so strong, and I especially loved the inclusion of the film-obsessed character with a horror mentor. The conversations with the mentor were hilarious and self-aware, adding a layer of humor to the tension.
One thing I really appreciated was how the kids weren’t written to be overly naïve or reckless. They made plans, thought critically, and when things went off the rails, it was because of genuine reaction or accident rather than lazy writing chalked up to “kids being kids.” That’s rare in YA horror, and it made the story so much stronger.
The villain? Just right! They were petty, vindictive, and so fun to hate. Everyone has that one “hater” in their neighborhood growing up, and it was deeply satisfying to see that person taken down. The author balanced this really well, too—capturing that fine line between trying to give someone the benefit of the doubt and recognizing when they’re a danger to you.
The supernatural elements were simple but effective. The demon figure haunting them was creepy and easy to visualize—a dark, lurking presence with an eerie history. While it could have been scarier, it worked perfectly within the YA space, maintaining that creepy factor without overwhelming the story’s other layers.
What really stood out to me was how much this book packed in: LGBTQIA+ romance, identity, facing fears, and so much more. It balanced all of this without losing the core of its story. Overall, The Blonde Dies First was an enjoyable ride. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, satisfying YA horror novel with a mix of scares, heart, and meaningful themes. It’s well worth picking up and giving a shot.
The story centers on a group of kids growing up on the same block, navigating that awkward but fascinating space between adolescence and adulthood. It’s not just about “coming of age” but stepping into young adulthood, where lifelong friendships are tested and deepened. The twin dynamic between the sisters was a standout for me: one feeling overshadowed by her “genius” sibling and the other quietly struggling with the pressure to live up to everyone’s expectations. It felt real and relatable, and this kind of complexity carried through the entire friend group.
Yes, the book was predictable—you can figure out who the villain is pretty quickly. But instead of being a flaw, it felt intentional. It’s satisfying to have your instincts validated while still being intrigued by the “how” and “why.” The friend group dynamics were so strong, and I especially loved the inclusion of the film-obsessed character with a horror mentor. The conversations with the mentor were hilarious and self-aware, adding a layer of humor to the tension.
One thing I really appreciated was how the kids weren’t written to be overly naïve or reckless. They made plans, thought critically, and when things went off the rails, it was because of genuine reaction or accident rather than lazy writing chalked up to “kids being kids.” That’s rare in YA horror, and it made the story so much stronger.
The villain? Just right! They were petty, vindictive, and so fun to hate. Everyone has that one “hater” in their neighborhood growing up, and it was deeply satisfying to see that person taken down. The author balanced this really well, too—capturing that fine line between trying to give someone the benefit of the doubt and recognizing when they’re a danger to you.
The supernatural elements were simple but effective. The demon figure haunting them was creepy and easy to visualize—a dark, lurking presence with an eerie history. While it could have been scarier, it worked perfectly within the YA space, maintaining that creepy factor without overwhelming the story’s other layers.
What really stood out to me was how much this book packed in: LGBTQIA+ romance, identity, facing fears, and so much more. It balanced all of this without losing the core of its story. Overall, The Blonde Dies First was an enjoyable ride. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, satisfying YA horror novel with a mix of scares, heart, and meaningful themes. It’s well worth picking up and giving a shot.