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Try Not To Die #7
Try Not to Die: At Dethfest: An Interactive Adventure
STEP INTO THE WORLD OF HEAVY METAL AND PREPARE FOR AN ELECTRIFYING, BONE-SHATTERING ADVENTURE. You and your friends arrive at Dethfest – the wildest metal festival of the year – expecting an evening of crushing guitar riffs, the heaviest headbanging bands, and a whole lot of partying. But as the music blares and the crowd roars, freak accidents, fights, and arrests occur across the festival. Tess is acting strange, and Kyle's talking conspiracies, but Luna seems to like you and is down to stay for the headliners. Faced with riots, stabbings, and the odd act of cannibalism, you'll need to use all your wits and make careful choices if you want to drag your friends out of this mess in one piece. Something sinister is going down at this festival – and as things become increasingly dark and twisted, you'll be forced to question if this night of partying was the worst mistake of your life... THIRTY WAYS TO DIE. JUST ONE CORRECT PATH. DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO SURVIVE? This interactive adventure is packed with twists and turns, heart-pumping action, and plenty of opportunities to make choices that could be your last. Fans of horror, suspense, and heavy metal will love this thrilling ride through the dark side of the music scene. So put on your blackest clothes, grab your ticket, and get ready to rock out - because the stakes have never been higher than they are at Dethfest.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2024
31 people are currently reading
992 people want to read
About the author
Mark Tullius
60 books1,294 followersMy writing covers a wide range, with fiction being my favorite to create, with two dozen or so titles under my belt. There are 18 titles in my YA interactive Try Not to Die series and 24 more in the works. I also have two nonfiction titles, both inspired by a reckless lifestyle, playing Ivy League football, and battering the hell out of my brain as an unsuccessful MMA fighter and boxer. Unlocking the Cage is the largest sociological study of MMA fighters to date and TBI or CTE aims to spread awareness and hope to others that suffer with traumatic brain injury symptoms.
I live in sunny California with my wife, two kids, five cats, and one demon. Derek. He makes special appearance on my social media
You can also get your 3 free books by signing up to my newsletter. This letter is only for the brave, or at least those brave enough to deal with bad dad jokes, a crude sense of humor, and loads and loads of death.
Derek and I would love to have you join us!
Here are all my links -
Newsletter - https://subscribepage.io/TulliusNews
https://youcanfollow.me/MarkTullius
I live in sunny California with my wife, two kids, five cats, and one demon. Derek. He makes special appearance on my social media
You can also get your 3 free books by signing up to my newsletter. This letter is only for the brave, or at least those brave enough to deal with bad dad jokes, a crude sense of humor, and loads and loads of death.
Derek and I would love to have you join us!
Here are all my links -
Newsletter - https://subscribepage.io/TulliusNews
https://youcanfollow.me/MarkTullius
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 5, 2024
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
⚡︎ 𝕯𝖊𝖆𝖙𝖍 𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖙: 16 ⚡︎
I usually have such a blast reading these interactive adventure thrillers, but I gotta say Dethfest was a bit of a bore.
A fun read if you like the choose your own death genre, but compared to others I’ve read from this author, this one wasn’t as immersive.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
⚡︎ 𝕯𝖊𝖆𝖙𝖍 𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖙: 16 ⚡︎
I usually have such a blast reading these interactive adventure thrillers, but I gotta say Dethfest was a bit of a bore.
A fun read if you like the choose your own death genre, but compared to others I’ve read from this author, this one wasn’t as immersive.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
February 10, 2025
TNTD at Dethfest was one of the weakest choose your adventure stories I read.
When you lose interest in making choices and don’t care what happens to your character, you know something went wrong. I lost interest halfway in and was struggling to get through it.
Most Try Not To Die books have high stakes but this one is just a group of stereotypical annoying kids at a festival. The wrong choices that lead to deaths are stupid. Seriously, there wasn’t really any main antagonist or theme. Just the gimmick at a rock concert.
When you lose interest in making choices and don’t care what happens to your character, you know something went wrong. I lost interest halfway in and was struggling to get through it.
Most Try Not To Die books have high stakes but this one is just a group of stereotypical annoying kids at a festival. The wrong choices that lead to deaths are stupid. Seriously, there wasn’t really any main antagonist or theme. Just the gimmick at a rock concert.
February 10, 2024
I so loved choose your adventure books as a kid, and until fairly recently, didn’t know adult horror based ones existed. I just finished TNTD at Dethfest and omg that wqs a ridiculous amount of fun.
I let my teen pick several of my choices, but between the two of us we died at least 15 times😂 I now need the rest so I can continue to make poor life choices, reincarnate, and do it again and again.
This book is for definitely for you if:
-you love heavy metal
-you wanna see Jose Mangin finally get what’s coming to him
-you loved choose your own adventures
-you enjoy the occasional conspiracy theory
Solid five star fun!
I let my teen pick several of my choices, but between the two of us we died at least 15 times😂 I now need the rest so I can continue to make poor life choices, reincarnate, and do it again and again.
This book is for definitely for you if:
-you love heavy metal
-you wanna see Jose Mangin finally get what’s coming to him
-you loved choose your own adventures
-you enjoy the occasional conspiracy theory
Solid five star fun!
January 30, 2024
Awesome!
I'd read tons of Choose Your Own Adventure Books as a kid. I'd tried one or two "interactive" ebooks like them, and they were OK.
This book right here, though, combines the fell of the older books, wondering if you made the right choice or are going to die hideously, with the ease of being able to simply click to try again, without having to mark multiple pages so you can get back to the right path when you screw up. I definitely plan to check out the other "Try Not To Die" books.
I'd read tons of Choose Your Own Adventure Books as a kid. I'd tried one or two "interactive" ebooks like them, and they were OK.
This book right here, though, combines the fell of the older books, wondering if you made the right choice or are going to die hideously, with the ease of being able to simply click to try again, without having to mark multiple pages so you can get back to the right path when you screw up. I definitely plan to check out the other "Try Not To Die" books.
December 5, 2023
I used to ADORE the Goosebumps choose your own adventure books as a kid, so to find this as an adult was the dream! This is like a hardcore version of those Goosebumps books.
I did die a few times, but I died less than 30 times (the maximum possible deaths), so I consider that a success!
Really enjoyable quick & fun read, especially taking you back to childhood.
I did die a few times, but I died less than 30 times (the maximum possible deaths), so I consider that a success!
Really enjoyable quick & fun read, especially taking you back to childhood.
August 9, 2025
Try Not To Die At Death Fest by Mark Tullius, Kyle, his sister Tess, best friend Jerry and newcomer Luna all set out to go to death fest a heavy metal music festival they’re excited to have tickets too. Little do they know they may not live long enough to brag about it. I love these books and I am going to blame it on my blindness but I did not know in every book there is a survivor portion that is just the story and so I am rereading all of them because I just cannot get enough. I did really well on this book which isn’t usually the case just know if you love horror there’s a book to fit your niche and picking which way the story goes is so much fun I love it and as I said I cannot get enough and there’s a lot of them like 17 I think. I keep thinking he’s going to come out with one done at a convention and I hope he does maybe he’ll run out of ideas which doesn’t look likely and do one for me about a business convention. Talk about bringing excitement to a very boring event most of the books are about places you would love to go with the exception of the pandemic of course in this one I think as I said is my favorite. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #MarkTullius, #TryNotToDieADeathFest,
August 18, 2023
I had such a blast dying over and over and over at Dethfest!
I love these try not to die books- my main goal is not survival, it’s complete carnage. I made sure to get each and every bloody end that I could!
I really had a ton of fun with this one, and I enjoyed the slow build up to the mass chaos that happens at Dethfest, things go from “hm that’s a crappy thing” to “holy shit it’s Armageddon” by the end. Creative death scenes and likeable characters made this even more fun. And it’s METALLLLL 🤘🏻 666 stars for this one, highly recommend!
Thank you to Mark for the ARC of this book! I loved it and I’m excited to the chance to review it!
I love these try not to die books- my main goal is not survival, it’s complete carnage. I made sure to get each and every bloody end that I could!
I really had a ton of fun with this one, and I enjoyed the slow build up to the mass chaos that happens at Dethfest, things go from “hm that’s a crappy thing” to “holy shit it’s Armageddon” by the end. Creative death scenes and likeable characters made this even more fun. And it’s METALLLLL 🤘🏻 666 stars for this one, highly recommend!
Thank you to Mark for the ARC of this book! I loved it and I’m excited to the chance to review it!
November 23, 2023
Pretty fun, and absolutely nostalgic. To me, It did seem at parts that our main character acted contrary to how I expected based on his previous thoughts and behavior, separate from the motivations of the story. It's difficult to articulate without spoiling. I would have also enjoyed a clearer picture of who/what were pulling the strings and WHY. I really want to know more, which is generally the sign of a compelling story so kudos. Dethfest is a quick and enjoyable ride.
October 8, 2024
This is a very fun, unique kind of choose your own adventure story, similar in style to the ones I remember reading as a kid. Except this one has greater stakes and some completely unhinged content.
As an overall story, I thought this was fun, it made sense in the way that it didn't have to make sense. Jerry and friends head to Dethfest and somewhat ignore signs that something's not right. But as the story progresses, you become more and more confident that you know what's going on. Even though there's really no closure/answers, I still feel like the story was pretty good from start to finish. The writing isn't the best, it feels very juvenile in a lot of ways, which does fit the characters pretty well. But just don't go in expecting quality literature.
As far as "scary" goes, this is listed as horror, but I'd say only for the blood and gore involved in the death scenes. In general, there was nothing scary about the story. I would call this horror comedy because of the absolutely heinous ways you could die (my personal favorite was my first death by sword?? or maybe the back to back deaths by vampire bites?)
Some of the language could be taken as offensive at times with references to real tragedies and police, but was very brief and I don't know if this is typical for heavy metal since I do not actually listen to it.
Final Death Count: 11
Some of the deaths were just plain FUNNY I was laughing my head off at the randomness of them. Some deaths had NO connection to the choice you made, and no way of actually knowing what kind of madness you were walking into (I guess that's kind of realistic in life, right?)
But it was also hard to use any sort of street smarts, logic, or really any critical thinking to make it out alive, some of it was pure luck and guess work. And sometimes even the obvious answer was wrong. Soooo good luck surviving using any strategy, because there is none here.
Sometimes Jerry responded to things in a way that made absolutely no sense and had me assuming the author was just trying to find unique ways to lead to death that weren't always accidents. But those felt a little forced when Jerry goes from polite to asshole in 0.5 seconds.
Much thanks to the publisher and author for a free e-book copy. My review is completely my own and completely voluntary.
As an overall story, I thought this was fun, it made sense in the way that it didn't have to make sense. Jerry and friends head to Dethfest and somewhat ignore signs that something's not right. But as the story progresses, you become more and more confident that you know what's going on. Even though there's really no closure/answers, I still feel like the story was pretty good from start to finish. The writing isn't the best, it feels very juvenile in a lot of ways, which does fit the characters pretty well. But just don't go in expecting quality literature.
As far as "scary" goes, this is listed as horror, but I'd say only for the blood and gore involved in the death scenes. In general, there was nothing scary about the story. I would call this horror comedy because of the absolutely heinous ways you could die (my personal favorite was my first death by sword?? or maybe the back to back deaths by vampire bites?)
Some of the language could be taken as offensive at times with references to real tragedies and police, but was very brief and I don't know if this is typical for heavy metal since I do not actually listen to it.
Final Death Count: 11
Some of the deaths were just plain FUNNY I was laughing my head off at the randomness of them. Some deaths had NO connection to the choice you made, and no way of actually knowing what kind of madness you were walking into (I guess that's kind of realistic in life, right?)
But it was also hard to use any sort of street smarts, logic, or really any critical thinking to make it out alive, some of it was pure luck and guess work. And sometimes even the obvious answer was wrong. Soooo good luck surviving using any strategy, because there is none here.
Sometimes Jerry responded to things in a way that made absolutely no sense and had me assuming the author was just trying to find unique ways to lead to death that weren't always accidents. But those felt a little forced when Jerry goes from polite to asshole in 0.5 seconds.
Much thanks to the publisher and author for a free e-book copy. My review is completely my own and completely voluntary.
August 15, 2023
A wild and deadly ride!
Try Not to Die at Deathfest starts out at a nice, easy pace as we follow Jerry and load up his friends, Kyle and Tess, for a journey to an outdoor heavy metal festival with three massive stages and a killer line up of bands. They bring their friend, Luna, an attractive metal head. Jerry takes to her right away. He's a likable character as his insecurities are exposed, but he still tries to be cool.
It's hot as hell at the festival, and the action is amped up several notches as things quickly get crazy.
Depending on the choices you make, it might take you a while to make it out! I quite enjoyed exploring the different paths. The story is packed with many ways to die, which get more and more horrifying as the reader continues to try to get out of Dethfest.
The action is fast-paced, and the tension runs high. The reader will find themselves clutching the pages in a death metal grip.
The band names were brilliant, and the lyrics were well tied to the story.
If you love metal, action, and a bit of gore, buckle up and take a ride to Dethfest!
Try Not to Die at Deathfest starts out at a nice, easy pace as we follow Jerry and load up his friends, Kyle and Tess, for a journey to an outdoor heavy metal festival with three massive stages and a killer line up of bands. They bring their friend, Luna, an attractive metal head. Jerry takes to her right away. He's a likable character as his insecurities are exposed, but he still tries to be cool.
It's hot as hell at the festival, and the action is amped up several notches as things quickly get crazy.
Depending on the choices you make, it might take you a while to make it out! I quite enjoyed exploring the different paths. The story is packed with many ways to die, which get more and more horrifying as the reader continues to try to get out of Dethfest.
The action is fast-paced, and the tension runs high. The reader will find themselves clutching the pages in a death metal grip.
The band names were brilliant, and the lyrics were well tied to the story.
If you love metal, action, and a bit of gore, buckle up and take a ride to Dethfest!
August 10, 2023
The Try Not to Die series is unique (and somewhat nostalgic) because the reader has to make choices to try to help the character survive. It’s sometimes hard to know what the best choice is because outside influences can make “good” decisions go awry. Regardless, it’s a fun read!
TNTD at Dethfest is the newest book in the series and focuses on a group of college friends as they attend a much anticipated heavy metal festival. I enjoyed making choices and seeing how they played out. I made my fair share of “wrong” choices that led to the demise of the main character, but it was interesting to see other parts of the story unfold. This book was a fun and engaging read that I would recommend to those looking for something a little out of the norm. This was my second TNTD book and I’m definitely planning on exploring more of the series!
Thank you to Mark Tullius for an advance copy of this book! Rock on!
TNTD at Dethfest is the newest book in the series and focuses on a group of college friends as they attend a much anticipated heavy metal festival. I enjoyed making choices and seeing how they played out. I made my fair share of “wrong” choices that led to the demise of the main character, but it was interesting to see other parts of the story unfold. This book was a fun and engaging read that I would recommend to those looking for something a little out of the norm. This was my second TNTD book and I’m definitely planning on exploring more of the series!
Thank you to Mark Tullius for an advance copy of this book! Rock on!
August 12, 2023
My first but not last Try Not To Die and it was a blast!!
I didn't think I could enjoy dying so much but I really did! I think the whole experience was so great because the setting was so well described and so vivid that I really felt I was at Dethfest, chanting and singing, running from one stage to the next!!
I also loved the plot and all the characters! It really was an experience!
I did die a bunch of times in unexpected ways, the least imaginable one involving a toilet 🤮 Good luck with that!
Metalheads or horror readers you're in for a fun Dethfest and I dare you not to die!!
Thanks to the authors for the opportunity to read it and this is my honest review.
I didn't think I could enjoy dying so much but I really did! I think the whole experience was so great because the setting was so well described and so vivid that I really felt I was at Dethfest, chanting and singing, running from one stage to the next!!
I also loved the plot and all the characters! It really was an experience!
I did die a bunch of times in unexpected ways, the least imaginable one involving a toilet 🤮 Good luck with that!
Metalheads or horror readers you're in for a fun Dethfest and I dare you not to die!!
Thanks to the authors for the opportunity to read it and this is my honest review.
October 5, 2023
What a fun, twisted book! It is a choose-your-own-adventure. You are given different options and you just hope not to die! I had a blast dying repeatedly.
Thanks to Mark Tullius for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest and unsolicited review of this book.
Thanks to Mark Tullius for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest and unsolicited review of this book.
July 31, 2023
A choose your own adventure story of a group of friends who attend a heavy metal festival where things are not as innocent as assumed.
This was great! I loved the story, it was interesting and the deaths were fantastic! I was surprised by the amount of different deaths there were and I reported back to my partner each time I died which he got a kick out of. Really solid choose your own adventure book, TNTD is the gift that keeps on giving.
Thanks to the author!
This was great! I loved the story, it was interesting and the deaths were fantastic! I was surprised by the amount of different deaths there were and I reported back to my partner each time I died which he got a kick out of. Really solid choose your own adventure book, TNTD is the gift that keeps on giving.
Thanks to the author!
September 6, 2023
“Hopelessness, destruction’s ensured. Broken, battered, I am fractured!”
Truer words have never been spoken (or well, sung, in this case). After my 7th death, I was felt all these things deep in my soul. Thankfully, I survived and made it out of Dethfest on my 8th attempt…
I love a good live music festival, so when our dear author inked this one onto some rocking’ dead trees, I knew I was in for the show of a lifetime … or maybe 7 epic deaths of a lifetime? The jury is still out on that one.
This was another of what I call an “Adult Choose Your Own Adventure Book” in the TNTD series and I have to say, I got down into the mosh pit, headbanging along with the best of them!
The connection I felt with the protagonist was almost immediate; so, I was torn between wanting him to survive to get that second date with Luna and wanting him to dive deep into the anarchy, with some truly metal deaths.
The plot was left a bit murky, with suggestions to some greater (and super interesting) things happening behind the scenes at Dethfest that I was hoping to learn more about and/or get more clarity on…
That being said, that’s also the great thing about these TNTD books; that story I’m missing a bit of, could be down another plot path that I just haven’t chosen yet.
I really want to talk about my favorite death, but I don’t want to include spoilers.
But, I will say this… the first thing that went through my mind was an iconic quote, from an iconic movie, The Lost Boys, “Death by stereo!”
I had a lot of fun with this wild romp through the gruesome guts of music festivals at their finest.
Are you brave enough to make it out of Dethfest alive?
Can you get out more quickly than I did?
Truer words have never been spoken (or well, sung, in this case). After my 7th death, I was felt all these things deep in my soul. Thankfully, I survived and made it out of Dethfest on my 8th attempt…
I love a good live music festival, so when our dear author inked this one onto some rocking’ dead trees, I knew I was in for the show of a lifetime … or maybe 7 epic deaths of a lifetime? The jury is still out on that one.
This was another of what I call an “Adult Choose Your Own Adventure Book” in the TNTD series and I have to say, I got down into the mosh pit, headbanging along with the best of them!
The connection I felt with the protagonist was almost immediate; so, I was torn between wanting him to survive to get that second date with Luna and wanting him to dive deep into the anarchy, with some truly metal deaths.
The plot was left a bit murky, with suggestions to some greater (and super interesting) things happening behind the scenes at Dethfest that I was hoping to learn more about and/or get more clarity on…
That being said, that’s also the great thing about these TNTD books; that story I’m missing a bit of, could be down another plot path that I just haven’t chosen yet.
I really want to talk about my favorite death, but I don’t want to include spoilers.
But, I will say this… the first thing that went through my mind was an iconic quote, from an iconic movie, The Lost Boys, “Death by stereo!”
I had a lot of fun with this wild romp through the gruesome guts of music festivals at their finest.
Are you brave enough to make it out of Dethfest alive?
Can you get out more quickly than I did?
September 20, 2023
Lots of fun and hella violent!
It's so much fun to be able to choose the path of the story. Although not dying is completely up to luck. So might as well just go with the most me(n)tal option and Rock On!
It's so much fun to be able to choose the path of the story. Although not dying is completely up to luck. So might as well just go with the most me(n)tal option and Rock On!
September 20, 2023
Super fun read! I loved the choose your own adventure stories when I was a kid, and this was a great adult adaptation!
September 5, 2023
What a ride! Another solid entry into the TNTD universe. If you love(d) the Choose Your Own Adventure books, but have graduated to… heavier (pun intended) more “mature” material, I highly recommend checking out the whole series! As a lover of heavy music and a drummer, I’m a sucker for any media about heavy music and this did not disappoint. The main characters, while being described as your typical metal heads, are extremely likable and will have you dreading their many likely deaths. I didn’t want to miss a single death so I would choose the option that most obviously lead to death first intentionally to get the whole experience, and every choice/death is worth it (what a thing to say lmao) Many times the plot in these kind of interactive books can seem to take a back seat but the actual storyline was also well developed and engaging beyond the interactivity. The band and song names/lyrics ranged from funny to cringey (as some metal bands can be lol) to truly believable (I mean how is Dethros not a real band at this point!?) Even a Slipknot reference! Some of the descriptions of festivals/shows were spot on and hilarious and just as fun and disgusting as the death scenes lmao I’ll definitely be thinking about this book with every interaction/choice I make at the next show/fest I go to and can’t wait for upcoming TNTD releases!
Thank you Mark Tullius for the review copy!
Thank you Mark Tullius for the review copy!
September 6, 2023
I lost track of my deaths. I even died the same way more than once! I am officially hooked on the Try Not to Die books. They're like pokemon, gotta catch 'em all!
Thank you Mark for the opportunity to read and be angry at the same time!!!
Thank you Mark for the opportunity to read and be angry at the same time!!!
September 6, 2023
Rock and Roll
Jerry and his friends are headed to the biggest metal fest of the year, Dethfest. Things seem amazing at first, but people start acting strange. You must choose your way through Dethfest or die trying. There are many ways to die only one safe passage. Inventive scenes, amazing stories, and characters.
Jerry and his friends are headed to the biggest metal fest of the year, Dethfest. Things seem amazing at first, but people start acting strange. You must choose your way through Dethfest or die trying. There are many ways to die only one safe passage. Inventive scenes, amazing stories, and characters.
July 1, 2025
This was a fun "choose your own adventure."
It's about 2 couples (a brother/sister, and 2 singles friends (male & female))
They are going to a heavy metal festival where something just isn't right.
Everytime I thought I made the right decision, nope I died lol.
This wasn't just a choose your own adventure, this was an actual story that I was invested in.
This was fun. See if you can survive Dethfest 🤘🏻😎
It's about 2 couples (a brother/sister, and 2 singles friends (male & female))
They are going to a heavy metal festival where something just isn't right.
Everytime I thought I made the right decision, nope I died lol.
This wasn't just a choose your own adventure, this was an actual story that I was invested in.
This was fun. See if you can survive Dethfest 🤘🏻😎
December 22, 2023
Vikings, Flamethrowers, and bears...OH MY!
5/5 Head Bangs
Shit goes down at this death metal festival. I stopped counting after my 9th terrible decision. Like, what the HELL is happening? At least you can get all the free bottled water you can drink.
Have you read an adult horror choose your own adventure book yet? Why the hell not? This was super entertaining, fast paced, and easy to read. I want to see if you can survive Dethfest. I'm left wanting to know what the Professor was so scared of. Why did he bash Jerry's face into a port-a-potty seat and demand the video of him be deleted? Was he connected to the whole thing? Conspiracy!
I'm excited to find more ways to meet my end in the other Try Not to Die books! Because, you know, creative deaths are the chef's kiss of life. Heh.
5/5 Head Bangs
Shit goes down at this death metal festival. I stopped counting after my 9th terrible decision. Like, what the HELL is happening? At least you can get all the free bottled water you can drink.
Have you read an adult horror choose your own adventure book yet? Why the hell not? This was super entertaining, fast paced, and easy to read. I want to see if you can survive Dethfest. I'm left wanting to know what the Professor was so scared of. Why did he bash Jerry's face into a port-a-potty seat and demand the video of him be deleted? Was he connected to the whole thing? Conspiracy!
I'm excited to find more ways to meet my end in the other Try Not to Die books! Because, you know, creative deaths are the chef's kiss of life. Heh.
January 25, 2025
My first try not to die book and won't be my last ! This was such a fun experience. Dethfest took me back to the days of warped tour in the early 2000s. Dethfest features original songs that imo are pretty good lyrically. The writing and storytelling made it easy to imagine I was alongside the MC's of this story.
February 23, 2025
choose your own adventure for adults
I used to love choose your own adventure books as a child so I did really enjoy that aspect of this book. I did not like that there was only one path to the right ending, though. I also did not like how the "why" was never explained.
I won this book through a goodreads.com giveaway.
I used to love choose your own adventure books as a child so I did really enjoy that aspect of this book. I did not like that there was only one path to the right ending, though. I also did not like how the "why" was never explained.
I won this book through a goodreads.com giveaway.
August 17, 2023
Mark has done it again with another amazing TNTD! I honestly felt like I was at the festival along with the characters! Each death inexperienced was unique and rad! I can't wait to read it again and see all the other ways to die!
March 21, 2024
THIS WAS A FUCKING BLAST!
When I saw that Mark Tullius had a series of "choose your own adventure" style books for adults I knew I had to give one a read. My biggest problem was choosing which one to start with..the first of many decisions I'd make while reading! I decided to start with TNTD at Dethfest since I've been to more than my fair share of metal shows and figured I'd feel right at home in this setting.
I wasn't sure exactly what to expect with this one, if I remember correctly the old choose your own adventure goosebumps books- when you die the story ends and you start back over at the beginning. I was pleasantly surprised and extremely impressed that with this as, when you die you go back to your last decision page and try again which leads to a linear and seamless story that progresses beautifully. I absolutely loved this reading experience and had the best time making all the wrong decisions. I might've died every way possible. And to think I went in thinking I'd make it through the first try! Ha!
I was surprised in the beginning at how "tame" the death scenes are, but as the story and plot progresses the deaths get more gory and intense which is awesome. The endings ramp up with the intensity of the central story- which all the decisions/endings aside was a wild ride and fun adventure on its own. This book not only offers the fun novelty of choosing what the characters do, but also a solid stand alone horror story.
This is the most fun I've had reading a book in a long time and cannot wait to get my hands on another TNTD book.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
When I saw that Mark Tullius had a series of "choose your own adventure" style books for adults I knew I had to give one a read. My biggest problem was choosing which one to start with..the first of many decisions I'd make while reading! I decided to start with TNTD at Dethfest since I've been to more than my fair share of metal shows and figured I'd feel right at home in this setting.
I wasn't sure exactly what to expect with this one, if I remember correctly the old choose your own adventure goosebumps books- when you die the story ends and you start back over at the beginning. I was pleasantly surprised and extremely impressed that with this as, when you die you go back to your last decision page and try again which leads to a linear and seamless story that progresses beautifully. I absolutely loved this reading experience and had the best time making all the wrong decisions. I might've died every way possible. And to think I went in thinking I'd make it through the first try! Ha!
I was surprised in the beginning at how "tame" the death scenes are, but as the story and plot progresses the deaths get more gory and intense which is awesome. The endings ramp up with the intensity of the central story- which all the decisions/endings aside was a wild ride and fun adventure on its own. This book not only offers the fun novelty of choosing what the characters do, but also a solid stand alone horror story.
This is the most fun I've had reading a book in a long time and cannot wait to get my hands on another TNTD book.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
October 31, 2024
ARC provided by Vincere Press in exchange for an honest review.
In Try Not to Die: At Dethfest, the seventh installment in this innovative interactive adventure series, authors Mark Tullius and Glenn Hedden deliver a thrilling ride that blends horror and humor in a uniquely engaging format. This book invites readers to step into a world where their choices shape the narrative, leading to multiple paths and outcomes that heighten the excitement with each page turned.
Set against the electrifying backdrop of Dethfest—a fictional heavy metal music festival teeming with both adrenaline and danger—this installment plunges readers into a chaotic atmosphere filled with memorable characters and sinister threats. Tullius and Hedden have masterfully crafted a setting that resonates with metal enthusiasts, incorporating elements of the genre that amplify the tension and create a vivid, immersive experience.
The interactive nature of the book is its standout feature, allowing readers to make choices that directly influence the plot and outcome. This format adds a layer of suspense, as each decision carries weight, and the potential for unexpected consequences is ever-present. The authors cleverly balance this interactivity with a well-structured storyline, ensuring that even with branching paths, the narrative remains cohesive and engaging.
Character development shines through, as readers meet a cast of eclectic festival-goers, each with their quirks and motivations. Tullius and Hedden infuse humor and personality into their characters, making them relatable and entertaining. As readers navigate the story, they will find themselves invested in the characters’ fates, amplifying the stakes of their choices.
The writing style is fast-paced and dynamic, capturing the frenetic energy of the festival while maintaining a sense of foreboding that horror fans will appreciate. Tullius and Hedden expertly blend suspenseful moments with lighter, comedic elements, creating a well-rounded reading experience that never loses momentum.
Try Not to Die: At Dethfest is a refreshing addition to the interactive fiction genre, combining thrilling storytelling with the immersive experience of making choices that matter. It’s a perfect read for fans of horror, metal culture, and anyone looking for a unique literary adventure that keeps them on their toes.
Overall, this installment is an exhilarating ride that promises fun, fear, and countless surprises. Mark Tullius and Glenn Hedden have outdone themselves, making this a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Get ready to dive into a world where every choice could lead to life or death!
In Try Not to Die: At Dethfest, the seventh installment in this innovative interactive adventure series, authors Mark Tullius and Glenn Hedden deliver a thrilling ride that blends horror and humor in a uniquely engaging format. This book invites readers to step into a world where their choices shape the narrative, leading to multiple paths and outcomes that heighten the excitement with each page turned.
Set against the electrifying backdrop of Dethfest—a fictional heavy metal music festival teeming with both adrenaline and danger—this installment plunges readers into a chaotic atmosphere filled with memorable characters and sinister threats. Tullius and Hedden have masterfully crafted a setting that resonates with metal enthusiasts, incorporating elements of the genre that amplify the tension and create a vivid, immersive experience.
The interactive nature of the book is its standout feature, allowing readers to make choices that directly influence the plot and outcome. This format adds a layer of suspense, as each decision carries weight, and the potential for unexpected consequences is ever-present. The authors cleverly balance this interactivity with a well-structured storyline, ensuring that even with branching paths, the narrative remains cohesive and engaging.
Character development shines through, as readers meet a cast of eclectic festival-goers, each with their quirks and motivations. Tullius and Hedden infuse humor and personality into their characters, making them relatable and entertaining. As readers navigate the story, they will find themselves invested in the characters’ fates, amplifying the stakes of their choices.
The writing style is fast-paced and dynamic, capturing the frenetic energy of the festival while maintaining a sense of foreboding that horror fans will appreciate. Tullius and Hedden expertly blend suspenseful moments with lighter, comedic elements, creating a well-rounded reading experience that never loses momentum.
Try Not to Die: At Dethfest is a refreshing addition to the interactive fiction genre, combining thrilling storytelling with the immersive experience of making choices that matter. It’s a perfect read for fans of horror, metal culture, and anyone looking for a unique literary adventure that keeps them on their toes.
Overall, this installment is an exhilarating ride that promises fun, fear, and countless surprises. Mark Tullius and Glenn Hedden have outdone themselves, making this a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Get ready to dive into a world where every choice could lead to life or death!
October 1, 2024
ARC obtained through Netgalley
I really liked the "gameplay" in this book. I went to get all the endings, so I died on purpose each time, since I wanted to read all the deaths. I expected it to be difficult to read since it was an e-book, but the choices were linked to the pages, which meant it was really easy to navigate through.
I had expected this book to be more of a thriller. Personally, I found it not scary at all. The deaths were very short, a lot of them were more suggestions than death itself, which disappointed me a little.
It was still a very enjoyable read though, it was fun, but it did feel a bit repetitive to me. At the ending, the suspension finally built and I liked this part the most.
I really liked the "gameplay" in this book. I went to get all the endings, so I died on purpose each time, since I wanted to read all the deaths. I expected it to be difficult to read since it was an e-book, but the choices were linked to the pages, which meant it was really easy to navigate through.
I had expected this book to be more of a thriller. Personally, I found it not scary at all. The deaths were very short, a lot of them were more suggestions than death itself, which disappointed me a little.
It was still a very enjoyable read though, it was fun, but it did feel a bit repetitive to me. At the ending, the suspension finally built and I liked this part the most.
October 15, 2023
This was such good fun to read. Its the first TNTD book I have read and it definitely won't be the last. I am on a mission to collect them all. Thank you so much to Mark Tullius for sending me this book to read for an honest review.
Jerry, his best friend Kyle, Kyle's sister Tess, and her friend Luna all embark to Dethfest for an epic metal fest. We follow the story as Jerry. He and his friends are relatable likeable characters and Jerry and Luna hit it off to a budding romance. The story builds into a manic gorefest that has you gripped to every page. It's great fun making choices to see if you will survive or die and have to try again.
Rock On.
Jerry, his best friend Kyle, Kyle's sister Tess, and her friend Luna all embark to Dethfest for an epic metal fest. We follow the story as Jerry. He and his friends are relatable likeable characters and Jerry and Luna hit it off to a budding romance. The story builds into a manic gorefest that has you gripped to every page. It's great fun making choices to see if you will survive or die and have to try again.
Rock On.
August 12, 2023
The TNTD series is a fun throwback read to those choose your own adventure books I read as a kid, but an adult version. Some of these have been hit or miss for me to be honest but this one is a head banging good one. I did choose the obvious die ones just to see how characters die in this version. Gotta admit there were some good gruesome deaths here. A fun, gory read that is escapism at it’s best.
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