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Try Not To Die #8
Try Not to Die: Back at Grandma's House: An Interactive Adventure
You may have managed not to die At Grandma’s House, but the odds are stacked against you in this spine-chilling sequel to the interactive adventure.After barely surviving your grandparents’ house, you’re on the road and not looking back. Freedom and safety lay ahead. That all changes when your brother needs a miracle cure that can only be found in one place, and you must return to the grisly scene. Unleashed horrors roam the mountainside. Armed goons are closing in. And the clock is ticking. What other choice do you have?
Are you ready to step back into the heart of the nightmare? Can you navigate the treacherous path or will you become another victim of the madness pouring out of Grandma’s house?
A DOZEN WAYS TO DIE.
JUST ONE CORRECT PATH.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO SURVIVE?
If you grew up reading Goosebumps ® or Choose Your Own Adventure ® stories, you’ll love this fast-paced adventure! Find out why fans say, “I had a great time with the different decisions, even though I died a lot!” Don’t wait - Click the BUY button now!
The survivor edition of this story was previously published as Try Not to Back at Grandma's House in 11 episodes on Kindle Vella.
Are you ready to step back into the heart of the nightmare? Can you navigate the treacherous path or will you become another victim of the madness pouring out of Grandma’s house?
A DOZEN WAYS TO DIE.
JUST ONE CORRECT PATH.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO SURVIVE?
If you grew up reading Goosebumps ® or Choose Your Own Adventure ® stories, you’ll love this fast-paced adventure! Find out why fans say, “I had a great time with the different decisions, even though I died a lot!” Don’t wait - Click the BUY button now!
The survivor edition of this story was previously published as Try Not to Back at Grandma's House in 11 episodes on Kindle Vella.
- GenresHorror
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2023
10 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Mark Tullius
60 books1,296 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 2, 2025
4.5⭐️ (Rounded Up - Audiobook Review)
Try Not to Die Back At Grandma’s House is a thrilling, fast-paced interactive survival horror novel perfect for fans of slasher films or dark escape-room vibes. The audiobook format offers two reading modes: an interactive experience (choose-your-own-path) and a linear “survivor” option. This is the 8th installment in the popular Try Not to Die franchise series and a sequel to the original book in the series, Try Not to Die At Grandma’s House. This novel will resonate with readers who love “choose your own path” stories and emotional survival horror! Both book 1 and this sequel are available on Kindle, in paperback format, and on audio!
The story picks up after the harrowing events of the first book, with protagonist David and siblings Sam and Tim escaping the horrors of Grandma’s house. When their car slams into an unexpected police cruiser, they are forced to evacuate the vehicle. A sudden attack by the mutant predators sees them flee into a forest path along with an officer and two locals, Charlie and his dad. At the same time, their brother-turned-beast is becoming gravely ill, and the only cure for him lies in the basement of Grandma’s house. Reluctantly, they return, only to find that the horrors have intensified. A fast-spreading fire, never-ending mutant predators, and a ticking clock before outside forces arrive add layers of urgency and peril to their mission.
In the physical book or audio “Interactive” mode, readers will navigate 20 chapters with branching choices at the end of each chapter. A wrong choice leads to a sudden, often gory death, while correct choices edge the reader closer to surviving the threat of mutant creatures and unraveling the mystery of the beast. Only one path leads to freedom, which is revealed in the "survival" mode of the audiobook—it’s recommended to listen only after successfully completing the story via the interactive mode. No matter which route you take, the narrative is fast-paced and adrenaline-driven from start to finish. When making choices, it’s important to pay close attention to how the choices are worded and the small details—in some chapters hints of bad outcomes are given, while in others detours are designed to fool you!
There is no safe haven in this story—every place that Sam, David, and their companions travel is full of imminent danger, whether it be a raging fire, mutant predators, or outside forces coming to take them away. The forest path they are forced to take is especially ominous—it’s dense, dark, and unnervingly silent. The atmosphere will play up readers’s paranoia—twigs snapping, shadows moving, and the feeling of being watched all add to the tension, and it quickly becomes clear to David that the group is cut off from escape routes or clear visibility. There are several ways to die in these scenes, so it’s important to choose carefully! Charlie’s and Grandma’s houses also make appearances in this novel—and both quickly become nightmarish settings full of traps and monsters that will terrify readers in the best possible way!
David making difficult choices regarding his siblings and dealing with an unexpected, terrifying “gradual change” scenario are the central focus of this story. Like in the first novel, every choice the reader makes as David has additional weight because the outcome doesn’t just affect him—this time it affects both his siblings and their companions! The pacing in this story is more relentless than in book 1, and the threats are non-stop. The added element of a group traveling together gives David a false sense of security in brief moments—and readers should be wary to avoid imminent death scenes when making choices. The “human transforming into a beast” trope is much more explored in this story, blurring the line between self and monster! The characters’s journeys present a terrifying scenario for readers—showing that terror isn’t just outside them—it’s also inside them, waiting to erupt—and they are capable of turning on others in a heartbeat, including those closest to them!
Readers should be aware of the graphic content in some of the gruesome death scenes when wrong choices are made—especially those involving the mutant “torpions.” If reading the physical book or listening in the interactive mode, you’ll likely have a few deaths before making it to the end. The final chapters have some very tough choices and heart-wrenching moments—and the ending drives home the book’s central message that horror isn’t just about dying in Grandma’s house; it’s about questioning if you can ever truly escape horrors when you’re outnumbered or there’s a beast waiting to claim you! For such a short, fast-paced book, it manages to pack in an incredible amount of tension, horror, and thought-provoking themes! Don’t expect to predict the outcome, as it’s definitely more unsettling and original than you could ever have expected!
Overall, Try Not to Die Back at Grandma’s House is a standout interactive horror gamebook and a worthy sequel. The emotional depth between the siblings, the compelling “monster within” metaphor, and the non-stop terror will keep readers fully engaged and on the edge of their seats from start to finish! The companion audiobook is a fantastic reading option, and its “survivor” mode will appeal to readers who’d rather enjoy the story without the pressure of choices! Readers who love interactive survival horror, relentless pacing, shocking deaths, and dark psychological themes will love the original Grandma’s House book and this sequel! Both books will get readers hooked on the format—and with over 20 books offered in the series, with so many different settings and fears—prisons, amusement parks, deserts, haunted roads, and more—there’s a taste of horror for everyone to enjoy!
🎙️Narrator Performance🎙️
The audiobook of Try Not to Die Back at Grandma’s House is a thrilling, immersive listen narrated by seasoned horror narrator Joe Hempel, who also narrated the original Try Not to Die at Grandma’s House book. The audiobook offers an interactive branching experience of 20 chapters and linear “survivor” tracks, where listeners can follow the story without stressful decision-making.
Hempel uses a clear, steady tone to narrate this audiobook, with heightened intensity during sudden horror scenes and slower pacing during David’s inner monologues and when choices are offered to listeners—ensuring they can process potentially fatal choices without feeling overwhelmed. Hempel portrays protagonist David with more intensity and uncertainty than in the original book, as the threats are more horrifying and relentless—and the character is often grappling with multiple challenges at once! Hempel also provides distinct and convincing voices for all the characters—and returning characters sound exactly the same as in the original story, allowing for a seamless binge-listening experience of both books!
The relationship dynamic between the siblings is different in this story—David is not as concerned for the welfare of Sam as he is for the entire group—and especially his ailing brother, Tim. Hempel makes David’s anxiety tangible through cracks in his voice and constant unease in his tone. Hempel amplifies David’s panic in the later half when he begins experiencing a sudden change, making everything seem more unpredictable and unsettling—and the choice-making for listeners more difficult! Hempel’s portrayal of female police officer Nelson is especially captivating, as he initially gives her a strong, authoritative-sounding voice but later shifts his performance to show her unease and panic over the escalating terror—it’s quite compelling and very entertaining! There are several terrifying chase scenes in this book, and Hempel perfectly delivers each one with increased pacing and terror in his tone for full dramatic effect. Once the siblings return to Grandma’s house, Hempel maintains a constant sense of urgency in his tone to foreshadow the impending doom that is about to unfold!
Overall, Joe Hempel elevates the reading experience of Try Not to Die Back At Grandma’s House with his dynamic performance, perfect pacing, and compelling character portrayals. In both the original and this sequel, Joe’s outstanding narration makes the audiobooks compelling alternatives to the print formats—and both books are a must-listen for audiobook enthusiasts who enjoy survival horror and interactive listens! If you haven’t listened to Joe Hempel’s narration before, these books are the perfect way to get acquainted with his incredible voice acting talent, and you’ll be excited to check out his backlog of 600+ titles, including several other books in the Try Not To Die series!
Try Not to Die Back At Grandma’s House is a thrilling, fast-paced interactive survival horror novel perfect for fans of slasher films or dark escape-room vibes. The audiobook format offers two reading modes: an interactive experience (choose-your-own-path) and a linear “survivor” option. This is the 8th installment in the popular Try Not to Die franchise series and a sequel to the original book in the series, Try Not to Die At Grandma’s House. This novel will resonate with readers who love “choose your own path” stories and emotional survival horror! Both book 1 and this sequel are available on Kindle, in paperback format, and on audio!
The story picks up after the harrowing events of the first book, with protagonist David and siblings Sam and Tim escaping the horrors of Grandma’s house. When their car slams into an unexpected police cruiser, they are forced to evacuate the vehicle. A sudden attack by the mutant predators sees them flee into a forest path along with an officer and two locals, Charlie and his dad. At the same time, their brother-turned-beast is becoming gravely ill, and the only cure for him lies in the basement of Grandma’s house. Reluctantly, they return, only to find that the horrors have intensified. A fast-spreading fire, never-ending mutant predators, and a ticking clock before outside forces arrive add layers of urgency and peril to their mission.
In the physical book or audio “Interactive” mode, readers will navigate 20 chapters with branching choices at the end of each chapter. A wrong choice leads to a sudden, often gory death, while correct choices edge the reader closer to surviving the threat of mutant creatures and unraveling the mystery of the beast. Only one path leads to freedom, which is revealed in the "survival" mode of the audiobook—it’s recommended to listen only after successfully completing the story via the interactive mode. No matter which route you take, the narrative is fast-paced and adrenaline-driven from start to finish. When making choices, it’s important to pay close attention to how the choices are worded and the small details—in some chapters hints of bad outcomes are given, while in others detours are designed to fool you!
There is no safe haven in this story—every place that Sam, David, and their companions travel is full of imminent danger, whether it be a raging fire, mutant predators, or outside forces coming to take them away. The forest path they are forced to take is especially ominous—it’s dense, dark, and unnervingly silent. The atmosphere will play up readers’s paranoia—twigs snapping, shadows moving, and the feeling of being watched all add to the tension, and it quickly becomes clear to David that the group is cut off from escape routes or clear visibility. There are several ways to die in these scenes, so it’s important to choose carefully! Charlie’s and Grandma’s houses also make appearances in this novel—and both quickly become nightmarish settings full of traps and monsters that will terrify readers in the best possible way!
David making difficult choices regarding his siblings and dealing with an unexpected, terrifying “gradual change” scenario are the central focus of this story. Like in the first novel, every choice the reader makes as David has additional weight because the outcome doesn’t just affect him—this time it affects both his siblings and their companions! The pacing in this story is more relentless than in book 1, and the threats are non-stop. The added element of a group traveling together gives David a false sense of security in brief moments—and readers should be wary to avoid imminent death scenes when making choices. The “human transforming into a beast” trope is much more explored in this story, blurring the line between self and monster! The characters’s journeys present a terrifying scenario for readers—showing that terror isn’t just outside them—it’s also inside them, waiting to erupt—and they are capable of turning on others in a heartbeat, including those closest to them!
Readers should be aware of the graphic content in some of the gruesome death scenes when wrong choices are made—especially those involving the mutant “torpions.” If reading the physical book or listening in the interactive mode, you’ll likely have a few deaths before making it to the end. The final chapters have some very tough choices and heart-wrenching moments—and the ending drives home the book’s central message that horror isn’t just about dying in Grandma’s house; it’s about questioning if you can ever truly escape horrors when you’re outnumbered or there’s a beast waiting to claim you! For such a short, fast-paced book, it manages to pack in an incredible amount of tension, horror, and thought-provoking themes! Don’t expect to predict the outcome, as it’s definitely more unsettling and original than you could ever have expected!
Overall, Try Not to Die Back at Grandma’s House is a standout interactive horror gamebook and a worthy sequel. The emotional depth between the siblings, the compelling “monster within” metaphor, and the non-stop terror will keep readers fully engaged and on the edge of their seats from start to finish! The companion audiobook is a fantastic reading option, and its “survivor” mode will appeal to readers who’d rather enjoy the story without the pressure of choices! Readers who love interactive survival horror, relentless pacing, shocking deaths, and dark psychological themes will love the original Grandma’s House book and this sequel! Both books will get readers hooked on the format—and with over 20 books offered in the series, with so many different settings and fears—prisons, amusement parks, deserts, haunted roads, and more—there’s a taste of horror for everyone to enjoy!
🎙️Narrator Performance🎙️
The audiobook of Try Not to Die Back at Grandma’s House is a thrilling, immersive listen narrated by seasoned horror narrator Joe Hempel, who also narrated the original Try Not to Die at Grandma’s House book. The audiobook offers an interactive branching experience of 20 chapters and linear “survivor” tracks, where listeners can follow the story without stressful decision-making.
Hempel uses a clear, steady tone to narrate this audiobook, with heightened intensity during sudden horror scenes and slower pacing during David’s inner monologues and when choices are offered to listeners—ensuring they can process potentially fatal choices without feeling overwhelmed. Hempel portrays protagonist David with more intensity and uncertainty than in the original book, as the threats are more horrifying and relentless—and the character is often grappling with multiple challenges at once! Hempel also provides distinct and convincing voices for all the characters—and returning characters sound exactly the same as in the original story, allowing for a seamless binge-listening experience of both books!
The relationship dynamic between the siblings is different in this story—David is not as concerned for the welfare of Sam as he is for the entire group—and especially his ailing brother, Tim. Hempel makes David’s anxiety tangible through cracks in his voice and constant unease in his tone. Hempel amplifies David’s panic in the later half when he begins experiencing a sudden change, making everything seem more unpredictable and unsettling—and the choice-making for listeners more difficult! Hempel’s portrayal of female police officer Nelson is especially captivating, as he initially gives her a strong, authoritative-sounding voice but later shifts his performance to show her unease and panic over the escalating terror—it’s quite compelling and very entertaining! There are several terrifying chase scenes in this book, and Hempel perfectly delivers each one with increased pacing and terror in his tone for full dramatic effect. Once the siblings return to Grandma’s house, Hempel maintains a constant sense of urgency in his tone to foreshadow the impending doom that is about to unfold!
Overall, Joe Hempel elevates the reading experience of Try Not to Die Back At Grandma’s House with his dynamic performance, perfect pacing, and compelling character portrayals. In both the original and this sequel, Joe’s outstanding narration makes the audiobooks compelling alternatives to the print formats—and both books are a must-listen for audiobook enthusiasts who enjoy survival horror and interactive listens! If you haven’t listened to Joe Hempel’s narration before, these books are the perfect way to get acquainted with his incredible voice acting talent, and you’ll be excited to check out his backlog of 600+ titles, including several other books in the Try Not To Die series!
December 4, 2024
I have never read an interactive story before and boy was this a goodie! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this and playing along. Would 100% read more of their work
January 13, 2024
Choose Your Own Adventure but for a horrifying adventure that includes the after effects of a horrible family experiment gone wrong.
So, I got spoiled by the Try Not To Die Ghostland one where it gave you enough of the back story to make sense of the current story. I feel like I would have enjoyed this much better had I read the original story. As it was, I felt dumped in the middle and told, have at it.
Which I did... and I think I chose every option but to live each round every single time. It was brutal. Died of fire, monsters, military, falls, watched my fictional family die. So many deaths, but as always, the try not to die" concept is entertaining enough to make me try again.
The writing was well done and though it felt more like an intense young adult novel than an adult horror, it was entertaining and kept my attention.
Will read more in the "Try Not To Die" series cause they're just fun.
So, I got spoiled by the Try Not To Die Ghostland one where it gave you enough of the back story to make sense of the current story. I feel like I would have enjoyed this much better had I read the original story. As it was, I felt dumped in the middle and told, have at it.
Which I did... and I think I chose every option but to live each round every single time. It was brutal. Died of fire, monsters, military, falls, watched my fictional family die. So many deaths, but as always, the try not to die" concept is entertaining enough to make me try again.
The writing was well done and though it felt more like an intense young adult novel than an adult horror, it was entertaining and kept my attention.
Will read more in the "Try Not To Die" series cause they're just fun.
October 28, 2024
The sequel to Try Not to Die at Grandma's House. Another choose your own adventure that was a lot more frustrating than the last one. It was enjoyable, but I'd hoped for a better ending.
June 3, 2025
I didn't kill them as many times in this one as I did in the first book, but I still died 7 times 🤣 I was excited to see how things would turn out after the last book.
If I thought Sam was strong-willed in the first one, she proved even more so in the second one. I ended up liking Charlie and his dad, Gerry more after getting to see more of their relationship. I enjoyed seeing David be more comfortable with his driving skills, I thought that was neat to see.
One of the scenes during the hospital stay made me go back and read it again because I swore I had to have read it wrong. I was surprised and saddened by what happened.
I think both books did a good job of making you care about the characters inside.
I like how each of these has both the interactive version and the survivor version, I felt the same feelings and reactions reading the survivor version even though I had just finished the interactive part.
If I thought Sam was strong-willed in the first one, she proved even more so in the second one. I ended up liking Charlie and his dad, Gerry more after getting to see more of their relationship. I enjoyed seeing David be more comfortable with his driving skills, I thought that was neat to see.
One of the scenes during the hospital stay made me go back and read it again because I swore I had to have read it wrong. I was surprised and saddened by what happened.
I think both books did a good job of making you care about the characters inside.
I like how each of these has both the interactive version and the survivor version, I felt the same feelings and reactions reading the survivor version even though I had just finished the interactive part.
October 20, 2025
This is a great follow-up to TNTD at Grandma's House. David, his sister, Sam, and their brother (or is it really their brother) are on the run from Grandma's house and the horrible creatures their Grandpa made called torpions. Will the siblings be able to reverse Tim's curse? Will they survive the torpions? Will things ever be the same for them?
The book allows the reader to make a choice (along with David) at the end of each chapter. If you make the wrong choice, you die a grisly death! Then, you can proceed to the right path and continue the story. If you are less adventurous or just get tired of dying, you can read the survivor's version instead.
The narrator, Joe Hempel, does his usual fantastic job and adds a lot to this choose your own adventure book. It's a great way to fill a few fun hours as you try not to die!
The book allows the reader to make a choice (along with David) at the end of each chapter. If you make the wrong choice, you die a grisly death! Then, you can proceed to the right path and continue the story. If you are less adventurous or just get tired of dying, you can read the survivor's version instead.
The narrator, Joe Hempel, does his usual fantastic job and adds a lot to this choose your own adventure book. It's a great way to fill a few fun hours as you try not to die!
November 22, 2024
Maybe it's just me, but a final ending where you, as a monster out of your own control, kill both of your siblings and then fade away, leaving your body inhabited only by the mind of a monster, doesn't exactly feel like "not dying" to me. It's a bit of a shame - I really enjoyed At Grandma's House, and this felt a little like digging up its peacefully laid to rest body and making it go on more adventures that just ended unsatisfyingly for the characters I have grown to enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2024
*warning* HIGHLY ADDICTIVE
Reading this sequel was an absolute blast! I can't believe what just unfolded - my mind is truly blown. Every death was thrilling, yet I felt a pang of sadness when I reached 'The End'. The 'TNTD' books have me completely captivated. Another five-star read, but I wouldn't mind giving it six stars if I could. They're just too good!
Reading this sequel was an absolute blast! I can't believe what just unfolded - my mind is truly blown. Every death was thrilling, yet I felt a pang of sadness when I reached 'The End'. The 'TNTD' books have me completely captivated. Another five-star read, but I wouldn't mind giving it six stars if I could. They're just too good!
October 23, 2025
Grandma’s house will haunt my dreams—and I mean that in the best way possible. Every choice felt like a dare I was too stubborn to turn down. Twisted, creepy, and just the right amount of ridiculous fun. If you survive this book, you’ve earned bragging rights.
October 23, 2025
I made all the wrong choices, died horribly, and loved every second of it. “Try Not to Die” is like Goosebumps for grown-ups, with higher stakes, darker laughs, and way more blood. Can’t wait to see what fresh trauma the next one brings.
June 24, 2024
After barely making it out alive you have to go back! Another fast-paced, action-packed, interactive adventure with more creative and fun ways to die.
October 12, 2023
How dare you make me go back and then get my hopes up and then rip my heart out with each choice! This book was very fast paced but just as amazing as the others in the series! The death scenes are disgusting (in a good way). You'll go through all of the stages of grief in this short but amazing book!
April 5, 2024
Reading this sequel was an absolute blast! I can't believe what just unfolded - my mind is truly blown. Every death was thrilling, yet I felt a pang of sadness when I reached 'The End'. The 'TNTD' books have me completely captivated. Another five-star read, but I wouldn't mind giving it six stars if I could...they're just too good!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews