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Birthday Party Demon
BFFs Tina, Eve, and Lacey come together for a Sweet 16 slumber party that goes sideways when they accidentally summon more than a good time.
After Lacey becomes possessed and traps her friends in a fashion catalog, Tina and Eve must find their way out of a totally fabulous new world before the demon overtakes Lacey's body completely.
Wendy Dalrymple's YA pink-horror novella is a 90s fever dream that marries the witchy vibe of The Craft with the campy flavor of Jennifer's Body and a neon splash of My Best Friend's Exorcism.
After Lacey becomes possessed and traps her friends in a fashion catalog, Tina and Eve must find their way out of a totally fabulous new world before the demon overtakes Lacey's body completely.
Wendy Dalrymple's YA pink-horror novella is a 90s fever dream that marries the witchy vibe of The Craft with the campy flavor of Jennifer's Body and a neon splash of My Best Friend's Exorcism.
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2025
5 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Dalrymple
81 books301 followersWendy Dalrymple loves to explore the beauty in horrific things.. When she’s not writing #pinkhorror or Florida Gothic horror, you can find her hiking with her family, painting (bad) wall art, and trying to grow as many pineapples as possible. Follow her on IG or TikTok @wendydalrymplewrites.
Www.wendydalrymple.com
Www.wendydalrymple.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
February 18, 2025
It's no secret that I'm a fan of Dalrymple's work so I don't think anyone will be surprised that I enjoyed this little book even though I'm not much of a YA reader.
I think this book is YA in the sense that it can be read by younger reader but I think the people who are going to really get a kick out of it are people who were children in the 90s, you know, us antiquities suffering from nostalgia for a time before we had to be available all the time and before we knew how much we would come to hate responding to email and teams meeting requests.
It has all the charm of a Goosebumps book but with added glitter and pink energy and a sly little sense of humor. I enjoyed the way Dalrymple gave us a sense of the environment and really nailed the sense of the era the events took place in. I could have spent a little more time with these characters without complaints even though they came across as plausible teenagers and as the song goes "Teenagers scare the livin' shit out of me".
If you're looking for horror that surprisingly feel like a breath of fresh air this one might be for you.
Many thanks to Mad Axe Media for letting me have an eARC of this title so I could read it ahead of its publication.
I think this book is YA in the sense that it can be read by younger reader but I think the people who are going to really get a kick out of it are people who were children in the 90s, you know, us antiquities suffering from nostalgia for a time before we had to be available all the time and before we knew how much we would come to hate responding to email and teams meeting requests.
It has all the charm of a Goosebumps book but with added glitter and pink energy and a sly little sense of humor. I enjoyed the way Dalrymple gave us a sense of the environment and really nailed the sense of the era the events took place in. I could have spent a little more time with these characters without complaints even though they came across as plausible teenagers and as the song goes "Teenagers scare the livin' shit out of me".
If you're looking for horror that surprisingly feel like a breath of fresh air this one might be for you.
Many thanks to Mad Axe Media for letting me have an eARC of this title so I could read it ahead of its publication.
March 26, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Birthday Party Demon is a quick, nostalgic and fun spoof of a horror read that took me back to my youth and was a nod to 80s and 90s horror at the same time.
We follow a trio of girls who aren't as close as they used to be since attending secondary school. They each have different interests and friends, but when Tina's sixteenth birthday comes around, her mother suggests a Sleepover with her besties like old times. The girls agree to come and they prepare for an unforgettable night (literally).
But the girls accidentally unleash a demon who possesses Lacey and Tina snd Eve find themselves within the pages of a fashion magazine. But their nightmare is only just beginning...
This was so much fun and such a retro read!
Birthday Party Demon is a quick, nostalgic and fun spoof of a horror read that took me back to my youth and was a nod to 80s and 90s horror at the same time.
We follow a trio of girls who aren't as close as they used to be since attending secondary school. They each have different interests and friends, but when Tina's sixteenth birthday comes around, her mother suggests a Sleepover with her besties like old times. The girls agree to come and they prepare for an unforgettable night (literally).
But the girls accidentally unleash a demon who possesses Lacey and Tina snd Eve find themselves within the pages of a fashion magazine. But their nightmare is only just beginning...
This was so much fun and such a retro read!
December 2, 2024
If you’re craving a fun dose of 90s nostalgia and campy horror,
Birthday Party Demon
by Wendy Dalrymple is an absolute must-read! This YA coming-of-age horror novelette is a love letter to everything that made 90s pop culture iconic: think Goosebumps, The Craft, and a pinch of Point Horror for good measure. Dalrymple masterfully mixes 90s-Florida vibes, ridiculous scares, and a fabulous fashion-fueled sleepover adventure into a story that’s equal parts creepy and totally fun.
December 10, 2024
I simply cannot contain my enthusiasm and pure joy at this novella, DID SOMEONE SAY CAMPY PINK HORROR 90S NOSTALGIA DEMON FUN? (I did, hi!) I'm a huge fan of Wendy and this was incredible, I mean, look at the cover, already it's a winner, think goosebumps but girly, girlybumps- oh wait no that sounds wrong, this was an absolute joy to read, full of 90s nostalgia and had a sweet coming of age-esque vibe, focusing on the power of friendships, underneath the whole demon possession *thang*, for fans of MBFE (if you're not cool that's My Best Friends Exorcism) but make it YA, Point Horror, Jennifer's Body, The Craft..you get the vibe right? it's a vibe 🌟
December 4, 2025
what a wonderful ode to 90s teen scream paperbacks!
here, a birthday girl and her two best friends accidentally summon a demon at their sleepover. i guess that's what they get for messing around with ouija and light as a feather, stiff as a board.
i love the way this story hits so many nostalgic points, and then makes the whole thing gay! tina has a serious crush on her bestie lacey. taking this familiar format and putting a sapphic crush right there on the page adds an amazing new dimension.
unfortunately the editing is shaky - dARiA*s becomes dELiA*s and then dARiA*s again, and there are other errors that could have been caught with a quick proofread.
it's a wicked fun book, but it mostly just made me long to read the classics! seeing 90s horror conventions through the lens of retrospect changes their color. the homage is a blast, and i love that it leans into its femininity more than actual 90s YA horror was able to, but i still prefer to read the originals.
here, a birthday girl and her two best friends accidentally summon a demon at their sleepover. i guess that's what they get for messing around with ouija and light as a feather, stiff as a board.
i love the way this story hits so many nostalgic points, and then makes the whole thing gay! tina has a serious crush on her bestie lacey. taking this familiar format and putting a sapphic crush right there on the page adds an amazing new dimension.
unfortunately the editing is shaky - dARiA*s becomes dELiA*s and then dARiA*s again, and there are other errors that could have been caught with a quick proofread.
it's a wicked fun book, but it mostly just made me long to read the classics! seeing 90s horror conventions through the lens of retrospect changes their color. the homage is a blast, and i love that it leans into its femininity more than actual 90s YA horror was able to, but i still prefer to read the originals.
February 20, 2025
This story so reminded me of to 90's teenage horror books like fear street or point horror. It was fun and very nostalgic.
March 9, 2025
This book was so much fun! This was a very nostalgic read reminiscent of Point Horror books of the 90s. The story centers around three best friends who accidentally summon a demon at a slumber party. This is a novella, so the story wastes no time getting started. The characters aren’t super fleshed out but they are enjoyable to follow. The story feels so creative at times - I loved the part where the girls get sent into a fashion catalog! A lot of this book feels like a love letter to things I grew up reading and watching in the 90s. It’s silly and over the top, and it’s PINK. If you’re a fan of 90s horror from R.L. Stine, Richie Tankersley Cusick and the like, you’ll have fun with this book!
March 4, 2025
This was a fun read! The characters are interesting and entertaining. This is fast paced and an easy read. I loved all the nostalgic references and just had an overall fun time. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys horror! Special Thank You to Wendy Dalrymple,Mad Axe Media and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2025
If Lisa Frank had written The Exorcist in the 90's, you'd get Birthday Party Demon. A party crashing demon named Zozo causes havoc for Tina, Eve and Lacey. There's lots of nostalgia, not only with references to Ghostbusters, The Craft and Double Dare, but also 90's fashion and those teenage must haves like the see through phones.
Even though this is about a possession, it's not gory or gross. It's perfect for teens, and Gen-Xers who want a bit of nostalgia. It's perfect for teens who are afraid of coming out, the main character Tina is terrified to tell Lacey she loves her as more than a friend.
Sweet, nostalgic, creepy (especially those catalog girls!), fun with just the perfect touch occultism.
Even though this is about a possession, it's not gory or gross. It's perfect for teens, and Gen-Xers who want a bit of nostalgia. It's perfect for teens who are afraid of coming out, the main character Tina is terrified to tell Lacey she loves her as more than a friend.
Sweet, nostalgic, creepy (especially those catalog girls!), fun with just the perfect touch occultism.
February 10, 2025
This was a fun time travel back to the 90's/early 2000's where all our tech hardware was colorful and see-through, and we still shopped from catalogs instead of being influenced by fast fashion on the internet.
Tina is about to celebrate her 16th birthday and would like nothing more than to celebrate it with her 2 BFFs as a sleepover. Things get a little out of hand when they break out the Ouija board and an unexpected guest shows up.
This felt like Goosebumps meets my Best friend's exorcism, but definitely leans more towards younger audiences. I'm not sure younger audiences will understand all (or any) of the many nostalgic references in the story though. It is a very quick read, and perfect for any nostalgia-based readathons that may take place in April. (cough OSA cough)
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC for my review.
Tina is about to celebrate her 16th birthday and would like nothing more than to celebrate it with her 2 BFFs as a sleepover. Things get a little out of hand when they break out the Ouija board and an unexpected guest shows up.
This felt like Goosebumps meets my Best friend's exorcism, but definitely leans more towards younger audiences. I'm not sure younger audiences will understand all (or any) of the many nostalgic references in the story though. It is a very quick read, and perfect for any nostalgia-based readathons that may take place in April. (cough OSA cough)
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC for my review.
January 5, 2025
3.75
This was a solid three right up until the end, which I honestly did not see coming. I think this would benefit from being a full length story, then the end would be a total gut punch.
Overall this was pretty fun, I would have liked even more 90’s nostalgia because I’m selfish.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a solid three right up until the end, which I honestly did not see coming. I think this would benefit from being a full length story, then the end would be a total gut punch.
Overall this was pretty fun, I would have liked even more 90’s nostalgia because I’m selfish.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2025
Literally obsessed with this book. So much nostalgia, I literally felt like a kid again, reading a horror book late into the night. I couldn’t stop thinking about this book when I would put it down. Now that it’s finished, I know I am going to be thinking about often. I am so excited to see that there will be a second book ‘Christmas Party Demon’. I can’t wait to read it! This author is easily becoming one of my favorites. My only issue now is what I’m going to read next after reading such a good book.
July 5, 2025
"hEy GuRl, wHeRE U gOiN*?
dOn*t bE a DrAg!
wE jUsT wAnNa eAt YoUr SoUl!"
The Twilight Zone meets My Best Friends Exorcism with a tale that’ll make your head spin… and maybe puke up some green soup.
This was soooo much fun. It honestly made me laugh out loud and cringe a tad bit. What more could a gal ask for?
dOn*t bE a DrAg!
wE jUsT wAnNa eAt YoUr SoUl!"
The Twilight Zone meets My Best Friends Exorcism with a tale that’ll make your head spin… and maybe puke up some green soup.
This was soooo much fun. It honestly made me laugh out loud and cringe a tad bit. What more could a gal ask for?
January 29, 2025
Looking for a fun, campy horror story drenched in '90s nostalgia? Look no further! Birthday Party Demon by Wendy Dalrymple, the debut novel in the Totally Freaked series, is a delightful throwback that captures the essence of the decade. From video rental stores and Delia's magazines packed with trendy fashion to beepers and those iconic clear plastic phones every teenage girl had in their room, this book is a treasure trove of '90s vibes.
If you grew up devouring R.L. Stine books or love movies like Ghostbusters and The Craft, you're in for a treat. This story had me audibly gasping and reminiscing as I asked my husband, "Do you remember this from the '90s?" - and he was treated to enthusiastic play-by-play retellings because I just couldn’t contain my excitement. From the first page to the last, this book was an absolute blast from the past. I’m totally here for this series and can’t wait to see what comes next!
If you grew up devouring R.L. Stine books or love movies like Ghostbusters and The Craft, you're in for a treat. This story had me audibly gasping and reminiscing as I asked my husband, "Do you remember this from the '90s?" - and he was treated to enthusiastic play-by-play retellings because I just couldn’t contain my excitement. From the first page to the last, this book was an absolute blast from the past. I’m totally here for this series and can’t wait to see what comes next!
February 19, 2025
I received this book from the publisher/Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I am becoming such a huge fan of Wendy Dalrymple’s works! And so I was excited when I saw this one on Netgalley, this is one of the books I was most hyped about in early 2025! I was even more excited when I was approved to read it, eep!
In this book we meet Tina (full name Christina) who is about to turn 16, Sweet Sixteen. She is unsure about doing anything because she and her two besties have been drifting apart, but thankfully there is mom who tells her to just invite them. I am normally not a fan of moms who push their kids like this, but I am happy she did (or well, given the rest of the book maybe not so happy haha, but before everything hits the fan I was happy) because the other two girls are actually excited and have also missed the days of doing things together. Plans are made and the girls are all excited to get ready for a wonderful fun sleepover!
And for most of the time the sleepover was just that, a sleepover. Doing nails. Watching movies. Eating popcorn. The girls are bringing up memories, talking about their friendship. Things are fun and I just loved seeing the girls together and I was so happy for Tina because she was so worried about the friendship falling apart, but Eve and Lacey are such sweet girls and I love the bond these girls had. But then one mentions doing something spooky and the Ouijaboard is there. And then a lot more happens (and kids remember not to mix things together, just like drinks, mixing up your supernatural summoning stuff is also a very big no-no) and things get increasingly scary (and I am not talking about a wild opossum in the attic). Oh no. I am talking about possession. Yup. And this demon is determined to ruin the party, hardcore. I loved what happened next and while it did sound like a dream, I knew thanks to reading more of Wendy Dalrymple’s books, that things would get very WHELP in just a few. I had a few ideas on how this one would go, and I am happy with the direction it went. It was the perfect way and it definitely had me on the edge of my chair, or well, crawling deeper in my bed haha.
I love seeing the girls band together and try to fix things, get things right again, make sure everyone is safe, but I am even more in love with the ending! That kind of ending doesn’t always work with me to be honest, but in this case it was just perfect and I really liked it!
All in all, the only thing left is me recommending this book a lot to everyone who loves the 80s/90s and loves horror + demons doing demon stuff.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I am becoming such a huge fan of Wendy Dalrymple’s works! And so I was excited when I saw this one on Netgalley, this is one of the books I was most hyped about in early 2025! I was even more excited when I was approved to read it, eep!
In this book we meet Tina (full name Christina) who is about to turn 16, Sweet Sixteen. She is unsure about doing anything because she and her two besties have been drifting apart, but thankfully there is mom who tells her to just invite them. I am normally not a fan of moms who push their kids like this, but I am happy she did (or well, given the rest of the book maybe not so happy haha, but before everything hits the fan I was happy) because the other two girls are actually excited and have also missed the days of doing things together. Plans are made and the girls are all excited to get ready for a wonderful fun sleepover!
And for most of the time the sleepover was just that, a sleepover. Doing nails. Watching movies. Eating popcorn. The girls are bringing up memories, talking about their friendship. Things are fun and I just loved seeing the girls together and I was so happy for Tina because she was so worried about the friendship falling apart, but Eve and Lacey are such sweet girls and I love the bond these girls had. But then one mentions doing something spooky and the Ouijaboard is there. And then a lot more happens (and kids remember not to mix things together, just like drinks, mixing up your supernatural summoning stuff is also a very big no-no) and things get increasingly scary (and I am not talking about a wild opossum in the attic). Oh no. I am talking about possession. Yup. And this demon is determined to ruin the party, hardcore. I loved what happened next and while it did sound like a dream, I knew thanks to reading more of Wendy Dalrymple’s books, that things would get very WHELP in just a few. I had a few ideas on how this one would go, and I am happy with the direction it went. It was the perfect way and it definitely had me on the edge of my chair, or well, crawling deeper in my bed haha.
I love seeing the girls band together and try to fix things, get things right again, make sure everyone is safe, but I am even more in love with the ending! That kind of ending doesn’t always work with me to be honest, but in this case it was just perfect and I really liked it!
All in all, the only thing left is me recommending this book a lot to everyone who loves the 80s/90s and loves horror + demons doing demon stuff.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
January 3, 2025
Thank you so much Mad Axe Media for the e-ARC of Birthday Party Demon!
It’s crazy how much fun Birthday Party Demon is! Teeming with 90’s nostalgia (video rental stores, clothing catalogs sprinkled with all of the hot new trends, beepers —), girl power & so much heart, Birthday Party Demon is such a fast-paced blast that will keep you reading through all ~103 pages. I recommend this to all who’s looking for a silly & very campy coming-of-age possession horror tale!
It’s crazy how much fun Birthday Party Demon is! Teeming with 90’s nostalgia (video rental stores, clothing catalogs sprinkled with all of the hot new trends, beepers —), girl power & so much heart, Birthday Party Demon is such a fast-paced blast that will keep you reading through all ~103 pages. I recommend this to all who’s looking for a silly & very campy coming-of-age possession horror tale!
Read
April 22, 2025a demon trapped a 16 year old inside of a Delia's magazine. that's pretty cool.
"hEy GuRl, wHeRe U gOiN*?"
"dOn*T bE a DrAg!"
"wE jUsT wAnNa eAt YoUr SoUl!"
"hEy GuRl, wHeRe U gOiN*?"
"dOn*T bE a DrAg!"
"wE jUsT wAnNa eAt YoUr SoUl!"
May 21, 2025
THIS is what I wanted Grady's Hendrix's My Best Friend's Exorcism to be!
Tina, Eve, and Lacey are best friends who get together during the summer for a Sweet 16 slumber party. Things go sideways when they accidentally summon a demon who ends up possessing one of the girls and the other two get sucked into a 90's clothing catalogue.
This novella was quick and fun to read. It's definitely predictable but super great for readers looking to get into horror.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mad Axe Media for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Tina, Eve, and Lacey are best friends who get together during the summer for a Sweet 16 slumber party. Things go sideways when they accidentally summon a demon who ends up possessing one of the girls and the other two get sucked into a 90's clothing catalogue.
This novella was quick and fun to read. It's definitely predictable but super great for readers looking to get into horror.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mad Axe Media for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
February 3, 2025
If you grew up reading Christopher Pike, RL Stine, Diane Hoh, and other teen horror novels, you are going to LOVE Birthday Party Demon.
This is both a tribute to and a spoof of 1990s YA horror novels, and it works perfectly as both. It’s incredibly hard to combine those two things successfully (kind of like a perfectly done comedy roast), but the author did a spectacular job. This is short, sweet, snappy, and does an outstanding job of goofing on the novels it also honors.
There’s all sorts of fun 90s nostalgia tossed into this too, and it’s written in a manner I would describe as deliberately stilted that perfectly mimics our favorites from this era.
This was such a creative way to pay homage, and it’s also genuinely hilarious. Oh, and if I may offer you some advice? If you’ve got any old Delia’s catalogs laying around…beware.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This is both a tribute to and a spoof of 1990s YA horror novels, and it works perfectly as both. It’s incredibly hard to combine those two things successfully (kind of like a perfectly done comedy roast), but the author did a spectacular job. This is short, sweet, snappy, and does an outstanding job of goofing on the novels it also honors.
There’s all sorts of fun 90s nostalgia tossed into this too, and it’s written in a manner I would describe as deliberately stilted that perfectly mimics our favorites from this era.
This was such a creative way to pay homage, and it’s also genuinely hilarious. Oh, and if I may offer you some advice? If you’ve got any old Delia’s catalogs laying around…beware.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
October 10, 2025
this was such a fun read! major Fear Street vibes. and a pleasant surprise that it was set in 1996. it definitely gave me that nostalgic feeling of cozying up and reading RL Stine after school.
March 25, 2025
wElCoME tO eRicA*s rEviEW! sHe CAn*t cOmE tO tHe KeYBoaRd rIgHT nOw bUt iF u cHiLl fOr A sEc oNE oF oUR cAtaLog mOdElS WiLl bE hErE tO mAkE aaaalllLlLL uR dReAms CoME tRRruUue~
Birthday Party Demon is a tight, fast paced novel that doesn't skimp on chills, nostalgia, or fun! When three friends meet up for a sleepover to reconnect like they did in the old days, their nighttime plans go from rad to bad when they pull out a ouija board that's been bad news all day! Lacey, the resident softball star, is possessed by a demon who sends Eve and Tina into a fashion magazine filled with fashionable demons while he takes Lacey far from her loving BFFs. Will Tina and Eve make it out in time to save Lacey or will her body and soul be the demon's for the taking?!
This was truly so much fun. Every sentence, every word was so carefully chosen for maximum tension and creeps. Wendy is a master of her craft and I will be reading more from her, that's a freaking promise! The teen angst in here was delightful. I truly wanted to hug Tina so tightly! And the dynamics between the girls was just so real! This was a fun neon pink romp through dark forces.
This book has the same vibes as the first Scooby-Doo live action movie. If you know me, you know that that's probably the highest praise I can give any piece of media. Do yourself a favor and read this book!
Birthday Party Demon is a tight, fast paced novel that doesn't skimp on chills, nostalgia, or fun! When three friends meet up for a sleepover to reconnect like they did in the old days, their nighttime plans go from rad to bad when they pull out a ouija board that's been bad news all day! Lacey, the resident softball star, is possessed by a demon who sends Eve and Tina into a fashion magazine filled with fashionable demons while he takes Lacey far from her loving BFFs. Will Tina and Eve make it out in time to save Lacey or will her body and soul be the demon's for the taking?!
This was truly so much fun. Every sentence, every word was so carefully chosen for maximum tension and creeps. Wendy is a master of her craft and I will be reading more from her, that's a freaking promise! The teen angst in here was delightful. I truly wanted to hug Tina so tightly! And the dynamics between the girls was just so real! This was a fun neon pink romp through dark forces.
This book has the same vibes as the first Scooby-Doo live action movie. If you know me, you know that that's probably the highest praise I can give any piece of media. Do yourself a favor and read this book!
September 16, 2025
Oh the nostalgia!! Everything 90's from fashion, shows, movies, slang and more. This book was like going through a time portal and I enjoyed every minute of it!
Birthday Party Demon follows Tina on her 16th birthday. Her two closest friends decide to come over for a sleepover. The trio rents a bunch of horror movies and Clueless just in case they need something bright and happy afterwards. They also play around with an ouija board and play light as a feather stiff as a board. The last thing they all expected to happen was summoning a demon!
Highly recommend to all my 90's and horror lovers! This was a super fun and campy read.
Birthday Party Demon follows Tina on her 16th birthday. Her two closest friends decide to come over for a sleepover. The trio rents a bunch of horror movies and Clueless just in case they need something bright and happy afterwards. They also play around with an ouija board and play light as a feather stiff as a board. The last thing they all expected to happen was summoning a demon!
Highly recommend to all my 90's and horror lovers! This was a super fun and campy read.
December 12, 2024
A sweet sixteen birthday party gone wrong once the witchcraft and ouija board comes out to play. Pink GAY horror. PINK GAY HORROR!!! This reminded me so much of the baby horror (goosebumps, are you afraid of the dark) used to consume like a beast and made me insanely nostalgic. (also guys, do we remember the are you afraid of the dark episode of the kid stuck in the mall??) Campy fun and all around delightful. I enjoy every second of this short and fast paced story. We need more girl power 90's neon pink horror. In fact, I'm demanding it.
December 12, 2024
This DEFINITELY took me right back to the 90’s. This definitely has a Goosebumps/Are You Afraid of the Dark type vibe and I’m here for it. Short one sitting read that will give you all the nostalgia!
Thanks to NetGalley for the copy of this ARC. This will be out in February of 2025!
Thanks to NetGalley for the copy of this ARC. This will be out in February of 2025!
March 5, 2025
This book was so much fun! Set in the 1990s, Birthday Party Demon follows a trio of teenagers who (as the title suggests) accidentally summon a demon at a sleepover birthday party. At first I thought it was going to pretty straightforward, but around the halfway mark, things take an unexpected turn. Something happens that is so utterly bonkers (in a good way), so absurd, that I found myself cackling madly as I tore through the pages. And yet, upon reflection, this section was also really unsettling, and lingered in my mind the same way as the best episodes of Are You Afraid of the Dark?
As with Dalrymple's previous novella, Pageant, the 90s vibe is practically a character unto itself. As an elder millennial, I have strong nostalgia for that decade, and I found this aspect of Birthday Party Demon quite satisfying. It's not just the references. Anyone can stick in references, that's not the hard part. It's the feel, the intangible sense of authenticity that could only come from an author who, herself, has a deep love for that era
The characters here are relatable, as Dalrymple manages to capture that difficult time when you're not quite an adult, and yet you no longer feel like a little kid. That time when you and your lifelong friends are starting to develop separate interests, and you fear the thought of the group growing apart. Although Birthday Party Demon is very much a plot-driven book, this theme gives it more emotional heft.
As with most Dalrymple books, there is one food-related gross-out moment; in this case, I may hold off on eating carrots for a little while.
Oh, and one more comment: THAT ENDING!!!!!!!!! I. Did. Not. Expect. That. Wow.
Wendy Dalrymple has become one of my go-to authors for when I'm in the mood for something spooky and purely entertaining, with characters who feel like real people. And one of the very, very few writers for whom I consistently purchase new releases without even having to look at the blurb.
So pour yourself a glass of Dr. Pepper, hop into your favorite inflatable plastic chair (pink, of course), and have a scary good time with Birthday Party Demon. And beware of dELiA*s.
As with Dalrymple's previous novella, Pageant, the 90s vibe is practically a character unto itself. As an elder millennial, I have strong nostalgia for that decade, and I found this aspect of Birthday Party Demon quite satisfying. It's not just the references. Anyone can stick in references, that's not the hard part. It's the feel, the intangible sense of authenticity that could only come from an author who, herself, has a deep love for that era
The characters here are relatable, as Dalrymple manages to capture that difficult time when you're not quite an adult, and yet you no longer feel like a little kid. That time when you and your lifelong friends are starting to develop separate interests, and you fear the thought of the group growing apart. Although Birthday Party Demon is very much a plot-driven book, this theme gives it more emotional heft.
As with most Dalrymple books, there is one food-related gross-out moment; in this case, I may hold off on eating carrots for a little while.
Oh, and one more comment: THAT ENDING!!!!!!!!! I. Did. Not. Expect. That. Wow.
Wendy Dalrymple has become one of my go-to authors for when I'm in the mood for something spooky and purely entertaining, with characters who feel like real people. And one of the very, very few writers for whom I consistently purchase new releases without even having to look at the blurb.
So pour yourself a glass of Dr. Pepper, hop into your favorite inflatable plastic chair (pink, of course), and have a scary good time with Birthday Party Demon. And beware of dELiA*s.
November 2, 2024
It is Tina’s sweet sixteen. She feels sad as her BFF’s Eve and Lacey have new interests away from her but they seem excited for her birthday sleepover. But when a silly game with an ouija and a spell goes very wrong, Lacey becomes possessed and Tina and Eve get trapped in a fashion catalogue.
Pure 90’s nostalgia this is a delight! Do you remember the days of video shops, catalogues where you circled the things you wanted, where your friends were your world and your parents were largely absent? If so, you will love this! Book #1 of the new Totally Freaked Series from Mad Axe Media, this is out 18th February 2025.
In homage to Point Horror books, movies like The Craft with a full throttle, smack in your face pink neon dream of a cover. Living every teen girls fantasy of going inside an actual catalogue to play dress up and dabbling in the occult and where friends are forever.
Aside from the nostalgia this is a fantastic tale of demonic possession and the power of female friendship, wonderful!
Pure 90’s nostalgia this is a delight! Do you remember the days of video shops, catalogues where you circled the things you wanted, where your friends were your world and your parents were largely absent? If so, you will love this! Book #1 of the new Totally Freaked Series from Mad Axe Media, this is out 18th February 2025.
In homage to Point Horror books, movies like The Craft with a full throttle, smack in your face pink neon dream of a cover. Living every teen girls fantasy of going inside an actual catalogue to play dress up and dabbling in the occult and where friends are forever.
Aside from the nostalgia this is a fantastic tale of demonic possession and the power of female friendship, wonderful!
October 30, 2025
Wendy Dalrymple’s books are always a slightly spooky, very entertaining, very funny time! If campy mid-to-late 90s/early 2000s millennial pink horror sounds like the vibe you want, it is a vibe that Wendy delivers here (and in all of her books, really) with painfully nostalgic accuracy. This one will specifically be a hit for fans of R. L. Stine and/or Goosebumps, and anyone who was or can resonate with being a girl in the 1990s.
Tina, Eve and Lacey are BFFs approaching a literal and metaphorical turning point in their lives. As the girls gather for a sleepover to celebrate Tina’s 16th birthday, their friendship is tested when they must battle against a demonic possession within the group.
I knew I wanted to read this book ahead of the Christmas Party Demon release in December, and I have no regrets! Any time spent reading a Wendy Dalrymple book is time well spent, and it is especially gratifying to finish the story in one sitting.
Tina, Eve and Lacey are BFFs approaching a literal and metaphorical turning point in their lives. As the girls gather for a sleepover to celebrate Tina’s 16th birthday, their friendship is tested when they must battle against a demonic possession within the group.
I knew I wanted to read this book ahead of the Christmas Party Demon release in December, and I have no regrets! Any time spent reading a Wendy Dalrymple book is time well spent, and it is especially gratifying to finish the story in one sitting.
March 24, 2025
Best friends Tina, Lacey and Eve come together for Tina's Sweet Sixteen slumber party - a night for giggles, girly activities and the magic of friendship.
During a seemingly innocent party game, the girls accidentally summon a demon, turning their celebration into a bizarre nightmare. Reality blurs into a dangerous adventure - Lacey is possessed by the evil creature and her friends are inexplicably trapped inside their favorite fashion magazine.
Birthday Party Demon is a quick and highly entertaining read. A clear nostalgic nod to the 80s/90s - memories of growing up, carefree sleepovers with your besties, teen angst and mischief. It manages to be eerie, funny and sweet all at once.
🤩 Supernatural chaos + slumber parties = a great time! 🤩
During a seemingly innocent party game, the girls accidentally summon a demon, turning their celebration into a bizarre nightmare. Reality blurs into a dangerous adventure - Lacey is possessed by the evil creature and her friends are inexplicably trapped inside their favorite fashion magazine.
Birthday Party Demon is a quick and highly entertaining read. A clear nostalgic nod to the 80s/90s - memories of growing up, carefree sleepovers with your besties, teen angst and mischief. It manages to be eerie, funny and sweet all at once.
🤩 Supernatural chaos + slumber parties = a great time! 🤩
December 8, 2025
3.5
As a ’90s baby, this book hit me with a wave of nostalgia. The sleepovers with your best friends, renting movies, flipping through teen magazines, and yes, even dragging out the Ouija board (which I may or may not still do occasionally). Summoning a demon and watching it possess your best friend, though? Thankfully not on my résumé….yet.
This is a fast, pink YA horror novella that leans into its camp with confidence. It’s got witchy vibes, a dash of The Craft energy, and just the right amount of chaotic teen drama. If you’re craving something nostalgic, fun, and spooky, this one delivers!!!
As a ’90s baby, this book hit me with a wave of nostalgia. The sleepovers with your best friends, renting movies, flipping through teen magazines, and yes, even dragging out the Ouija board (which I may or may not still do occasionally). Summoning a demon and watching it possess your best friend, though? Thankfully not on my résumé….yet.
This is a fast, pink YA horror novella that leans into its camp with confidence. It’s got witchy vibes, a dash of The Craft energy, and just the right amount of chaotic teen drama. If you’re craving something nostalgic, fun, and spooky, this one delivers!!!
December 12, 2024
4.25 stars 💫
Loved this. I would have eaten this up when I was younger. I ate it up now as an adult. It's like a modern Goosebumps, so fun, so campy.
I'd have loved to have spent more time inside the magazine, I think only three chapters were fully spent there, but the rest of the story was just as enjoyable so it's really hard to complain.
I didn't know what pink horror was before this, but now I do, and it may be my new favorite. Will be reading more by Wendy Dalrymple immediately.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mad Axe Media for the ARC!
Loved this. I would have eaten this up when I was younger. I ate it up now as an adult. It's like a modern Goosebumps, so fun, so campy.
I'd have loved to have spent more time inside the magazine, I think only three chapters were fully spent there, but the rest of the story was just as enjoyable so it's really hard to complain.
I didn't know what pink horror was before this, but now I do, and it may be my new favorite. Will be reading more by Wendy Dalrymple immediately.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mad Axe Media for the ARC!
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