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Bleak Haven #2
Night Terror
Not yet published
Expected 20 Jan 26Who the hell holds up a bookstore? That’s what Noah asks when his favorite spot is suddenly targeted by masked attackers.
But these people don’t want a ransom. They are searching for Bleak Haven’s very own urban legend – The Burning Book.
When something with a thirst for flesh creeps from its pages, Noah must team up with the other hostages and try to escape the mall without turning their town into a bloodbath.
But these people don’t want a ransom. They are searching for Bleak Haven’s very own urban legend – The Burning Book.
When something with a thirst for flesh creeps from its pages, Noah must team up with the other hostages and try to escape the mall without turning their town into a bloodbath.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2025
16 people are currently reading
6919 people want to read
About the author
Vincent Ralph
11 books707 followersVincent Ralph is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of YA thrillers 14 Ways to Die, Lock the Doors, Secrets Never Die, and One House Left. He is an Edgar Award nominee, winner of the Southern Schools
Book Award, and the author of picture book A Boy Called Book.
The first two novels in the Bleak Haven series - Dead Fake and Night Terror - will be published in January 2026.
Book Award, and the author of picture book A Boy Called Book.
The first two novels in the Bleak Haven series - Dead Fake and Night Terror - will be published in January 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 5, 2025
Looking for a spooky read? Love R. L. Stine’s Fear Street stories? Then this book is for you!! Story takes place in the 80s, has zombies and a cursed book.
Welcome to Bleak Haven! The town’s name says it all. A town that loves to mourn. A town built on tragedy. A town with a sinister history full of serial killers.
Dive into a story where a motley crew of teenagers must save their town from zombies and possibly a killer cat. 🐈⬛
Noah knows the history of Bleak Haven better than most. He writes all he knows in his homemade books but hides them for fear of being made fun of. Noah fears a lot and just sticks to the sidelines. All that changes one night while working at Blair’s Books. Masked people come in and hold Noah, a few customers and his boss at gunpoint. But they are not demanding money. Oh no, they want something far more sinister. Something that will unleash its fury once it’s disturbed. The lives of these people change forever after this bloody night of battle, survival and overcoming your fears.
Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for this eARC for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Welcome to Bleak Haven! The town’s name says it all. A town that loves to mourn. A town built on tragedy. A town with a sinister history full of serial killers.
Dive into a story where a motley crew of teenagers must save their town from zombies and possibly a killer cat. 🐈⬛
Noah knows the history of Bleak Haven better than most. He writes all he knows in his homemade books but hides them for fear of being made fun of. Noah fears a lot and just sticks to the sidelines. All that changes one night while working at Blair’s Books. Masked people come in and hold Noah, a few customers and his boss at gunpoint. But they are not demanding money. Oh no, they want something far more sinister. Something that will unleash its fury once it’s disturbed. The lives of these people change forever after this bloody night of battle, survival and overcoming your fears.
Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for this eARC for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 15, 2025
Review to come upon release
December 9, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Jan. 20, 2026
Fans of R.L. Stine’s “Fear Street” series will be automatic fans of Vincent Ralph’s Bleak Haven series of novels. Each of his stories centre on a group of teenagers, growing up in the fictional cursed town of Bleak Haven. The first novel, “Dead Fake”, took place in modern day whereas the second novel, “Night Terror” takes place in everyone’s favourite horror decade- the 1980s.
“The Burning Book” is a Bleak Haven urban legend and with every year that passes, each generation talks about finding it and putting an end to the horrors that stalk Bleak Haven, once and for all. But Noah never expected that the book would be buried below his work place, a bookstore in the local mall. When a group of teenagers uncover the book, they aim to stop the rumours that Bleak Haven is cursed by calling out the old stories as false. That, however, isn’t what happens and soon Noah and his friends are running for their lives, as they find themselves being chased by the ghosts of the town- literally.
“Night Terror” is book number two in the Bleak Haven series, and it’s set to be released on the same day as book one, “Dead Fake”. Both books take place in the same town but they have different characters, different plotlines and they even take place in different time periods, so this is not a series that needs to be read in chronological order.
Noah is the sole protagonist in this one, an awkward, book-loving teenager who dreams of escaping Bleak Haven as soon as he can, much to the dismay of his best friend, Matthew. Noah and Matthew are likable and charming as a duo of awkward misfits and, like “Fake”, most of the characters in “Terror” are easy to relate to.
Ralph’s YA horror novels will generate their own cult following in the YA crowd, but adults will also enjoy Ralph’s creative, spooky writing, as it brings on all of the nostalgia associated with writers like R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike.
The monsters in “Terror” are very different from the ones in the previous story, as “Fake” had a human component whereas “Terror” is all monsters (zombies, to be exact). Ralph’s creepy fictional town of Bleak Haven earns its name by the end of the second novel, as everything that can go wrong will go wrong, and all of the things that go bump in the night seem to find Bleak Haven a comfy place to settle down.
“Terror” is well-written with a carefully formed plot, awkward yet relatable characters, and an engaging, page-turning story line that I was able to plow through in one day. I’m intrigued by the town of Bleak Haven and look forward to another installment.
Expected publication date: Jan. 20, 2026
Fans of R.L. Stine’s “Fear Street” series will be automatic fans of Vincent Ralph’s Bleak Haven series of novels. Each of his stories centre on a group of teenagers, growing up in the fictional cursed town of Bleak Haven. The first novel, “Dead Fake”, took place in modern day whereas the second novel, “Night Terror” takes place in everyone’s favourite horror decade- the 1980s.
“The Burning Book” is a Bleak Haven urban legend and with every year that passes, each generation talks about finding it and putting an end to the horrors that stalk Bleak Haven, once and for all. But Noah never expected that the book would be buried below his work place, a bookstore in the local mall. When a group of teenagers uncover the book, they aim to stop the rumours that Bleak Haven is cursed by calling out the old stories as false. That, however, isn’t what happens and soon Noah and his friends are running for their lives, as they find themselves being chased by the ghosts of the town- literally.
“Night Terror” is book number two in the Bleak Haven series, and it’s set to be released on the same day as book one, “Dead Fake”. Both books take place in the same town but they have different characters, different plotlines and they even take place in different time periods, so this is not a series that needs to be read in chronological order.
Noah is the sole protagonist in this one, an awkward, book-loving teenager who dreams of escaping Bleak Haven as soon as he can, much to the dismay of his best friend, Matthew. Noah and Matthew are likable and charming as a duo of awkward misfits and, like “Fake”, most of the characters in “Terror” are easy to relate to.
Ralph’s YA horror novels will generate their own cult following in the YA crowd, but adults will also enjoy Ralph’s creative, spooky writing, as it brings on all of the nostalgia associated with writers like R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike.
The monsters in “Terror” are very different from the ones in the previous story, as “Fake” had a human component whereas “Terror” is all monsters (zombies, to be exact). Ralph’s creepy fictional town of Bleak Haven earns its name by the end of the second novel, as everything that can go wrong will go wrong, and all of the things that go bump in the night seem to find Bleak Haven a comfy place to settle down.
“Terror” is well-written with a carefully formed plot, awkward yet relatable characters, and an engaging, page-turning story line that I was able to plow through in one day. I’m intrigued by the town of Bleak Haven and look forward to another installment.
Want to read
November 18, 2025ARC received. Thank you, Wednesday Books!!!
September 9, 2025
I think this had a lot of potential but, unfortunately, fell flat to the sequel curse.
Had way more action than the first one, which was pretty exciting. We get to finally see one of the infamous serial killers in action, but with a twist. So if you like undead creepy slasher type of stuff, this one’s for you.
I did find it a bit underwhelming for a slasher. The first half was spent building up to this huge reveal and how the book was supposedly to evil behind everything going on in this town, but all we saw was a sinkhole and a creepy zombie killer(s).
Main character didn’t stand out for me. His name could’ve been changed in the middle of the book and I wouldn’t have noticed. Same with other characters, they just felt flat and uninteresting.
I really hope we get more of the town’s history in the next one and will get some more answers instead of more questions.
Also, thank you to Wednesday books for my copy
Had way more action than the first one, which was pretty exciting. We get to finally see one of the infamous serial killers in action, but with a twist. So if you like undead creepy slasher type of stuff, this one’s for you.
I did find it a bit underwhelming for a slasher. The first half was spent building up to this huge reveal and how the book was supposedly to evil behind everything going on in this town, but all we saw was a sinkhole and a creepy zombie killer(s).
Main character didn’t stand out for me. His name could’ve been changed in the middle of the book and I wouldn’t have noticed. Same with other characters, they just felt flat and uninteresting.
I really hope we get more of the town’s history in the next one and will get some more answers instead of more questions.
Also, thank you to Wednesday books for my copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4☆ | I've now finished every single Vincent Ralph book (again) except for Bleak Haven book #3, Fear Farm, which comes out September of this year. And I'm hoping it'll be on NetGalley so I can get an arc just like I did for the first two.
I 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 Vincent Ralph's writing. Everything about it. I love how he makes his characters and the fast pacing of his books. And this one wasn't any different. It 𝘪𝘴 book 2 in the Bleak Haven series but it can be read as a standalone as it has different characters, different plot and is set during a different time, just in the same town. Though it could be good to read this one first, as it's set in the 80's and there are Easter eggs to Dead Fake hidden in here.
𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 :
Book one in this series was focused on AI and deep fakes being made, with humans doing all the bad stuff. The ones here, are zombies (even a zombie cat), which is completely different compared to all of Ralph's other books, and I really enjoyed that we got something new genre wise (in this case, adding a supernatural element into the book).
I really liked the characters in this one, and how everything worked out in the end (though maybe it worked out a bit 𝘵𝘰𝘰 well/easy?). Everything going on felt real enough and it did seem like we were in the mind of a teenager and not an adult writing as one.
This one, compared to the first in the series, is creepier. And the action starts pretty quickly and keeps going through most of the book. It is a really quick read (page 40 on NetGalley is almost 20% in), and it'll keep you on your toes and guessing what's gonna happen next.
𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 :
While I loved this book, I think it's probably the least memorable of Vincent Ralph's books so far. But I can see myself going back to read this again and I would definitely love to buy it once it's out.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to have an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 Vincent Ralph's writing. Everything about it. I love how he makes his characters and the fast pacing of his books. And this one wasn't any different. It 𝘪𝘴 book 2 in the Bleak Haven series but it can be read as a standalone as it has different characters, different plot and is set during a different time, just in the same town. Though it could be good to read this one first, as it's set in the 80's and there are Easter eggs to Dead Fake hidden in here.
𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 :
Book one in this series was focused on AI and deep fakes being made, with humans doing all the bad stuff. The ones here, are zombies (even a zombie cat), which is completely different compared to all of Ralph's other books, and I really enjoyed that we got something new genre wise (in this case, adding a supernatural element into the book).
I really liked the characters in this one, and how everything worked out in the end (though maybe it worked out a bit 𝘵𝘰𝘰 well/easy?). Everything going on felt real enough and it did seem like we were in the mind of a teenager and not an adult writing as one.
This one, compared to the first in the series, is creepier. And the action starts pretty quickly and keeps going through most of the book. It is a really quick read (page 40 on NetGalley is almost 20% in), and it'll keep you on your toes and guessing what's gonna happen next.
𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 :
While I loved this book, I think it's probably the least memorable of Vincent Ralph's books so far. But I can see myself going back to read this again and I would definitely love to buy it once it's out.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to have an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
December 3, 2025
Special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review
This was fun! I liked it much better than the first one. Where the first book was your general murdering kind of horror, this one had a supernatural spin to it. This is the kind of series where it doesn't matter which book you read first, because other than taking place in Bleak Haven, they're pretty far removed from each other. I lied the characters in this one much better. They were scared witless, but they still did their best to make logical decisions, which isn't something that happened very often in the horror genre. I do feel like things worked out a little too easily, but for a YA story, I think it's all pretty solid.
I think this would be a cool series to keep adding on to. Since this book gave a little bit of lore about how the town is cursed, it wouldn't seem too ridiculous for these crazy rampages to keep happening. There were plenty of Easter Eggs planted in both books that I would love to learn more about, and they would make a great addition to the series. It would also fun to see this one (and the first one) mentioned as it's own Easter Egg in any future installments
This was fun! I liked it much better than the first one. Where the first book was your general murdering kind of horror, this one had a supernatural spin to it. This is the kind of series where it doesn't matter which book you read first, because other than taking place in Bleak Haven, they're pretty far removed from each other. I lied the characters in this one much better. They were scared witless, but they still did their best to make logical decisions, which isn't something that happened very often in the horror genre. I do feel like things worked out a little too easily, but for a YA story, I think it's all pretty solid.
I think this would be a cool series to keep adding on to. Since this book gave a little bit of lore about how the town is cursed, it wouldn't seem too ridiculous for these crazy rampages to keep happening. There were plenty of Easter Eggs planted in both books that I would love to learn more about, and they would make a great addition to the series. It would also fun to see this one (and the first one) mentioned as it's own Easter Egg in any future installments
January 5, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review: Night Terror by Vincent Ralph
Night Terror is a solid sequel, but it didn’t quite live up to the first book for me. The eerie setting of Bleak Haven is still atmospheric and unsettling, and Vincent Ralph does a great job leaning into the horror elements with plenty of tension and creepy moments.
That said, this installment felt a bit uneven compared to book one. While the premise was interesting and the danger felt real, the pacing didn’t always work for me, and some of the twists didn’t hit as hard as I expected. I also found myself less connected to the characters this time around.
Overall, Night Terror is an entertaining read and worth picking up if you enjoyed the first book, but personally, I liked the first book better and felt it had a stronger impact.
Night Terror is a solid sequel, but it didn’t quite live up to the first book for me. The eerie setting of Bleak Haven is still atmospheric and unsettling, and Vincent Ralph does a great job leaning into the horror elements with plenty of tension and creepy moments.
That said, this installment felt a bit uneven compared to book one. While the premise was interesting and the danger felt real, the pacing didn’t always work for me, and some of the twists didn’t hit as hard as I expected. I also found myself less connected to the characters this time around.
Overall, Night Terror is an entertaining read and worth picking up if you enjoyed the first book, but personally, I liked the first book better and felt it had a stronger impact.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I won this in a giveaway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2025
I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book! I truly appreciate i!
You have no idea how much I enjoyed where book two in Vincent Ralph's new series went! I was really accurate and slightly wrong in my views for my review about the previous book in this series. This book reminds me very much of the Netflix movie version of R. L. Stines Fear Street series particularly the beginning half of 1994 (minus the massacre and slightly the witch aspect) and has now most definitely verged into the dark paranormal twists of Stephen King's Castle Rock series. But that's not a bad thing at all! This book and this series are fantastic! It takes those ideas and those concepts of a town with a very dark paranormal past and makes it so much better! I get worried with horror book series' because eventually some are not as good as the others, or most newly written horror books because they're just plain thrillers but that didn't happen here again at all and I'm really glad!
The characters are completely different and I will say you could read these books at this moment in time out of order and be perfectly fine you might actually want to read them backwards because you will find some hidden Easter eggs related to the first story in here and I loved it! The characters and their story line just like the first will completely pull you in, and set you on a path of once again never being able to put this book down. There are so many wonderful twists and turns! Vincent Ralph has definately stolen my heart for horror reads! Don't let that YA-Teen tag fool you, this is for everyone! This is a true horror read, and between it and the first I can completely see this series becoming a cult classic and I would honestly love to see them on the big screen! If you are a fan of Stephen King but need just a smidgen less gore like some of his other interconnected shorter books and series' and want more of the twists and turns of true unexpected terror that R. L. Stein can inspire this is it! Vincent Ralph has taken the top spot as my favourite horror author and I'm so happy about that!
Now my only issue is that I need more! Literally that's my only issue I want more of this series because I can't wait to see where it goes! I also can't wait to read his other previously written books outside of this current series!
Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for allowing me the absolute privilege of being able to read this book! I loved it!
You have no idea how much I enjoyed where book two in Vincent Ralph's new series went! I was really accurate and slightly wrong in my views for my review about the previous book in this series. This book reminds me very much of the Netflix movie version of R. L. Stines Fear Street series particularly the beginning half of 1994 (minus the massacre and slightly the witch aspect) and has now most definitely verged into the dark paranormal twists of Stephen King's Castle Rock series. But that's not a bad thing at all! This book and this series are fantastic! It takes those ideas and those concepts of a town with a very dark paranormal past and makes it so much better! I get worried with horror book series' because eventually some are not as good as the others, or most newly written horror books because they're just plain thrillers but that didn't happen here again at all and I'm really glad!
The characters are completely different and I will say you could read these books at this moment in time out of order and be perfectly fine you might actually want to read them backwards because you will find some hidden Easter eggs related to the first story in here and I loved it! The characters and their story line just like the first will completely pull you in, and set you on a path of once again never being able to put this book down. There are so many wonderful twists and turns! Vincent Ralph has definately stolen my heart for horror reads! Don't let that YA-Teen tag fool you, this is for everyone! This is a true horror read, and between it and the first I can completely see this series becoming a cult classic and I would honestly love to see them on the big screen! If you are a fan of Stephen King but need just a smidgen less gore like some of his other interconnected shorter books and series' and want more of the twists and turns of true unexpected terror that R. L. Stein can inspire this is it! Vincent Ralph has taken the top spot as my favourite horror author and I'm so happy about that!
Now my only issue is that I need more! Literally that's my only issue I want more of this series because I can't wait to see where it goes! I also can't wait to read his other previously written books outside of this current series!
Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for allowing me the absolute privilege of being able to read this book! I loved it!
September 14, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
So I haven't read the first book in this series, but I will say that this book stands well on its own even without reading the first book. The town of Bleak Haven is very Fear Street Shadyside-esque, a cursed town where serial killers and gruesome deaths haunt the town. The opening chapters of the novel are incredibly spooky, giving you Noah attending the yearly remembrance ceremony of the town, where charms are passed out to remember the deceased. The ceremony is crashed by the mayor's rebellious son, and Noah and his friends stumble into another cultish ceremony out in the woods around the mysterious Burning Book, and you get a low-down on the history of the town, especially since Noah is obsessed with documenting the tragic and terrifying history of the town, giving great feelings of looming dread.
The action gets kicked off by the mayor's rebellious son holding up the bookstore Noah is working at to get at the Burning Book, but this unleashes some of the undead serial killers of Bleak Haven's past. Unfortunately from there, I would say the pacing of the book gets a bit erratic. Noah and his friends work together to try to contain the serial killers, but the deaths that happen are extremely abrupt, and I feel like there's not enough space in the story to even react to them. You could argue that that's because Noah and co don't have time to deal with that, but Noah has a lot of time to worry about being a coward and his feelings towards his crush Grace, so I think that more attention and drama should have been given to each character death.
In addition, despite the great build-up about the lore of the town, ultimately, the secrets of the town are left mysterious. Why is Bleak Haven cursed? What is the Burning Book trying to really do? Are the police really just fine with the explanations of undead zombies killing people??? Maybe these were questions answered in the first book, or questions that are to be answered in the next book of this series, but ultimately, I was left wanting more.
That being said, despite the pacing issues and lack of in-depth explanations about the town, if you are looking for something to scratch that Fear Street: 1994 itch, with teens fighting back against monsters in a mysterious cursed town, this is definitely a good spooky Halloween read.
So I haven't read the first book in this series, but I will say that this book stands well on its own even without reading the first book. The town of Bleak Haven is very Fear Street Shadyside-esque, a cursed town where serial killers and gruesome deaths haunt the town. The opening chapters of the novel are incredibly spooky, giving you Noah attending the yearly remembrance ceremony of the town, where charms are passed out to remember the deceased. The ceremony is crashed by the mayor's rebellious son, and Noah and his friends stumble into another cultish ceremony out in the woods around the mysterious Burning Book, and you get a low-down on the history of the town, especially since Noah is obsessed with documenting the tragic and terrifying history of the town, giving great feelings of looming dread.
The action gets kicked off by the mayor's rebellious son holding up the bookstore Noah is working at to get at the Burning Book, but this unleashes some of the undead serial killers of Bleak Haven's past. Unfortunately from there, I would say the pacing of the book gets a bit erratic. Noah and his friends work together to try to contain the serial killers, but the deaths that happen are extremely abrupt, and I feel like there's not enough space in the story to even react to them. You could argue that that's because Noah and co don't have time to deal with that, but Noah has a lot of time to worry about being a coward and his feelings towards his crush Grace, so I think that more attention and drama should have been given to each character death.
In addition, despite the great build-up about the lore of the town, ultimately, the secrets of the town are left mysterious. Why is Bleak Haven cursed? What is the Burning Book trying to really do? Are the police really just fine with the explanations of undead zombies killing people??? Maybe these were questions answered in the first book, or questions that are to be answered in the next book of this series, but ultimately, I was left wanting more.
That being said, despite the pacing issues and lack of in-depth explanations about the town, if you are looking for something to scratch that Fear Street: 1994 itch, with teens fighting back against monsters in a mysterious cursed town, this is definitely a good spooky Halloween read.
October 23, 2025
📚Night Terror Author Vincent Ralph In this stand-alone follow-up to Dead Fake (2026) that is set in 1987, nearly 40 years before the series opener, Noah and his classmates fight to uncover the truth about their town’s cursed past.
The mayor of Bleak Haven holds regular nights of remembrance for those who have been killed in the town. This latest event also celebrates the nearly 15 murder-free years since the Lullaby Man kidnapped and killed five local babies. He would have claimed six, but Grace’s father caught him standing over her crib. The constant reminders of these crimes cast a pall of fear over the population, and some residents feel it’s time to move on. When the mall bookstore Noah works in becomes the target of a search by armed people wearing balaclavas and seeking the Burning Book, the alleged source of the town’s curse, he learns what really lies behind Bleak Haven’s ghost stories. Aside from using the same town setting and lore, this entry departs dramatically from the first, technology-centered volume, leaning fully into supernatural horror. Ralph explores the different ways people process fear and grief, especially as teens, and delves into the town’s history, examining how some distort the truth to fit their ideals. First-person narrator Noah’s inner monologue offers readers glimpses into his vulnerability and anxiety, building the story’s tension, before everything wraps up in a slightly too tidy ending. Most characters read white, apart from Grace and her family, who are cued Latine.
The characters are completely different and I will say you could read these books at this moment in time out of order and be perfectly fine you might actually want to read them backwards because you will find some hidden Easter eggs related to the first story in here and I loved it! The characters and their story line just like the first will completely pull you in, and set you on a path of once again never being able to put this book down. There are so many wonderful twists and turns! Vincent Ralph has definately stolen my heart for horror reads!
I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the Author Vincent Ralph, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book! I truly appreciate i!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NetGalleu
#Vincent Ralph
#StMartin'sPress
#Night Terror ☠️☠️👀📚
The mayor of Bleak Haven holds regular nights of remembrance for those who have been killed in the town. This latest event also celebrates the nearly 15 murder-free years since the Lullaby Man kidnapped and killed five local babies. He would have claimed six, but Grace’s father caught him standing over her crib. The constant reminders of these crimes cast a pall of fear over the population, and some residents feel it’s time to move on. When the mall bookstore Noah works in becomes the target of a search by armed people wearing balaclavas and seeking the Burning Book, the alleged source of the town’s curse, he learns what really lies behind Bleak Haven’s ghost stories. Aside from using the same town setting and lore, this entry departs dramatically from the first, technology-centered volume, leaning fully into supernatural horror. Ralph explores the different ways people process fear and grief, especially as teens, and delves into the town’s history, examining how some distort the truth to fit their ideals. First-person narrator Noah’s inner monologue offers readers glimpses into his vulnerability and anxiety, building the story’s tension, before everything wraps up in a slightly too tidy ending. Most characters read white, apart from Grace and her family, who are cued Latine.
The characters are completely different and I will say you could read these books at this moment in time out of order and be perfectly fine you might actually want to read them backwards because you will find some hidden Easter eggs related to the first story in here and I loved it! The characters and their story line just like the first will completely pull you in, and set you on a path of once again never being able to put this book down. There are so many wonderful twists and turns! Vincent Ralph has definately stolen my heart for horror reads!
I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the Author Vincent Ralph, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book! I truly appreciate i!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NetGalleu
#Vincent Ralph
#StMartin'sPress
#Night Terror ☠️☠️👀📚
November 29, 2025
Book Review: Night Terror by Vincent Ralph
Genre: YA Thriller / Psychological Horror
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Publication Year: 2024
Overview
Night Terror is a gripping young adult thriller that dives into the chilling concept of fear itself. Vincent Ralph, known for his knack for suspenseful storytelling, delivers a narrative that keeps readers questioning what’s real and what’s imagined. The book explores the terrifying idea of being hunted—not by a monster, but by your own secrets and the people who know them.
Plot & Themes
The story revolves around a group of teens who become entangled in a deadly game where their deepest fears are weaponized against them. As the tension escalates, trust erodes, and paranoia takes center stage. Themes include:
Fear as a psychological weapon
Friendship and betrayal under pressure
The blurred line between truth and lies
Writing Style
Ralph’s writing is sharp and fast-paced, with short chapters that amplify the sense of urgency. The dialogue feels authentic to teen voices, and the suspense builds steadily, punctuated by shocking reveals that keep readers hooked.
Strengths
High tension: The book maintains a relentless pace, making it hard to put down.
Character dynamics: Complex relationships add emotional depth to the thriller elements.
Twists: Clever plot turns ensure readers stay guessing until the end.
Weaknesses
Predictability: Some twists may feel familiar to seasoned thriller fans.
Character depth: While engaging, a few characters could have benefited from more backstory.
Verdict
Night Terror is a pulse-pounding read perfect for fans of YA thrillers like One of Us Is Lying or Five Survive. Vincent Ralph delivers a story that’s equal parts psychological and suspenseful, making it a solid choice for readers who love dark secrets and high-stakes tension.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Night Terror by Vincent Ralph: A Gripping Descent into Suburban Horror Vincent Ralph's Night Terror, the second installment in the Bleak Haven series (following the upcoming Dead Fake), is a pulse-pounding YA thriller that transforms a seemingly ordinary bookstore robbery into a nightmarish battle against an otherworldly force. Set in the eerie small town of Bleak Haven—where urban legends lurk just beneath the surface of everyday life—the story follows Noah, a book-loving teen whose quiet afternoon at his favorite haunt turns into a fight for survival when masked intruders burst in, hunting for "The Burning Book." What starts as a tense hostage standoff spirals into full-blown horror as the book's malevolent entity awakens, unleashing a "thirst for flesh" that threatens to consume everyone in the mall. Ralph, a master of escalating dread (as seen in his New York Times bestsellers like 14 Ways to Die and Lock the Doors), excels at blending high-stakes suspense with supernatural chills. Noah is a relatable protagonist—awkward, quick-witted, and fiercely protective of his found family among the hostages—whose voice propels the narrative forward in short, razor-sharp chapters that make it impossible to put down. The ensemble cast, from a skeptical security guard to a wide-eyed fellow teen, adds layers of interpersonal tension, forcing uneasy alliances amid the chaos. Ralph's prose is lean and atmospheric, painting Bleak Haven as a character in its own right: a place where the line between folklore and reality frays like old pages. What sets Night Terror apart is its clever fusion of genres. The robbery setup echoes classic heist-gone-wrong tales, but the creeping horror element—think The Ring meets Final Destination in a suburban strip mall—delivers genuine scares without relying on cheap jump moments. The Burning Book itself is a standout villain: a sentient artifact that doesn't just kill but corrupts, turning victims into extensions of its hunger. It's a fresh take on the "cursed object" trope, infused with Ralph's knack for psychological depth—exploring themes of buried secrets and the cost of unleashing what should stay fictional. That said, the book's relentless pace occasionally sacrifices character backstories for momentum, leaving some hostage dynamics feeling underdeveloped. If you're craving deep emotional dives, Ralph's earlier works might satisfy more fully. But for pure, adrenaline-fueled escapism? This is catnip. Overall, Night Terror is a wickedly entertaining read that cements Ralph's status as a YA horror powerhouse. Perfect for fans of Stranger Things-esque vibes with a literary twist. I devoured it in one sleepless night—fittingly—and emerged both terrified and eager for more Bleak Haven mayhem. 4.5 out of 5 stars. Grab it when it hits shelves in January 2026; your pulse (and your nightmares) will thank you.
Genre: YA Thriller / Psychological Horror
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Publication Year: 2024
Overview
Night Terror is a gripping young adult thriller that dives into the chilling concept of fear itself. Vincent Ralph, known for his knack for suspenseful storytelling, delivers a narrative that keeps readers questioning what’s real and what’s imagined. The book explores the terrifying idea of being hunted—not by a monster, but by your own secrets and the people who know them.
Plot & Themes
The story revolves around a group of teens who become entangled in a deadly game where their deepest fears are weaponized against them. As the tension escalates, trust erodes, and paranoia takes center stage. Themes include:
Fear as a psychological weapon
Friendship and betrayal under pressure
The blurred line between truth and lies
Writing Style
Ralph’s writing is sharp and fast-paced, with short chapters that amplify the sense of urgency. The dialogue feels authentic to teen voices, and the suspense builds steadily, punctuated by shocking reveals that keep readers hooked.
Strengths
High tension: The book maintains a relentless pace, making it hard to put down.
Character dynamics: Complex relationships add emotional depth to the thriller elements.
Twists: Clever plot turns ensure readers stay guessing until the end.
Weaknesses
Predictability: Some twists may feel familiar to seasoned thriller fans.
Character depth: While engaging, a few characters could have benefited from more backstory.
Verdict
Night Terror is a pulse-pounding read perfect for fans of YA thrillers like One of Us Is Lying or Five Survive. Vincent Ralph delivers a story that’s equal parts psychological and suspenseful, making it a solid choice for readers who love dark secrets and high-stakes tension.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Night Terror by Vincent Ralph: A Gripping Descent into Suburban Horror Vincent Ralph's Night Terror, the second installment in the Bleak Haven series (following the upcoming Dead Fake), is a pulse-pounding YA thriller that transforms a seemingly ordinary bookstore robbery into a nightmarish battle against an otherworldly force. Set in the eerie small town of Bleak Haven—where urban legends lurk just beneath the surface of everyday life—the story follows Noah, a book-loving teen whose quiet afternoon at his favorite haunt turns into a fight for survival when masked intruders burst in, hunting for "The Burning Book." What starts as a tense hostage standoff spirals into full-blown horror as the book's malevolent entity awakens, unleashing a "thirst for flesh" that threatens to consume everyone in the mall. Ralph, a master of escalating dread (as seen in his New York Times bestsellers like 14 Ways to Die and Lock the Doors), excels at blending high-stakes suspense with supernatural chills. Noah is a relatable protagonist—awkward, quick-witted, and fiercely protective of his found family among the hostages—whose voice propels the narrative forward in short, razor-sharp chapters that make it impossible to put down. The ensemble cast, from a skeptical security guard to a wide-eyed fellow teen, adds layers of interpersonal tension, forcing uneasy alliances amid the chaos. Ralph's prose is lean and atmospheric, painting Bleak Haven as a character in its own right: a place where the line between folklore and reality frays like old pages. What sets Night Terror apart is its clever fusion of genres. The robbery setup echoes classic heist-gone-wrong tales, but the creeping horror element—think The Ring meets Final Destination in a suburban strip mall—delivers genuine scares without relying on cheap jump moments. The Burning Book itself is a standout villain: a sentient artifact that doesn't just kill but corrupts, turning victims into extensions of its hunger. It's a fresh take on the "cursed object" trope, infused with Ralph's knack for psychological depth—exploring themes of buried secrets and the cost of unleashing what should stay fictional. That said, the book's relentless pace occasionally sacrifices character backstories for momentum, leaving some hostage dynamics feeling underdeveloped. If you're craving deep emotional dives, Ralph's earlier works might satisfy more fully. But for pure, adrenaline-fueled escapism? This is catnip. Overall, Night Terror is a wickedly entertaining read that cements Ralph's status as a YA horror powerhouse. Perfect for fans of Stranger Things-esque vibes with a literary twist. I devoured it in one sleepless night—fittingly—and emerged both terrified and eager for more Bleak Haven mayhem. 4.5 out of 5 stars. Grab it when it hits shelves in January 2026; your pulse (and your nightmares) will thank you.
September 3, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Vincent Ralph’s “Night Terror” is the second installment in his Bleak Haven series, and much like its predecessor, it’s a short, fast-paced, gore-filled ride that can be enjoyed as a standalone. Fans of R.L. Stine’s Fear Street will immediately feel at home in this cursed town, where tragedy and horror seem to lurk around every corner. Unlike the first book, “Night Terror” is more focused on the supernatural as the story develops the origin of the town, complete with zombies.
This time, the story follows Noah, a teenager who knows Bleak Haven’s haunted history better than most. When masked attackers storm the bookstore where he works, Noah assumes it’s a simple robbery. But their target isn’t money; it’s The Burning Book, an urban legend tied to the town’s dark past. When the cursed pages unleash flesh-hungry creatures, Noah and the other hostages must fight to survive a nightmarish zombie outbreak inside the mall.
As stated earlier, the book leans more into supernatural horror than the first, blending zombie survival with town lore, cannibalistic gore, and a creeping sense of dread. Ralph doesn’t shy away from gruesome descriptions, making this better suited for older YA readers. What sets the story apart, however, is Noah’s use of local history to outsmart both the attackers and the monsters. Bleak Haven’s founding families and long legacy of serial killers play a crucial role in understanding and defeating this specific curse.
While the pacing is brisk and the action relentless, Ralph also gives a few unlikable characters some surprisingly redemptive moments, adding depth beyond the blood and chaos. A touch of romance weaves in without overwhelming the main plot. By the end, everything ties together in a satisfying conclusion, though the trauma of the ordeal leaves its mark on the survivors.
Creepy, bloody, and endlessly entertaining, “Night Terror” expands on the mythology of Bleak Haven while delivering all the thrills of a classic YA horror novel. It’s part zombie apocalypse, part urban legend, and pure page-turning fun.
Vincent Ralph’s “Night Terror” is the second installment in his Bleak Haven series, and much like its predecessor, it’s a short, fast-paced, gore-filled ride that can be enjoyed as a standalone. Fans of R.L. Stine’s Fear Street will immediately feel at home in this cursed town, where tragedy and horror seem to lurk around every corner. Unlike the first book, “Night Terror” is more focused on the supernatural as the story develops the origin of the town, complete with zombies.
This time, the story follows Noah, a teenager who knows Bleak Haven’s haunted history better than most. When masked attackers storm the bookstore where he works, Noah assumes it’s a simple robbery. But their target isn’t money; it’s The Burning Book, an urban legend tied to the town’s dark past. When the cursed pages unleash flesh-hungry creatures, Noah and the other hostages must fight to survive a nightmarish zombie outbreak inside the mall.
As stated earlier, the book leans more into supernatural horror than the first, blending zombie survival with town lore, cannibalistic gore, and a creeping sense of dread. Ralph doesn’t shy away from gruesome descriptions, making this better suited for older YA readers. What sets the story apart, however, is Noah’s use of local history to outsmart both the attackers and the monsters. Bleak Haven’s founding families and long legacy of serial killers play a crucial role in understanding and defeating this specific curse.
While the pacing is brisk and the action relentless, Ralph also gives a few unlikable characters some surprisingly redemptive moments, adding depth beyond the blood and chaos. A touch of romance weaves in without overwhelming the main plot. By the end, everything ties together in a satisfying conclusion, though the trauma of the ordeal leaves its mark on the survivors.
Creepy, bloody, and endlessly entertaining, “Night Terror” expands on the mythology of Bleak Haven while delivering all the thrills of a classic YA horror novel. It’s part zombie apocalypse, part urban legend, and pure page-turning fun.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Solid YA Horror. Weird Whiplash As Book 2 In Series. This book, taken independently, is pretty damn awesome. You've got strong 80s vibes, including strong RL Stine type vibes. You've got a mall - that quintessential 80s teen experience (says the kid who was never a teen until the mid 90s). You've got all kinds of ancient smalltown creepiness and secrets. Seriously, every bit of this is clicking on every level.
You've even got monsters that fans of Jeremy Robinson will recognize, as the way Ralph writes his zombies here is very reminiscent of the way Robinson uses at least some types of zombies in his book TORMENT, later retconned to be part of his INFINITE TIMELINE event. Which was nice to see - and possibly shows Ralph to be as ... "creative", let's go with "creative"... as Robinson. :) One thing Ralph's version lacks, particularly from Robinson's original incarnation of TORMENT, is the subtle yet also quite present religious allegory. Ralph's tale here is instead more straight horror, zero subtext (at least that this reader picked up on).
No, where the whiplash comes in is that the first book in this series was set 40 ish years after this second entry, with the first book being bleeding edge tech and very human horror, whereas this second entry both sends us back in time *and* gives us a far more supernatural style of horror that wasn't even hinted at in the first book. Read independently, both books are awesome. Read as a "series"... you almost have to envision each book as being the same town in different universes, all experiencing horrors unique to that universe's version of the town? Which is a bit weird, but can also work well enough. (Indeed, Robinson himself did a horror series that was more akin to Sliders where the entire town slid between universes - he called that series REFUGE, and to date it remains one of his fans' favorites.)
Still, for what this book itself is, this really was a quite solid YA horror tale that does a phenomenal job of showing its version of this town and its time period quite well indeed.
Very much recommended.
You've even got monsters that fans of Jeremy Robinson will recognize, as the way Ralph writes his zombies here is very reminiscent of the way Robinson uses at least some types of zombies in his book TORMENT, later retconned to be part of his INFINITE TIMELINE event. Which was nice to see - and possibly shows Ralph to be as ... "creative", let's go with "creative"... as Robinson. :) One thing Ralph's version lacks, particularly from Robinson's original incarnation of TORMENT, is the subtle yet also quite present religious allegory. Ralph's tale here is instead more straight horror, zero subtext (at least that this reader picked up on).
No, where the whiplash comes in is that the first book in this series was set 40 ish years after this second entry, with the first book being bleeding edge tech and very human horror, whereas this second entry both sends us back in time *and* gives us a far more supernatural style of horror that wasn't even hinted at in the first book. Read independently, both books are awesome. Read as a "series"... you almost have to envision each book as being the same town in different universes, all experiencing horrors unique to that universe's version of the town? Which is a bit weird, but can also work well enough. (Indeed, Robinson himself did a horror series that was more akin to Sliders where the entire town slid between universes - he called that series REFUGE, and to date it remains one of his fans' favorites.)
Still, for what this book itself is, this really was a quite solid YA horror tale that does a phenomenal job of showing its version of this town and its time period quite well indeed.
Very much recommended.
December 17, 2025
If I could do a 3.5 rating I would, as a followup to #DeadFake, #NightTerror also takes place in the awful town of Bleak Haven. However I had to go online to figure out the timeline because this takes place before #DeadFake does.
Noah has always been interested in Bleak Havens tragic history which has always made him seem a little like the odd kid out, his only real friend is Matthew who has a whole host of problems at his home. Both of them work at the mall at different places Matthew at an record store and Noah at a bookstore that he considers his home away from home, one of the few places he feels safe.
That safety disappears when masked teenagers break in after hours and hold them at gunpoint demanding the infamous Burning Book said to have been owned by the first serial killers in Bleak Haven, The Holts. The book is said to make one immortal if they have it. Not sure what makes them think it would be in the bookstore he looks to his beloved boss Cassandra only to notice that she seems off. The night spirals out of control and leaves him, Matthew, Cassandra, Grace, and Wren at the mercy of something sinister that creeps out of the pages of The Burning Book when it is found. Now they must fight for their lives and try to save the town from supernatural serial killers.
I really enjoyed the first Bleak Haven novel and was excited for this one, I was a little saddened that it was taken to a supernatural point. Sometimes a good horror or suspense book is good just because of the real nature of the tragedies. Making it something supernatural took some of that away for me. I don't know if there will be anymore Bleak Haven novels i know that the first one left it open for one and if so I hope that it moves away from the supernatural of this one and sticks to the real tragedies.
Thank you to #Netgalley for the chance to read #NightTerror by #VincentRalph in return for a fair and honest review.
Noah has always been interested in Bleak Havens tragic history which has always made him seem a little like the odd kid out, his only real friend is Matthew who has a whole host of problems at his home. Both of them work at the mall at different places Matthew at an record store and Noah at a bookstore that he considers his home away from home, one of the few places he feels safe.
That safety disappears when masked teenagers break in after hours and hold them at gunpoint demanding the infamous Burning Book said to have been owned by the first serial killers in Bleak Haven, The Holts. The book is said to make one immortal if they have it. Not sure what makes them think it would be in the bookstore he looks to his beloved boss Cassandra only to notice that she seems off. The night spirals out of control and leaves him, Matthew, Cassandra, Grace, and Wren at the mercy of something sinister that creeps out of the pages of The Burning Book when it is found. Now they must fight for their lives and try to save the town from supernatural serial killers.
I really enjoyed the first Bleak Haven novel and was excited for this one, I was a little saddened that it was taken to a supernatural point. Sometimes a good horror or suspense book is good just because of the real nature of the tragedies. Making it something supernatural took some of that away for me. I don't know if there will be anymore Bleak Haven novels i know that the first one left it open for one and if so I hope that it moves away from the supernatural of this one and sticks to the real tragedies.
Thank you to #Netgalley for the chance to read #NightTerror by #VincentRalph in return for a fair and honest review.
October 26, 2025
Actual rating: 3.25 stars.
Before I get into the review, a quick thank you to both NetGalley and the publishers over at Wednesday Books for allowing me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Night Terror is the second book in the Bleak Haven short story series. This one takes place before the events of book one. We follow Noah in the 1980s as he lives in Bleak Haven, goes to school, attends the mandatory quarterly town meeting to remember those they've lost, and works at the bookstore in the mall. But tonight is different because three teenagers have decided they're not leaving the store without the famed Burning Book--a century old book said to be full of magic. Things take a turn for the worse when they discover not all books are meant to be read. Night Terror comes out on January 20th and is available for preorder now.
This was a pretty good and quick read. I read it off and on throughout the day while doing chores and dealing with being back from vacation. This one definitely felt more thriller-y than the first book in the series did. It gave 80s slasher vibes with a supernatural twist. I didn't love it, but it definitely keeps the reader on their toes the whole time. I just wish there had been more descriptions and better explanations for the things that happened in the novel. I know part of it you're just supposed to accept as magic but I don't know how the characters knew the answer to their problem. Or even what caused the problem to begin with. I don't think the bookshop owner was questioned nearly enough by Noah or the other teenagers involved.
Overall, it's a fun, good time for anyone looking for a quick, fast paced read. Definitely a book for fans of thrillers and supernatural elements.
Before I get into the review, a quick thank you to both NetGalley and the publishers over at Wednesday Books for allowing me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Night Terror is the second book in the Bleak Haven short story series. This one takes place before the events of book one. We follow Noah in the 1980s as he lives in Bleak Haven, goes to school, attends the mandatory quarterly town meeting to remember those they've lost, and works at the bookstore in the mall. But tonight is different because three teenagers have decided they're not leaving the store without the famed Burning Book--a century old book said to be full of magic. Things take a turn for the worse when they discover not all books are meant to be read. Night Terror comes out on January 20th and is available for preorder now.
This was a pretty good and quick read. I read it off and on throughout the day while doing chores and dealing with being back from vacation. This one definitely felt more thriller-y than the first book in the series did. It gave 80s slasher vibes with a supernatural twist. I didn't love it, but it definitely keeps the reader on their toes the whole time. I just wish there had been more descriptions and better explanations for the things that happened in the novel. I know part of it you're just supposed to accept as magic but I don't know how the characters knew the answer to their problem. Or even what caused the problem to begin with. I don't think the bookshop owner was questioned nearly enough by Noah or the other teenagers involved.
Overall, it's a fun, good time for anyone looking for a quick, fast paced read. Definitely a book for fans of thrillers and supernatural elements.
September 13, 2025
⭐⭐⭐💫
NIGHT TERROR by Vincent Ralph (Jan 20, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the earc
After surviving Bleak Haven's most horrifying tragedy, Noah understands monsters. When the bookstore is held up by masked people, they don't want cash...they want The Burning Book. Soon real monsters are released and Noah and the others must escape...or d*e trying.
NIGHT TERROR is the second book in the Bleak Haven series, taking place prior to the events of D*AD FAKE. NIGHT TERROR is a YA horror story that pulls from the sci-fy genre. This book is more g*re than mystery, and I found it to be a little slow-paced despite taking place overnight once the main event actually started.
This book fell flat to me...especially after rating book one as 5 stars. I think I was expecting more mystery, like those that were mentioned in D*AD FAKE.
NIGHT TERROR actually terrified me. It's horrifying, very creepy, and just really on the brutal side. It is action-packed, with stuff going down in each chapter---some worse than others. I wasn't a fan of these characters. There was a strong disconnect, and I felt like I didn't know enough about them to care if they escaped. That makes me sound terrible, but it is what it is.
I do think NIGHT TERROR will find its audience: those looking for something to give them night terrors because it is creepy. I just don't feel like this book held up to the hype I built for it in my head. Nonetheless, if this series continues, with Bleak Haven at its core, I would love to read it.
NIGHT TERROR by Vincent Ralph (Jan 20, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the earc
After surviving Bleak Haven's most horrifying tragedy, Noah understands monsters. When the bookstore is held up by masked people, they don't want cash...they want The Burning Book. Soon real monsters are released and Noah and the others must escape...or d*e trying.
NIGHT TERROR is the second book in the Bleak Haven series, taking place prior to the events of D*AD FAKE. NIGHT TERROR is a YA horror story that pulls from the sci-fy genre. This book is more g*re than mystery, and I found it to be a little slow-paced despite taking place overnight once the main event actually started.
This book fell flat to me...especially after rating book one as 5 stars. I think I was expecting more mystery, like those that were mentioned in D*AD FAKE.
NIGHT TERROR actually terrified me. It's horrifying, very creepy, and just really on the brutal side. It is action-packed, with stuff going down in each chapter---some worse than others. I wasn't a fan of these characters. There was a strong disconnect, and I felt like I didn't know enough about them to care if they escaped. That makes me sound terrible, but it is what it is.
I do think NIGHT TERROR will find its audience: those looking for something to give them night terrors because it is creepy. I just don't feel like this book held up to the hype I built for it in my head. Nonetheless, if this series continues, with Bleak Haven at its core, I would love to read it.
November 4, 2025
Night Terror is the second book in the Bleak Haven series. I honestly loved this book, and I feel like it was much better than book one. It definitely had a creepier vibe and the story never felt drawn out. I also like that this series is not linear, as this story takes place in the 80s.
Night Terror follows high school senior Noah Griffin as his latest work shift turns into a nightmare. When masked intruders come into the bookstore where Noah works, he thinks it’s a robbery. However they don’t want money. They are looking for a very important book, The Burning Book. The Burning Book is a local legend that some in their town blame for all of the evil things that happen in Bleak Haven.
When the intruders manage to find the book, they inadvertently unleash an evil upon Bleak Haven. Now the intruders are trapped with Noah, his boss, and some of Noah’s friends in the mall. The small group have to put their differences aside so they can find a way out of the mall. They also have to figure out a solution to stopped what was unleashed before it can escape to wreak havoc on the town.
Night Terror did a great job of keeping the suspense going. It was a very cinematic kind of read as I could definitely see this being a summer blockbuster. I loved learning more about the history of this town. Also this book had supernatural elements, whereas the first book was more of a traditional slasher story.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to see what the author cooks up for the next installment.
Night Terror follows high school senior Noah Griffin as his latest work shift turns into a nightmare. When masked intruders come into the bookstore where Noah works, he thinks it’s a robbery. However they don’t want money. They are looking for a very important book, The Burning Book. The Burning Book is a local legend that some in their town blame for all of the evil things that happen in Bleak Haven.
When the intruders manage to find the book, they inadvertently unleash an evil upon Bleak Haven. Now the intruders are trapped with Noah, his boss, and some of Noah’s friends in the mall. The small group have to put their differences aside so they can find a way out of the mall. They also have to figure out a solution to stopped what was unleashed before it can escape to wreak havoc on the town.
Night Terror did a great job of keeping the suspense going. It was a very cinematic kind of read as I could definitely see this being a summer blockbuster. I loved learning more about the history of this town. Also this book had supernatural elements, whereas the first book was more of a traditional slasher story.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to see what the author cooks up for the next installment.
October 7, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for giving me access to this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A town thats been cursed by serial killers and where mourning is a tradition. A couple teenagers are sick of it and want change. One of them gets wind of the location of a book the town fears above all else. Wanting to prove its nothing but a book, nothing to fear at all. A group of teenagers hold up a bookstore at gun point in order to get the book. They open it... and Hell pours out.
This was crack. I was reading 8 books but once I got to a certain point in this book like 15% all the other books went to the peanut gallery while I DEVOURED this book. Imagine going around your daily life, working in a cool ass bookstore when suddenly you're locked in the mall being hunted by monsters and watching people get murdered everywhere. I do not blame the MC for being terrified. I'd pee my pants.
The fact no pants were actually peed in this book is proof that scaredy cats can be brave too.
This was the second book in a series, apparently. I have not read the first one, but I don't think you have to. I wasn't confused about anything that happened in this book. It was very well thought out and the lore was really interesting.
The only reason it's not a 5 star was because there were a couple scenes where it went by so fast it seemed choppy and disorganized, but even so.. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
A town thats been cursed by serial killers and where mourning is a tradition. A couple teenagers are sick of it and want change. One of them gets wind of the location of a book the town fears above all else. Wanting to prove its nothing but a book, nothing to fear at all. A group of teenagers hold up a bookstore at gun point in order to get the book. They open it... and Hell pours out.
This was crack. I was reading 8 books but once I got to a certain point in this book like 15% all the other books went to the peanut gallery while I DEVOURED this book. Imagine going around your daily life, working in a cool ass bookstore when suddenly you're locked in the mall being hunted by monsters and watching people get murdered everywhere. I do not blame the MC for being terrified. I'd pee my pants.
The fact no pants were actually peed in this book is proof that scaredy cats can be brave too.
This was the second book in a series, apparently. I have not read the first one, but I don't think you have to. I wasn't confused about anything that happened in this book. It was very well thought out and the lore was really interesting.
The only reason it's not a 5 star was because there were a couple scenes where it went by so fast it seemed choppy and disorganized, but even so.. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
October 30, 2025
Real rating: 3.5 stars. Thank you to Vincent Ralph and St. Martin’s Press Group for the ARC. It was a fun, fast read.
Although this is the 2nd book in a series, it can absolutely be read as a stand alone novel. After reading it, I am interested in getting my hands on the first novel to understand more about the past tragedies that have shaped the town it takes place in.
This book was action packed and the premise was great, but some of the execution dropped the ball in my view. The main character was a bit forgettable. I think it took almost 10 pages to find out that he was a young male named Noah. That doesn’t seem like a lot, but it bothered me to not have a picture of the narrator in my mind. I often forgot his name throughout the book and I didn’t really develop much of a picture of him except that he was anxious and filled with self-loathing/doubt. I think this archetype is important for young people to read about, but in my mind the character wasn’t fully fleshed out. Some of the other characters (like Jensen and AJ) had great potential and I found myself yearning for more of their stories.
I also found some of the dialogue and internal thoughts of characters to be forced or not believable. It felt mechanical at times. Despite these things, the book was a fast and interesting read, and has made me excited to dip my toes further back into the horror genre.
Thanks again for the opportunity to read this book before it was published!
Although this is the 2nd book in a series, it can absolutely be read as a stand alone novel. After reading it, I am interested in getting my hands on the first novel to understand more about the past tragedies that have shaped the town it takes place in.
This book was action packed and the premise was great, but some of the execution dropped the ball in my view. The main character was a bit forgettable. I think it took almost 10 pages to find out that he was a young male named Noah. That doesn’t seem like a lot, but it bothered me to not have a picture of the narrator in my mind. I often forgot his name throughout the book and I didn’t really develop much of a picture of him except that he was anxious and filled with self-loathing/doubt. I think this archetype is important for young people to read about, but in my mind the character wasn’t fully fleshed out. Some of the other characters (like Jensen and AJ) had great potential and I found myself yearning for more of their stories.
I also found some of the dialogue and internal thoughts of characters to be forced or not believable. It felt mechanical at times. Despite these things, the book was a fast and interesting read, and has made me excited to dip my toes further back into the horror genre.
Thanks again for the opportunity to read this book before it was published!
September 4, 2025
Thank you Wednesday Books and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. The second Bleak Haven book coming out in January. This one takes us back to the 1980’s. The last tragedy to rock this town happened 15 years ago when the Lullaby Man kidnapped 5 kids. But long before that was the Holt family. A father and his two sons who murdered 4 teens who came on their land. There’s also talk of the Burning Book, a book that’s said to have been owned by the towns founder and never stops burning. Noah’s not sure he believes in the book and he’s not sure where he stands on the towns grieving process. They have multiple remembrance days and at the high school they have pictures of all the dead teenagers. Some just want the town to move on while others feel better with what they do. Noah’s working late at a bookstore, in the mall, with his boss and a few others when some masked people come in with demands. Soon the robbers unleash hell in the mall and someone or something is hunting them all. Can they escape or will they just become more victims that the town remembers and hang photos off? This one is a fun horror with classic vibes! Thrilling, creepy, bloody, with the supernatural mixed in! Through in a few twists and secrets and I was hooked! I’m really enjoying Vincent Ralph’s Bleak Haven series and I can’t wait to read what comes next!
October 26, 2025
This story was a lot less grounded than the previous installment. The world building felt flimsy to the point that when supernatural elements were introduced it was a tonal whiplash because it didn’t seem like it was going to be that kind of horror book. Especially considering that the first book in the series (which is set 30ish years after this one) has zero supernatural references and the horror stems from the reality of being hunted and killed by a serial killer in a mask. Instead in this story a magical (possibly cursed?) book opens a sinkhole portal inside of a mall and zombie like creature comes up out of it.
Because the world building wasn’t done well, when the monster does appear and start killing people it’s just not scary. I guess a big part of what was supposed to create tension and suspense was that it’s a group of people trapped inside a mall with a monster that wants to kill them but I was so confused what was going on and why or how any of these things could happen that it took me out of the story. Plus, most of the characters weren’t written well, they come across as flat with stock emotions and motivations so I didn’t care about any of them. Also the whole time all I was picturing was the third season finale of Stranger Things and how this felt like a weak copy of that.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-copy of this novel.
Because the world building wasn’t done well, when the monster does appear and start killing people it’s just not scary. I guess a big part of what was supposed to create tension and suspense was that it’s a group of people trapped inside a mall with a monster that wants to kill them but I was so confused what was going on and why or how any of these things could happen that it took me out of the story. Plus, most of the characters weren’t written well, they come across as flat with stock emotions and motivations so I didn’t care about any of them. Also the whole time all I was picturing was the third season finale of Stranger Things and how this felt like a weak copy of that.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-copy of this novel.
September 29, 2025
I was disappointed by the way this one played out. I really enjoyed the first book. It was over the top but in a good and engaging way, and the ending definitely left readers expecting a sequel.
Imagine my surprise then when this one went in an entirely different direction. While I don't mind the jump back in time and exploring the history of the town, there didn't seem to be anything tying the books together beyond the town itself - and with only two books in the series it feels awfully early to start jumping around without any connections being drawn...
I loved the idea of a 1980s Mall as the setting (as a child of the '80s who spent more than her share of time in a mall, I'm well aware there's tremendous potential for campiness AND creepiness there both of which are essential elements of classic slasher movie / horror tropes), but this one just fell flat for me. I didn't feel like we got as much insight into the characters as in the first book, and I just wasn't engaged the same way.
I would read more in the series, in the hope of learning more about why Bleak Haven is the way it is, but this one didn't feel like it added much to the lore...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
Imagine my surprise then when this one went in an entirely different direction. While I don't mind the jump back in time and exploring the history of the town, there didn't seem to be anything tying the books together beyond the town itself - and with only two books in the series it feels awfully early to start jumping around without any connections being drawn...
I loved the idea of a 1980s Mall as the setting (as a child of the '80s who spent more than her share of time in a mall, I'm well aware there's tremendous potential for campiness AND creepiness there both of which are essential elements of classic slasher movie / horror tropes), but this one just fell flat for me. I didn't feel like we got as much insight into the characters as in the first book, and I just wasn't engaged the same way.
I would read more in the series, in the hope of learning more about why Bleak Haven is the way it is, but this one didn't feel like it added much to the lore...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Bad people do bad things. That's what I've always thought. But some people are bad because they do nothing."
Noah is out at the mall, working at the bookstore when him and the other store's inhabitants are held up at gunpoint. Bleak Haven is known for its long list of tragedies and they all stem from The Burning Book, the town's urban legend, and that's what these people are after. But The Burning Book is seen as the town's source of darkness for a reason.
NIGHT TERROR by Vincent Ralph is the second book in the BLEAK HAVEN series and I honestly wasn't sure where this story would go, so color me surprised when I saw us flashing back to the 80s in an almost sci-fi style horror tale!
This book is so vastly different from the first one, but Ralph knew what he was doing when creating a town where bad things always happen (so many things to unwrap and tales of woe to tell!!).
I loved the character growth in this story, especially from our main character Noah, and the cast of misfits really gave off a Stranger Things or Ghostbusters vibe, which I found to be very fun.
I'm excited to see how this series continues!
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for the early copy for review - out January 20!
Noah is out at the mall, working at the bookstore when him and the other store's inhabitants are held up at gunpoint. Bleak Haven is known for its long list of tragedies and they all stem from The Burning Book, the town's urban legend, and that's what these people are after. But The Burning Book is seen as the town's source of darkness for a reason.
NIGHT TERROR by Vincent Ralph is the second book in the BLEAK HAVEN series and I honestly wasn't sure where this story would go, so color me surprised when I saw us flashing back to the 80s in an almost sci-fi style horror tale!
This book is so vastly different from the first one, but Ralph knew what he was doing when creating a town where bad things always happen (so many things to unwrap and tales of woe to tell!!).
I loved the character growth in this story, especially from our main character Noah, and the cast of misfits really gave off a Stranger Things or Ghostbusters vibe, which I found to be very fun.
I'm excited to see how this series continues!
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for the early copy for review - out January 20!
September 9, 2025
GENRE: young adult, horror
RATING: 4 Stars
A town that's "cursed" and filled with tragedy. A history filled with blood and murder. It was giving Fear Street in the best possible way. Filled with characters you can easily connect to that are fleshed out and not two dimensional with a story that is both creepy and bloody. Bleak Haven is a small town that is known more for it's killers and tragedy than anything else.
Now THIS one was absolutely giving Fear Street: 1994. A mall massacre? A creepy book? I actually ended up liking this one a lot more than the first one. It got to the point, bloody as hell and was a fast paced thrill ride. I truly do think Vincent Ralph has something magical on his hands here with Bleak Haven. If they're all as strong as this one then I can't wait to devour them.
Thank you netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc!
storygraph. | fable. | tumblr.
RATING: 4 Stars
A town that's "cursed" and filled with tragedy. A history filled with blood and murder. It was giving Fear Street in the best possible way. Filled with characters you can easily connect to that are fleshed out and not two dimensional with a story that is both creepy and bloody. Bleak Haven is a small town that is known more for it's killers and tragedy than anything else.
Now THIS one was absolutely giving Fear Street: 1994. A mall massacre? A creepy book? I actually ended up liking this one a lot more than the first one. It got to the point, bloody as hell and was a fast paced thrill ride. I truly do think Vincent Ralph has something magical on his hands here with Bleak Haven. If they're all as strong as this one then I can't wait to devour them.
Thank you netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc!
storygraph. | fable. | tumblr.
September 13, 2025
I liked Night Terror much better than the first one in the series! It doesn't take long for the action to start, and it keeps up pretty much all the way through. There are more murders this time around as well. One thing that bothered me about Dead Fake was that only two victims were killed, and they both happened off-page. That was not the case here! I did not expect the direction this book took at all, but I really enjoyed it. This one felt much more like a true horror novel between the bloody murders and the supernatural twist. I liked the characters a lot as well and appreciated the growth they showed over the course of the novel. Night Terror is a fast-paced, bloody, supernatural thrill ride and I'm already looking forward to seeing what happens next in Bleak Haven! Mallory Crow's story sounds interesting, so maybe we'll get to read about that next. 4.5 stars!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
November 19, 2025
Night Terror is an intense horror story where really anything could exist and occur. It surpassed my expectations because I thought this would be a light scary read in line with a Halloween story geared toward kids. This story is for teens and older, but it is actually gruesome and gory. Now I admit to being fairly frustrated at the start, mumbling things such as 'that wouldn't happen' and 'I don't think so' - as if there is a normal when it comes to a town full of fantastical creatures and paranormal events! I warmed into the book as it went, and actually clicked with the town. Any town that magically sets itself apart from others - even in an eerie way - is pretty cool! By the time I finished the book, I was pretty into the story and the town, and was pretty excited to read the next in the series. Thank you to SD from St. Martin's Press for introducing me to this author and granting me an ARC of this book. When reading this book, bank on the unexpected!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Night Terror, the second book in the Bleak Haven series was a perfect follow up to Dead Fake. While it could stand alone, it provides history and context to the tragedy that has occurred in the town of Bleak Haven. We are introduced to Noah, a 17-year old high school student who works at the mall bookstore and knows all the town lore. The bookstore is robbed and he witnesses the darkness of ‘The Burning Book’ a town legend that he dismissed for years. The book takes place decades before the first book (which I read before this one). It has a supernatural spin, which some may enjoy or dislike depending on preference. For me, I enjoyed it and was curious how the town would overcome what had been unleashed on them. I also enjoyed the nostalgia for the 80’s and the simpler way of life compared to the way technology impacts the town in the first book. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I want to start off by saying that I really loved the first book in this series and was drawn to the unique premise. But when I read this second book, I found it hard to stay engaged in the story initially as I kept getting the feeling that I’d read this before.
Finally around halfway through it dawned on me: this is basically the plot of the Fear Street: Part One 1994 movie.
We have the following similarities:
- Spooky town with a history of killings/deaths
- Action starts in a mall bookstore
- Supernatural serial killers on the loose
- Teens trying to quell the evil
- Family/Town curse?
- Sinkholes/Tunnels to Hell
- Set in a similar time in the past (Late 80’s vs early 90’s)
With that being said, there were still some differences between the two, but Night Terror just felt really familiar to me throughout. I do look forward to future series installments and plan to read those as well!
Finally around halfway through it dawned on me: this is basically the plot of the Fear Street: Part One 1994 movie.
We have the following similarities:
- Spooky town with a history of killings/deaths
- Action starts in a mall bookstore
- Supernatural serial killers on the loose
- Teens trying to quell the evil
- Family/Town curse?
- Sinkholes/Tunnels to Hell
- Set in a similar time in the past (Late 80’s vs early 90’s)
With that being said, there were still some differences between the two, but Night Terror just felt really familiar to me throughout. I do look forward to future series installments and plan to read those as well!
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