Dangerous Games to Play in the Dark

by Lucia Peters

What begins as a test of bravery or a sleepover activity—chanting in front of a mirror, riding an elevator alone, taking pictures in the dark—can become something . . . dangerous.

The most spine-chilling games based on urban legends from around the Centuries-old games such as Bloody Mary, Light as a Feather, and Stiff as a Board are detailed alongside new games from the internet age, like The Answer Man, a sinister voice that whispers secrets to whoever manages to contact him with a cellphone.

• Features step-by-step instructions, historical context, and the stakes for each game—including objective, risk level, reward, and additional warnings
• Includes chilling and dark illustrations throughout that intensify the mysteries of each game
• Discover a variety of dangerous games including ones you can do in a group or on your own

A guide to summoning spirits, divining the future, and invoking the supernatural.

• Author Lucia Peters has been featured online at The Toast , Bustle , and other sites. She also runs The Ghost In My Machine , a website where she spooks readers with stories of the strange and unusual
• Dangerous Games to Play in the Dark is the ideal gift for anyone looking for a late-night thrill—but beware who, or what, may come out to play

Genres: Horror, Nonfiction, Occult, Paranormal, Folklore, Supernatural, Witchcraft

200 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2019

Reviews

[Rachel Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this a while ago, but forgot to update and review. I'll correct the date and write some thoughts in a bit.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this is a fun little read. A sort of encyclopedia of all the games, well most, that we dared to play in our youth. Not only does it tell you how to play, the risks involved if you play, it gives you a bit of history as to the origination of the game. I found that quite fascinating, considering dating back to the 1600s.

Each game is prefaced with Risk Level, Objective, Additional Warnings, and Reward before giving the how-to do do so.

Infused with intellect and humor, it’s a fun dip into the lighter side of history. Some of these games I’ve never heard of but look forward to partaking in. I especially want to try The Doors Of Your Mind. Some sound a bit too sinister or provocative to try, but then again, life IS but a game of chance. As in the author’s own words, “If you choose to ignore this advice and play the games locked in this book, just remember: what you summon may not want the game to end.”

A list of sources for the games finalizes this fun little book that ironically fits perfect with the stay at home culture we are now faced with. order this baby up and let the fun begin.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is interesting, somewhat informative but still vague on the positive or negative outcome/consequences of completing/not completing any of the "summoning rituals" (which is necromancy) and the long term effect of it. I hate the fact that these rituals are popular due to Youtubers (it's interesting, but there should be a age restriction for some things that are potentially spiritually dangerous such as summoning rituals, that involves summoning a spirit/entity. I think it encourages children to do the rituals, which is stupid and dangerous.
I would have appreciated the rules for each ritual to be written in a bullet pointed list, to make it easy to understand and clearly learn the rules of each summoning ritual.
I think it is dangerous to call these summoning rituals that involves summoning a spirit/entity or multiple of either a "game" because that implies that children can do these summoning rituals and not understand the consequences of doing them, since the consequences of doing the summoning rituals is not mentioned at all, nor is the purpose of spiritual protection mentioned more than once, I would recommend using sage or other protective herbs as part of a smudging (spiritual cleansing ritual) to be done before/after any or all of the summoning rituals, even the low-medium risks ones, but especially the high risk rituals! You should take any form of communication which the dead, spirits or entities seriously, always treat it with respect, don't provoke the dead or anything that your are summoning, because there WILL BE consequences otherwise. I am saying this for your own protection,even if you don't believe in spirits, entities these rituals are dangerous and can be spiritually harmful to you if you are not careful!
I would have found it helpful, if the author included, eye witness testimonies of people that have done the rituals specified in the book, and they said about the positive/negative outcome/consequences of doing the rituals.
It would be helpful to me at least to know what happened when the ritual was successful/or the negative outcome/consequences when the ritual was not done correctly or not finished so whatever you communicated with was unleashed into the world and it seemed like the author was intentionally vague on details in some ways, so I would appreciated more information, because sometimes it was lacking, so it made me wonder what would happen, if you looked at the entity you summoned, did't follow all the rules, don't believe the ritual would work (I don't recommend anyone doing the rituals alone or with anyone that is a non-believer in rituals, spirits or entities since they would be at risk and could antagonise whatever you are summoning)

The low risk rituals are not that threatening, but they still have risks or consequences involved.
The medium-high risk rituals are a lot more dangerous spiritually, due to a possible spirit/entity attachment if the ritual(s) is not completed/the rules are not followed and respected fully or correctly! I think it is dangerous to say about the rituals, but for the author to not say about spiritual protection before/after doing the rituals. I would recommend using a sage smudging stick, saying a prayer to whatever god/goddess/deity that you believe in before/after doing the rituals, spiritual cleansing is important to avoid, long term affects of the rituals. It is better to do the rituals in a group, to lessen or avoid any bad luck after doing the rituals, done do them alone.
In my opinion the most potentially dangerous rituals are the following:
Daruma San (The Bath Ritual) This ritual involves summoning a onryo or vengeful Yurei (a Japanese spirit with evil intentions)
Bloody Mary: This has many consequences, just because you may/may not not see anything, it doesn't mean that you didn't summon something. The Candyman ritual was not mentioned so I was a bit disappointed about it.
The Midnight game (A.K.A. The Midnight Man): This involves summoning a entity, it is dangerous and there are unknown consequences if they get close enough to touch you, never let that happen
Light as a feather, Stiff as a board: This ritual is dangerous, it seems like it would change someone's personality during/aftercompleting the ritual
Hide and seek alone (Hitori Kakurenbo): This is a form of necromancy, which involves summoning a spirit to possess a doll and animate it, it's dangerous if not done correctly.
The doors of your mind: This ritual is dangerous, there is no reversal ritual to undo it, once it is done.
Closet to another world: A ritual that involves summoning a entity into a closet, it doesn't seem like there is a way to get rid of it once it is summoned.
The Corner Ritual: This ritual involves summoning a spirit/entity and can be dangerous, due to unknown whereabouts of at least one person
Sister, Sister (Sara Sarita) This ritual involves summoning two entities (Entities are NOT human spirits, entities are NOT human at all they are demons, so be careful!)
The Hosting Ritual: This ritual involves summoning spirits into your home
The Fortune Ritual: This involves summoning a entity which you cannot look at, while at a crossroads, there is no way to tell if it is lying to you.

A lot of the rituals involve summoning a spirits/entities that you may or may not see, you have no idea if it is telling you the truth, don't automatically trust what it tells you, because spirits and entities lie to entice you. I take communication with spirits/entities or rituals seriously, and so should everyone else that has read the book/my review.
I did enjoy reading the book, but it was lacking in terms of the real risks/consequences of the rituals, the potential spiritual danger, and stupidity of calling the summoning rituals a "game"
I would recommend to anyone that reads this books, to do a lot of research about spiritual protection, the rules, consequences of the rituals before attempting any of them!
There are still some rituals that are dangerous that were not mentioned in the book so a follow up book, that is more detailed would be great. Other dangerous rituals that were not mentioned are: the three kings, the dark reflection ritual, dry bones among others. I look forward to reading more books like this in the future.

[sab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic.
I bought this guide the literal second I saw it without hesitation. I guess it was kind of on a whim, but I was so intrigued how could I not. Obviously it did not disappoint. I’ve always loved ghost themes and scary stories and rituals, and although I never plan to perform them myself, reading about them is just as exciting and addictive to me.

Peters does an amazing job of giving the historical backgrounds to the games included, the risks, and really clear step by step instructions on how each game or ritual is performed/played.

So cool, so thrilling, maybe i’m just easily amused by the spiritual world but honestly this was an amazing little guide and i’d love to read more!

[Katie (DoomKittieKhan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like to play spooky games that may or may not have real consequences?

Collected into one place are the games from slumber parties past, the dark corners of the internet, and folklore. Combined with pulp gothic illustrations, a risk meter, and an historical introduction for each game; ‘Dangerous Games to Play in the Dark’ by Lucia Peters is an essential book to add to your spooky library this season. Some of my favorite games that have been included are One Hundred Ghost Stories or One Hundred Candles, The Black Telephone Game, and The Corner Game.

So, do you dare play?

Just remember, what you summon may not want the game to end.

[Carrie (The Butterfly Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love paranormal games and want to know how to play them and even some history behind each one, told in a fun way that’s spooky and entertaining... then this book is for you! It’s so much fun! A must have if you love spooky things. Not only is it full of interesting info, but it really looks amazing on a bookshelf.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I imagine that many of us…me included…may have played some of these games at slumber parties or just as a dare with a group of friends on a slow, dark night when we were bored. I don’t think many of us really expected to conjure anything…hoped maybe…but if by chance we did…we would have run one anther down trying to escape. In this little book we have 24 “games” covering 6 chapters. Suitable warnings are given about not setting the house on fire with lit candles or stabbing one another with the sharp objects, as well as having sufficient room to carry some of them out…and the necessary material that will be needed. I’m not sure if the author actually believes any of these games were possible of producing any results much less the indented ones... or if she is mostly wishing to sell the book. My voice of common sense reasoning would like to think that most adults would maybe be intrigued, but still have that inner little “no-nonsense” voice that would whisper loudly while hitting you in the head with this book...“forget this whole insane thing”!!!! . In spite of the levels of risk and other warning given at the beginning of each game….and the more dire warnings given at the end… I’m not 100% convinced that these games are really “games”…or that they are “safe games.” The one thing that I immediately noticed was there were no instructions telling you how to get rid of what you might encounter…and you are told over and over that this is a “possibility” and that it /they may not leave, if you achieved your objective. I would consider that a BIG one that should also be included.

I do have to say as a ghost story junkie that I found the idea of these games intriguing…I remember how they fired my 14 year old imagination. There were some that I had never heard of since they originated In Japan and Indonesia but may have gone by other names in the U.S., and some have sprouted up as recently as 2011 with the availability of the internet. I believe the author…while presenting exacting information that would be guaranteed to scare the devil out of most folks…she takes the subject a tad too lightly by failing to include more warning and caution about actually trying any of these games and the possible outcome. My grandmother was from Ireland and she had grown up with many stories and legends. Her beliefs of “things that go bump in the night” was pretty vivid…and I remember her warning us as kids about inviting things in…that they were not, and would not be, our friends. These games were not all designed to appeal to the younger crowd, but that is going to probably be the target audience. While they are intended to be played in fun…anyone that reads or watches movies knows how the possibilities can fire the imagination and sometimes those fires are never entirely extinguished. The term “figment of your imagination” is not entirely a figment of your imagination. For some people these games will present a real danger. Not for anything the games called but for what they imagined they called. The mind and the imagination are extremely powerful instruments… even if that is the only place these “demons” are dwelling. I would suggest that anyone think long and hard before indulging in any of these pastimes. I gave the book a 4.5 rating. Anyone that can take it with a grain of salt will enjoy it…but bear in mind by the very way it is written and designed…it IS an instruction manual.

I received an advance copy of this book from Chronicle Books in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are entirely all my own.

[Sesana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated this as a collection of creepy folklore. I'm not going to play any of these games, nor do I really believe they'd do anything but make a slumber party more exciting, so I didn't consider whether the instructions as presented make the games "safe" or properly explain the supposed risks or whatever. Which is why the short bits that give some context and history to the various games were my favorite parts. I wish there was more, though I get that there may not be that much more. A lot of these games (some of them? most of them?) would have been oral folklore long before they became internet folklore. And hey, there are sources at the end of the book! I did not expect that at all, and it made me very happy. Also, it's plenty creepy. This would have made a great October read.

[Jera Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good introduction to the types of spooky games people like to play. Lots of them got going in the 2010s, so these aren't necessarily older traditions we're talking about, which was both a plus and minus in my book. I also would have liked more details on what kind of devastating fate met those who failed at these games for story purposes, but I suppose that wasn't really the point of the book. ^^" This is a great starting point, though, and I'd like to look into some of these in more depth.

Also, Pam Wishbow did the art for this book and they're one of my favorite artists, so that was really cool to see!

[Jason Nickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really cool little book. Ranging from things like 'Light as a feather, Stiff as a board' to 'Bloody Mary' to 'The Elevator Game' . This book lays out all the rules, risk factors, and supplies needed for any of these potentially supernatural games should you wish, or dare to try them

[Raze Nickolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting little read. A lot of these games have been created in the past decade or so but some of these have roots in older cultures. If you’re practicing witchcraft there’s a few interesting tidbits you can pick up from this book.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun book that I received as a gift. But something I ended up really enjoying. I like how there's some details about the origin of these games and how complex they can be. I was surprised to see how many steps there were for classics like "Light as a Feather , Stiff as a Board".

[mad mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice up your SPN viewing party with a game of Sara Sarita!

(Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review through Library Thing's Early Reviewers program.)

Flashlights. Darkened rooms. The chanting of names, of mantras, of mysterious incantations. Giggles in the dark - some out of bravery, others out of bravado. Dares. Challenges. Ghosts.

You might be familiar with them: the kinds of games you play at sleepovers, around the campfire, or on the playground - more rituals than games, really - meant to summon spirits, communicate with supernatural beings, or otherwise connect with a realm beyond our own. You may have learned these games from your older friends or siblings, or out of books found in dusty and forgotten corners of the library - books like this one, perhaps. You might not be convinced the games will actually work, believing them to be simply stories or urban legends - but when you play, you hope all the same that this time, maybe something will happen. You'll fall into a trance. You'll defy the laws of nature. You'll look into a mirror and see not your own reflection, but the shape of someone ... or something ... else.

In Dangerous Games to Play in the Dark, Lucia Peters shares twenty-four spooky games you can play at your next sleepover, Halloween party, or Supernatural viewing party - the options are endless. Each game includes a brief history about its origins, along with step-by-step instructions, a list of materials, additional warnings (open flames + mild scares = a fire risk, for obvious reasons), risk level, and objectives and rewards.

The games are roughly divided into different categories, including:

Party Games
- Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board
- The Answer Man
- The Picture Game
- The Games of One Hundred Ghost Stories, or Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai

Summoning Spirits
- Bloody Mary
- Blue Baby, Baby Blue
- Lady Spades
- The Hosting Game

High-Stakes Hide-and-Seek
- The Midnight Game
- Hide-and-Seek Alone, or Hitori Kakurenbo
- The Bath Game, or Daruma-san
- The Candles Game

Long, Strange Trips
- The Doors of Your Mind
- The Elevator Game
- Closet to Another World
- The Black Telephone Game

Contacting the Other Side
- The Closet Game
- Musical Chairs Alone
- The Corner Game
- The Sister, Sister Game, or Sara Sarita

Games of Knowledge
- The Red Book Game
- The Compass Game
- The Fortune Game
- The Playing Card Game

Dangerous Games to Play in the Dark is a really handsome gift book, with red-edged pages; an attractive, embossed black, red, and white cover; and matching interior artwork. Some of the instructions could be a little clearer, but overall they're easy enough to follow. I would've liked more detailed background on some of the games, but the book does have a short list of resources at the end.

My only complaint - and forgive me while I show my age here - is that the type is teeny tiny and very difficult to read. It's eight point, tops. Maybe spring for the ebook so you can adjust the font size and read along in the dark to boot?

http://www.easyvegan.info/2020/01/21/...

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A random item that caught my attention at the library. It is kind of fun to read about these various "games" and some conjure compelling images for stories. Which I think is the point of so many of these "games" that come from internet lore (mostly from Japan and Korea it seems, though several from Latin America as well); I can imagine them being spooky stories for someone to share about their supposed experience dabbling in strange rituals, and the consequences thereof. But maybe it loses something then, in simply presenting the ritual without the narrative; certainly the repetitive claims of unknown danger and exhortations to be careful can be a bit grating at times, and feel too much like it is trying to build up a certain feeling from something that is otherwise a rather bland "recipe" or set of steps to follow.

Still, it was a kind of fun read, though I don't really get the type of person who would believe enough in the supernatural to want to try these things, when hardly any of them offer actual benefit besides the frisson of danger and daring.

[Effing · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I'm probably a little deeper into the creepy stuff and woo woo departments than the target audience of this book--I recognized a fair number of the newer games from their internet sources without having to look at the bibliography--but it has some solid older stuff in it, too, including a few slumber party classics. Overall it's fun and a quick read, though, and isn't that what a book of games should be?

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creepy pasta: the novel

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book mainly for fun, hoping to find a few “creepypasta”-style games that might be entertaining to try—either on my own or with my young daughter. I went into it with no real belief that any of the rituals would actually work (aside from maybe the power of suggestion), so it was all just for the experience.

Probably not how this book is meant to be read, but I went through it cover to cover. Along the way, I bookmarked several games—nine in total—that seemed worth revisiting. Some might be fun for a late night with my daughter, while others, like the Elevator Game, I’d consider trying solo if I ever find myself in a hotel with ten or more floors.

I briefly considered buying the physical edition to make the rituals feel more ceremonial, but opted for the digital version so I could access it on my phone whenever the mood strikes.

Despite being listed at over 200 pages, the book feels much shorter. A portion is taken up by illustrations, and there’s a lot of spacing between lines. The physical edition also seems to be on the smaller side. I finished it in just a couple of days, whereas I’d usually expect a 200-page book to take at least a week or more at my usual pace.

I appreciated the author’s tone—serious but playfully ominous—and the consistent warnings about the games’ potential risks. I especially liked the way each entry includes a risk level, the possible rewards, and a bit of lore or backstory. These added depth and a sense of folklore to the entries.

Overall, I’m glad I read this. It was fun and engaging, even if I never end up trying any of the games. It’s not a book I see myself re-reading, and chances are I’ll forget about most of the contents over time. Still, it was an enjoyable and spooky little diversion.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book in both design and content. The look of the hardcover (including the small etchings) help add to an air of mystery/arcane sensations that the games inside are supposed to convey.

The games themselves are pretty well described and I appreciate their mix of modern and older games. The international ones are also a nice touch. By not breaking every game down entirely, but leaving in prose that would have you guessing if it DID have a supernatural element is a great way to fuel some readers' interest in the occult folklore behind the games. It's a very fun book for those of an age to still have friends over and try these sorts of things out.

One aspect I really enjoyed, but wish there was more of, are the introductions to the games that give a taste of the history behind them. While it might ruin the illusion, I'd like a book now that dives deeply into the history behind these games. That's not the point of this book, however, so I won't knock any stars off.

While I appreciate the need nowadays for the warning at the start of the book on the obvious dangers of games involving burning candles or sharp objects, it deflates a bit of the fun to assume someone of an age to read this book doesn't have enough common sense not to endanger themselves. That idea might be scarier than anything contained herein.

[Aulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an accident.

One day, I was strolling unfamiliar streets in the city centre when I accidentally stumbled upon this pop-culture and Halloween-ish shop. Which happened to have this book on display.
I walked past the shop, but couldn't take my mind off this book. So, after half a kilometer, I turned back. The book on display happened to be the last one in stock and, the next thing I know, it came into my possession.

Expecting it to be mere child's play, this book contains detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for contacting, traveling, or communicating with "the other side". My scientist's brain reminded me it was all fiction, but I soon found myself putting sticky notes all over it, containing my personal questions, notes, and contingency plans in case I decided to follow these SOPs. I read this book multiple times on subways, flights, and coffee shops, ignoring the contemptuous looks around me (including my SO). THAT is how captivating this book is.

I'd be sure to update this review if I have successfully completed one of their procedures.

[Jeffrey W Brigham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly entertaining. I don't think this book was meant to be an actual guide as much as it was meant to be just read and enjoyed. It just had that feel to it. And I won't be going out and trying any of these games simply because I don't think they would work. What do you think about turning the lights off after midnight, lighting only candles, and reciting the words "Bloody Mary" into the mirror until the aforementioned character appears? Though many of these supposed 'games' had their origin in the 2000's-2010's, it feels like I played them all at some point when I was a kid.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s rather nicely made, the text and artwork art rather pretty and the games listed are rather spooky and in fact quite dangerous! I love how they put a warning in front of the book to let you know not to be silly and hurt yourself with the materials needed.
The ranking system is also very creative and easy to read as it’s right in front of the instructions, and all the games are very well sourced in the back few pages!

All around an absolutely wonderful read! Super fun and quite the book to break out during a campfire night!

[Megan Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pre-ordered this and could NOT WAIT for it to arrive, and it didn't disappoint.

The book details several spooky games, providing a little bit of history and context for each, which I really enjoyed. It gives you specific directions for how you can play the games yourself - at your own risk, of course. ;-)

Also, it doesn't hurt that the book is absolutely gorgeous.

If you're like me and love anything and everything spooky, this is a must-read.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a good overview of those Games in the Dark. I like the brief history of each and games from different cultures. I was pleased to find some that I had played. Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board, really does work. Bloody Mary, not so much. But then she probable didn't want to deal with giggling pre-teen girls either. Some games, such as Answer Man, are new, only showing up around 2011. Overall it is a good collection, but if you think you want to play any of these games, think again.

[Nicole Nieto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a terrible book, but it’s literally just games from a bunch of different creepypasta blogs and websites. Many of the games are from the same website too, some of them I recognized from my tumblr days.
That’s not a bad thing, but the book tries to paint these games and stories as legit and older than the internet. I wouldn’t bet money on it. Many of these games aren’t even old enough to drink.
Have fun, but don’t expect anything but an awkward silence if you play any of these games.

[Star Shining Forever · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little read with instructions on several games you can play with 👻 The Other Side 👻 and numerous cautions on what to do if those games go awry. Many of them were drawn from websites including generic kids ones so it would’ve been better/more authoritative if the sources were actual ancient books.

[Brittany Landers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun and definitely super creepy. I was hoping for games that predate the internet era and definitely wish it had gone more in depth at the legends and stories behind each. I thoroughly creeped myself out reading each, and flat out refuse to try any of them.

[Katie McKernan-Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have such a guilty pleasure for stuff like this! I am (was?) too much of a wuss to have played any of these games as a kid, but it’s super tempting to revisit some of them. They’re classics, internet urban legends pulled from lots and lots of places. 100% recommend!

[Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am unsettled and intrigued. Thankfully I have the good sense not to muck about with any of the games

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book covering origins (and how-tos) of some of the most popular spooky games around!

[Elizabeth Hartl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really tugged at the nostalgic heartstrings. This book brought me right back to my childhood. It's well written and thoughtful and definitely worth the time.