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How to Survive Camping #2
The Lady in Chains
Every year, campground manager Kate sends out a pamphlet titled “How to Survive Your Camping Experience.” In it is a list of rules to help campers have an enjoyable experience and hopefully survive any encounters with the campground’s… other… inhabitants.
With the campground in the throes of a 'bad year', it'll take a lot more than a list of rules to keep everyone safe. Monsters that were previously dormant are starting to stir and they're waking up hungry. Among them is the Lady in Chains, a creature feared by both human and inhuman thing alike.
Her reappearance creates an upheaval in the balance of power in the campground by renewing an old grudge with the harvesters, who are willing to sacrifice anyone they get their hands on in order to gain an advantage. On top of all this, the man with the skull cup has started taking an unusual interest in Kate. But with the harvesters on the prowl, the Lady in Chains hunting her down, and a sinister spider infestation, Kate is going to need all the allies she can get, even if those allies aren't actually... human.
With the campground in the throes of a 'bad year', it'll take a lot more than a list of rules to keep everyone safe. Monsters that were previously dormant are starting to stir and they're waking up hungry. Among them is the Lady in Chains, a creature feared by both human and inhuman thing alike.
Her reappearance creates an upheaval in the balance of power in the campground by renewing an old grudge with the harvesters, who are willing to sacrifice anyone they get their hands on in order to gain an advantage. On top of all this, the man with the skull cup has started taking an unusual interest in Kate. But with the harvesters on the prowl, the Lady in Chains hunting her down, and a sinister spider infestation, Kate is going to need all the allies she can get, even if those allies aren't actually... human.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2020
51 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Quinn
9 books202 followersI am a Senior Software Developer and author. I'm active in the Reddit r/NoSleep community and wrote the popular "How to Survive Camping" series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 1, 2025
It's just as great as the first one, The Man With No Shadow.
There is a strong continuity of the story but with new threats and higher stakes.
I loved the evolution of the characters and their relationships and I really hope to see a third book soon.
Thank you Saga Press for this ARC!
There is a strong continuity of the story but with new threats and higher stakes.
I loved the evolution of the characters and their relationships and I really hope to see a third book soon.
Thank you Saga Press for this ARC!
September 20, 2025
3.5 but I have to round up for the fun factor.
Okay. I genuinely can’t tell if I’ve just read too many monster romances, or if this series is really gonna do it 👀 Either way I will not apologize for my inability to be normal about the Man with the Skull Cup. Sometimes a malevolent entity who poisons people for fun can also be babygirl. God forbid a guy have a hobby.
I think the writing is objectively a bit worse, and certainly rougher in a technical sense, compared to the first book. Here’s hoping it goes through some more line edits before publication. But I’ve just come to enjoy this world so much, and I love the incredibly gradual character development going on from book to book. That makes this one feel more rewarding in the end, even if the first one was more tightly written and paced.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Okay. I genuinely can’t tell if I’ve just read too many monster romances, or if this series is really gonna do it 👀 Either way I will not apologize for my inability to be normal about the Man with the Skull Cup. Sometimes a malevolent entity who poisons people for fun can also be babygirl. God forbid a guy have a hobby.
I think the writing is objectively a bit worse, and certainly rougher in a technical sense, compared to the first book. Here’s hoping it goes through some more line edits before publication. But I’ve just come to enjoy this world so much, and I love the incredibly gradual character development going on from book to book. That makes this one feel more rewarding in the end, even if the first one was more tightly written and paced.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 7, 2025
070725
these books are compiled from reddit posts, and the first one definitely showed the lack of cohesive backbone of plot (not in a bad way) until later in the story. here, the setting and stakes are established and that made it easier to develop a main storyline, I'd guess. "tighter" is a word that came to mind again before I saw my initial review.
initial review:
Quinn's writing remains a favorite. This arc is tighter around the main antagonist and continues to offer surprises and escalations of in-world concepts and horrors.
these books are compiled from reddit posts, and the first one definitely showed the lack of cohesive backbone of plot (not in a bad way) until later in the story. here, the setting and stakes are established and that made it easier to develop a main storyline, I'd guess. "tighter" is a word that came to mind again before I saw my initial review.
initial review:
Quinn's writing remains a favorite. This arc is tighter around the main antagonist and continues to offer surprises and escalations of in-world concepts and horrors.
October 3, 2025
This is one of those rare sequels that is every bit as good as the first one. In fact, I think it's better than the first. The plot twists have been turned up a notch, the relationships and stakes have been ratcheted up, the horror is more horrifying and suspenseful. The camping events and situations are more creative than the first book. The villain is better and more unexpected. The wittiness is about equal to the wittiness and humor of the last book. If you liked the first book, you will definitely want to pick this one up in April 2026. With one exception-- if you are extremely arachnophobic, this might not be the book for you and you should set it down slowly and back away. I am NOT arachnophobic, and I still got slight heebie jeebies from the chilling spider-y descriptions in this book. So many spiders. Unless you *like* to keep the lights on at night, in which case, this is the perfect amount of spiders for you.
Thanks to the publisher for this terrific ARC. If only I was a better reviewer, I could better describe just how great I think this book is.
Thanks to the publisher for this terrific ARC. If only I was a better reviewer, I could better describe just how great I think this book is.
September 9, 2025
Who doesn’t like ghost stories whispered under the blankets? The ones that make you sit a little closer to the light, and check the shadows twice before you go to bed.
This is one of those books.
I should say, first, that I didn’t read the first one. I came in like a camper who didn’t read the manual tent half-collapsed, flashlight flickering, bugs already in the socks. But somehow, that felt exactly right. Because Goat Valley Campground doesn’t feel like a place where anyone is ever truly prepared. Not even the people who’ve lived there their whole lives. Not even Kate.
Kate is the campground manager. She’s also the kind of person who’s tired in her bones, not because she’s weak, but because she’s held too much weight for too long. She’s lost her family. She’s lost her safety. And if she doesn’t hold everything together just right, she may lose everything else too.
Kate carries the weight of her family’s history, a cursed legacy she can’t outrun. This year, everything is getting worse. Even the monsters are scared.
Kate is all about trying to keep everyone safe. Follow the guidebook. It usually helps…except for now. When the bad year is too bad. When allies don’t wear badges, and enemies don’t knock first. It’s about a campground with teeth and one strong campground manager.
I’m going back to start with Book One. Because there are stories here buried in moss, and tangled in chains, and carved into the spine of this cursed little campground.
Don’t worry this book isn’t too scary. It’s not the kind of story that keeps you up out of fear, exactly. More like the kind that keeps you up because it feels alive. Like a campfire tale told just a little too well. It’s fun, it’s strange, it crackles with something old and clever. You find yourself leaning in, smiling at the weird bits, and then pausing just for a moment when a branch snaps in the dark outside your window. Not scared. Just… alert. Because some stories make the night feel louder.
Thank you to NetGalley, Saga Press, and the author Bonnie Quinn for the ARC. I can’t wait to see what comes next and what comes crawling out of the woods next time.
This is one of those books.
I should say, first, that I didn’t read the first one. I came in like a camper who didn’t read the manual tent half-collapsed, flashlight flickering, bugs already in the socks. But somehow, that felt exactly right. Because Goat Valley Campground doesn’t feel like a place where anyone is ever truly prepared. Not even the people who’ve lived there their whole lives. Not even Kate.
Kate is the campground manager. She’s also the kind of person who’s tired in her bones, not because she’s weak, but because she’s held too much weight for too long. She’s lost her family. She’s lost her safety. And if she doesn’t hold everything together just right, she may lose everything else too.
Kate carries the weight of her family’s history, a cursed legacy she can’t outrun. This year, everything is getting worse. Even the monsters are scared.
Kate is all about trying to keep everyone safe. Follow the guidebook. It usually helps…except for now. When the bad year is too bad. When allies don’t wear badges, and enemies don’t knock first. It’s about a campground with teeth and one strong campground manager.
I’m going back to start with Book One. Because there are stories here buried in moss, and tangled in chains, and carved into the spine of this cursed little campground.
Don’t worry this book isn’t too scary. It’s not the kind of story that keeps you up out of fear, exactly. More like the kind that keeps you up because it feels alive. Like a campfire tale told just a little too well. It’s fun, it’s strange, it crackles with something old and clever. You find yourself leaning in, smiling at the weird bits, and then pausing just for a moment when a branch snaps in the dark outside your window. Not scared. Just… alert. Because some stories make the night feel louder.
Thank you to NetGalley, Saga Press, and the author Bonnie Quinn for the ARC. I can’t wait to see what comes next and what comes crawling out of the woods next time.
May 18, 2021
Read this one on Reddit and it was just as perfect as the first one - The Man with No Shadow! This one had so many twists and turns and a VERY surprising ending. The author is just an exceptional writer.
Can’t recommend this enough - especially for all horror story lovers!
Can’t recommend this enough - especially for all horror story lovers!
September 21, 2025
Thank you NetGallery for the eARC!
What a wonderful sequel! Truthfully, I found myself having enjoyed the first book more, but I was glad to be back in this world again. This time around felt much more focused on an actual plot progression. This had its benefits, but I think I enjoyed the first book more with its lack of coherent plot. I really enjoyed the gore aspect this time around, especially with the Harvesters. There is so much creativity with the creatures in this world that I really love. I cannot wait for the next book!!
What a wonderful sequel! Truthfully, I found myself having enjoyed the first book more, but I was glad to be back in this world again. This time around felt much more focused on an actual plot progression. This had its benefits, but I think I enjoyed the first book more with its lack of coherent plot. I really enjoyed the gore aspect this time around, especially with the Harvesters. There is so much creativity with the creatures in this world that I really love. I cannot wait for the next book!!
December 19, 2025
{thanks to Netgalley for the ARC}
This series is so good, and this continuation of the story added so much to so many characters and so many aspects of the setting. For a series i originally picked up based on pretty cover art, I really lucked out. I imagine it must’ve been so fun to read it in its original format on reddit, though the impatient part of me is happy to have books to mow through. I can’t wait for book 3!!!
This series is so good, and this continuation of the story added so much to so many characters and so many aspects of the setting. For a series i originally picked up based on pretty cover art, I really lucked out. I imagine it must’ve been so fun to read it in its original format on reddit, though the impatient part of me is happy to have books to mow through. I can’t wait for book 3!!!
December 15, 2025
RTC as this was an arc!
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Overall I enjoyed this book and like where the series is headed. Buuuut this wasn't as good as the first one. There's something about it that feels more surface level, even with the world building that's actually happening. It's that the side characters and side stories -- the medieval/renaissance sword fighting going on at the camp feels less fleshed out overall as where it would have had more in the first book. It can be lifted out and the story really doesn't change.
I like Kate overall, I like the old sheriff and his wife. I also really love these covers! But as it took me 2.5 months to finish the book -- which I did more so because I was on a flight. I'm definitely excited for book 3...but if it's more of a similar story line to book 2, it won't be enough for me.
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Overall I enjoyed this book and like where the series is headed. Buuuut this wasn't as good as the first one. There's something about it that feels more surface level, even with the world building that's actually happening. It's that the side characters and side stories -- the medieval/renaissance sword fighting going on at the camp feels less fleshed out overall as where it would have had more in the first book. It can be lifted out and the story really doesn't change.
I like Kate overall, I like the old sheriff and his wife. I also really love these covers! But as it took me 2.5 months to finish the book -- which I did more so because I was on a flight. I'm definitely excited for book 3...but if it's more of a similar story line to book 2, it won't be enough for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much NetGalley and S&S/Saga Press for this ARC!
As if the past year hadn't been awful enough, the monsters are at it again. And so, so much worse. When a new inhuman creature appears, causing trouble not only with the campers but also with the other creatures, Kate needs to figure things out as fast as possible. While, of course, also trying to change her way to handle things - with a kinder, more attentive approach. A "let's not jump to murder right away" kind of approach.
We are introduced to new creatures. We learn a bit more about the family and the land and everything that comes with it. It's sad stuff, let me warn you. Kate's family might be huge, as she keeps reminding us, but the ones that are actually willing to help are so very few. It certainly doesn't make it easier that the ones that are willing keep... well, becoming unavailable in a more permanent way. It breaks my heart for her. If her family is so big you'd think there be more people wanting to step in, but no. Not at all.
I like how she's trying so hard, trying to be more empathetic and trust that there is hope. That people can be saved despite the odds. How she starts to actually ask for help and not do everything by herself. I love seeing her recruit inhumans for tasks, even letting the campers deal with some stuff themselves. It's a nice change from the first book, and I can't wait to see how it develops in the next books of the series.
This book is funny and creepy and super weird - an amazing combination in my opinion - and I'd say it can be quite a palate cleanser from when you're feeling the slump coming after a heavy read. I don't mean it's all smooth sailing. I cried reading The Man with No Shadow and I cried reading The Lady in Chains. There's tension and uneasiness. There's sadness and anger. But the story flows so well and the plot keeps you so invested. There's a lot of mixed feelings too... not everything is black and white, you know? You can hate and love a character at the same time.
I'm super curious to learn more about Sorcha. I love that she takes a bigger role here, and I hope she keeps appearing more and more. I'm so curious and excited to learn more about her and the Old Sheriff. I have many theories regarding them and Kate's fate. My brain is working overtime thinking of all the possibilites.
I honestly cannot wait to read more about the camp and everyone (and everything) in it.
The first book was funnier, maybe because things were not as tense and serious. But this second one is not that far behind. It's campy horror comedy at its finest, and I'm finding this genre to be one of my favorites. If you know any other book that's similar to this one, please send it my way. I'm literally obsessed. It's a very fun read, but maybe not for everyone since it is very disgusting at times (for this one specifically, spiders-haters beware: there are many, many creepy spiders). Nothing too graphic, I think, but it did make me grimace enough for my brother to notice and comment; "you keep making weird faces when you read", he said. Well, sorry if I can't keep a straight face when someone is literally puking their stomach out!
That being said, I loved it. Great read.
TW: Death, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
As if the past year hadn't been awful enough, the monsters are at it again. And so, so much worse. When a new inhuman creature appears, causing trouble not only with the campers but also with the other creatures, Kate needs to figure things out as fast as possible. While, of course, also trying to change her way to handle things - with a kinder, more attentive approach. A "let's not jump to murder right away" kind of approach.
We are introduced to new creatures. We learn a bit more about the family and the land and everything that comes with it. It's sad stuff, let me warn you. Kate's family might be huge, as she keeps reminding us, but the ones that are actually willing to help are so very few. It certainly doesn't make it easier that the ones that are willing keep... well, becoming unavailable in a more permanent way. It breaks my heart for her. If her family is so big you'd think there be more people wanting to step in, but no. Not at all.
I like how she's trying so hard, trying to be more empathetic and trust that there is hope. That people can be saved despite the odds. How she starts to actually ask for help and not do everything by herself. I love seeing her recruit inhumans for tasks, even letting the campers deal with some stuff themselves. It's a nice change from the first book, and I can't wait to see how it develops in the next books of the series.
This book is funny and creepy and super weird - an amazing combination in my opinion - and I'd say it can be quite a palate cleanser from when you're feeling the slump coming after a heavy read. I don't mean it's all smooth sailing. I cried reading The Man with No Shadow and I cried reading The Lady in Chains. There's tension and uneasiness. There's sadness and anger. But the story flows so well and the plot keeps you so invested. There's a lot of mixed feelings too... not everything is black and white, you know? You can hate and love a character at the same time.
I'm super curious to learn more about Sorcha. I love that she takes a bigger role here, and I hope she keeps appearing more and more. I'm so curious and excited to learn more about her and the Old Sheriff. I have many theories regarding them and Kate's fate. My brain is working overtime thinking of all the possibilites.
I honestly cannot wait to read more about the camp and everyone (and everything) in it.
The first book was funnier, maybe because things were not as tense and serious. But this second one is not that far behind. It's campy horror comedy at its finest, and I'm finding this genre to be one of my favorites. If you know any other book that's similar to this one, please send it my way. I'm literally obsessed. It's a very fun read, but maybe not for everyone since it is very disgusting at times (for this one specifically, spiders-haters beware: there are many, many creepy spiders). Nothing too graphic, I think, but it did make me grimace enough for my brother to notice and comment; "you keep making weird faces when you read", he said. Well, sorry if I can't keep a straight face when someone is literally puking their stomach out!
That being said, I loved it. Great read.
TW: Death, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
November 5, 2025
If you like stories about the fae — or other similarly inhuman things with inhuman rules, rituals and rages — then you might really enjoy this book. There’s a lot of unnecessary death and violence as Kate keeps the untamed land of her campground open to let people wander through it, and into a variety of deaths, dismemberments and tortures. And … Kate doesn’t care. All of those missing campers paid up front, and this keeps the various monsters and magical creatures more or less content, so no harm, no foul.
This isn’t really a story where you root for anyone; it’s more a collection of unpleasant happenings you read about, and two characters trying to kill each other while you try to figure out if you really want Kate to win, or if you’d rather she ended up spider food. The best part of this book isn’t really the story, or the character, it’s the world building.
The little girl who cries outside the house and who — given an open door or window — will come in and slaughter someone; the frost that stalks campers in their tents; the dancers, the Harvesters, all of them are given just enough detail to be interesting, but never enough to be really fleshed out.
The writing is fine, the pace is lightning fast, and the book feels very much like it’s making everything up as it goes along with no real plot or purpose beyond Kate watching people die and not caring, or Kate letting people die and not caring, or Kate ignoring everyone and everything in favor of getting her own way. If you like Kate, you’ll have a great time with this book. If you like inhuman monsters, you might be interested in this book.
But if you want interesting characters, complex world building, a plot … you might want to pass on this one, or — if you do decide to give it a chance — pick it up from your library before buying. Thank you very much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
This isn’t really a story where you root for anyone; it’s more a collection of unpleasant happenings you read about, and two characters trying to kill each other while you try to figure out if you really want Kate to win, or if you’d rather she ended up spider food. The best part of this book isn’t really the story, or the character, it’s the world building.
The little girl who cries outside the house and who — given an open door or window — will come in and slaughter someone; the frost that stalks campers in their tents; the dancers, the Harvesters, all of them are given just enough detail to be interesting, but never enough to be really fleshed out.
The writing is fine, the pace is lightning fast, and the book feels very much like it’s making everything up as it goes along with no real plot or purpose beyond Kate watching people die and not caring, or Kate letting people die and not caring, or Kate ignoring everyone and everything in favor of getting her own way. If you like Kate, you’ll have a great time with this book. If you like inhuman monsters, you might be interested in this book.
But if you want interesting characters, complex world building, a plot … you might want to pass on this one, or — if you do decide to give it a chance — pick it up from your library before buying. Thank you very much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
September 18, 2025
🏕⛓️
I'm in love with How to Survive Camping series and Bonnie Quinn writing style! I've read it in a day!
Chapter names are an amazing addition to the gorgeousness of the book's scructure along with the season entries, and the general narration.
You might think it will be repetitive and while it does follow the general scheme of the Man with No Shadow, it is different in so many details that matter.
We start from a different season, covering a bit shorter period of time (Spring - Summer). We also see a new approach to solving problems, get more involved with campers (both senior and first-time enthusiasts), and despite having a huge and some smaller entities creating trouble again, their differences with the creatures from the first book make the story shine in absolutely new colours. Here Kate also struggles with the impossible task of understanding whom can she trust and if anyone at all.
I loved how we get more of the family history, as mentioned more connections with visitors, and... the Man with the Skull Cup is my great love. Their interractions with Kate were some of my favorit moments in the book along with the jokes going around about those two.
There were a lot of really fun moments, impossibly atmospheric ones, as well as the great plot and wonderful characters. Sooo, I said it before and I'll say it again, this horror-ish kind of folklore fiction is the best there is for my taste and I'm absolutely in love! Camping, College, I need them all here with me 🖤
- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and Saga Press for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
I'm in love with How to Survive Camping series and Bonnie Quinn writing style! I've read it in a day!
Chapter names are an amazing addition to the gorgeousness of the book's scructure along with the season entries, and the general narration.
You might think it will be repetitive and while it does follow the general scheme of the Man with No Shadow, it is different in so many details that matter.
We start from a different season, covering a bit shorter period of time (Spring - Summer). We also see a new approach to solving problems, get more involved with campers (both senior and first-time enthusiasts), and despite having a huge and some smaller entities creating trouble again, their differences with the creatures from the first book make the story shine in absolutely new colours. Here Kate also struggles with the impossible task of understanding whom can she trust and if anyone at all.
I loved how we get more of the family history, as mentioned more connections with visitors, and... the Man with the Skull Cup is my great love. Their interractions with Kate were some of my favorit moments in the book along with the jokes going around about those two.
There were a lot of really fun moments, impossibly atmospheric ones, as well as the great plot and wonderful characters. Sooo, I said it before and I'll say it again, this horror-ish kind of folklore fiction is the best there is for my taste and I'm absolutely in love! Camping, College, I need them all here with me 🖤
- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and Saga Press for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
December 10, 2025
3.5
How To Survive Camping: The Lady In Chains takes the concept of camping in the woods and turns it into an Eldritch nightmare of neverending chaos where you can have your arts and crafts with a side of flesh eating, face stealing, monsters.
I don't think I'd personally be setting up a tent in this camp, with too many rules on how to survive, I'd definitely be eaten by something.
I understand this series began as long form blog posts and YouTube videos originating on Reddit r/nosleep, which might be why it took me so long to really get into the writing style of this book. It felt like the written form of a podcast series in the same vein as Welcome To Night Vale or The Magnus Archives.
I liked the story but maybe I would have enjoyed it more in its original Reddit format as a serialization, like it was intended to be consumed, getting a little glimpse into mini stories of the camp each week rather than as one larger novel.
I don't know, I just found myself losing interest in the overarching story as I wanted to see more of the side and background characters but each chapter felt like a jarring skip to a new time or location rather than a smooth and cohesive progression.
That being said there was a slew of intriguing creatures, Eldritch terrors, and all around creepy crawly monsters that carried the horror of this book and the humor throughout the terror led to an entertaining read.
How To Survive Camping: The Lady In Chains takes the concept of camping in the woods and turns it into an Eldritch nightmare of neverending chaos where you can have your arts and crafts with a side of flesh eating, face stealing, monsters.
I don't think I'd personally be setting up a tent in this camp, with too many rules on how to survive, I'd definitely be eaten by something.
I understand this series began as long form blog posts and YouTube videos originating on Reddit r/nosleep, which might be why it took me so long to really get into the writing style of this book. It felt like the written form of a podcast series in the same vein as Welcome To Night Vale or The Magnus Archives.
I liked the story but maybe I would have enjoyed it more in its original Reddit format as a serialization, like it was intended to be consumed, getting a little glimpse into mini stories of the camp each week rather than as one larger novel.
I don't know, I just found myself losing interest in the overarching story as I wanted to see more of the side and background characters but each chapter felt like a jarring skip to a new time or location rather than a smooth and cohesive progression.
That being said there was a slew of intriguing creatures, Eldritch terrors, and all around creepy crawly monsters that carried the horror of this book and the humor throughout the terror led to an entertaining read.
done-with
October 15, 2025I was so excited for this title when I first requested it. I got approved, then realized it was the second in series (why oh why don't publishers/NetGalley routinely disclose this upfront?) and headed to my library to find the first. The descriptions consider these "cozy horror". I think that's more than a bit of a misnomer. I saw one reviewer call it "cottageGore" and that's way more accurate to my mind...
This is a very cool and fun concept, and if it was a bit cozier I think it would have been a much better fit for me. As it was, the gruesomeness of the first book took me by surprise. So did the disjointed nature of the narrative, until I realized this story started life on Reddit. If I'd known that going in, it would have helped, because my expectations would have been different.
This second book was somewhat less disjointed and felt much more polished, but it also felt like a rehash of the first book albeit with a tighter edit. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to keep me engaged. It felt like I'd just read the book, just with different bad guys and campers... Kate is a fine protagonist and her campground and family drama are really cool ideas, but they still feel a little unfinished to me - and that's where the books lose me. The series wasn't a great fit for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
This is a very cool and fun concept, and if it was a bit cozier I think it would have been a much better fit for me. As it was, the gruesomeness of the first book took me by surprise. So did the disjointed nature of the narrative, until I realized this story started life on Reddit. If I'd known that going in, it would have helped, because my expectations would have been different.
This second book was somewhat less disjointed and felt much more polished, but it also felt like a rehash of the first book albeit with a tighter edit. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to keep me engaged. It felt like I'd just read the book, just with different bad guys and campers... Kate is a fine protagonist and her campground and family drama are really cool ideas, but they still feel a little unfinished to me - and that's where the books lose me. The series wasn't a great fit for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
October 7, 2025
I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley. No special consideration was offered or expected.
I first heard about this book through one of my favorite creators. The title was intriguing, so I rquested and received a copy. Once I did I quickly realized that this book was a sequel to another book. I was enjoying this book so much that I went back, bought, and read the first book before I continued on with this book.
I had expect something a bit funnier, and a bit cozier, but I wasn't at all dissapoined when this turned out to not be the case. This book is such a exicitng blend of the horror, and some truly scary moments, and what impact that has on the characters, their friends, family, and their community. It really digs into the main characters trauma, and how that informs how she reacts to eveything that happens. The charatcers both human, and non human, are richly developed, and compex. It makes the story feel that much more alive. I never felt like I could guess what was going to happen next, and even when the characters frustrated me, I could understand what made them react the way they did. I am very excited to read more from this author.
I first heard about this book through one of my favorite creators. The title was intriguing, so I rquested and received a copy. Once I did I quickly realized that this book was a sequel to another book. I was enjoying this book so much that I went back, bought, and read the first book before I continued on with this book.
I had expect something a bit funnier, and a bit cozier, but I wasn't at all dissapoined when this turned out to not be the case. This book is such a exicitng blend of the horror, and some truly scary moments, and what impact that has on the characters, their friends, family, and their community. It really digs into the main characters trauma, and how that informs how she reacts to eveything that happens. The charatcers both human, and non human, are richly developed, and compex. It makes the story feel that much more alive. I never felt like I could guess what was going to happen next, and even when the characters frustrated me, I could understand what made them react the way they did. I am very excited to read more from this author.
October 1, 2025
This series is always a fun time! It’s spooky and enthralling, with creatures that are both genuinely monstrous but somehow endearing. Makes me realize that I would not be as cut out as Kate if I were the camp manager. The moment one of those creatures do something mildly kind, I’d be completely trusting only to be COMPLETELY betrayed and killed. There’d be spiders crawling up my legs and chains dragging me away before I even realized what’s happening.
I really loved the underlying message that this book had. Of that, being human, or nonhuman, doesn’t always define us as good or bad. There’s no definitive line between the two. We are all a little bit monstrous and monsters can have some kindness just the same.
Also, always love The Man with the Skull Cap. Is that problematic? Maybe.. And yes, I know, I know. There is probably… (please) not going to be a romance with him and Kate, but a girl can be a little delulu can’t she?
Overall I will be rating this book a 3.5!! And as always thank you so much to Netgalley for the arc!! ✨
I really loved the underlying message that this book had. Of that, being human, or nonhuman, doesn’t always define us as good or bad. There’s no definitive line between the two. We are all a little bit monstrous and monsters can have some kindness just the same.
Also, always love The Man with the Skull Cap. Is that problematic? Maybe.. And yes, I know, I know. There is probably… (please) not going to be a romance with him and Kate, but a girl can be a little delulu can’t she?
Overall I will be rating this book a 3.5!! And as always thank you so much to Netgalley for the arc!! ✨
September 25, 2025
If you’re looking for the feeling of spooky stories to tell around a campfire that reads like a novel, you’ve found the right book! How to Survive Camping: The Lady in Chains provides a semi-spooky and thrilling read.
We follow campground owner Kate through the different seasons of the campground and its events (brilliant way to title the sections of the book). Learning more about the in-human campground inhabitants and why their rules were made, and how they affect all the different types of campers we meet.
Overall thoughts:
If you’re not comfortable with creepy crawlies and some death, stray from the book. That type of fiction is right up my alley though and I throughly enjoyed this read. It got me in the mood for the darker side of spooky season!
Huge thanks to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
We follow campground owner Kate through the different seasons of the campground and its events (brilliant way to title the sections of the book). Learning more about the in-human campground inhabitants and why their rules were made, and how they affect all the different types of campers we meet.
Overall thoughts:
If you’re not comfortable with creepy crawlies and some death, stray from the book. That type of fiction is right up my alley though and I throughly enjoyed this read. It got me in the mood for the darker side of spooky season!
Huge thanks to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
October 19, 2021
This is the second book in the series. If you haven't read the first one, do so now. This one could stand alone, but you'll miss a lot of background information. Plus, you'll miss out on the beginning of the arc that this series tells.
For the middle part of a trilogy, this book is just as strong as the first. The main story line has so many twists, as well as depth. Relationships are made, some broken, a couple change, and at least one evolves. Kate learns more about the campground, and its inhabitants.
What I really like is how the author uses myths and legends in unique ways. It's all very interesting, and I love finding out how the creatures on the campground fit into the picture.
Fresh, fun, heart wrenching, poignant. Looking forward to the next book.
For the middle part of a trilogy, this book is just as strong as the first. The main story line has so many twists, as well as depth. Relationships are made, some broken, a couple change, and at least one evolves. Kate learns more about the campground, and its inhabitants.
What I really like is how the author uses myths and legends in unique ways. It's all very interesting, and I love finding out how the creatures on the campground fit into the picture.
Fresh, fun, heart wrenching, poignant. Looking forward to the next book.
December 21, 2022
This series was a lot of fun. A campground manager tells you about her life on "old land", blog-style. From the routine camping rules and tasks, like planning enough space for tents and ropes, to more site specific rules, like fairy rings and things that get into your tent at night and mimic the voices of those you know. Actually read all of these on reddit's r/nosleep, after a recommendation from a friend. Only then noticed they're also available in a sort of ebook format. It's very much a "entity of the week" formula, with an overarching plot that gets more relevant as time goes on. Expect lots of different types of folklore, folkloric fiction, and popculture references. There is a lot of violence.
September 29, 2025
I saw this series mentioned in a thriller group I’m in and thought it sounded interesting so when I saw the second in the series available for ARC review, I decided to request it. I have been struggling to get through it so I thought trying the first in the series might help but I quickly realized it’s not the book that’s not working for me; it’s the subject matter and writing style. I have no imagination so it’s difficult to understand and keep track of the various things that are going bump in the night. The choppy writing style isn’t drawing me in and keeping me interested. While the setting is fascinating and the world building is unique, it’s not for me.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
November 5, 2025
Kate is back in the second How to Survive Camping. This go around, it is a bad year. Monsters are acting strangely, campers are dying, and a new (and old) monster is terrorizing the woods.
This second installment of the How to Survive Camping series was just as fun as the first and is pretty much a continuation- just with higher stakes. Interesting monsters, a main character to root for, and a promise of more cozy horror fun in the future make this a must read if you enjoyed the first one. I will definitely be picking up more How to Survive Camping in the future (and hopefully will get to read them while camping; it just adds a little extra to the reading experience).
I rated it 3.5/5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for the e-arc!
This second installment of the How to Survive Camping series was just as fun as the first and is pretty much a continuation- just with higher stakes. Interesting monsters, a main character to root for, and a promise of more cozy horror fun in the future make this a must read if you enjoyed the first one. I will definitely be picking up more How to Survive Camping in the future (and hopefully will get to read them while camping; it just adds a little extra to the reading experience).
I rated it 3.5/5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for the e-arc!
December 4, 2025
How to Survive Camping: The Lady in Chains by Bonnie Quinn picks up after the first book so you do need to read that one to understand this one.
This one continues to follow Kate as she continues to have issues with monsters living on her campgrounds. This one still has that slightly episodic feel that the first book had but it also has a plot woven through it that forms the major story arc for the book.
I’m such a huge fan of this series. It’s exactly what I want with something marketed as cozy horror. It’s a little goofy and a little spooky with characters you can help but love (looking at you, Man with The Skull Cup). I would love to see this series adapted into a graphic novel series! It would be so fun.
I’ll continue to read this series because it just scratches such a particular place on my brain. There are great messages about love, duty, and sacrifice and what that means to different people. I love learning more about the lore of the world and can’t wait for the next book!
This one continues to follow Kate as she continues to have issues with monsters living on her campgrounds. This one still has that slightly episodic feel that the first book had but it also has a plot woven through it that forms the major story arc for the book.
I’m such a huge fan of this series. It’s exactly what I want with something marketed as cozy horror. It’s a little goofy and a little spooky with characters you can help but love (looking at you, Man with The Skull Cup). I would love to see this series adapted into a graphic novel series! It would be so fun.
I’ll continue to read this series because it just scratches such a particular place on my brain. There are great messages about love, duty, and sacrifice and what that means to different people. I love learning more about the lore of the world and can’t wait for the next book!
May 31, 2021
I thought the first book was amazing and immediately fell into the second. I just can’t slow down, I’m desperate to know what happens next. I’ve got favourite characters and similar to the main character, I’ve started to see the monsters differently. They’re like sharks, some will kill for fun but for most they’re just protecting themselves and their territory or trying to eat.
My heart goes out to monsters that are hurting. To Kate as she finds out things her family have done. At a certain point it’s hard to be sure if you’re really keeping the monsters in to protect people, or if you’ve become the monster and they’re your prey.
My heart goes out to monsters that are hurting. To Kate as she finds out things her family have done. At a certain point it’s hard to be sure if you’re really keeping the monsters in to protect people, or if you’ve become the monster and they’re your prey.
September 29, 2025
This is easily my favorite new series. It's sort of cozy horror? Kate manages a campground and is making guidebooks about the inhumans and how to survive on her campgrounds. This year is a particularly bad year.
This one hit a lot for 'Do the ends justify the means.' And really focus on grief. It's spooky but not in an overly gory way. It's more atmospheric way. I really enjoyed it and couldn't wait to sit and read more of it. I kind of can't wait for more.
I want to learn more about the creatures at the campground now. Waiting for more in the series is going to be killer.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!!
This one hit a lot for 'Do the ends justify the means.' And really focus on grief. It's spooky but not in an overly gory way. It's more atmospheric way. I really enjoyed it and couldn't wait to sit and read more of it. I kind of can't wait for more.
I want to learn more about the creatures at the campground now. Waiting for more in the series is going to be killer.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!!
November 22, 2025
The Lady in Chains drags you into a world where every chapter twists in a new direction, where nothing stays safe for long. This story has no dull moments only rising pressure and sharp turns, because you don’t know who will ☠️ next. Each chapter unveils new faces, new secrets, and new reasons why her rules are the only thing keeping the campground from slipping into chaos.
Imagine living among things that shouldn’t exist. Imagine trying to keep a campground open while something inhuman watches from every corner. Could you survive it?
This book is chilling and impossible to put down. Once you begin, the tension grips you and it doesn’t let go.
Imagine living among things that shouldn’t exist. Imagine trying to keep a campground open while something inhuman watches from every corner. Could you survive it?
This book is chilling and impossible to put down. Once you begin, the tension grips you and it doesn’t let go.
September 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Lady in Chains kept me hooked with its eerie campfire atmosphere and clever weaving of myth, memory, and menace. It captures that perfect balance of creepy folklore and character-driven storytelling, making the horror feel both personal and legendary. The pacing sometimes drifts, and I wanted a little more payoff on certain mysteries, but the buildup of dread and the sharp voice of the narrator more than make up for it. A chilling addition to the How to Survive Camping saga—this one lingers like a ghost story told too close to the fire.
The Lady in Chains kept me hooked with its eerie campfire atmosphere and clever weaving of myth, memory, and menace. It captures that perfect balance of creepy folklore and character-driven storytelling, making the horror feel both personal and legendary. The pacing sometimes drifts, and I wanted a little more payoff on certain mysteries, but the buildup of dread and the sharp voice of the narrator more than make up for it. A chilling addition to the How to Survive Camping saga—this one lingers like a ghost story told too close to the fire.
August 21, 2021
STILL GOOD but also didn’t have as much of the wonder and terror of the first book. It’s not so much because of the writing but rather what happens when the world becomes less vague and more clear. I did enjoy how all the monsters were portrayed in more nuanced lights and how Kate has developed yet still remained the same at heart.
A few spelling errors but that was somewhat expected. Still going to read the next book, though!
A few spelling errors but that was somewhat expected. Still going to read the next book, though!
June 7, 2023
The improvement in focus and a tighter arc was very clear in this book, and made me appreciate it even more. Several scenes yanked at my heartstrings and killed me just a little, but it was well worth it for the ending.
The proses especially are amazing, they paint such an excellently woven picture of the monsters and what makes them terrifying and so inhuman. Especially the ancient beings, it gives in so well the making the creatures deeply unsettling.
The proses especially are amazing, they paint such an excellently woven picture of the monsters and what makes them terrifying and so inhuman. Especially the ancient beings, it gives in so well the making the creatures deeply unsettling.
September 7, 2025
I enjoyed the first one so much I asked to be am ARC reader of the sequel. I loved this book so much. It’s just as hilarious and chaotic as the first one, and I just love this campground so much. I think that Kate is such a great main character. The story was great. I wasn’t sure if it could top the first one, but this plot was crazy good. If you love campy horror or Night Vale, you really need to give this a shot.
Make sure to add this to your TBR! Coming April 2026.
Make sure to add this to your TBR! Coming April 2026.
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