Title: If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Nightmare Creatures (Better Off Dead Series #4)

Author: Scotty Milder, Elana Gomel, Hannah O’Doom, Scott Harper, Bridgett Nelson, Brian Asman, Sandra Stephens, Henry Herz, R.E. Sargent, Red Lagoe, Frank Beghin, Kevin M. Folliard, Steven Pajak, Matthew R. Davis. Foreword by Bram Stoker nominated author Jeff Strand.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Die-Before-Wake-Nightmare-Creatures-ebook/dp/B08BY58SJW/

Summary

Your worst nightmares come true.

Razor-sharp teeth. Vicious claws. The soul-piercing eyes that stare you down right before it pounces. What will you do when it’s you against a purveyor of pure evil? You think it’s just a dream? Think again. These nightmare creatures have transcended the pages of the books they were written into, they’ve ripped their way from the silver screen, and now they are coming for you. There is nowhere to hide—they will find you. But the question remains. Do you have what it takes to conquer the beast or will you let it destroy you?

The Better Off Dead series delves into the farthest corners of your mind, where your deepest, darkest fears lurk. These masters of horror will haunt your dreams and stalk your nightmares, taking you to the edge of sanity before pushing you to the brink of madness!

With stories by Scotty Milder, Elana Gomel, Hannah O’Doom, Scott Harper, Bridgett Nelson, Brian Asman, Sandra Stephens, Henry Herz, R.E. Sargent, Red Lagoe, Frank Beghin, Kevin M. Folliard, Steven Pajak, Matthew R. Davis. Foreword by Bram Stoker nominated author Jeff Strand.

My Review

4/5 Stars

Fantastic collection of stories focusing on beasts and nightmare creatures.

Some of my favorites from the collection were:

• Scarecrow by Hannah O’Doom

A teenage girl encounters a creature who can grant every one of her wishes, giving her the edge over all of her bullies. But every wish that’s granted comes at a price. Creative and compelling.

• Jack of Spades by Kevin M. Folliard

Nothing like a card game to pass the time. Until the Jack of Spades comes looking for blood. I thought this story was the most unique one out of the bunch. Definitely did not expect the twists and turns!

• The Growth by Sandra Stephens

Body horror at its finest. Beautiful and haunting story of the horrors of a fungal growth gone too far.