Title: If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of the Otherworldly and Undead (The Better Off Dead Series Book 5)

Author: Various

Link: https://a.co/d/5mbmihd

Summary

Sometimes, the dead do come back. Sometimes, they crave your flesh…and sometimes, they desire your very soul, but they aren’t the only thing you have to fear.You don’t believe in what you can’t see, yet something is there, watching, waiting. You can feel its unholy intentions deep down in the marrow of your bones. You don’t know where it came from, but you know with every fiber of your being that it is not from this earth, and as you feel its gaze searing through your skin, you know the end just might be near.It took its last breath, you watched the dirt being shoveled onto its coffin, yet there it is, standing before you, staring you down like you’re its next meal. It’s vicious and it’s evil and even though you know—you’re absolutely positive—that the abomination before you should be dead, somehow it’s not, and its ungodly eyes are focused on you.

The Otherworldly and Undead are out there and they are coming for you. When you run—and oh, will you run—you don’t need to be the fastest…you only need to be faster than the person beside you—at least until there is no one else left. Join us for the most terrifying stories of Otherworldly and Undead beings as they stalk and torment the living, feeding off their souls and their flesh before recruiting them to eternal damnation.

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!

Contains stories by Renee M.P.T. Kray, Jeremy Megargee, Scotty Milder, Steven Pajak, Barry Charman, Red Lagoe, Richard Clive, David A. Anthony, Kristal Stittle, Scott Harper, R.E. Sargent, LP Hernandez, and Bridgett Nelson.

Foreword by New York Times Bestselling Author Richard Chizmar.

My Review

5/5

Who knew stories about dead creatures could be so wild? Not me. I was simply blown away by the creative variety of stories in this collection. I went in expecting zombies and came out with a new respect for the entire trope.

A few of my favorite stories are:

1. The Magenta Room by Jeremy Megargee

Childhood nostalgia takes a dark turn when someone decides to seek out the set of one of their favorite children’s shows, The Magenta Room. They’re quick to learn that sometimes, the secrets of show business are better left off screen.

I loved how immersive the descriptions were in this one. Very easy to get lost in the creepy atmosphere. Easily my favorite of the collection.

2. Curiosity by Kristal Stittle

Stephen King had it right. Sometimes dead really is better. When Sara finds an odd glowing orb in her yard, she doesn’t think much of it. Until dead animals mysteriously rise again.

Very emotional and twisty, I loved the slow change of Sara’s character throughout the story.

3. Granny’s Gift by Renee M.P.T. Kay

After Jezz’s grandmother passes away, she can’t help but feel relieved. All her life she’s failed to meet her expectations and that’s led to nothing but arguments. So when her grandmother leaves her a doll, she’s surprised. Even more surprised to discover the grisly truth behind the gift.

I’ve never been a fan of rag dolls, and this story really emphasized how creepy they can be. Jazz is a very relatable character and the drama of being a black sheep is something many people can relate to.