Summary:
While camping in a remote location, Maddie Davenport gathers around the fire with her friends and family to tell scary stories. Caleb, the handsome young guide, shares the local legend of the ferocious Mountain Men who hunt unsuspecting campers and leave their mark by carving grisly antlers into their victims’ foreheads.
The next day, the story comes true.
Now Maddie and her family are lost in the deep woods – with no way out – being stalked by their worst nightmares. There were other, more horrifying stories told that night – and Maddie’s about to find out just how they end…
My Thoughts:
Campfire is a young adult horror. It reads very much like R.L. Stine’s Fear Street books. I came across this read in the Libby app. It was available to borrow when I had some free time.
The plot is very straight forward. Maddie, her family, and family friends go on a guided camping trip. All is fun and games until their campfire tales come to life. Quickly, Campfire morphs into a pulpy teen slasher with an ending I did not see coming. I think the ending alone makes Campfire worth reading. Easily in my top 10 for YA horror endings.
Campfire shines by being an approatable horror for young adults. It is spookier than a Goosebumps book, but not nearly as disturbing as adult horror novels. Really the perfect middle ground for young adult readers.
Overall, I didn’t love every minute of Campfire. I am not the target audience, so I am not shocked there were some parts I thought were cheesy. A younger reader will gobble this violent camping horror right up.
Should You Read Campfire?
I highly recommend Campfire for any younger reader who is interested in horror or someone who interested in starting to read horror.
Lit Lemon Books 