Dead Happy (HappyHead, #2) by Josh Silver
on May 2, 2024
ISBN: 0593812069
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Horror, LGBTQ+, Mental Health, Psychological thriller, Suspense
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Dead Happy picks up directly at the end of the first book in this YA duology, HappyHead, with the chosen ten teens regaining consciousness on a flooding boat approaching Elmhallow. Seb has no choice but to fake a relationship with Eleanor as the teens are forced to complete increasingly disturbing and violent challenges for bloodstones under the rule of a perfectly reformed HappyHead couple. When Seb finds out that Fin is also on the island they decide to escape no matter the cost.

Dead Happy is a dark survival drama in the vein of Squid Games and the Hunger Games series with elements of horror such as torture, animal death, gaslighting, and homophobia. The romance between Seb and Fin continues to be the backbone of the duology and remains strong throughout the second novel. Dead Happy moves at a relentless pace, keeping the reader on edge throughout the novel as did HappyHead. Recommended for all teen collections where survival stories or romance are popular genres.

Reviewed by Sarah Hartje, Lewiston Public Library, Lewiston Maine