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Try Not To Die #14
Try Not to Die: In Arcranium
Get ready for a heart-pounding, nightmare-inducing interactive experience.
Your name is Ray Barton
...a down-on-his-luck, twenty something, who will do anything to make a buck. Experimental drugs, blood donations, a few pricks of the needle, even becoming a human lab rat is an option when you’re broke.
And what easier way to earn a dollar than playing a video game? Did you say Virtual Reality? Did you say AI? Did you say... Arcranium?
Enter the interactive world of Arcranium, a powerful new technology that brings the imagination to life. Think VR/AI on steroids. Play as Ray, alongside seven other lucky volunteers for the chance to change your life. Enter the narrative where anything is possible; Program Director Noah Lee will be your guide on this journey, and things are bound to get bumpy along the way.
Take the leading role in numerous nightmare scenarios. As each horror unfolds, you are presented with a choice. Choose poorly and it’s game over. Creatures lurk behind every corner. Will you find your way out of Arcranium or will you become a fresh meal for the undead?
Rediscover the joys of choosing your path inside this dark and twisted tale. Try Not to In Arcranium is the latest addition to the hit series, and also a prequel to Arcranium, originally released by Towse & Manx in �23. It's a rollercoaster ride of fear and excitement that will leave you breathless until the very end.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience set inside the virtual world of Arcranium.
Courtesy Triggers include but are not limited to descriptive violence and some gore, vulgar language, mentions of drug use.
Your name is Ray Barton
...a down-on-his-luck, twenty something, who will do anything to make a buck. Experimental drugs, blood donations, a few pricks of the needle, even becoming a human lab rat is an option when you’re broke.
And what easier way to earn a dollar than playing a video game? Did you say Virtual Reality? Did you say AI? Did you say... Arcranium?
Enter the interactive world of Arcranium, a powerful new technology that brings the imagination to life. Think VR/AI on steroids. Play as Ray, alongside seven other lucky volunteers for the chance to change your life. Enter the narrative where anything is possible; Program Director Noah Lee will be your guide on this journey, and things are bound to get bumpy along the way.
Take the leading role in numerous nightmare scenarios. As each horror unfolds, you are presented with a choice. Choose poorly and it’s game over. Creatures lurk behind every corner. Will you find your way out of Arcranium or will you become a fresh meal for the undead?
Rediscover the joys of choosing your path inside this dark and twisted tale. Try Not to In Arcranium is the latest addition to the hit series, and also a prequel to Arcranium, originally released by Towse & Manx in �23. It's a rollercoaster ride of fear and excitement that will leave you breathless until the very end.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience set inside the virtual world of Arcranium.
Courtesy Triggers include but are not limited to descriptive violence and some gore, vulgar language, mentions of drug use.
- GenresHorror
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2024
12 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Daemon Manx
33books231followersDaemon Manx is an author with a backstory. He is a recovering addict who spent nearly a decade in the prison system, where he focused on recovery and learned to perfect his horror writing craft. He has been featured in magazines in the US, the UK, and Germany and, in 2021, was nominated for a Splatterpunk award for his book Abigail. Daemon is the author of the Ojanox series, endorsed by Scream Queen actress, Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp). He was a bonus round winner on the gameshow Wheel of Fortune in 1999 and is infamously known for a motor vehicle accident involving President Ronald Reagan’s limousine. After struggling with addiction and incarceration, Daemon now uses his story to illustrate the positive outcome of sobriety and offer a glimpse at what life can be like when one receives a second chance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 17, 2024
These books are always such fun. The novel Arcanium by Manx and Towse was one of my favorite audiobooks, so when I learned about the TNTD collaboration, I knew I had to read it.
This one certainly didn't disappoint. Unfortunately for me, though, I died an awful lot!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
This one certainly didn't disappoint. Unfortunately for me, though, I died an awful lot!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
December 13, 2024
When I was a child I really enjoyed choose your own adventure books, but they were nothing like this book. I died more times than I can count but I enjoyed every twist and turn.
November 30, 2024
This was my first arc reading. I really enjoyed it! First time reading an interactive book, I died so many times along the way lol. The book kept me on my toes
November 29, 2024
I would like to thank Daemon Manx and Mark Towse for this ARC.
"Get ready for a heart-pounding, nightmare-inducing interactive experience.
Your name is Ray Barton
...a down-on-his-luck, twenty something, who will do anything to make a buck. Experimental drugs, blood donations, a few pricks of the needle, even becoming a human lab rat is an option when you’re broke.
And what easier way to earn a dollar than playing a video game? Did you say Virtual Reality? Did you say AI? Did you say... Arcranium?
Enter the interactive world of Arcranium, a powerful new technology that brings the imagination to life. Think VR/AI on steroids. Play as Ray, alongside seven other lucky volunteers for the chance to change your life. Enter the narrative where anything is possible; Program Director Noah Lee will be your guide on this journey, and things are bound to get bumpy along the way.
Take the leading role in numerous nightmare scenarios. As each horror unfolds, you are presented with a choice. Choose poorly and it’s game over. Creatures lurk behind every corner. Will you find your way out of Arcranium or will you become a fresh meal for the undead?
Rediscover the joys of choosing your path inside this dark and twisted tale. Try Not to Die In Arcranium is the latest addition to the hit series, and also a prequel to Arcranium, originally released by Towse & Manx in �23. It's a rollercoaster ride of fear and excitement that will leave you breathless until the very end."
This book was a rollercoaster of a ride. Ray was launched from one horror to the next and forced to choose _______ or _______ and possibly die if he chose wrong. It was truly a nightmare inside of a nightmare. This book was beautifully written and pulled me in from the beginning. It is such a unique concept for a book and was brilliantly executed by the authors.
"Get ready for a heart-pounding, nightmare-inducing interactive experience.
Your name is Ray Barton
...a down-on-his-luck, twenty something, who will do anything to make a buck. Experimental drugs, blood donations, a few pricks of the needle, even becoming a human lab rat is an option when you’re broke.
And what easier way to earn a dollar than playing a video game? Did you say Virtual Reality? Did you say AI? Did you say... Arcranium?
Enter the interactive world of Arcranium, a powerful new technology that brings the imagination to life. Think VR/AI on steroids. Play as Ray, alongside seven other lucky volunteers for the chance to change your life. Enter the narrative where anything is possible; Program Director Noah Lee will be your guide on this journey, and things are bound to get bumpy along the way.
Take the leading role in numerous nightmare scenarios. As each horror unfolds, you are presented with a choice. Choose poorly and it’s game over. Creatures lurk behind every corner. Will you find your way out of Arcranium or will you become a fresh meal for the undead?
Rediscover the joys of choosing your path inside this dark and twisted tale. Try Not to Die In Arcranium is the latest addition to the hit series, and also a prequel to Arcranium, originally released by Towse & Manx in �23. It's a rollercoaster ride of fear and excitement that will leave you breathless until the very end."
This book was a rollercoaster of a ride. Ray was launched from one horror to the next and forced to choose _______ or _______ and possibly die if he chose wrong. It was truly a nightmare inside of a nightmare. This book was beautifully written and pulled me in from the beginning. It is such a unique concept for a book and was brilliantly executed by the authors.
November 29, 2024
Before I get into it, thanks to Mark and Daemon for the ARC!
This was so much fun! These guys have a great track record so I knew going into this that it was going to be a great time. They did not disappoint! This was fast paced, edge of your seat action the whole way through.
Going into it, I actually didn't realize it was a choose your own adventure type of book and was pleasantly surprised when I was presented with different choices to make on the characters behalf. It was very cool to see where the different options led and how it impacted the characters. I'll admit there were a few times I would go back and try different choices, even if I got it right the first time, just to see where the story went.
I don't want to go too deep into the plot other than to say that this AI/VR nightmare had so many cool scenes that almost reminded me of "Saw," meets "Black Mirror," at times (which is a compliment). If I had to offer any criticism it would just be the one, typical, gripe I have for shorter stories that I enjoy; I wish there was more!
If you're looking for an exciting read that you'll want to knock out in one sitting, this is the one. Non-stop, high stakes, action with the humor we've all come to expect from anything with the Towse name on it.
This was so much fun! These guys have a great track record so I knew going into this that it was going to be a great time. They did not disappoint! This was fast paced, edge of your seat action the whole way through.
Going into it, I actually didn't realize it was a choose your own adventure type of book and was pleasantly surprised when I was presented with different choices to make on the characters behalf. It was very cool to see where the different options led and how it impacted the characters. I'll admit there were a few times I would go back and try different choices, even if I got it right the first time, just to see where the story went.
I don't want to go too deep into the plot other than to say that this AI/VR nightmare had so many cool scenes that almost reminded me of "Saw," meets "Black Mirror," at times (which is a compliment). If I had to offer any criticism it would just be the one, typical, gripe I have for shorter stories that I enjoy; I wish there was more!
If you're looking for an exciting read that you'll want to knock out in one sitting, this is the one. Non-stop, high stakes, action with the humor we've all come to expect from anything with the Towse name on it.
November 27, 2024
This was an extremely fun interactive read based on the book, Arcanium. This brings me back to the days when I read Choose Your Own Adventure books. This is a fun story but it's made more fun when I have to make a decision on what happens next. One decision keeps the story moving while the other(s) will result in the character's death.
During the read, I counted nine deaths and I couldn't stop laughing when I ended up choosing wrong. I will tell you some of the choices are obvious but many others aren't as easy. That's what makes this interactive adventure fun, tough choices.
There is a version that shows all the correct choices if you just want to read the story from beginning to end without making any choices. However, you have to try out the interactive portion at least once and see how you do. Give it a shot and try not to die in Arcanium. However, I'm sure you will die at least five times lol.
During the read, I counted nine deaths and I couldn't stop laughing when I ended up choosing wrong. I will tell you some of the choices are obvious but many others aren't as easy. That's what makes this interactive adventure fun, tough choices.
There is a version that shows all the correct choices if you just want to read the story from beginning to end without making any choices. However, you have to try out the interactive portion at least once and see how you do. Give it a shot and try not to die in Arcanium. However, I'm sure you will die at least five times lol.
December 9, 2024
Try Not To Die: In Arcranium
by Dameon Manx & Mark Towse
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a super fun and exciting horror story! An Adult choose your own adventure/interactive experience, which is fantastic!
As the reader, we get to follow the main character Ray, who’s rather down on his luck and needing to make money. When the offer to make money by playing a virtual reality video game is presented to him, he jumps on it and we get to immerse ourselves in the horror and thrills of the game!
This story is super intense, exciting and scary! There’s lots of crazy choices to make throughout the story! It’s a book you don’t want to stop reading and I couldn’t stop dying! 😂
Thank you to Dameon Manx & Mark Towse for an arc of this really cool and unique horror book!
*It comes out December 17th! Super fun read!!*
by Dameon Manx & Mark Towse
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a super fun and exciting horror story! An Adult choose your own adventure/interactive experience, which is fantastic!
As the reader, we get to follow the main character Ray, who’s rather down on his luck and needing to make money. When the offer to make money by playing a virtual reality video game is presented to him, he jumps on it and we get to immerse ourselves in the horror and thrills of the game!
This story is super intense, exciting and scary! There’s lots of crazy choices to make throughout the story! It’s a book you don’t want to stop reading and I couldn’t stop dying! 😂
Thank you to Dameon Manx & Mark Towse for an arc of this really cool and unique horror book!
*It comes out December 17th! Super fun read!!*
November 29, 2024
The biggest thank you to Daemon Manx and Mark Towse for this Arc.
Okay so let me start out by saying this is the first interactive book I have read. I absolutely loved it!! 5⭐️I did die about 5 times, but that is the beauty of this book.
Meet Ray a guy how has no drive or no will to live a good life he is willing to make any money possible by doing Pharmaceutical trials, sperm donation, blood donations. He makes money with no strings attached.
Until one day his is approached by someone who is willing to pay Ray some good money to try a new experience.
Ray jumps at the chance and ends up with others in Arcranium to try the new experience. Each narrative has so many deadly scenarios, and things that hide in the dark. Ray has choices to make. Will he make the right choice or will he be stuck in Arcranium forever?
Okay so let me start out by saying this is the first interactive book I have read. I absolutely loved it!! 5⭐️I did die about 5 times, but that is the beauty of this book.
Meet Ray a guy how has no drive or no will to live a good life he is willing to make any money possible by doing Pharmaceutical trials, sperm donation, blood donations. He makes money with no strings attached.
Until one day his is approached by someone who is willing to pay Ray some good money to try a new experience.
Ray jumps at the chance and ends up with others in Arcranium to try the new experience. Each narrative has so many deadly scenarios, and things that hide in the dark. Ray has choices to make. Will he make the right choice or will he be stuck in Arcranium forever?
December 3, 2024
Thank you to the authors for providing a review copy.
I had such a good time with Arcranium when it came out that I knew this book would a blast. The first time I read through a TNTD book, I play honestly and always go with my first instinct. I died a few times as I played through the story, but I ended up doing really well towards the end. The second time I play through, I purposely choose the wrong answers so I can see all them possible endings. There's a lot of creativity in the world of Arcranium, in both the story and the deaths within. 4.5 stars
I had such a good time with Arcranium when it came out that I knew this book would a blast. The first time I read through a TNTD book, I play honestly and always go with my first instinct. I died a few times as I played through the story, but I ended up doing really well towards the end. The second time I play through, I purposely choose the wrong answers so I can see all them possible endings. There's a lot of creativity in the world of Arcranium, in both the story and the deaths within. 4.5 stars
November 25, 2024
FUN. EXCITING. DARK AND NOSTALGIC.
This was an ARC for me and I am appreciative of the opportunity.
Brought me back to the days of childhood where I enjoyed the choose your own adventure books. This is that, but the adults version. I was like a kid, being giddy and laughing each time I died. I definitely chose wrong quite a few times, but I was having so much fun, it didn't matter. Getting to the meat of the book though: meet Ray, a down on his luck guy who volunteers for experimental trials to earn some money. When an opportunity to earn thousands come up, he can't say no. Noah, a horror writer, is conducting an experiment involving AI and VR. Ray joins others as they navigate the world of Arcranium. The choices in the book are yours. But beware, if you die in Arcranium, you die in real life. Which door will you choose? Will you choose to work alone or with a partner? Will you help others or save yourself? Each choice leads you to a vivid world of temptation, danger and horror.... or maybe all three. This was a fun, spooky adventure, that I highly recommend. Just remember: Nothing is as it seems in Arcranium.
This was an ARC for me and I am appreciative of the opportunity.
Brought me back to the days of childhood where I enjoyed the choose your own adventure books. This is that, but the adults version. I was like a kid, being giddy and laughing each time I died. I definitely chose wrong quite a few times, but I was having so much fun, it didn't matter. Getting to the meat of the book though: meet Ray, a down on his luck guy who volunteers for experimental trials to earn some money. When an opportunity to earn thousands come up, he can't say no. Noah, a horror writer, is conducting an experiment involving AI and VR. Ray joins others as they navigate the world of Arcranium. The choices in the book are yours. But beware, if you die in Arcranium, you die in real life. Which door will you choose? Will you choose to work alone or with a partner? Will you help others or save yourself? Each choice leads you to a vivid world of temptation, danger and horror.... or maybe all three. This was a fun, spooky adventure, that I highly recommend. Just remember: Nothing is as it seems in Arcranium.
December 3, 2024
Once again the Try Not to Die series amazes! This book can be read as a standalone, however it's best read with Arcranium as this is a prequel. Spend time in the virtual reality that is Arcranium, but be sure to choose wisely as death lurks around every corner. Or be like me & purposely try to choose every death. Either way it is sure to be a read you will not forget. The Try Not To Die series is not for the faint of heart. Will you enter & never leavethe world of TNTD, or will you escape with your life? Choose wisely
November 24, 2024
So this was my first time reading an interactive book, and probably my last. I know it's in the title, but man, every choice I chose I died. That made me frustrated because I hate losing 🤣 With that said, there is a survivors version, which is just the story without the interactive piece. I appreciate that it was an option for readers.
Overall, I love the idea of the book, being able to chose what you do was really cool, I almost wish that instead of dying with certain choices, you had an alternate storyline or ending, but I'm sure that'd be a ton of work, and again, the point was try not to die.
The story is well-crafted, with plenty of suspenseful moments and unexpected twists. It was fast-paced and kept me wanting to read more to find out if I'd ever escape Arcranium.
I've enjoyed every book I've read by Mark Towse, and this is a first read for Daemon Manx, but I'll be looking more into their other novels for sure.
Overall, I love the idea of the book, being able to chose what you do was really cool, I almost wish that instead of dying with certain choices, you had an alternate storyline or ending, but I'm sure that'd be a ton of work, and again, the point was try not to die.
The story is well-crafted, with plenty of suspenseful moments and unexpected twists. It was fast-paced and kept me wanting to read more to find out if I'd ever escape Arcranium.
I've enjoyed every book I've read by Mark Towse, and this is a first read for Daemon Manx, but I'll be looking more into their other novels for sure.
December 16, 2024
I’ve yet to read a TNTD book that I haven’t loved!!
Try Not To Die in Arcranium was such fun, and quite terrifying. It had some death scenes that made me absolutely cringe, it found my weakness!
I had a ton of fun dying so many times, and some of the choices we genuinely surprising. I for sure thought I made the right call, turns out I don’t have very good survival skills.
Have you jumped into the TNTD books yet?! If not it’s time, they are such a blast!
Thank you to Mark and his team for allowing me the pleasure of an early read! I loved every bit of it!
Try Not To Die in Arcranium was such fun, and quite terrifying. It had some death scenes that made me absolutely cringe, it found my weakness!
I had a ton of fun dying so many times, and some of the choices we genuinely surprising. I for sure thought I made the right call, turns out I don’t have very good survival skills.
Have you jumped into the TNTD books yet?! If not it’s time, they are such a blast!
Thank you to Mark and his team for allowing me the pleasure of an early read! I loved every bit of it!
December 17, 2024
I will never cast aspersions at horror characters ever again. I died. A lot !
This was my first ever choose your own adventure interactive book and it was a lot of fun. I died so many times. Maybe too many times. I’m a bad loser!
Would recommend as a unique gift.
Thank you for the ARC.
This was my first ever choose your own adventure interactive book and it was a lot of fun. I died so many times. Maybe too many times. I’m a bad loser!
Would recommend as a unique gift.
Thank you for the ARC.
December 17, 2024
Ray is trying to make some quick cash by doing a test for a video game. This is no ordinary game. Ray and the others are trapped inside. Ray has choices to make to survive in Arcranium. The wrong one ends in death. Choose wisely. Unique situations full of action and tension.
December 19, 2024
Absolutely loved this book!!!! It was such a fun read! I love how it felt so real with getting to choose different paths to try and live through this book....it tested me and was so much fun! I can't believe how many times I died lol This is a definite must read!!!!
January 9, 2025
2nd favorite horror read of the year! I always die way too many times when reading TNTD books but it's worth it.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to read TNTD in ARCRANIUM.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to read TNTD in ARCRANIUM.
December 8, 2024
I consider myself fortunate enough to receive an abundance of magnificent horror gems for review. The majestic 'Try not to die : In Arcranium : An interactive adventure ' by Mark Towse and Daemon Manx is amongst the top ones and serves as a wonderful prequel to their equally phenomenal 2023 release, 'Arcranium'.
So, strap your headset on and don't forget the safe word... if you are in a condition to utter that word. Dear reader, get ready for a heart-pounding, nightmare-inducing
interactive experience.
Your name is Ray Barton ...a down-on-his-luck, twenty something, who will do anything to make a buck. Experimental drugs, blood donations, a few pricks of the needle, even becoming a human lab rat is an option when you’re broke.
And what easier way to earn a dollar than playing a video game? Did you say Virtual Reality? Did you say AI? Did you say...Arcranium?
Enter the interactive world of Arcranium, a powerful new technology that brings the imagination to life. Think VR/AI on steroids. Play as Ray, alongside seven other lucky volunteers for the chance to change your
life. Enter the narrative where anything is possible; Program Director Noah Lee
will be your guide on this journey, and things are bound to get bumpy along the
way.
Take the leading role in numerous nightmare scenarios. As each horror unfolds, you are presented with a choice. Choose poorly and it's game over. Creatures lurk behind every corner. Will you find your way out of Arcranium or will you become a fresh meal for the undead?
This tale of madness and author imagination pulls you in slowly and then it derails into terrifying territories of nightmarish landscapes of the mind.
The result is sublime indeed. The authors manage to deliver a brilliantly executed, twisted horror tale radiating 'Misery', 'Inception' and 'Existenz' with House on Haunted Hill vibes, that plays like a magnificent horror film in your head with the main characters extremely well penned and the atmosphere utterly cinematic.
As with the rest of the works of Mr Manx and Mr Towse, I am once again blown away by the prose and delivery of the story.
Trust me people, this is one hell of a thrill-ride, that you definitely do not want to get off.
So, strap your headset on and don't forget the safe word... if you are in a condition to utter that word. Dear reader, get ready for a heart-pounding, nightmare-inducing
interactive experience.
Your name is Ray Barton ...a down-on-his-luck, twenty something, who will do anything to make a buck. Experimental drugs, blood donations, a few pricks of the needle, even becoming a human lab rat is an option when you’re broke.
And what easier way to earn a dollar than playing a video game? Did you say Virtual Reality? Did you say AI? Did you say...Arcranium?
Enter the interactive world of Arcranium, a powerful new technology that brings the imagination to life. Think VR/AI on steroids. Play as Ray, alongside seven other lucky volunteers for the chance to change your
life. Enter the narrative where anything is possible; Program Director Noah Lee
will be your guide on this journey, and things are bound to get bumpy along the
way.
Take the leading role in numerous nightmare scenarios. As each horror unfolds, you are presented with a choice. Choose poorly and it's game over. Creatures lurk behind every corner. Will you find your way out of Arcranium or will you become a fresh meal for the undead?
This tale of madness and author imagination pulls you in slowly and then it derails into terrifying territories of nightmarish landscapes of the mind.
The result is sublime indeed. The authors manage to deliver a brilliantly executed, twisted horror tale radiating 'Misery', 'Inception' and 'Existenz' with House on Haunted Hill vibes, that plays like a magnificent horror film in your head with the main characters extremely well penned and the atmosphere utterly cinematic.
As with the rest of the works of Mr Manx and Mr Towse, I am once again blown away by the prose and delivery of the story.
Trust me people, this is one hell of a thrill-ride, that you definitely do not want to get off.
December 17, 2024
Bibliophilia Templum review
Try Not to Die in Arcranium . . . seriously, try. And good luck with that. Daemon Manx and Mark Towse have penned an Arcranium story for Mark Tullius’s interactive Try Not to Die series, where you choose your path and each book has one correct path through but dozens of ways to die. And there are so many gruesome ways to die in Arcranium.
The story is an engrossing, maddening, intense ride. It’s suspenseful, a bit gruesome, and full of action. It’s also cleverly written, has excellent characterization and dialogue, and is a lot of fun. Even when you die. Which I did. More than a few times. There’s a nice blend of WTF moments, full-body cringe moments, laugh-out-loud moments, exclaim-out-loud moments, and cursing your choices moments. Interestingly, a major plot point of the story is choices—“There’s always a choice, and you’re making a terrible one”—and I found that poignant and brilliantly done.
Try Not to Die in Arcranium is a prequel in the Arcranium timeline, and fans of Arcranium will love that (it’s not necessary to read Arcranium first, but it helps with the gathering of Easter Eggs). Fans of the interactive Try Not to Die series will love how twisted and relentless this story is. Fan of Arcranium but not of interactive stories? No problem. There’s a survivor version in the back just for you.
This is an entertaining, brutal, and gripping read, and a fun Try Not to Die adventure.
Try Not to Die in Arcranium . . . seriously, try. And good luck with that. Daemon Manx and Mark Towse have penned an Arcranium story for Mark Tullius’s interactive Try Not to Die series, where you choose your path and each book has one correct path through but dozens of ways to die. And there are so many gruesome ways to die in Arcranium.
The story is an engrossing, maddening, intense ride. It’s suspenseful, a bit gruesome, and full of action. It’s also cleverly written, has excellent characterization and dialogue, and is a lot of fun. Even when you die. Which I did. More than a few times. There’s a nice blend of WTF moments, full-body cringe moments, laugh-out-loud moments, exclaim-out-loud moments, and cursing your choices moments. Interestingly, a major plot point of the story is choices—“There’s always a choice, and you’re making a terrible one”—and I found that poignant and brilliantly done.
Try Not to Die in Arcranium is a prequel in the Arcranium timeline, and fans of Arcranium will love that (it’s not necessary to read Arcranium first, but it helps with the gathering of Easter Eggs). Fans of the interactive Try Not to Die series will love how twisted and relentless this story is. Fan of Arcranium but not of interactive stories? No problem. There’s a survivor version in the back just for you.
This is an entertaining, brutal, and gripping read, and a fun Try Not to Die adventure.
December 13, 2024
*4.5 stars*
Ray Barton is used to finding anything he can do to quickly make money, mostly relying on medical testing and various paid donations to make it day to day. When a stranger walks up to him and offers him a three thousand dollar payment for one day of unknown work, he jumps at the opportunity.
He arrives the next day to find several other paid volunteers. They discover that they'll be in a prototype for a virtual reality world called Arcranium. It's not until they enter that they realize what a deadly mistake they made.
I didn't get a chance to read Arcranium before this like I wanted to (thanks, crazy holiday season and numerous concerts/school events), but that didn't take away from my experience with TNTD. It would have helped to see any easter eggs in the book, so I'm going to read it again when I finish the original and choose the options that I didn't find naturally.
Speaking of deaths - I always read these like I'm truly trying to survive. I never do. This time I died 8 times before getting to the (rather shocking) ending. I'm honestly surprised that I didn't hit double digits, especially with the way my choices seemed to head. Those three option choices really get me.
All in all, yet another enjoyable and fun entry in the TNTD series!!
Ray Barton is used to finding anything he can do to quickly make money, mostly relying on medical testing and various paid donations to make it day to day. When a stranger walks up to him and offers him a three thousand dollar payment for one day of unknown work, he jumps at the opportunity.
He arrives the next day to find several other paid volunteers. They discover that they'll be in a prototype for a virtual reality world called Arcranium. It's not until they enter that they realize what a deadly mistake they made.
I didn't get a chance to read Arcranium before this like I wanted to (thanks, crazy holiday season and numerous concerts/school events), but that didn't take away from my experience with TNTD. It would have helped to see any easter eggs in the book, so I'm going to read it again when I finish the original and choose the options that I didn't find naturally.
Speaking of deaths - I always read these like I'm truly trying to survive. I never do. This time I died 8 times before getting to the (rather shocking) ending. I'm honestly surprised that I didn't hit double digits, especially with the way my choices seemed to head. Those three option choices really get me.
All in all, yet another enjoyable and fun entry in the TNTD series!!
December 21, 2024
As a first-time reader of the Try Not to Die series, Arcranium was a thrilling and unique dive into the world of interactive horror. Reminiscent of the choose your own adventure books I loved as a kid, this book takes it to a whole new level, bringing a fresh, immersive twist to the genre.
In TNTD in Arcranium, you play as Ray, entering a strange and unsettling world where the boundaries of reality are blurred, and the choices you make have life or death consequences. The constant tension of trying to make the right decision knowing that one wrong move could result in your character’s demise is fun and entertaining. I died many times, but that’s part of the fun. It’s a book that makes you second guess yourself until the end.
The setting of TNTD in Arcranium itself is truly haunting. The atmosphere is eerie and constantly shifts, making you question what’s real and what isn’t. The terror builds with each page as you uncover more about the twisted world Ray is trapped in. It draws you into its dark, surreal narrative.
TNTD in Arcranium is a fun read full of mind-bending twists that keep you on your toes. If you're looking for a horror experience that’s interactive and unpredictable, TNTD in Arcranium is worth diving into.
In TNTD in Arcranium, you play as Ray, entering a strange and unsettling world where the boundaries of reality are blurred, and the choices you make have life or death consequences. The constant tension of trying to make the right decision knowing that one wrong move could result in your character’s demise is fun and entertaining. I died many times, but that’s part of the fun. It’s a book that makes you second guess yourself until the end.
The setting of TNTD in Arcranium itself is truly haunting. The atmosphere is eerie and constantly shifts, making you question what’s real and what isn’t. The terror builds with each page as you uncover more about the twisted world Ray is trapped in. It draws you into its dark, surreal narrative.
TNTD in Arcranium is a fun read full of mind-bending twists that keep you on your toes. If you're looking for a horror experience that’s interactive and unpredictable, TNTD in Arcranium is worth diving into.
December 1, 2024
Okay so I'm not new to this, and I always love these so maybe I'm bias, but the nostalgia factor plus this being waaay more adult centered then the CYOA make these so freaking much fun.
But the part I really like is how they are built using a actual horror novel, and if you are like me, you have to read the orginal book, so you can see show you would actually fair in the book.
How many times do you do or will you die?
I counted 7 deaths for me on this one, and every single one of them gave me a scream 😂.
The story itself?
Also a ride, you get to jump into the story and you are basically a uh not so lucky guy named Ray who as the story always goes, just need some money, don't we all.
Our man is already used to hustling, drug trials, donating plasma the works, so finding a thing to make money and all you have to do is play a video game?
Done and sold. ( I love video game / tech horror)
But anything can happen once inside and remember, this is a horror story, not a hopeful ray of sunshine one.. So watch your step or should I say choice...
Ty guys for letting me read this!!!
But the part I really like is how they are built using a actual horror novel, and if you are like me, you have to read the orginal book, so you can see show you would actually fair in the book.
How many times do you do or will you die?
I counted 7 deaths for me on this one, and every single one of them gave me a scream 😂.
The story itself?
Also a ride, you get to jump into the story and you are basically a uh not so lucky guy named Ray who as the story always goes, just need some money, don't we all.
Our man is already used to hustling, drug trials, donating plasma the works, so finding a thing to make money and all you have to do is play a video game?
Done and sold. ( I love video game / tech horror)
But anything can happen once inside and remember, this is a horror story, not a hopeful ray of sunshine one.. So watch your step or should I say choice...
Ty guys for letting me read this!!!
December 15, 2024
Within the first dozen or so pages of “TRY NOT TO DIE In Arcranium� I found myself laughing out loud. I knew at that point that the trio; Daemon Manx, Mark Towse, and Mark Tullius had created something really special with this addition to the TNTD series. Arcranium is a game of uncertainty. As you flip through the story of Acranium, you and the characters are in a constant state of questioning if what is happening is part of the game or if it is reality and honestly it doesn’t matter because death is the end of existence in either. As it is said; in the story - “There’s always a choice, and you’re making a terrible one.� Yup, that is exactly how this book has been going for me. I keep making horrible choices, and have died a handful of times. Dying has never been so much fun. Not to worry if you also make a wrong choice like all TNTD books, you will get the chance to choose again and continue on with the adventure. I love, love, love these books and this story line has been so blood fun. So get in the game and see how well you choose and be prepared to die one way or another in Arcranium.
January 10, 2025
A Fun Interactive Trill
"Try Not to Die: In Arcranium" by Mark Towse and Demon Manx is a wild, interactive thrill ride that challenges your instincts at every turn. From the first page, you're immersed in a dark and twisted world where every choice feels like a life-or-death decision.
The book’s interactive structure kept me hooked, constantly questioning my choices and second-guessing my instincts. The writing is sharp and atmospheric, drawing you into Arcranium’s sinister landscape. Towse and Manx’s collaborative effort results in a compelling blend of horror and suspense, with enough twists to keep even the most seasoned readers guessing.
What I loved most was the pacing—every chapter felt like a new layer of danger and mystery. The choices felt meaningful, with genuine consequences that made me eager to revisit the story and see what might have happened if I’d chosen differently.
This book is perfect for fans of interactive storytelling, horror, or anyone looking for an adrenaline-fueled reading experience. Just be prepared to test your nerves—because in Arcranium, survival is anything but guaranteed.
Would highly recommend!
"Try Not to Die: In Arcranium" by Mark Towse and Demon Manx is a wild, interactive thrill ride that challenges your instincts at every turn. From the first page, you're immersed in a dark and twisted world where every choice feels like a life-or-death decision.
The book’s interactive structure kept me hooked, constantly questioning my choices and second-guessing my instincts. The writing is sharp and atmospheric, drawing you into Arcranium’s sinister landscape. Towse and Manx’s collaborative effort results in a compelling blend of horror and suspense, with enough twists to keep even the most seasoned readers guessing.
What I loved most was the pacing—every chapter felt like a new layer of danger and mystery. The choices felt meaningful, with genuine consequences that made me eager to revisit the story and see what might have happened if I’d chosen differently.
This book is perfect for fans of interactive storytelling, horror, or anyone looking for an adrenaline-fueled reading experience. Just be prepared to test your nerves—because in Arcranium, survival is anything but guaranteed.
Would highly recommend!
December 13, 2024
First I would like to thank Daemon Manx and Mark Towse for selecting me to ARC read. This was my first time doing that and it was amazing!
I was nervous about the choose your own adventure on the Kindle but it was so easy to do. Being able to choose your way to freedom or bad things was fun and keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I cannot wait to read more from this series!
I would also like to say this was my first “TNTD� book and I had no problem following everything that was happening. I am sure there were some mentions from other books that I possibly missed, which just makes me want to read more of them even more! I made the wrong choice a good amount of time and was taken back and try again. Sometimes I went through every choice before I got it right. I would laugh every time I failed and sometimes if I went with my gut choice I would have survived longer.
If you are looking for a book to keep you hooked the entire time then this is the one for you. It is fast paced and will having feeling like you are in a crazy dream most of the time.
I was nervous about the choose your own adventure on the Kindle but it was so easy to do. Being able to choose your way to freedom or bad things was fun and keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I cannot wait to read more from this series!
I would also like to say this was my first “TNTD� book and I had no problem following everything that was happening. I am sure there were some mentions from other books that I possibly missed, which just makes me want to read more of them even more! I made the wrong choice a good amount of time and was taken back and try again. Sometimes I went through every choice before I got it right. I would laugh every time I failed and sometimes if I went with my gut choice I would have survived longer.
If you are looking for a book to keep you hooked the entire time then this is the one for you. It is fast paced and will having feeling like you are in a crazy dream most of the time.
December 13, 2024
When I initially accepted the invite for this book, I did not realize that it is a Choose Your Own Adventure book. Any books from Manx and Towse are instant reads, no questions asked. Once I downloaded and opened the book and realized its interactive, I was very excited to read it and managed to read it in one afternoon.
This book was everything I thought it would be and more. Having read the previous book by the duo, I kind of knew what I was getting into, but this book took it up a notch. Entertaining, gross, and the chance to "die" at any moment, you will not be bored with this book. I'm pretty sure I "died" at least 7 times.
The book centers around Ray, who is always looking for a way to make a fast buck. This time though, he's in over his head. He's been involved in countless drug trial experiments; blood donations and this time he's asked to just spend an afternoon playing a video game to earn $3,000. Sounds pretty mundane, right? The video game in question is interactive and game director Noah Lee has many dark and scary things in store for Ray and the other participants. Can Ray play the game, escape and earn the money? Find out in this super fun, interactive book that will keep you guessing until the very end. I received this book free from the author for an honest review.
This book was everything I thought it would be and more. Having read the previous book by the duo, I kind of knew what I was getting into, but this book took it up a notch. Entertaining, gross, and the chance to "die" at any moment, you will not be bored with this book. I'm pretty sure I "died" at least 7 times.
The book centers around Ray, who is always looking for a way to make a fast buck. This time though, he's in over his head. He's been involved in countless drug trial experiments; blood donations and this time he's asked to just spend an afternoon playing a video game to earn $3,000. Sounds pretty mundane, right? The video game in question is interactive and game director Noah Lee has many dark and scary things in store for Ray and the other participants. Can Ray play the game, escape and earn the money? Find out in this super fun, interactive book that will keep you guessing until the very end. I received this book free from the author for an honest review.
December 17, 2024
This book was so much fun, but in a sick-in-the-head, demented kind of way, and I loved it. It did bring me back to my childhood days of the choose-you-own-adventure books, but TNTD in Arcranium takes it way up a billion notches when you make it horror by Daemon Manx! I loved being in the story and making the decisions, but I learned that I would most likely die in a real horror situation if the decisions were left to me (huge blow to my ego)! I lost count of the number of times I died and it was a different horrifying death almost every time. Apparently, while reading this, I was yelling at irregular intervals to the point that my son thought I was playing a video game and came into the room to ask which game it was! He’s now reading it, which is amazing, since he only reads historical fiction (he’s 14) and prefers his gore to be in video games. I give this book a huge thumbs up, and a definite recommendation from me!
December 11, 2024
Well, this was an intense, keep-you-on-your-toes interactive novel that you hoped to make it through.
You, the reader, are acting on behalf of the protagonist, Ray-who is down on his luck, and believes he’s has found a way to make easy money. Unfortunately for him, and for us, if he choses wrong, he dies.
Did I make it through without dying? Nope. Were the deaths and choices more horrible as you got further into the book? Yep. Was it fun to read and interact with? Yes, indeed. Kudos to the authors for coming up with such creative, and bloody, ways for Ray, and the other contestants, to meet their end, for giving us a sadistic and blood-thirsty villain, and for keeping us guessing on what was really going on. I enjoyed the ride. 4.5 stars
A big thank you for Daemon Manx, and Mark Towse for my ARC. My opinion is my own.
You, the reader, are acting on behalf of the protagonist, Ray-who is down on his luck, and believes he’s has found a way to make easy money. Unfortunately for him, and for us, if he choses wrong, he dies.
Did I make it through without dying? Nope. Were the deaths and choices more horrible as you got further into the book? Yep. Was it fun to read and interact with? Yes, indeed. Kudos to the authors for coming up with such creative, and bloody, ways for Ray, and the other contestants, to meet their end, for giving us a sadistic and blood-thirsty villain, and for keeping us guessing on what was really going on. I enjoyed the ride. 4.5 stars
A big thank you for Daemon Manx, and Mark Towse for my ARC. My opinion is my own.
December 26, 2024
A mind-bending delight. I read both versions, the first being the one resulting in myself dying several times, the read the survivor version.
Daemon and Mark combine their talents beautifully in this story, where the main character, Ray Barton, finds himself desperate to make some money. Without thinking of the consequences, he jumps right into an interactive adventure, with seven other participants, which throws horror after horror at them. I found myself making quite a few wrong choices, and dying many horrible deaths in the process. The various scenes in the interactive adventure are vivid and possibly as scary for the reader as the book’s characters. A highly recommended read where I think even the most intrepid reader will often pick the wrong option.
Daemon and Mark combine their talents beautifully in this story, where the main character, Ray Barton, finds himself desperate to make some money. Without thinking of the consequences, he jumps right into an interactive adventure, with seven other participants, which throws horror after horror at them. I found myself making quite a few wrong choices, and dying many horrible deaths in the process. The various scenes in the interactive adventure are vivid and possibly as scary for the reader as the book’s characters. A highly recommended read where I think even the most intrepid reader will often pick the wrong option.
January 18, 2025
This was a fun book! Def recommend reading the interactive version on Kindle! It was fun choosing the path of the protagonist and seeing whether or not I would survive� spoiler , I often chose the wrong path! This is very different from the typical book I read but the author introduced me to it in our psychological thriller Facebook group and I’m glad I gave it a shot! I was in a book slump which was kind of disheartening since it’s the beginning of the year and I have reading goals for the the new year, but I’d say this got me out of my slump. There are a few other “Try Not to Die� books I am already interested in reading! Def recommend for a YA reader but I think anyone can enjoy this interactive book!
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