Picture a storyteller who spun chilling tales around a crackling campfire, drawing you into a world where nightmares come true—meet Shawn Sarles! This Western Kentucky native burst onto the young adult horror scene with his debut novel, Campfire, a spine-tingling thriller that hooked readers with its nostalgic nod to 90s horror and slasher flicks. With a knack for blending suspense, gore, and unexpected twists, Sarles is carving out a unique space in the YA horror genre, leaving fans eager for more.
The Making of Shawn Sarles
Born and raised in a small town in Western Kentucky, Shawn Sarles grew up surrounded by the quiet charm of rural life, where imagination thrived. His love for horror was sparked early, fueled by classics like Are You Afraid of the Dark? and slasher films that kept him glued to the screen. After graduating from Wake Forest University, Sarles traded Kentucky’s rolling hills for the bustling streets of New York City, diving into the publishing industry. Nearly a decade in the Big Apple honed his storytelling craft, setting the stage for his leap into authorship.
Shawn Sarles’s Unforgettable Stories
Sarles’s debut, Campfire (2018), is a masterclass in YA horror, blending the eerie vibe of campfire tales with gruesome reality. The story follows Maddie Davenport and her family, whose camping trip turns deadly when spooky stories told around the fire—starting with a guide’s tale of murderous Mountain Men—begin to come true. Critics praised its fast pace and nostalgic Goosebumps-like appeal, though some noted its reliance on classic horror tropes. Collaborating with James Patterson, Sarles expanded the novel from a 30,000-word pitch to a full-length thriller, earning a Barnes & Noble Best Book of the Month nod.
Following Campfire, Sarles unleashed more chilling tales. Mary, Will I Die? explores supernatural horror with a cursed mirror, while A Pocket Full of Posies weaves a haunting narrative around a deadly plague. His 2023 release, Dead Man’s Float, dives into a gruesome summer camp slasher, cementing his love for teen-centric scares. Sarles’s style is vivid and action-packed, with a knack for red herrings and gore that appeals to readers craving thrills with a touch of 90s nostalgia.
Why Shawn Sarles Matters
Shawn Sarles is more than a horror writer—he’s a bridge between the nostalgic scares of R.L. Stine’s Fear Street and the modern YA thriller wave. His ability to tap into teen fears while delivering pulpy, plot-driven stories has earned him a loyal following. By drawing on his Kentucky roots and love for classic horror, Sarles crafts tales that resonate with young readers, offering approachable scares for those dipping their toes into the genre. His work reminds us that a good story, told around a flickering fire, can still send shivers down your spine.
- Born: Western Kentucky
- Education: Wake Forest University
- Key Works: Campfire, Mary, Will I Die?, A Pocket Full of Posies, Dead Man’s Float
- Current Home: Philadelphia, with a French Bulldog and two chatty parrots
Ready to get spooked? Snag Campfire and dive into Shawn Sarles’s thrilling world of YA horror—you won’t sleep without checking under the bed!