Review: Mary, Will I Die? by Shawn Sarles

We've all heard the story of Bloody Mary....

A group of friends are hanging out together when one gets the idea to play "Bloody Mary" using the mirror in her grandmother's bedroom.  The legend goes that Mary will show you your future; either you'll see the image of your one true love, or you will see an image that will mark your death.   Steph sees the face of a girl she doesn't recognized.  Grace sees her crush, who just happens to be in the room.  Elena sees her longtime crush, and Cal sees a terrifying image, but claims to have seen nothing at all. 

Five years later, now in high school, four friends are no longer close.  Elena got her crush, but she can't seem to lose this feeling she gets when she passes the mirror.  It's almost as if it is calling to her.  Cal sketches the terrifying images that haunt him, scenes that ultimately play out before his eyes.  Grace is a bit of an outcast.  Steph and Elena butt heads on the school's volleyball team.  Steph still can't figure out who the girl is she saw in the mirror, until a new girl starts at their school.  Her name? Mary. 

I’m a sucker for urban legends. I recall playing this very game at slumber parties when I was younger, and scaring myself so much I was afraid to look in that mirror even during the day!

While Sarles’ take on the Bloody Mary legend is a bit different than the original, it didn’t take anything away from the chill factor. I thought the origin story of the mirror and it’s history was well-crafted. Overall, this is a fun homage to an urban legend man of us grew up playing. The chill factor is minor, so I think this is quite appropriate for young fans of horror.