#Review: Game On by Himanjali Sankar

Game On is a sharply written middle-grade horror novel that understands one crucial truth about fear: it works best when it feels familiar. Himanjali Sankar takes an ordinary domestic setting—a house, a sibling errand, a glass of water—and quietly twists it into something deeply unsettling. What begins as a simple task for siblings Sammy and Simmy turns into a nightmarish experience where corridors stretch, rooms mutate, and people they trust no longer look or behave the way they should.

One of the book’s strongest elements is its atmosphere. Sankar’s writing is descriptive without being indulgent; the language is vivid, sensory, and paced just right for young readers. The house itself becomes a character—breathing, shifting, and actively resisting escape. The horror never relies on gore but instead builds through psychological unease, which makes it especially effective (and age-appropriate).

The sibling dynamic is another highlight. Sammy and Simmy feel convincingly real—protective, frightened, stubborn, and emotionally tethered to each other. Their reactions ground the story, giving young readers someone to hold on to as the world around them unravels. Sankar also subtly explores themes of trust, courage, and the fear of losing safety, without ever spelling them out too obviously.

That said, the pacing occasionally feels rushed in transitions between scenes, and some terrifying ideas deserve a little more space to breathe. A few secondary characters could have been fleshed out further to heighten emotional stakes. However, these are minor flaws in an otherwise tightly plotted narrative.

Overall, Game On is an engaging, eerie read that respects its audience’s intelligence. It delivers chills without overwhelming, tension without excess, and proves that horror for younger readers can be both smart and deeply satisfying. A solid pick for readers who enjoy being scared—but not scarred.

Find this book here.