Polybius

Polybius by Collin Armstrong is a chilling YA horror-thriller where Stranger Things collides with The Walking Dead, rooted in the eerie urban legend of a cursed arcade game. Set in the seemingly quiet seaside town of Tasker Bay, the story follows high schooler Andi, who takes a job at the local arcade, Home Video World, hoping to earn enough to chase her tech dreams in Silicon Valley. But when a mysterious new video game appears, the town is gripped by a wave of violent outbursts, hallucinations, and paranoia—just as a deadly coastal storm cuts them off from the world.

As the town descends into madness, Andi teams up with Ro, the sheriff’s son, to uncover the terrifying truth behind the game. But the deeper they go, the more the darkness begins to consume them too. With themes of isolation, trust, and survival, Polybius is a gripping read perfect for fans of mind-bending horror, 80s nostalgia, and supernatural suspense.