The Damnation Game

The Damnation Game cover
Good Books rating 3.83
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Technical
  • ID: 5977
  • Added: 2025-10-29
  • Updated: 2025-10-31
  • Publisher: Crossroad Press
  • Published: 2017-11-19
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Marty Strauss, a gambling addict fresh out of prison, takes on a high-stakes job as the bodyguard for the enigmatic billionaire Joseph Whitehead. What starts as a simple security detail quickly spirals into a nightmarish game of supernatural manipulation when Marty encounters Mamoulian, a devilish figure with terrifying powers. Whitehead's past sins come back to haunt him, and Marty must confront forces beyond his understanding to save Whitehead's daughter, Carys, from a fate worse than death. As the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, Marty's reluctant involvement deepens, drawing him into a deadly game where the stakes are eternal. With Whitehead's family and his own soul at risk, Marty must navigate a world of dark bargains and supernatural horrors to break the cycle of damnation.

Reviews
Fantasy Literature · 2025-10-29
engaging 4.50

The story is engaging with a solid plot and satisfying conclusion. The writing is fluid and emotionally resonant.

This reviewer found the story to be terrific and the plot to be solid, which is a rarity in genre horror. They appreciated Barker's fluid writing style, which is filled with emotion and rich language. The conclusion is satisfying, making it a standout in the horror genre. They also noted that the book's themes and execution make it a memorable read.


Quick quotes

    The story is terrific, the plot is solid, and the finish is satisfying (a rarity in genre horror).

    Barker writes fluidly, with emotion and language that resonates deeply.

    The finish is satisfying, making it a memorable read.

Dark Longbox · 2024-10-17
profound 4.00

The novel is more than just a horror story; it reflects society's deepest fears and darkest desires. The themes are profound and thought-provoking.

This reviewer sees The Damnation Game as a mirror held up to society, reflecting our deepest fears and darkest desires. They found the novel to be more than just a horror story, delving into profound themes that are both disturbing and enlightening. The exploration of these themes makes the book a significant piece of literature, not just a horror novel.


Quick quotes

    For me, The Damnation Game is more than just a horror novel; it's a mirror held up to society, reflecting our deepest fears and darkest desires.

    The novel delves into profound themes that are both disturbing and enlightening.

    The exploration of these themes makes the book a significant piece of literature.

Too Much Horror Fiction · 2023-02-07
mixed 3.00

The book has its flaws but is not a total loss, with many fans enjoying it. Esteemed horror critic S.T. Joshi called it a significant work.

This reviewer acknowledges that The Damnation Game has its flaws but believes it is not a total loss. They mention that many fans enjoyed the book, and esteemed horror critic S.T. Joshi called it a significant work. While it may not be perfect, the book has its merits and is worth considering for fans of the genre.


Quick quotes

    Damnation Game isn't a total loss, and I see from Goodreads reviews that many fans enjoyed it; esteemed horror critic S.T. Joshi called it 'a ...'

    The book has its flaws but is not a total loss.

    Many fans enjoyed the book, and it has its merits.