Author: Clive Barker
Title: The Damnation Game
Genre: Horror
Publication Date: 1985
Number of Pages: 448
Geographical Setting: London, England
Time Period: Modern, no specific date given
Series (If applicable): N/A
Plot Summary:
Marty Strauss is a former criminal that has been in prison for several years. After resolving that he will have to spend most of his life imprisoned, he eventually catches a luck break: a possibility of early parole. However, this does not come without cost. After being released, he must become the bodyguard for the mysterious and powerful Joseph Whitehead. Marty agrees to this arrangement, and moves into Mr. Whitehead's mansion, where he will be available for protection purposes at all times. He quickly realizes that Mr. Whitehead is very cautious and protective, surrounding his mansion with an abundance of guard dogs, electrical fences, and security cameras. While Marty imagines that there is a reason behind his employer's paranoia, he we never suspect that an ancient evil is coming to collect on a debt Mr. Whitehead owes to him.
Appeal: The Damnation Game is guaranteed to make your skin crawl, with Barker's descriptive and somewhat invasive writing. The book is very graphic, leaving no gruesome or terrifying details unmentioned. The story also has several paranormal elements, while taking place in a regular environment. Readers can enjoy supernatural events without having to dive into a completely new world of fantasy.
3 terms that best describe this book: Gruesome, Chilling, Mysterious
Similar Authors and Works:
Savage by Raymond Laymon
This is another gruesome horror tale with a setting in London, with a plot-driven storyline. The story is about a teenage boy encountering Jack the Ripper in London, and then being plagued by the menace as he travels to the United States.
World War Z by Max Brooks
Another gruesome story, which also makes use of the "undead" as a plot device. Humanity must survive a zombie apocalypse in this popular novel.
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
While this work is not gruesome like The Damnation Game, it provides a plot-driven, supernatural horror story. It features a man with supernatural powers who strives to help a young girl who is being haunted.
I almost read this book for my annotation. I like your synopsis, and your paragraph on appeals is helpful too. I also think that the addition of the short annotations of your read-alikes is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteExcellent annotation, full points!
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