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mylanhagemann's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
chrysanthi_kiku's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
sneakybeaky's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
wickedmitch's review against another edition
2.0
There were a lot of glimmers of something better than this book proved to be in here, I am disappointed to rate it so low. The premise and parts of it are interesting but it is bogged down by plodding pacing and redundant storytelling.
kaori25's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
laytongraph's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
Let me first say that Clive Barker’s writing and use of language is impeccable. By far one of the best writers I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I loved this story quite a lot, and I grew connected to the main character in this book more than I have in any book in quite a while.
My main problems with this book lay with the antagonist: while Mammoulian is an intriguing character I still don’t entirely understand his motivations. This bargain or agreement between him and Whitehead wasn’t the average Faustian agreement, so I was kind of confused as to what he wanted or was promised.
There were also many loose ends, certain characters had supernatural abilities that were never fully developed or explained, and the story itself could have been much longer and substantial. This would have brought my rating up to a 5.
I can definitely tell this was Barker’s debut novel, and his transition from the shorter medium to his first full length is apparent, yet The Damnation Game is still worth any horror reader’s time.
Let me first say that Clive Barker’s writing and use of language is impeccable. By far one of the best writers I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I loved this story quite a lot, and I grew connected to the main character in this book more than I have in any book in quite a while.
My main problems with this book lay with the antagonist: while Mammoulian is an intriguing character I still don’t entirely understand his motivations. This bargain or agreement between him and Whitehead wasn’t the average Faustian agreement, so I was kind of confused as to what he wanted or was promised.
There were also many loose ends, certain characters had supernatural abilities that were never fully developed or explained, and the story itself could have been much longer and substantial. This would have brought my rating up to a 5.
I can definitely tell this was Barker’s debut novel, and his transition from the shorter medium to his first full length is apparent, yet The Damnation Game is still worth any horror reader’s time.
readbyashleyd's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
2.0
Clive Barker is always hit or miss for me. Either I love the story or I hate it and I kind of love that about him. This was one of the ones that I just didn’t enjoy and wish I could have skipped!
reading_since_10's review against another edition
4.0
This was an interesting audio book, I don't know who the narrators were but they were excellent, they performed each character and I loved it as well as the background music. Maybe I would have perceived the book differently had I read it, I don't really know, but it was a very entertaining read. This was my first Clive Barker book and I'm already listening the next one: Cabal and I find this one begins even better! I think I have found a new favorite author to explore in my future reads.
darylb's review against another edition
Could have been longer but then all his are hard to put down
plbeyer70's review against another edition
4.0
Reading this made me feel like I did when I watched Hell Raiser. Scary and disturbing. Will be adding more Clive Barker to my to read list.