Reviews

I had only known Chuck Tingle as the guy who wrote the funny "Pounded in the Butt" books I had seen online. I picked this up with Trans Wizard Harriet Porber, and after reading that and having a blast, I knew I would be in for something good with Camp Damascus.

Tingle is one of the few men I feel like I can trust to write good women as leads, and I also know he isn't afraid to outright SAY when someone is queer.

Camp Damascus, while not particularly scary, was an excellent and atmospheric read about queerness, religious harm, and self acceptance.

I could see some of the plot twists coming, but that didn't make them less enjoyable.

Overall, I would encourage anyone looking for a good queer horror novel that can be read fairly quickly to check out Camp Damascus.

allytmacd's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

This was my first time really reading a horror novel! I really enjoyed this one. I found it so clever, the way the themes of religious trauma and homophobia could be handled with so much nuance in a horror setting. I was especially appreciative of the inclusion of Saul for a dual perspective of queerness and religion. It was so well-written -- I spent so much of the book thinking to myself... "I can't believe this was written by the same guy who wrote 'I'm Gay for My Living Billionaire Jet Plane'". Love is real, buckaroos!!!!!

More...