A review by tigger89
Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was an excellent queer horror novel, with bonus autistic representation in the main character. It deals heavily with religion — in fact, I'd go so far as to say that Rose's character growth deals more with her religious beliefs than with her sexuality — so those with associated trauma should read carefully. Despite the horror themes, I found the overall tone to be one of optimism and hope, which I appreciated. Religion and queerness can exist together without inevitably leading to trauma, and I appreciated that this novel showed that as an option for at least one of the characters, in the end.
This novel is written in classic Tingleverse style. By that I don't mean that it's erotic — it's not that kind of book in the slightest — but rather that Chuck is writing using the same narrative voice and style that he uses for his Tinglers. This can be an acquired taste. I don't believe it makes the work any less serious, but if you're not used to how it flows then it could be difficult to get immersed in the story. I wasn't sure how his spooky scenes or action sequences would read, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well the style worked in those contexts.
Overall I enjoyed the plot, but the one thing that bothered me was a moment where Rose's faith went from 100 to 0 with very little explanation. I believe that it can happen that abruptly, even for someone as immersed as she was, but for such an pivotal character moment I needed a bit more insight into her thought process. It doesn't have to be pages upon pages of angsty monologue, but at least walk me through her assembly of the evidence that led to her conclusion! It was probably obvious to Chuck, but since I am not him I was left in the dark, which ultimately made her character arc feel like it had this strange hole in the middle of it.
I do feel like this book is a YA title, contrary to the marketing. The kind of character growth Rose experiences is a classic YA plot, with her older-than-typical age being explained by growing up in a sheltered religious environment. I honestly think the only reason it's officially an adult title is because no publisher wants to have teenagers googling their new favorite author "Chuck Tingle", only to stumble across "Pounded In The Butt By My Own Butt". There is nothing erotic in this title, and my opinion is that not only is it completely appropriate but would also have strong appeal for older teens, especially ones who are questioning the morality of the faith they grew up in.
This novel is written in classic Tingleverse style. By that I don't mean that it's erotic — it's not that kind of book in the slightest — but rather that Chuck is writing using the same narrative voice and style that he uses for his Tinglers. This can be an acquired taste. I don't believe it makes the work any less serious, but if you're not used to how it flows then it could be difficult to get immersed in the story. I wasn't sure how his spooky scenes or action sequences would read, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well the style worked in those contexts.
Overall I enjoyed the plot, but the one thing that bothered me was a moment where Rose's faith went from 100 to 0 with very little explanation. I believe that it can happen that abruptly, even for someone as immersed as she was, but for such an pivotal character moment I needed a bit more insight into her thought process. It doesn't have to be pages upon pages of angsty monologue, but at least walk me through her assembly of the evidence that led to her conclusion! It was probably obvious to Chuck, but since I am not him I was left in the dark, which ultimately made her character arc feel like it had this strange hole in the middle of it.
I do feel like this book is a YA title, contrary to the marketing. The kind of character growth Rose experiences is a classic YA plot, with her older-than-typical age being explained by growing up in a sheltered religious environment. I honestly think the only reason it's officially an adult title is because no publisher wants to have teenagers googling their new favorite author "Chuck Tingle", only to stumble across "Pounded In The Butt By My Own Butt". There is nothing erotic in this title, and my opinion is that not only is it completely appropriate but would also have strong appeal for older teens, especially ones who are questioning the morality of the faith they grew up in.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Vomit, Body horror, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Forced institutionalization and Homophobia
There are several instances where the point of view character vomits out a large quantity of flying insects