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The Game at Carousel #1
The Bystander: A Horror Movie LitRPG
In a town where horror movie tropes come to life, one’s only chance to survive is to play their role, in the first book of a spine-tingling gamelit series.
When horror-obsessed Riley Lawrence and his group of college friends arrive in the small town of Carousel for their Centennial Celebration, the few decrepit cars parked in the street don’t scare them. But when they enter a locked building, an animatronic usher hands them each a ticket, and the lights dim, Riley realizes they’ve entered the inescapable patchwork of a horror movie set. And they’ve each been assigned an archetype—Scholar, Athlete, Eye Candy, Final Girl—to play out as the curtains rise.
Assigned the Film Buff archetype, Riley’s doomed to repeat a knowing exactly who the killer is but never surviving the attacks himself. After all, film buffs may know what’s coming, but they’re always the first to be hunted down. Until, that is, Riley learns he can avoid a death or two by exploiting the Oblivious Bystander trope. It seems monsters and killers won’t harm him as long as he can convincingly pretend he hasn’t noticed them.
To make it through this deadly game, Riley and his friends will need to leverage their tropes effectively to determine what’s trapping them there in the first place. But as the rounds continue and escape seems farther and farther out of reach, they’ll be forced to ask Would they survive in a horror movie?
The first volume of the hit LitRPG horror series—with more than three million views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!
When horror-obsessed Riley Lawrence and his group of college friends arrive in the small town of Carousel for their Centennial Celebration, the few decrepit cars parked in the street don’t scare them. But when they enter a locked building, an animatronic usher hands them each a ticket, and the lights dim, Riley realizes they’ve entered the inescapable patchwork of a horror movie set. And they’ve each been assigned an archetype—Scholar, Athlete, Eye Candy, Final Girl—to play out as the curtains rise.
Assigned the Film Buff archetype, Riley’s doomed to repeat a knowing exactly who the killer is but never surviving the attacks himself. After all, film buffs may know what’s coming, but they’re always the first to be hunted down. Until, that is, Riley learns he can avoid a death or two by exploiting the Oblivious Bystander trope. It seems monsters and killers won’t harm him as long as he can convincingly pretend he hasn’t noticed them.
To make it through this deadly game, Riley and his friends will need to leverage their tropes effectively to determine what’s trapping them there in the first place. But as the rounds continue and escape seems farther and farther out of reach, they’ll be forced to ask Would they survive in a horror movie?
The first volume of the hit LitRPG horror series—with more than three million views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2024
225 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 31, 2024
About 3.5, but rounded up.
So, this was a new one for me. My husband read this one when it was being published but by bit on Royal Road, and really enjoyed it and suggested it to me.
Our reading tastes rarely overlap (when we moved on together and pooled our books together, the only one we had in common was A Confederacy of Dunces, and I don't believe he ever finished that one), and I'm generally not much for horror movies, but I said I'd give it a go. I've played some RPGs but can't say I've ever read one.
Surprisingly, I liked this. There's horror, definitely, and while some focus on women, there is no sexual violence in this world, thankfully. All of your favorite movie tropes are here, in this place called Carousel, which - is also a mystery. What is it? Where is it? Is someone pulling the strings? And . . . is there a way out?
I'm intrigued enough to start catching up with the next arc of the story. Hopefully some of the annoying grammatical bits will be smoothed out by then.
So, this was a new one for me. My husband read this one when it was being published but by bit on Royal Road, and really enjoyed it and suggested it to me.
Our reading tastes rarely overlap (when we moved on together and pooled our books together, the only one we had in common was A Confederacy of Dunces, and I don't believe he ever finished that one), and I'm generally not much for horror movies, but I said I'd give it a go. I've played some RPGs but can't say I've ever read one.
Surprisingly, I liked this. There's horror, definitely, and while some focus on women, there is no sexual violence in this world, thankfully. All of your favorite movie tropes are here, in this place called Carousel, which - is also a mystery. What is it? Where is it? Is someone pulling the strings? And . . . is there a way out?
I'm intrigued enough to start catching up with the next arc of the story. Hopefully some of the annoying grammatical bits will be smoothed out by then.
July 5, 2025
Really creative and interesting twist on horror tropes - a book version of Cabin in the Woods. (And I don’t particularly like the horror genre itself much.)
September 29, 2025
This was fun at first. I really enjoyed all the tropes throughout it and the setup but the last 30% really dragged on and I found myself not reaching for it. Also the characters feel younger than they are and I wish they were more fleshed out so I could actually care about them. I don’t know if I’ll continue this series, it was really interesting/compelling at first but I just don’t know at this point.
April 26, 2025
I don't often write reviews, I find there are usually people a lot more articulate than I who say what I mean better. That said, I read all three of the currently released books in this series over the past week, and I'm now sat researching the series and release dates and such because I want more.
For those who read LitRPGs in general, I have to say, this has been a breath of fresh air for me. Not only is the concept and genre quite different (And incredibly enjoyable) to your standard fair, but the quality of writing, breadth of characters and originality are a step above what I expect from the genre. The only downside I can think of, is the author tends to drop some big stat drops / character builds all at once, but I'm sure some people also love that.
Also something I've personally noticed is I get really sucked into the pacing of these books. The story often moves from one intense action/horror arc, into a rest period with exposition, character development & planning, before jumping back into high gear. This cycle generally repeats multiple times a book, and I tend to find it very moreish. As soon as I start reading one storyline, I want to read it the entire way through... But then there's always one more hook at the end that makes me want to read the downtime... But then a new storyline is starting up... You get the picture. Had me hooked enough to read 3 books within a week.
Well. Long story short, it has been a long time since a series got me hooked this badly. I think the last series to get me this hooked was The Dresden Files, which is Jim Butcher, and if I had the new Dresden & Carousel books release on the same day, I've no idea which I'd read first, which I consider a huge compliment. Hope to see more from you, R.M.Lastrel.
For those who read LitRPGs in general, I have to say, this has been a breath of fresh air for me. Not only is the concept and genre quite different (And incredibly enjoyable) to your standard fair, but the quality of writing, breadth of characters and originality are a step above what I expect from the genre. The only downside I can think of, is the author tends to drop some big stat drops / character builds all at once, but I'm sure some people also love that.
Also something I've personally noticed is I get really sucked into the pacing of these books. The story often moves from one intense action/horror arc, into a rest period with exposition, character development & planning, before jumping back into high gear. This cycle generally repeats multiple times a book, and I tend to find it very moreish. As soon as I start reading one storyline, I want to read it the entire way through... But then there's always one more hook at the end that makes me want to read the downtime... But then a new storyline is starting up... You get the picture. Had me hooked enough to read 3 books within a week.
Well. Long story short, it has been a long time since a series got me hooked this badly. I think the last series to get me this hooked was The Dresden Files, which is Jim Butcher, and if I had the new Dresden & Carousel books release on the same day, I've no idea which I'd read first, which I consider a huge compliment. Hope to see more from you, R.M.Lastrel.
September 28, 2025
great horror themed LitRPG
July 28, 2024
I was gifted this book by a friend, it is unlike anything I would’ve picked up for myself but in the best way. Completely unique concept, great storytelling, and thrilling plot lines.
Imagine you’re trapped in a horror movie; quick, what are the classic tropes? The athlete, the scholar, the eye candy, the final girl, and the film buff, right? When the athlete gets a mysterious call from his missing brother, Antoine gathers this group of specific friends and heads to Carousel. When they get there, they are greeted with unbelievable news… they were tricked into coming by the town Carousel.
Now they must role play horror movie scenarios to survive. Or will they survive? Don’t worry, if they die they’ll probably come back as long as their team defeats the scenario and follows the rules of Carousel.
A horrifying turn of events leads to twists, turns, and mysteries galore. Definitely recommend if you’re a fan of horror or RPG.
Imagine you’re trapped in a horror movie; quick, what are the classic tropes? The athlete, the scholar, the eye candy, the final girl, and the film buff, right? When the athlete gets a mysterious call from his missing brother, Antoine gathers this group of specific friends and heads to Carousel. When they get there, they are greeted with unbelievable news… they were tricked into coming by the town Carousel.
Now they must role play horror movie scenarios to survive. Or will they survive? Don’t worry, if they die they’ll probably come back as long as their team defeats the scenario and follows the rules of Carousel.
A horrifying turn of events leads to twists, turns, and mysteries galore. Definitely recommend if you’re a fan of horror or RPG.
June 16, 2025
This books absolutely hooked me and kept going through all 3 books currently available. This series was recommended to me on Reddit after I read Dungeon Crawler Carl. While the series aren't too similar beyond the LitRPG aspects, this series is an absolute gem. I'm not usually a fan of horror, but this one is done in a meta way that is really interesting and we'll written. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who will listen.
November 8, 2024
Really interesting take on the litrpg genre
September 3, 2024
I decided to read this one more time before I read the second book.
This is exceptional.
The plot, characters and all of those things that people, or at least I, read these books. Very clever structure of the story.
I want more!
Author, write more stuff!
This is exceptional.
The plot, characters and all of those things that people, or at least I, read these books. Very clever structure of the story.
I want more!
Author, write more stuff!
July 13, 2025
A horror trope skill builder novel. Such a unique and interesting concept. And I really enjoyed myself all the way through.
A group of college students arrive at a town called Carousel and quickly find themselves unable to leave. Around every corner are “horror stories” that they can step into as characters participating in them. If they’re successful they can be rewarded in stat points to level up their abilities to survive. Or be rewarded with “trope cards”. These cards can be any of a variety of tropes characters have commonly in horror movies. How they build their card decks and use them in any horror story that they participate in determines whether they survive or die.
Our main character Riley gets once such trope - the Oblivious Bystander. As long as he’s convincing enough that he hasn’t noticed a monster or murderer or any horror beastie, he can’t be killed.
I loved this. It was such a fun spin on card builder stories. The horror story arcs are all individually fun. And the mystery of this town of Carousel is slowly unfolding, and is genuinely quite creepy with proper horror occurring if “the rules” are broken.
I especially enjoy reading how the more veteran characters that have been stuck in Carousel for a long time use their trope cards. Watching them step into their expected roles in whatever horror narrative they’re completing is actually really interesting. I enjoy reading stories where there has to actually be strategy involved.
Would highly recommend this to anyone, litrpg mixed with horror is a combination that surprisingly works incredibly well.
Onto book two!
A group of college students arrive at a town called Carousel and quickly find themselves unable to leave. Around every corner are “horror stories” that they can step into as characters participating in them. If they’re successful they can be rewarded in stat points to level up their abilities to survive. Or be rewarded with “trope cards”. These cards can be any of a variety of tropes characters have commonly in horror movies. How they build their card decks and use them in any horror story that they participate in determines whether they survive or die.
Our main character Riley gets once such trope - the Oblivious Bystander. As long as he’s convincing enough that he hasn’t noticed a monster or murderer or any horror beastie, he can’t be killed.
I loved this. It was such a fun spin on card builder stories. The horror story arcs are all individually fun. And the mystery of this town of Carousel is slowly unfolding, and is genuinely quite creepy with proper horror occurring if “the rules” are broken.
I especially enjoy reading how the more veteran characters that have been stuck in Carousel for a long time use their trope cards. Watching them step into their expected roles in whatever horror narrative they’re completing is actually really interesting. I enjoy reading stories where there has to actually be strategy involved.
Would highly recommend this to anyone, litrpg mixed with horror is a combination that surprisingly works incredibly well.
Onto book two!
November 8, 2025
Well this was somewhat disappointing. After diving into Dungeon Crawler Carl I itched to try out some other LitRPG novels. I didn´t like the concept of them that much, but DCC really surprised me so I wanted to give them another shot. I tried out Dominion of Blades by the same Autor, which was mediocre, Kaiju Battlefield Surgeon which at least had a great audio production and Player Manager which caught my attention because I enjoyed playing football manager. But none of them really got me. Then I stumbled upon “The Game At Carousel”. The idea sounded genuinely great. I am a huge fan of Horror Literature and movies. Having a friend group “Play” through different movies while discovering the secret of a haunted town seems like something I should freaking love.
Sadly I didn´t. The Game at Carousel isn´t bad per se, but my problems come down to the LitRPG genre and some mediocre writing choices. I like the idea of the character types. Having a final girl, the scholar, the athlete etc. feels very on theme. But what didn´t work for me was the game aspect. Playing the movies always felt a bit clunky and I never felt engaged when there was talk about new tropes (abilities) or stat points.
Next to that neither the characters, nor the mystery of the town felt very intriguing. Especially the town mystery only becomes a focal point towards the last fifth of the book. The characters all seemed very one note. Not deal breakingly bad, but nothing quite memorable.
I´ll give the other two novels a try as I already bought them, but I´m not that hopefully they will turn the boat around.
Sadly I didn´t. The Game at Carousel isn´t bad per se, but my problems come down to the LitRPG genre and some mediocre writing choices. I like the idea of the character types. Having a final girl, the scholar, the athlete etc. feels very on theme. But what didn´t work for me was the game aspect. Playing the movies always felt a bit clunky and I never felt engaged when there was talk about new tropes (abilities) or stat points.
Next to that neither the characters, nor the mystery of the town felt very intriguing. Especially the town mystery only becomes a focal point towards the last fifth of the book. The characters all seemed very one note. Not deal breakingly bad, but nothing quite memorable.
I´ll give the other two novels a try as I already bought them, but I´m not that hopefully they will turn the boat around.
February 26, 2025
I once left about 30 minutes into a horror movie I was watching on TV with my roommate. It was during a commercial break. I told him what order the last 5 characters would die in, and who would survive in the end. In the morning he asked me "How the hell did you do that?".
Generic horror movies follow pretty predictable rules, and I love when these are acknowledged and played with. The movie Cabin in the Woods is a fantastic example of this. All this to say, a LitRPG (crunchy stats focused explicit game rules fantasy) dealing with Horror tropes is a match made in heaven!
I wanted to like this book so much, that I put it back on my Kobo twice after deleting it while trying to get through the first chapter. The writing is rough, y'all. The characters and setting are really ill- defined, their conversations are not very natural or free-flowing. This is definitely more plot-driven than character-driven.
Luckily I stuck through it, and it gets really entertaining when they get to acting out horror movies and playing the game. The mechanics are interesting, and the horror movie plots are actually really well done. The overarching plot hooks at the end of the book made me want to pick up the next one.
Apparently it is common for the writing in LitRPG series to improve as they go on, so I'll give the next book a try. (Fingers crossed that the author did a Clarion Workshop or something in the meantime.)
Generic horror movies follow pretty predictable rules, and I love when these are acknowledged and played with. The movie Cabin in the Woods is a fantastic example of this. All this to say, a LitRPG (crunchy stats focused explicit game rules fantasy) dealing with Horror tropes is a match made in heaven!
I wanted to like this book so much, that I put it back on my Kobo twice after deleting it while trying to get through the first chapter. The writing is rough, y'all. The characters and setting are really ill- defined, their conversations are not very natural or free-flowing. This is definitely more plot-driven than character-driven.
Luckily I stuck through it, and it gets really entertaining when they get to acting out horror movies and playing the game. The mechanics are interesting, and the horror movie plots are actually really well done. The overarching plot hooks at the end of the book made me want to pick up the next one.
Apparently it is common for the writing in LitRPG series to improve as they go on, so I'll give the next book a try. (Fingers crossed that the author did a Clarion Workshop or something in the meantime.)
June 17, 2024
Great World, Lacking Protagonist
Wonderful world building, fun premise, enjoyable mechanics, and it feels very original. The only reason that this isn’t a five star from me is that the protagonist is more deserving of the ‘wallflower’ archetype than the other guy. In an effort not to make the protagonist overpowered, the author has neutered him somewhat - not simply in powers, but in terms of contribution to the scenes around him. Occasionally the protagonist will only say one line in a chapter and just watch the world around him. Some of this is well explained by his character background and introversion, but it leaves a sour taste in the mouth when it comes to agency and being the protagonist. Unfortunately, if this is an issue with you, I believe it does not get better with book 2 like I hoped (going to re-read now, as I previously read it on RR). I also have some concerns about the size of the world building vs. the ‘legs’ that the game system has. I imagine we won’t have an opportunity to investigate the wonderful foreshadowing that the author has littered all over carousel (and I would caution the author not to do this, despite how tempting it may be, as endless scenes with no progression make for a dull litrpg-lite).
Wonderful world building, fun premise, enjoyable mechanics, and it feels very original. The only reason that this isn’t a five star from me is that the protagonist is more deserving of the ‘wallflower’ archetype than the other guy. In an effort not to make the protagonist overpowered, the author has neutered him somewhat - not simply in powers, but in terms of contribution to the scenes around him. Occasionally the protagonist will only say one line in a chapter and just watch the world around him. Some of this is well explained by his character background and introversion, but it leaves a sour taste in the mouth when it comes to agency and being the protagonist. Unfortunately, if this is an issue with you, I believe it does not get better with book 2 like I hoped (going to re-read now, as I previously read it on RR). I also have some concerns about the size of the world building vs. the ‘legs’ that the game system has. I imagine we won’t have an opportunity to investigate the wonderful foreshadowing that the author has littered all over carousel (and I would caution the author not to do this, despite how tempting it may be, as endless scenes with no progression make for a dull litrpg-lite).
July 22, 2024
I absolutely enjoyed The Bystander. First, I have to say the cover art is perfect. Love it! I am a big horror fan, and when I read the book description for The Bystander, I wanted to check it out. I am so glad I did. I was immediately drawn into Rob Lastrel's writing, and into the story.
When a group of friends are invited to a cabin, they find themselves trapped in the town of Carousel. Following the rules of RPG games, they have to play through horror storylines, to gain stats and tropes. As the characters find out more about the world of Carousel, will they be able to escape?
Rob Lastrel did a great job setting up this world, the lore, and the characters. The characters face real stakes and how they feel after things happen to them in storylines, isn't glossed over, which is refreshing. It will be interesting to see where the story takes Riley and his friends.
This was everything I wanted in a book. Horror, action, friendships, mystery, working together, great characters, and a great setting!
When a group of friends are invited to a cabin, they find themselves trapped in the town of Carousel. Following the rules of RPG games, they have to play through horror storylines, to gain stats and tropes. As the characters find out more about the world of Carousel, will they be able to escape?
Rob Lastrel did a great job setting up this world, the lore, and the characters. The characters face real stakes and how they feel after things happen to them in storylines, isn't glossed over, which is refreshing. It will be interesting to see where the story takes Riley and his friends.
This was everything I wanted in a book. Horror, action, friendships, mystery, working together, great characters, and a great setting!
February 21, 2024
Riley is a horror movie fanatic, and his knowledge is put to the test when he and his friends are tossed into the world of Carousel. As soon as they enter the small town, they become unwilling participants in its game. Surrounded by omens, they are forced to take part in typical horror movie plotlines and are given character tropes that fit their basic personalities. If they make it to the end, they can hopefully discover the truth behind this deadly game.
This was quite the ride. We've all wondered what it would be like to be a character in a horror movie. Definitely some very creepy imagery here. I enjoyed all the connections to classic horror tropes, plus the mystery is interesting. Not much gets explained by the end of this first entry, which leaves me wanting more. I can't wait to see where the story goes next. Hope they make it out alive!
I received a free copy of this book via Podium Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was quite the ride. We've all wondered what it would be like to be a character in a horror movie. Definitely some very creepy imagery here. I enjoyed all the connections to classic horror tropes, plus the mystery is interesting. Not much gets explained by the end of this first entry, which leaves me wanting more. I can't wait to see where the story goes next. Hope they make it out alive!
I received a free copy of this book via Podium Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2024
Unique and Entertaining.
I read this story as it was originally being published chapter by chapter on royal road. Words can’t describe how much it hooked me. The setting was such a breath of fresh air in the litrpg genre. As a horror fan all the references have been great and the characters are all realistic and entertaining. I won’t spoil anything but the overarching plot just gets better and better, there were times when I felt I couldn’t physically wait for the next chapter to see what happened. 5/5 please do you yourself a favor and read this.
I read this story as it was originally being published chapter by chapter on royal road. Words can’t describe how much it hooked me. The setting was such a breath of fresh air in the litrpg genre. As a horror fan all the references have been great and the characters are all realistic and entertaining. I won’t spoil anything but the overarching plot just gets better and better, there were times when I felt I couldn’t physically wait for the next chapter to see what happened. 5/5 please do you yourself a favor and read this.
February 6, 2025
Fable Rating: 4.75
Goodreads: 5
I don’t typically rate 5 or close to 5 stars but this deserves it. LITRPG can be a tough genre to read. This is mostly due to the themes each series uses. The standard system or tower are common in most. This series breaks that mold and goes for insanely cool direction. The tropes, archetypes, rewards and storyline here are all unique yet if you watched any horror movie, it will make you smile. There are real consequences and a mystery you can’t wait gets revealed. This is written well and everything flows perfectly. Give it a read it won’t disappoint you.
Goodreads: 5
I don’t typically rate 5 or close to 5 stars but this deserves it. LITRPG can be a tough genre to read. This is mostly due to the themes each series uses. The standard system or tower are common in most. This series breaks that mold and goes for insanely cool direction. The tropes, archetypes, rewards and storyline here are all unique yet if you watched any horror movie, it will make you smile. There are real consequences and a mystery you can’t wait gets revealed. This is written well and everything flows perfectly. Give it a read it won’t disappoint you.
September 23, 2024
Really interesting premise
I was hooked the first 3 hours, then it got a little repetitive and started spinning it's wheels. Some decent horror storylines, but pretty mediocre character building.
I think the biggest disappointment is the potential of this idea and how many of the horror story lines just seem mediocre, this might be a case of where the "litrpg" method really takes away from the overall story.
I was hooked the first 3 hours, then it got a little repetitive and started spinning it's wheels. Some decent horror storylines, but pretty mediocre character building.
I think the biggest disappointment is the potential of this idea and how many of the horror story lines just seem mediocre, this might be a case of where the "litrpg" method really takes away from the overall story.
January 14, 2025
This is genuinely good.
I love litrpg as a genre and after reading most of the more famous titles I've been wandering the weeds seeking more. Game at Carousel as a series is worth the read and I'm adding it to the list of those I'll keep up with as it's released.
Decently written, interesting characters and a fresh take on multiple angles of litrpg.
My only concern is that it's going to pull a Lost.
I love litrpg as a genre and after reading most of the more famous titles I've been wandering the weeds seeking more. Game at Carousel as a series is worth the read and I'm adding it to the list of those I'll keep up with as it's released.
Decently written, interesting characters and a fresh take on multiple angles of litrpg.
My only concern is that it's going to pull a Lost.
February 1, 2025
Very original power system and plot. It reminds me of a Goosebumps choose-your-own-adventure book I read as a child (I believe it was a smaller-focused idea of a horror circus, rather than a whole town)!
However, the power system required some thinking about, which didn't pair well with lots of exposition instead of introducing readers through example. I also had trouble taking in the vast amount of supporting characters that got dumped in a short time.
However, the power system required some thinking about, which didn't pair well with lots of exposition instead of introducing readers through example. I also had trouble taking in the vast amount of supporting characters that got dumped in a short time.
July 1, 2025
I enjoyed the book and love the idea. I am a fan of both genres and the mashup is very interesting. Too much focus was put into the "game" portion for me personally. It took away a lot of what I would think are the strengths of the characters as people and attributed them to the systems of the game instead. Probably some people that like that given the genre, but I would have liked a better blending. Still very enjoyable and I will be reading all 3.
September 3, 2025
I wanted to like this and I feel like there was some potential there but it was boring for me. Maybe this book would work for someone that is new to horror. There was way too much over explaining and not enough action! I wanted to feel scared, fear, as the characters were trying to make it through different horror movies. I wanted gore and crazy deaths and yet all the characters did was yap too much, I lost interest in the conversations and what was happening quick.
October 16, 2025
This book is the weakest of the trilogy but it’s still a solid book. The concept and the way the author uses it is amazing and the world he created rotates around my brain. However the writing was clunky (it very much improved towards the end) and some arcs dragged out. I do recommend giving the next book a try because his writing improves and there are a lot more information given to the reader.
May 7, 2024
Wow! This book completely took me by surprise. Absolutely incredible! I finished the entire thing in one day. The system is extremely unique and the way the characters have to portray their parts, especially later on in the book is so unique and fascinating. I deeply enjoyed this book and highly recommend it
October 22, 2024
captivating
This was my first litRPG read and my first horror book and for both it was a 10/10 this book pulled me in and kept my interest and I can’t wait to start the next and see how the story continues. I found this book on royal road through a friend glad to see they’ve gotten published
This was my first litRPG read and my first horror book and for both it was a 10/10 this book pulled me in and kept my interest and I can’t wait to start the next and see how the story continues. I found this book on royal road through a friend glad to see they’ve gotten published
December 14, 2024
3.5 ⭐ I like the ideas in this a lot, and the horror focus is very interesting, though I wish it leaned a little bit more into it. The characters do come across as a little bit flat, and there were sections where multiple pages were dedicated to info dumping on stats which was a lot, but I am interested in reading more!
December 18, 2024
The world building is fun, the system is great, and the mystery is interesting. Unfortunately, none of the characters manage to be anything more than the tropes they are supposed to be embodying. At the end of this book, I could maybe tell you one distinguishing characteristic between the main character and any of the side characters that doesn't have to do with the system itself.
March 19, 2025
This is an exceptionally clever book. It's marked as a litrpg, but a litrpg is about a character being in a computer game (usually an RPG, sometimes a farming simulator, RTS, city builder, whatever).
But this isn't about any computer game I'm aware; it's a story about a horror story where horror movies are created as the outcome of a game, and the protagonist has been forced to participate. It's meta! It's clever! It's technically very well written!
....it's not all that enjoyable as a *story* though, at least to me. I've given this 5 stars because, well, I'm glad I read it, and I recommend it; . But it would have been even better
But this isn't about any computer game I'm aware; it's a story about a horror story where horror movies are created as the outcome of a game, and the protagonist has been forced to participate. It's meta! It's clever! It's technically very well written!
....it's not all that enjoyable as a *story* though, at least to me. I've given this 5 stars because, well, I'm glad I read it, and I recommend it; . But it would have been even better
November 20, 2025
I read a few LitRPG as Wandering Inn, DCC and HeWho. This one is my fourth and is the most creaty about the system. Very fast to read and, if you like horror movies you'll be having a really fun time through It. All the habilities and Monsters are clichés of the genre, so a lot of metareading in there.
Very recommended.
Very recommended.
February 20, 2024
The horror!
A different and original take on the LITRPG genre. Incorporating classic horror tropes as game mechanics to escape movie to movie. A spooky mystery, with loot, and a good scare makes for a fantastic new book
A different and original take on the LITRPG genre. Incorporating classic horror tropes as game mechanics to escape movie to movie. A spooky mystery, with loot, and a good scare makes for a fantastic new book
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