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Gig of the Damned: Slay the Competition
Keep Your Hennies Close and Your Henemies Closer. One pageant, one winner, and one Queen hell-bent on snatching that crown by any means necessary. Gamble Donna Phart is a fishy little drag queen aiming to make a splash in a pool of tenacious, bloodthirsty sharks. Despite that, she’s determined to shake up the food chain at the upcoming Trick’d & Treated pageant. So when a fierce, masked killer starts slaying the competition one by one, it’s every hunty for herself. Luck be a lady-killer tonight, for there can be only one Queen.
- GenresHorrorSplatterpunk
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2024
22 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Phrique
11 books115 followersPhrique /frēk/ noun.
1. An exhibition, a strange deviation from nature. Adorable, Evil.
2. An extremely new and extremely YOUNG splatterpunk/horror/bizarro author with stories to tell. They’re kinda scary, kinda graphic, kinda campy, kinda stupid, kinda random. Kinda like him.
3. Phrique is a Pisces who enjoys crying and taking baths. His hobbies include angering the townspeople and outliving his enemies. His favorite color is purple & his favorite state is "your mom." Everything frightens him. Who are you people and who let you in here? Unhand me.
He can be found escaping his responsibilities here:
@books.by.phrique on Instagram
Phrique on Goodreads
phrique@icloud dot com
1. An exhibition, a strange deviation from nature. Adorable, Evil.
2. An extremely new and extremely YOUNG splatterpunk/horror/bizarro author with stories to tell. They’re kinda scary, kinda graphic, kinda campy, kinda stupid, kinda random. Kinda like him.
3. Phrique is a Pisces who enjoys crying and taking baths. His hobbies include angering the townspeople and outliving his enemies. His favorite color is purple & his favorite state is "your mom." Everything frightens him. Who are you people and who let you in here? Unhand me.
He can be found escaping his responsibilities here:
@books.by.phrique on Instagram
Phrique on Goodreads
phrique@icloud dot com
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 22, 2024
Gig of the Damned by debut by indie author Phrique is as funny as it is engaging and violent.
A Gialo/slasher set around the world of drag queen pageants where someone is killing off the competition in some unique and inventive ways.
From the hilarious Drag names such as Gamble Donna Phart (Gambled on a fart) and Yanita Shower to the mystery of the killer who you think you have all figured out to be blown away at the conclusion it's all around an exciting and fun time. Its hyper violent as well with numerous weapons and styles of kills being employed. My favourite chapter by far was Heaux B Hayve which taught me some new terminology of BDSM and a death beyond imagination.
I was quite amazed that this is a debut novel as honestly it does not read at all like a first time writer. Its polished, plotted to keep you engaged and has an awesome backstory thrown in at times which was just as thrilling as the main story.
Phrique knows his humour as well making me actually laugh with his word choices and ridiculous at times dialogue and situations. The conclusion to this is a banger as well and lands perfectly. If you like your books violent, funny and unique it's a must read.
A Gialo/slasher set around the world of drag queen pageants where someone is killing off the competition in some unique and inventive ways.
From the hilarious Drag names such as Gamble Donna Phart (Gambled on a fart) and Yanita Shower to the mystery of the killer who you think you have all figured out to be blown away at the conclusion it's all around an exciting and fun time. Its hyper violent as well with numerous weapons and styles of kills being employed. My favourite chapter by far was Heaux B Hayve which taught me some new terminology of BDSM and a death beyond imagination.
I was quite amazed that this is a debut novel as honestly it does not read at all like a first time writer. Its polished, plotted to keep you engaged and has an awesome backstory thrown in at times which was just as thrilling as the main story.
Phrique knows his humour as well making me actually laugh with his word choices and ridiculous at times dialogue and situations. The conclusion to this is a banger as well and lands perfectly. If you like your books violent, funny and unique it's a must read.
October 3, 2025
Before I forget, I want to thank Phrique for the breeder's cheat sheet of terms, because so many phrases were new to me. Disclaimer, I've been wearing foundation/ powder for almost 40 years, and have never heard anything revolving makeup referred to as bake or baking.
I had way too much fun with this book, considering the fact that the majority of the characters that memorized me met their demise. So maybe fun shouldn't be the right word, but it is.
The cast of characters are awesome!!!! and their names OMG!!! I'm so glad that Gamble Donna Phart's chosen name was explained, cuz that one made me stumble.
and the big reveal of the villain was a very surprising AHA moment!!! Mind blown.
Much fun to be had within the pages of this book
I had way too much fun with this book, considering the fact that the majority of the characters that memorized me met their demise. So maybe fun shouldn't be the right word, but it is.
The cast of characters are awesome!!!! and their names OMG!!! I'm so glad that Gamble Donna Phart's chosen name was explained, cuz that one made me stumble.
and the big reveal of the villain was a very surprising AHA moment!!! Mind blown.
Much fun to be had within the pages of this book
April 29, 2024
Just finished reading this book, and this one really needs to be on your radar. The entire thing was a blast from start to finish. Plenty of great kills, a fun story, and some truly great humor. The premise of this took a familiar trope and made it something truly unique. I can’t wait for more from the author, if this debut is any indication, Phrique is going to be around for a long time.
June 13, 2024
Do you like drag queens and slashers, witty and bitchy dialog, conversion camps and religious ridiculousness? Well, strap on something high-heeled and gorgeous, grab your bedazzler, and make way for the ultimate queen. She's slaying the competition as she s-L-ashays away.
January 29, 2025
First, I'd like to thank the book bestie Phrique for putting me on the ARC team of bad bitches— I am beyond honored to have read this work early. Gig of the Damned: Slay the Competition is a book to be on the lookout for when it drops on 6/1. I can't believe what I just read is from an author writing his debut novel.
"People don't just disappear. DRAG QUEENS don't just disappear!"
Someone is literally slaying the competition before the Trick'd and Treated pageant. She's a bedazzled baddie—pretty in pink. Oh gawd, the hunties are being hunted!
Gig of the Damned: Slay the Competition follows the story of our MC, Antonio, better known as Gamble Donna Phart— who is preparing for the Trick'd and Treated pageant. Over the timespan of one week, shit hits the fan as fellow drag queens in Gamble Donna Phart's life begin meeting crazy, violent, and untimely ends. Someone is taking them out one by one, but who?
This book reads like a great giallo film. There's mystery, a ton of gruesome murder, eroticism, sleaze, and visuals galore. While reading many of the unique kill scenes, I could vividly picture what was happening in my head. Phrique takes a familiar and famous trope, and spins it in the best and most entertaining way.
And while there's plenty of slashing and slaying— Gig of the Damned targets sensitive topics that horrendously affect the LGBTQIA+ community through flashbacks from our MC's childhood. Bigotry, homophobia, and religious extremism are outed with confidence. Phrique gives the middle finger to it all by telling a touching, heartbreaking backstory that made me teary-eyed more than once.
But then I laughed obnoxiously, too. This books is full of sassy lingo, vibrant shit-talking, throat-catching insults, and witty banter. While often ridiculous and over-the-top, the author writes with ease, authenticity, and in ode to those who created the lingo: black/brown people and the gays, babe! Don't worry— there's even a little glossary explaining drag lingo for you as the book moves along.
For real, what an entertaining debut with a twisted, messed up ending. This one is for those who love gore, murder-mysteries, and unique spins on common horror tropes. And it's giving campy B-horror?! A must-read. Because when's the last time you read some drag giallo? Exactly.
To all my good Judys— you must pick this one up or I'm coming for your neck! This was an easy ★★★★★ stars to give, and I'm never wrong. I'm living for GOTD and I am so excited to see what Phrique drops into our lives and laps next.
"People don't just disappear. DRAG QUEENS don't just disappear!"
Someone is literally slaying the competition before the Trick'd and Treated pageant. She's a bedazzled baddie—pretty in pink. Oh gawd, the hunties are being hunted!
Gig of the Damned: Slay the Competition follows the story of our MC, Antonio, better known as Gamble Donna Phart— who is preparing for the Trick'd and Treated pageant. Over the timespan of one week, shit hits the fan as fellow drag queens in Gamble Donna Phart's life begin meeting crazy, violent, and untimely ends. Someone is taking them out one by one, but who?
This book reads like a great giallo film. There's mystery, a ton of gruesome murder, eroticism, sleaze, and visuals galore. While reading many of the unique kill scenes, I could vividly picture what was happening in my head. Phrique takes a familiar and famous trope, and spins it in the best and most entertaining way.
And while there's plenty of slashing and slaying— Gig of the Damned targets sensitive topics that horrendously affect the LGBTQIA+ community through flashbacks from our MC's childhood. Bigotry, homophobia, and religious extremism are outed with confidence. Phrique gives the middle finger to it all by telling a touching, heartbreaking backstory that made me teary-eyed more than once.
But then I laughed obnoxiously, too. This books is full of sassy lingo, vibrant shit-talking, throat-catching insults, and witty banter. While often ridiculous and over-the-top, the author writes with ease, authenticity, and in ode to those who created the lingo: black/brown people and the gays, babe! Don't worry— there's even a little glossary explaining drag lingo for you as the book moves along.
For real, what an entertaining debut with a twisted, messed up ending. This one is for those who love gore, murder-mysteries, and unique spins on common horror tropes. And it's giving campy B-horror?! A must-read. Because when's the last time you read some drag giallo? Exactly.
To all my good Judys— you must pick this one up or I'm coming for your neck! This was an easy ★★★★★ stars to give, and I'm never wrong. I'm living for GOTD and I am so excited to see what Phrique drops into our lives and laps next.
May 30, 2025
Firstly, this was my first read by Phrique, and it will definitely not be my last!! This book was a ton of fun! I absolutely loved all the bitchiness and sarcasm. And the Drag Queen names! My fave being Amanda Scrümi, and Dixie Wrecked.
It was nice to get a little drag glossary too, to help those of us who are less experienced in that world. I discovered I was ‘Shook’, and ‘Gooped’, so ‘Eat It!’ …. Then go buy the book and have a blast…. (Sorry! 🤦♀️😂)
Someone is out to slay all the Drag Queens in the gayborhood, in the most brutal, bloody and grossly inventive ways. There can only be one Queen... and that Queen wants to save face and win this year's pageant, whatever it takes!
The writing is fluid and easy to read, the story gripping, the flow slick and with an underlying narrative that deals with prejudices, anxieties, and childhood trauma, to name but a few.
Gamble Donna Phart's backstory was a particularly sad insight, that left you fully rooting for her, if you weren't already….
The killings in this book were BRUTAL, some made me laugh, some made me wince, some made me want to vomit, but the hardest thing to stomach in this book was Xtra Mayonessa!! Damn! 🤢
You think you know where this is going….you don't! Such a great twist!
"Somebody got a BeDazzler for Christmas.”
Im pretty sure it was Phrique, because he bedazzled the fuck out of me with this book! It was absolutely AMAZING darling! 💜
It was nice to get a little drag glossary too, to help those of us who are less experienced in that world. I discovered I was ‘Shook’, and ‘Gooped’, so ‘Eat It!’ …. Then go buy the book and have a blast…. (Sorry! 🤦♀️😂)
Someone is out to slay all the Drag Queens in the gayborhood, in the most brutal, bloody and grossly inventive ways. There can only be one Queen... and that Queen wants to save face and win this year's pageant, whatever it takes!
The writing is fluid and easy to read, the story gripping, the flow slick and with an underlying narrative that deals with prejudices, anxieties, and childhood trauma, to name but a few.
Gamble Donna Phart's backstory was a particularly sad insight, that left you fully rooting for her, if you weren't already….
The killings in this book were BRUTAL, some made me laugh, some made me wince, some made me want to vomit, but the hardest thing to stomach in this book was Xtra Mayonessa!! Damn! 🤢
You think you know where this is going….you don't! Such a great twist!
"Somebody got a BeDazzler for Christmas.”
Im pretty sure it was Phrique, because he bedazzled the fuck out of me with this book! It was absolutely AMAZING darling! 💜
June 10, 2024
Shit, where do I even start? First off, congrats to Phrique on your debut novel and it is hands down my favorite read of the year so far. I can’t remember the last time I had THIS much fun reading a book.(And thank you for the ARC even though I wasn’t able to read it in time)
I’m new to the horror genre but this had everything I would want in a horror book; a STACKED cast of exciting and unforgettable characters (I was rooting for so many of them), blood, gore and just pure disgustingness (I got nauseous and winced many times), comedic relief (I actually laughed out loud multiple times), moments that pulled on your heartstrings (I actually cried) and a plot twist that GAGGED me to my core.
My favorite horror movie franchise is Scream and one of my favorite reality shows is RuPauls Dragrace and if you merge those two together you get this masterpiece of a book. I will forever be recommending this book to anyone I come in contact with. And #sorrynotsorry to those I have already been badgering to read this.
And if those reasons aren’t already enough to convince you to read this, here’s one more: It’s pride month and this book is GAY!
GO READ IT!! 🩸
I’m new to the horror genre but this had everything I would want in a horror book; a STACKED cast of exciting and unforgettable characters (I was rooting for so many of them), blood, gore and just pure disgustingness (I got nauseous and winced many times), comedic relief (I actually laughed out loud multiple times), moments that pulled on your heartstrings (I actually cried) and a plot twist that GAGGED me to my core.
My favorite horror movie franchise is Scream and one of my favorite reality shows is RuPauls Dragrace and if you merge those two together you get this masterpiece of a book. I will forever be recommending this book to anyone I come in contact with. And #sorrynotsorry to those I have already been badgering to read this.
And if those reasons aren’t already enough to convince you to read this, here’s one more: It’s pride month and this book is GAY!
GO READ IT!! 🩸
July 13, 2024
"Someone got a bedazzler for Christmas!"
Antonio aka Gamble Donna Pharts was a newer queen and wanted her spot light! She wanted to win the crown and she would do anything to get it! When all the queens participating in the pagent start literally dropping dead, Pharts is nervous but hopeful. Will she finally win her crown or will the pink ski masked, long trench coat, bedazzled ass queen make her yet another victim?
This book was so damn entertaining! From start to finish, the gore and kills ate! I also enjoyed reading about Antonio's mother and their back story. It was sad yet very entertaining! This was funny, this was gross, it's a must read! This was the authors debut book and it didn't miss!
The queens names were so fun! Yanita Shower, Edema Kanklez, Xtra Mayonessa (which I loved, poor girl 😂), and of coarse our good judy miss Donna Pharts. If you love RuPauls drag race or even Dragula, you'll eat this up! There's so much drag talk in here, fucking loved it! Highly suggest this super fun, bloody read
Antonio aka Gamble Donna Pharts was a newer queen and wanted her spot light! She wanted to win the crown and she would do anything to get it! When all the queens participating in the pagent start literally dropping dead, Pharts is nervous but hopeful. Will she finally win her crown or will the pink ski masked, long trench coat, bedazzled ass queen make her yet another victim?
This book was so damn entertaining! From start to finish, the gore and kills ate! I also enjoyed reading about Antonio's mother and their back story. It was sad yet very entertaining! This was funny, this was gross, it's a must read! This was the authors debut book and it didn't miss!
The queens names were so fun! Yanita Shower, Edema Kanklez, Xtra Mayonessa (which I loved, poor girl 😂), and of coarse our good judy miss Donna Pharts. If you love RuPauls drag race or even Dragula, you'll eat this up! There's so much drag talk in here, fucking loved it! Highly suggest this super fun, bloody read
June 25, 2024
I won and ARC of this book in a giveaway but I loved it so much that I’ve ordered an official copy. It was a lot of fun! It follows our MC, Gamble Donna Phart as she prepares for an upcoming Trick’d & Treated pageant. Meanwhile, her fellow drag queens are being picked off one by one in really violent ways by a pink bedazzled masked killer. After all, there can only be one queen.
By the way, the drag queen names in this are all amazing. I think my favorite was Heaux B Hayve. 😂 There is such a vivid cast of characters that I could actually see them and hear their voices clearly in my mind. It made for a really fun time! The kills are all unique and very well done. I mean, they were freaking epic! There was plenty of gore, violence and grossness.
Phrique managed to blend comedy, slasher, and a heartbreaking backstory and he did so seamlessly. This was absolutely perfect for pride month! I loved it for all its overthetopness.
By the way, the drag queen names in this are all amazing. I think my favorite was Heaux B Hayve. 😂 There is such a vivid cast of characters that I could actually see them and hear their voices clearly in my mind. It made for a really fun time! The kills are all unique and very well done. I mean, they were freaking epic! There was plenty of gore, violence and grossness.
Phrique managed to blend comedy, slasher, and a heartbreaking backstory and he did so seamlessly. This was absolutely perfect for pride month! I loved it for all its overthetopness.
August 3, 2024
This book is a gem! The gore, like the characters, is fun and over the top, but there's some true psychological horror in there too, especially in the flashbacks. Seriously, I got nightmares because of it.
September 30, 2025
Phrique understood the assignment. This book is not just a slasher with drag queens. Gig of the Damned is a genuine Drag Queen Slasher. The cover art captures the vibe perfectly.
These girls are nasty and I love them for that. GOTD is full of crass humor, fecal follies, and descriptive language that's equal parts impressive and downright foul. The drag names were brilliant with double (and some triple) entendres. I was gagged in every sense.
While I came for the incredible commitment to the bit, GOTD's more sober moments hit harder than I expected. Among the caricatures are stories of hard-won self-expression, chosen family, and nods to collective trauma.
These girls are nasty and I love them for that. GOTD is full of crass humor, fecal follies, and descriptive language that's equal parts impressive and downright foul. The drag names were brilliant with double (and some triple) entendres. I was gagged in every sense.
While I came for the incredible commitment to the bit, GOTD's more sober moments hit harder than I expected. Among the caricatures are stories of hard-won self-expression, chosen family, and nods to collective trauma.
June 4, 2024
Gig of the Damned: Slay the Competition is the perfect book to kick off PRIDE month with. This debut was perfectly executed and jam packed with snarky one-liners, LOADS of humor and endless amounts of GORE.
I am pretty ignorant when it comes to Drag Queen terminology and just the overall dynamics as I'm not well versed in the Drag Culture but I was still able to follow along and learn along the way with "The Breeders Glossary" provided by Phrique for us to keep up with said terms throughout the book. THANK YOU FOR THIS BTW ;)
There's a fierce bedazzled masked killer on the loose that is hunting these Drag Queens down one by one because there can only be ONE QUEEN.
All of the characters were colorful and highly memorable in this story. This was quite the page-turner and full of laughs, suspense and plenty of blood. At times this was hard to read because Antonio's upbringing was just utterly horrific and went through some truly awful things due to him being queer. This book will have you cackling one second and sobbing the next.
Phrique KILLED it or should I say SLAYYYYYED it with this Drag Queen Competition Slasher. This was such a fun and highly entertainable read for me. A new FAVEEE for sure!
I am pretty ignorant when it comes to Drag Queen terminology and just the overall dynamics as I'm not well versed in the Drag Culture but I was still able to follow along and learn along the way with "The Breeders Glossary" provided by Phrique for us to keep up with said terms throughout the book. THANK YOU FOR THIS BTW ;)
There's a fierce bedazzled masked killer on the loose that is hunting these Drag Queens down one by one because there can only be ONE QUEEN.
All of the characters were colorful and highly memorable in this story. This was quite the page-turner and full of laughs, suspense and plenty of blood. At times this was hard to read because Antonio's upbringing was just utterly horrific and went through some truly awful things due to him being queer. This book will have you cackling one second and sobbing the next.
Phrique KILLED it or should I say SLAYYYYYED it with this Drag Queen Competition Slasher. This was such a fun and highly entertainable read for me. A new FAVEEE for sure!
December 2, 2024
Trust me when I say Yanita Readthisbook! Gig of the Damned takes you behind the scenes of the not always glamorous life of several queens with some very entertaining monikers. When one particular performer feels the spotlight going astray, those responsible soon pay! Gruesome slayings soon follow.. Very nice @books.by.phrique !
Next book up; “Butchered” by @clarke_horror !
#readhorror #horrorreadersofinstagram #splatterpunkhorror #extremehorrorbooks
Next book up; “Butchered” by @clarke_horror !
#readhorror #horrorreadersofinstagram #splatterpunkhorror #extremehorrorbooks
June 4, 2024
I absolutely loved this holy SMOKES
Review to come!
Review to come!
January 6, 2026
this is the most fun i’ve ever had reading an extreme horror novel LMAO
also currently looking into getting a bedazzler for christmas 😭
also currently looking into getting a bedazzler for christmas 😭
May 2, 2024
Keep Your Hennies Close and Your Henemies Closer. 💅🏼
One pageant, one winner, and one Queen hell-bent on snatching that crown by any means necessary. 🔪
Prepping for Pride Month books?! 🏳️🌈 Here is your winner!!!👇🏼
Let me start by saying I was beyond ecstatic when I received this ARC. The cover alone is just perfection. 🥵 Then to realize this incredible piece of work is a DEBUT, I was mind blown to say the least. 🤯
This was hands down one of the most entertaining novels I’ve read all year, hell, it’s up there with one of the most entertaining novels I’ve ever read in 37 years. It has it all… amazing slasher scenes, a plot that is unmatched in horror, incredible characters, a writing style that is beyond unique and SOO fun to read, along with a million other things I could rave about. 🤌🏼
I laughed, I cringed, I teared up, I gagged and I had to pick my jaw up from the floor at times. Full range of emotions reading this. 👏🏼
Again, I am shocked this is a debut novel because Phrique’s ability to write and write well, can’t even be articulated properly to do this body of work justice. 😅
This book amazed me from the cover, the glossary of terms for those who aren’t familiar with drag scene (this comes in handy), the attention to every single little detail, the dialogue between characters and a writing style that feels so engaging and modern and exactly how I talk in my head. Idk, I really don’t even know how to explain it because it’s truly that unique and fabulous. 🤩
Congrats babyyyyy, you did it, you slayedddddddd this book. 🥳 I cannot wait to see what else you come out with because if this is your first, holy cannoli my dear, YOU are gonna be the queen around here, love. 🫶🏼
Because five stars would never be enough, I’m giving it seven colorful hearts, why? Because I can. 😮💨
🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💜
One pageant, one winner, and one Queen hell-bent on snatching that crown by any means necessary. 🔪
Prepping for Pride Month books?! 🏳️🌈 Here is your winner!!!👇🏼
Let me start by saying I was beyond ecstatic when I received this ARC. The cover alone is just perfection. 🥵 Then to realize this incredible piece of work is a DEBUT, I was mind blown to say the least. 🤯
This was hands down one of the most entertaining novels I’ve read all year, hell, it’s up there with one of the most entertaining novels I’ve ever read in 37 years. It has it all… amazing slasher scenes, a plot that is unmatched in horror, incredible characters, a writing style that is beyond unique and SOO fun to read, along with a million other things I could rave about. 🤌🏼
I laughed, I cringed, I teared up, I gagged and I had to pick my jaw up from the floor at times. Full range of emotions reading this. 👏🏼
Again, I am shocked this is a debut novel because Phrique’s ability to write and write well, can’t even be articulated properly to do this body of work justice. 😅
This book amazed me from the cover, the glossary of terms for those who aren’t familiar with drag scene (this comes in handy), the attention to every single little detail, the dialogue between characters and a writing style that feels so engaging and modern and exactly how I talk in my head. Idk, I really don’t even know how to explain it because it’s truly that unique and fabulous. 🤩
Congrats babyyyyy, you did it, you slayedddddddd this book. 🥳 I cannot wait to see what else you come out with because if this is your first, holy cannoli my dear, YOU are gonna be the queen around here, love. 🫶🏼
Because five stars would never be enough, I’m giving it seven colorful hearts, why? Because I can. 😮💨
🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💜
July 13, 2024
I always wanted a bedazzler for Christmas!
I always wanted a bedazzler for Christmas! Do you love drag? Do you love hilarious ridiculous, campy, horror slashers? This debut novel is for you!
Even if you know nothing about the amazing world of drag, you’ll have no problem with any of the lingo. The author put a glossary at the behind of the book! I knew I was going to find this book fun as soon as I saw this.
The dialogue is great and the banter is hilarious. The kill-scenes are gruesome and descriptive. Did I also mention there’s a backstory that’ll pull at your heart?
Phrique made me laugh and squirm with this one. I look forward to more!
I always wanted a bedazzler for Christmas! Do you love drag? Do you love hilarious ridiculous, campy, horror slashers? This debut novel is for you!
Even if you know nothing about the amazing world of drag, you’ll have no problem with any of the lingo. The author put a glossary at the behind of the book! I knew I was going to find this book fun as soon as I saw this.
The dialogue is great and the banter is hilarious. The kill-scenes are gruesome and descriptive. Did I also mention there’s a backstory that’ll pull at your heart?
Phrique made me laugh and squirm with this one. I look forward to more!
June 6, 2024
This is the debut book of Phrique. I have to say this was a fun story to read. There were plenty of parts that made me laugh out loud. For a first book, this was a great effort. A bonus was the glossary explaining the slang used in the world of drag queens, which was a nice touch.
If you're looking for a good comedy horror to read, you can't go wrong with Gig of the Damned. Just remember... There can only be one QUEEN!
If you're looking for a good comedy horror to read, you can't go wrong with Gig of the Damned. Just remember... There can only be one QUEEN!
July 5, 2024
Well I just have one question - Did the Queen get a Bedazzler for Christmas?
This was a rollercoaster 🎢 of emotions, surprises, and buckets (gallons upon gallons) of blood tossed against the walls, gates, etc.. Yet I really loved this from start to finish. I definitely had to pace myself because Phrique definitely has tremendous creative talent in generating unique death sequences.
If you’re a fan of Judith Sonnet, Brian Berry, or Bryan Smith, then Phrique is an author to keep your eye on!
This was a rollercoaster 🎢 of emotions, surprises, and buckets (gallons upon gallons) of blood tossed against the walls, gates, etc.. Yet I really loved this from start to finish. I definitely had to pace myself because Phrique definitely has tremendous creative talent in generating unique death sequences.
If you’re a fan of Judith Sonnet, Brian Berry, or Bryan Smith, then Phrique is an author to keep your eye on!
November 25, 2024
The only way to make Splatterpunk better is to add drag queens!
My boi Phrique's tale, Gig of the Damned: Slay the Competition hit all the right places. He perfectly blends gore, shocking (yet hilarious) kills, dark humor, and creates intriguing and original characters.
If you love absurdity blended with pure shock value, boy, do I got a story for you!
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go buy a Bedazzler for Christmas.
My boi Phrique's tale, Gig of the Damned: Slay the Competition hit all the right places. He perfectly blends gore, shocking (yet hilarious) kills, dark humor, and creates intriguing and original characters.
If you love absurdity blended with pure shock value, boy, do I got a story for you!
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go buy a Bedazzler for Christmas.
August 25, 2024
This is absolutely everything you want it to be and more. LOVE.
July 30, 2024
This has been a long time coming, as I read excerpts throughout its creation and have been excited to read in its entirety for the better part of a year. I have now done so, and congratulations my friend, you exceeded my expectations!
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First off, this is one of the funniest books I've EVER read. I laughed very loud many times. The names of the drag queens and all the banter / dialogue is some of the most entertaining and hilarious shit of all time 😂🙌. Second, the kills / BRUTAL f ing violence is insane and so wonderfully detailed and envisioned. Picture Lucio Fulci and Tarantino working together at their nastiest, and someone like Chuck Palahniuk writing it, and you'll be in the ballpark! Third, and my most favorite aspect, the amount of heart in the backstory that runs throughout ❤️. I was so invested and legit misty eyed more than once 🥺. That was the biggest surprise and what brought this one from great violent, hilarious fun- to a masterwork of a debut novel. Such a breath of fresh air, and everyone owes it to themselves to read this one and spread the word 🙌.
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Rating: 10/10.
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First off, this is one of the funniest books I've EVER read. I laughed very loud many times. The names of the drag queens and all the banter / dialogue is some of the most entertaining and hilarious shit of all time 😂🙌. Second, the kills / BRUTAL f ing violence is insane and so wonderfully detailed and envisioned. Picture Lucio Fulci and Tarantino working together at their nastiest, and someone like Chuck Palahniuk writing it, and you'll be in the ballpark! Third, and my most favorite aspect, the amount of heart in the backstory that runs throughout ❤️. I was so invested and legit misty eyed more than once 🥺. That was the biggest surprise and what brought this one from great violent, hilarious fun- to a masterwork of a debut novel. Such a breath of fresh air, and everyone owes it to themselves to read this one and spread the word 🙌.
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Rating: 10/10.
September 15, 2024
I was aware of Phrique’s obvious talent and singular voice from a short story I’d read. But I was still unprepared for how much fun this book was. I’d be lying if I said I understood it all, but having virtually no existing knowledge of drag culture and slang (plus being an old dude), that somehow made the story, setting and characters more enjoyable because it felt like having a boisterous guide into a subculture and style that I would otherwise be hopelessly lost in. And wow did that make it fun. This book enriched me in several ways, but most impactful were the flashback chapters, which, despite the book’s eclectic and flippant surface-level presentation, showed fantastic depth as they strode confidently into a realm of legitimate, heartfelt horror. Those scenes will haunt me.
July 18, 2024
“Can I get a HOT DAMN” 💅
This book was everything you’d ever want in horror, drag queen and all things bedazzled ✨ 🔪 Parts of this book had me almost in tears, seeing what Antonio had to endure at a young age and how he became who he is NOW!
Then there were parts that had me laughing out loud 🤣 I loved how they all kept referring “someone got a bedazzled for Christmas” - tickled me each time! Little did I know there was someone out to hurt EACH drag Queen & it’ll have you clutching ya pearls at each part 👏
💥 can we talk about the twist at the end? It had me on the edge of my seat! Absolutely PHENOMENAL!
This book was everything you’d ever want in horror, drag queen and all things bedazzled ✨ 🔪 Parts of this book had me almost in tears, seeing what Antonio had to endure at a young age and how he became who he is NOW!
Then there were parts that had me laughing out loud 🤣 I loved how they all kept referring “someone got a bedazzled for Christmas” - tickled me each time! Little did I know there was someone out to hurt EACH drag Queen & it’ll have you clutching ya pearls at each part 👏
💥 can we talk about the twist at the end? It had me on the edge of my seat! Absolutely PHENOMENAL!
March 18, 2025
The world of drag competition is cut throat and there can only be one true queen.
In indie author Phrique's debut novel he gives you an extremely unique and extremely gory slasher story set during a drag competition where all the queens in the competition are dropping dead.
From the humor to the absolute unhinged gore and violence, this book kept me engaged the entire time.
Well written, cohesive storyline and polished, this book reads like it was written by a seasoned author. I would have never guessed this was his first novel.
Seriously, this book just made it to my favorites list!
If you like drag culture and gory slashers, this book was written for you!
In indie author Phrique's debut novel he gives you an extremely unique and extremely gory slasher story set during a drag competition where all the queens in the competition are dropping dead.
From the humor to the absolute unhinged gore and violence, this book kept me engaged the entire time.
Well written, cohesive storyline and polished, this book reads like it was written by a seasoned author. I would have never guessed this was his first novel.
Seriously, this book just made it to my favorites list!
If you like drag culture and gory slashers, this book was written for you!
August 13, 2024
Honestly, this is the book I didn’t know I needed but I am so glad it is in my life. Phrique has a unique ability to incorporate both comedy and gore into a tale about a drag queen slasher. He slayed when it came to addressing both trauma and social issues while still keeping a balance of lightheartedness throughout the book. His character development is deep and struck all my emotional cords when I least expected it. This is definitely an author to watch out for and I can’t wait to read more of his work.
August 13, 2024
This was PHENOMENAL. The characters are so well written and come to life. I can be picky with my horror - I like gore and a good tragedy, but I also need believable characters and a good back story. This checked all my boxes and completely exceeded my expectations for horror. The kills were SO unique and creative, and the emotion that went into the characters was just *chefs kiss*. Phrique, you have done such an amazing job with this! 🖤
June 10, 2024
What a great debut from this author!
July 3, 2024
Gig of the Damned is an absolute blast! Not only is it laugh out loud funny, but the gore is so good. It is a loving homage to the slasher drama The action scenes were written so well, I could picture everything in my head. I was very surprised that this is a debut novel - I'm already excited for future titles. 5 stars
April 16, 2024
Words cannot describe how much I loved this book. The wit, the drama, the DEATH SCENES! This is where it’s at! Gig of the Damned just drips with its giallo and 70s horror inspiration but able to give it a a modern take to make it fresh. Not to mention how genuinely funny it is.
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