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Black Friday
The Mall Doors are locked and there’s only one way out…over a pile of dead bodies.
Logan Talbot is no stranger to war. Retired from the Marine Corps, he watches as his best friend now fights a different kind of battle against a deadly illness. A fight that requires more money that either of them have.
So when Logan is approached by a stranger with an offer that seems too good to be true—a chance to win millions of dollars in cash on Black Friday—he knows it’s his only chance to help his friend. What he doesn’t know is that he will find himself locked in a shopping mall with dozens of other desperate contestants.
And the only way to win is to kill them.
Now, along with Logan, a single mother, an online model, a crooked cop and a college student will join the throngs of players that will be forced to turn to savage violence. Not just to win, but to survive a game orchestrated by a madman. A contest broadcast for the entertainment of the sickest, most depraved individuals on the dark web.
How far will they go to survive Black Friday?
Logan Talbot is no stranger to war. Retired from the Marine Corps, he watches as his best friend now fights a different kind of battle against a deadly illness. A fight that requires more money that either of them have.
So when Logan is approached by a stranger with an offer that seems too good to be true—a chance to win millions of dollars in cash on Black Friday—he knows it’s his only chance to help his friend. What he doesn’t know is that he will find himself locked in a shopping mall with dozens of other desperate contestants.
And the only way to win is to kill them.
Now, along with Logan, a single mother, an online model, a crooked cop and a college student will join the throngs of players that will be forced to turn to savage violence. Not just to win, but to survive a game orchestrated by a madman. A contest broadcast for the entertainment of the sickest, most depraved individuals on the dark web.
How far will they go to survive Black Friday?
236 pages, Paperback
Published November 20, 2024
101 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
James Kaine
14 books345 followersJames Kaine is a bestselling author, publisher and filmmaker born and raised in Trenton, NJ. An active pro member of the Horror Writer’s Association, he brings readers visceral, haunting tales of terror via his Horror House Publishing imprint.
Ted Tally, Academy Award-winning screenwriter of The Silence of the Lambs and Red Dragon, called his book My Pet Werewolf "Twisty. Spooky. Shocking." and "Unputdownable."
BookLife by Publishers Weekly proclaimed his novel, The Dead Children’s Playground, “will chill readers to the bone.” The book, the first in his American Horrors anthology series, has been a #1 bestseller in U.S. Horror on Amazon and was the winner of the 2025 Books of Horror Indie Brawl. His works are being translated into multiple languages, bringing James’s cinematic style of scary storytelling to a global audience.
He resides in Hamilton, NJ with his wife, Jessica, their two children and an energetic Boston Terrier. When he isn’t writing he loves to read, travel, cook, watch movies and learn new skills.
For bookings, media inquiries and any other requests, send an email to james@jameskaine.com.
Ted Tally, Academy Award-winning screenwriter of The Silence of the Lambs and Red Dragon, called his book My Pet Werewolf "Twisty. Spooky. Shocking." and "Unputdownable."
BookLife by Publishers Weekly proclaimed his novel, The Dead Children’s Playground, “will chill readers to the bone.” The book, the first in his American Horrors anthology series, has been a #1 bestseller in U.S. Horror on Amazon and was the winner of the 2025 Books of Horror Indie Brawl. His works are being translated into multiple languages, bringing James’s cinematic style of scary storytelling to a global audience.
He resides in Hamilton, NJ with his wife, Jessica, their two children and an energetic Boston Terrier. When he isn’t writing he loves to read, travel, cook, watch movies and learn new skills.
For bookings, media inquiries and any other requests, send an email to james@jameskaine.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
February 12, 2025
The Ultimate Game of "Life."
James Kaine not only excels in writing incredibly creative and gruesome scenes, his storyline and character development are out of this world.
All the main characters have a chapter devoted to their individual and colorful backstories which explains how they all came to be together. Having this information prior to the start of the Black Friday game made a huge difference in understanding their motives and behaviors once it began.
From start to finish Black Friday is one twisted, suspenseful and exciting read. Highly recommend.
James Kaine not only excels in writing incredibly creative and gruesome scenes, his storyline and character development are out of this world.
All the main characters have a chapter devoted to their individual and colorful backstories which explains how they all came to be together. Having this information prior to the start of the Black Friday game made a huge difference in understanding their motives and behaviors once it began.
From start to finish Black Friday is one twisted, suspenseful and exciting read. Highly recommend.
October 13, 2024
James Kaine has done it again, with this banger of an action packed read. After reading, and loving his previous book, ‘The Dead Children’s Playground’, I was looking forward to reading this one…though this one is full on Splatterpunk, full of blood, gore, and brutality.
Five individuals are approached by a stranger in a suit, offering millions of dollars, to participate in an event on Black Friday, hosted by the mysterious YouTube sensation’Vortex’…too good to be true?! You bet!!
This was a high octane, rollercoaster of a ride with a hero with a heart…ex marine Logan ‘LT’ Talbot. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop…I absolutely LOVED it.
Thanks to James Kaine, Horror House Publishing, and BookSirens for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Five individuals are approached by a stranger in a suit, offering millions of dollars, to participate in an event on Black Friday, hosted by the mysterious YouTube sensation’Vortex’…too good to be true?! You bet!!
This was a high octane, rollercoaster of a ride with a hero with a heart…ex marine Logan ‘LT’ Talbot. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop…I absolutely LOVED it.
Thanks to James Kaine, Horror House Publishing, and BookSirens for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 21, 2025
I have to admit that I had extremely low expectations for this book, the cover image has that AI-ish texture going, I'm not keen on battle royale type deals and I've seen buzz about the book that one bookish space where the standards are so low they're a tripping hazard (although I've also seen great reviews of it by solid reviewers so I know I was being petty). Long story short, I only picked it up because I was bored of trying to pick my next read. The joys of being the moodiest of mood readers.
Immediately, the book struck me as an anti-Mr. Beast-fanfic and I was hooked. Oh and I have no idea if I'm correct in thinking that it was about that particular YouTuber and I have no desire to find out if I'm not so please don't tell me if I am wrong.
The characters were well formed even when they were also known and worn archetypes. Some of the kills were really great and imaginative in their descriptions, always a good plus (which we all know wouldn't have been the case if the read Mr. Beast had organized it). I wouldn't say it was quite a splatter or EH title but if graphic violence isn't your jam maybe approach this one with caution.
There was a good balance between action and character exposition so that there's a sense of stake and the redshirting wasn't overly obvious.
More of a 4.25 than a true 4.
Immediately, the book struck me as an anti-Mr. Beast-fanfic and I was hooked. Oh and I have no idea if I'm correct in thinking that it was about that particular YouTuber and I have no desire to find out if I'm not so please don't tell me if I am wrong.
The characters were well formed even when they were also known and worn archetypes. Some of the kills were really great and imaginative in their descriptions, always a good plus (which we all know wouldn't have been the case if the read Mr. Beast had organized it). I wouldn't say it was quite a splatter or EH title but if graphic violence isn't your jam maybe approach this one with caution.
There was a good balance between action and character exposition so that there's a sense of stake and the redshirting wasn't overly obvious.
More of a 4.25 than a true 4.
September 27, 2024
Unbelievable. First-time reader of this author and what can I say other than WOW!
A gory, bloody horror fest, throughout the book. They die in so many scary ways that you will give you nightmares.
This book has hooked me. What's next?
A gory, bloody horror fest, throughout the book. They die in so many scary ways that you will give you nightmares.
This book has hooked me. What's next?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2024
This is a wild ride of a story; all bets are off the table on who you think will or will not survive the Black Friday Battle Royale!
Imagine it… a Hunger Games type of competition, but with random American people, in an abandoned mall, on Black Friday. The winner wins millions, and the competitors are desperate…
“Even if Eléna made it out of there alive, that smile would haunt her for the rest of her life.”
I was glued to the pages and really wasn’t sure what could possibly happen next, how could the event turn even more deadly?! Then the author added in new elements and my mind was blown! 🤯
“Logan surveyed the battlefield, never in his life having thought a shopping mall would become what he saw in Afghanistan.”
Seriously, I’m so impressed with the detail to the characters and their stories, the crazy plot, and the fantastic writing that totally captivated me.
“Leslie never imagined she could murder someone, but she also never figured she would manage to run up $80,000 in credit card debt behind her husband’s back. But there she found herself.”
I truly hope there’s a sequel to wrap up a few loose strings mentioned in “Black Friday”, but in the meantime I will be checking out James Kaine’s other works! I highly recommend you do the same.
Imagine it… a Hunger Games type of competition, but with random American people, in an abandoned mall, on Black Friday. The winner wins millions, and the competitors are desperate…
“Even if Eléna made it out of there alive, that smile would haunt her for the rest of her life.”
I was glued to the pages and really wasn’t sure what could possibly happen next, how could the event turn even more deadly?! Then the author added in new elements and my mind was blown! 🤯
“Logan surveyed the battlefield, never in his life having thought a shopping mall would become what he saw in Afghanistan.”
Seriously, I’m so impressed with the detail to the characters and their stories, the crazy plot, and the fantastic writing that totally captivated me.
“Leslie never imagined she could murder someone, but she also never figured she would manage to run up $80,000 in credit card debt behind her husband’s back. But there she found herself.”
I truly hope there’s a sequel to wrap up a few loose strings mentioned in “Black Friday”, but in the meantime I will be checking out James Kaine’s other works! I highly recommend you do the same.
December 1, 2024
Black Friday has always been sort of cutthroat, and some crazy things have happened....but never anything quite like this!
A group of individuals are approached with an offer that's simply too good to be true, an offer that could make them millions of dollars richer. The black friday event is hosted by a well-known YouTube influencer and seems simple enough until they find themselves locked in an abandoned mall and realize the competition is much more sinister.
This book was pure madness and super intense from start to end. It's definitely packed with blood and gore, but it's still a fantastic story with well thought out characters.
Another solid novel from Kaine, and I can't recommend it enough.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
A group of individuals are approached with an offer that's simply too good to be true, an offer that could make them millions of dollars richer. The black friday event is hosted by a well-known YouTube influencer and seems simple enough until they find themselves locked in an abandoned mall and realize the competition is much more sinister.
This book was pure madness and super intense from start to end. It's definitely packed with blood and gore, but it's still a fantastic story with well thought out characters.
Another solid novel from Kaine, and I can't recommend it enough.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2025
Action packed, fast paced, but too gory for me! I finished it as it was a short book, but I will not read anything else by this author. However, if you like VERY descriptive and stomach-turning gore, I recommend you give this a go. 2.5 rounded to a 3 for well-developed characters and a good story.
February 14, 2025
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
A Black Friday battle royale — last one standing wins the cash prize.
This was absurd and ridiculously gory, but still pretty entertaining. I lost count of how many eyes popped out of their sockets, of the amount of blood gushing everywhere, of the endless chunks of skull flying around.
It was a tad cliché and predictable, but also kind of fun. James Kaine really got creative with the kills, so it was morbidly intriguing to see what he would throw at us next. I also liked the diversity of characters, especially LT. I love a badass hero with a good heart.
I would’ve liked more of Vortex, the mastermind behind the contest, more backstory maybe.
Splatterpunk is not my go-to genre, but the action-packed plot and the interesting characters definitely made this an unexpectedly enjoyable read.
Pre-read update — I just saw ‘perfect for fans of Squid Game’ and that was all I needed.
“Five cases. Five million dollars.”
A Black Friday battle royale — last one standing wins the cash prize.
This was absurd and ridiculously gory, but still pretty entertaining. I lost count of how many eyes popped out of their sockets, of the amount of blood gushing everywhere, of the endless chunks of skull flying around.
The older man let out one final, defeated wail as the front of his face was ripped from his skull and slid under the top of the escalator.
It was a tad cliché and predictable, but also kind of fun. James Kaine really got creative with the kills, so it was morbidly intriguing to see what he would throw at us next. I also liked the diversity of characters, especially LT. I love a badass hero with a good heart.
I would’ve liked more of Vortex, the mastermind behind the contest, more backstory maybe.
Splatterpunk is not my go-to genre, but the action-packed plot and the interesting characters definitely made this an unexpectedly enjoyable read.
« Let the games begin! »
Pre-read update — I just saw ‘perfect for fans of Squid Game’ and that was all I needed.
November 24, 2024
I couldn't put this one down! It was bloody, brutal and full of action. The book starts off introducing us to some key characters. Most of these characters were morally grey, although maybe not quite deserving of the horrors that befall them. Logan, Kasey, and Darnell were the heroes of the book... but even they are not safe from the horrors unfolding all around them. It is kill or be killed.
I loved the different back stories of the characters and how they all came together to find themselves fighting for more than the 5 million dollars they were offered. The writing flows and manages to have lots of emotion. The pacing is fast and had me turning the pages. The author sets the scene and describes it all so well that it is like a film playing out - it would make a great horror film!
What I loved most was how the author takes everyday characters and makes them do the unthinkable. Some are greedy, some are desperate, and some are just psychotic. It's absolutely fantastic, but not for those with a weak disposition... you have been warned!
With thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
I loved the different back stories of the characters and how they all came together to find themselves fighting for more than the 5 million dollars they were offered. The writing flows and manages to have lots of emotion. The pacing is fast and had me turning the pages. The author sets the scene and describes it all so well that it is like a film playing out - it would make a great horror film!
What I loved most was how the author takes everyday characters and makes them do the unthinkable. Some are greedy, some are desperate, and some are just psychotic. It's absolutely fantastic, but not for those with a weak disposition... you have been warned!
With thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
February 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Took me a while to read as also trying to study for class 1, but I really enjoyed the concept and the kills were wild.
February 21, 2026
Hey, let's put fifty people in an enclosed arena and get them to kill each other. We shall call it Football...or Ice Hockey.
Well it's a bit more gory than football or hockey...quite a bit. There's plenty of action and not too much character development (after all, they're mostly gonna get Game-Of-Throned), and a great ending. I liked it.
Well it's a bit more gory than football or hockey...quite a bit. There's plenty of action and not too much character development (after all, they're mostly gonna get Game-Of-Throned), and a great ending. I liked it.
October 8, 2024
By any standard, "Black Friday" is a great book of survival horror, a super-wild rollercoaster through a fascinating mashup of the Squid Game, Saw, and the Hunger Games - though with no time wasted on unnecessary preambles or extended introductions of the characters and their situation. You get to know them through their problems; and they really need money.
I loved the main character, Logan Talbot or "LT", a former Marine whose honesty and integrity made for the kind of hero you can believe in and root for; he has no unrealistic sense of risk and adventure for their own sake, nor any grandiose idea of himself: he gets involved in the story in order to help his best friend and fellow Marine who's facing lung cancer. I've missed this kind of character on the big screen and I would really enjoy seeing this riveting tale getting turned to a movie or its own TV series.
The writing is, as usual for Kaine, cinematic, the story fast-paced, and the plot as entertaining and gruesome as can be! In fact, the plot, right to the very last page (to the post-credits scene, so to speak!) is absolutely phenomenal, occasionally profound, and always keeping you at the edge of your seat.
That said, this is a book of extreme survival horror, and should be approached with care and preferably not a full stomach; Black Friday veterans may even find the frenzy of the everybody-kills-everybody scene quite familiar! (And if you've been around indie long horror enough, you'll certainly catch the hilarious reference behind "Rabbit7" and the like!) Highly recommended!
I loved the main character, Logan Talbot or "LT", a former Marine whose honesty and integrity made for the kind of hero you can believe in and root for; he has no unrealistic sense of risk and adventure for their own sake, nor any grandiose idea of himself: he gets involved in the story in order to help his best friend and fellow Marine who's facing lung cancer. I've missed this kind of character on the big screen and I would really enjoy seeing this riveting tale getting turned to a movie or its own TV series.
The writing is, as usual for Kaine, cinematic, the story fast-paced, and the plot as entertaining and gruesome as can be! In fact, the plot, right to the very last page (to the post-credits scene, so to speak!) is absolutely phenomenal, occasionally profound, and always keeping you at the edge of your seat.
That said, this is a book of extreme survival horror, and should be approached with care and preferably not a full stomach; Black Friday veterans may even find the frenzy of the everybody-kills-everybody scene quite familiar! (And if you've been around indie long horror enough, you'll certainly catch the hilarious reference behind "Rabbit7" and the like!) Highly recommended!
October 1, 2024
“Blood, gore, and broken bodies littered the concourse. Some still fought. Others ran for their lives.”
When an offer comes along and it’s too good to be true and no details are given, do you take it? I mean the only natural thing to do is take the offer right? Uhhh duh!!! Logan and 4 others, along with several other players took that offer and after learning what they had to do, they went apesh!t!!!
Pshhhh and I thought my Black Friday experiences were rough, ha not even 😂. I think this was the most fun I’ve ever had on Black Friday! 😂 What an unhinged, gory, bloody, fun mess this was. I’m pretty sure there were parts that I laughed at that I most definitely don’t think I was supposed to,😅 but the way James wrote this story it was just an all around entertaining horror story. His writing is captivating and draws you in and doesn’t let you go. I felt like I was in that mall fighting for my life along with the rest of them! I absolutely loved this book and I need more!!
Want a horrific and bloody Black Friday experience? Then make sure you grab this book, it releases Friday, Nov 29th on Black Friday no doubt 😆
When an offer comes along and it’s too good to be true and no details are given, do you take it? I mean the only natural thing to do is take the offer right? Uhhh duh!!! Logan and 4 others, along with several other players took that offer and after learning what they had to do, they went apesh!t!!!
Pshhhh and I thought my Black Friday experiences were rough, ha not even 😂. I think this was the most fun I’ve ever had on Black Friday! 😂 What an unhinged, gory, bloody, fun mess this was. I’m pretty sure there were parts that I laughed at that I most definitely don’t think I was supposed to,😅 but the way James wrote this story it was just an all around entertaining horror story. His writing is captivating and draws you in and doesn’t let you go. I felt like I was in that mall fighting for my life along with the rest of them! I absolutely loved this book and I need more!!
Want a horrific and bloody Black Friday experience? Then make sure you grab this book, it releases Friday, Nov 29th on Black Friday no doubt 😆
February 1, 2025
Relentlessly intense and gruesomely fun...
This is what I always imagine when those crazy Black Friday crowds descend into madness to battle over the latest craze-doll-gimmick-thingtheydontreallyneed.
It’s loads of insane straight up carnage and bloody gore as 50 or so folks in a living-dead mall battle to the death for a cash prize.
Thing is… they must battle psychopaths, evade booby traps, dispatch one another… and do it all before the explosive grand finale in two hours. All while being televised on the dark web.
All the stores are fully stocked. Everything is on the table.
Now… GO!
This is what I always imagine when those crazy Black Friday crowds descend into madness to battle over the latest craze-doll-gimmick-thingtheydontreallyneed.
It’s loads of insane straight up carnage and bloody gore as 50 or so folks in a living-dead mall battle to the death for a cash prize.
Thing is… they must battle psychopaths, evade booby traps, dispatch one another… and do it all before the explosive grand finale in two hours. All while being televised on the dark web.
All the stores are fully stocked. Everything is on the table.
Now… GO!
March 24, 2026
Brutal violence + a pulpy B level premise + a Mr Beast wannabe ringmaster + solid characterisations = another stand alone banger from James Kaine.
Honestly, this was just fun. Gory, nasty fun. With a very strong mix of Squid Games mixed with the 80s version of The Running Man. It's probably more "violent action" than it is a horror, but Kaine does go for the jugular with some potentially disturbing imagery later in the book, so it just gets there as far as being a horror novel goes.
Kaine is now three for three for me and I'll read anything of his that loads onto the gory side of the writing equation. His tendency to take his time info-dumping about his characters early in his writings is more than made up for how fun it is when they start getting torn to pieces. Sometimes literally.
4 Rigged Games for Black Friday.
Honestly, this was just fun. Gory, nasty fun. With a very strong mix of Squid Games mixed with the 80s version of The Running Man. It's probably more "violent action" than it is a horror, but Kaine does go for the jugular with some potentially disturbing imagery later in the book, so it just gets there as far as being a horror novel goes.
Kaine is now three for three for me and I'll read anything of his that loads onto the gory side of the writing equation. His tendency to take his time info-dumping about his characters early in his writings is more than made up for how fun it is when they start getting torn to pieces. Sometimes literally.
4 Rigged Games for Black Friday.
January 19, 2025
Logan an ex marine needs money to help his best friend and brother in arms fight cancer so when a You Tuber offers him the chance to win $5million he takes it. What he doesn’t know is he’ll be locked in inside a shopping mall on Black Friday along with dozens of others fighting to the death to win the money, who survives.
A high octane thriller of a horror that throws a searchlight on the desperation of so many exploited by the depravity of the few. I loved Logan, he is strong, resilient but with a conscience to protect the vulnerable, he is a trained killer but with a heart.
This portrays extreme levels of violence, gore and horrific deaths, survival at its most brutal, brilliant!
A high octane thriller of a horror that throws a searchlight on the desperation of so many exploited by the depravity of the few. I loved Logan, he is strong, resilient but with a conscience to protect the vulnerable, he is a trained killer but with a heart.
This portrays extreme levels of violence, gore and horrific deaths, survival at its most brutal, brilliant!
November 7, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read from James Kaine and won’t be the last. The characters are well-written, the plot is action packed, and it’s fast paced, which made it hard to put down. I feel like this book could be a start to a series with Logan Talbot and Kasey Collins.
Contestants are trapped in a mall and must fight to the death. The violent scenes gush with gory details. If you have a sensitive stomach, you may want to pass.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Contestants are trapped in a mall and must fight to the death. The violent scenes gush with gory details. If you have a sensitive stomach, you may want to pass.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2024
A Battle Royale of 50 people itching at a chance to win 5 million dollars. The catch, only 5 can survive.
Let me just start by saying that if you are going to read Black Friday do not make any other plans because there is no way you will want to put this down.
Part one immediately hooked me with the descriptive back stories of some of our players. You get a brief look at their lives and why they could each benefit from winning 5 million.
When you reach part two, make sure you do so on an empty stomach. I’ve read some pretty gross extreme horror before, but the way Kaine is with words I could visualize every kill perfectly and it is NOT for the faint of heart.
With this being my second read and both being 5 Stars, James Kaine is quickly becoming an auto buy author for me.
If you are a lover of grotesque horror be sure to check out Black Friday on November 29, 2024
Thank you to James Kaine and BookSirens for this ARC. My review is honest and the thoughts are my own.
Let me just start by saying that if you are going to read Black Friday do not make any other plans because there is no way you will want to put this down.
Part one immediately hooked me with the descriptive back stories of some of our players. You get a brief look at their lives and why they could each benefit from winning 5 million.
When you reach part two, make sure you do so on an empty stomach. I’ve read some pretty gross extreme horror before, but the way Kaine is with words I could visualize every kill perfectly and it is NOT for the faint of heart.
With this being my second read and both being 5 Stars, James Kaine is quickly becoming an auto buy author for me.
If you are a lover of grotesque horror be sure to check out Black Friday on November 29, 2024
Thank you to James Kaine and BookSirens for this ARC. My review is honest and the thoughts are my own.
November 1, 2024
James Kaine knocked this one right out of the park!
I am convinced everything this man writes turns to gold.
Seriously, if you love horror novels and haven't read any of James Kaine's work, what are you doing?
First of all, this is the story I didn't know I needed.
A battle royal in a not so abandoned mall filled with desperate people. Yes, please.
And if you are thinking something like, "well certainly the fun will die down after the people start to run off and hide", well, I have news for you. This thought definitely crossed my mind but I trusted that there was going to be something to spice this one up and boy was I pleasantly surprised what that little twist was.
I will not spoil it, but if you are having any sort of apprehension about the pace of this book, I can assure you, you will not be disappointed.
I do feel compelled to mention that this isn't the typical, run of the mill, horror. I feel like there are different levels to the genre and this one is definitely not for those who stick to the tamer stories. This book is very gory and descriptive. There were times where even my desensitized stomach was churning. (In the best way, of course.)
With that said, I enjoyed this story probably more than I should have. This was one of those books that had me staying up way too late because I didn't want to put it down. And then when it was over, I was literally swiping my kindle, hoping for more pages.
That isn't to say that I felt like the ending wasn't enough. Honestly, it was perfect. I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion. I just didn't want it to end. I was so invested, the author could have gone on to give us an inside into what the characters were doing years later and I still would have been clutching my kindle.
Setting aside the story line itself, the writing was impeccable. It is so easy to fall into the flow of James Kaine's writing style. Honestly, he is easily one of my favorite authors. Any time I am in the mood to read a horror novel, I don't hesitate to turn towards this author. I can't recommend his work enough.
And no, I don't have anything to gain by raving about this book or this author. I am just genuinely a fan.
I also loved the aspect of the world famous YouTuber. My kids are currently in that stage where they watch their favorite channels nonstop, so this was a nice perspective that I totally got on board with from the very beginning. What I found to be really sad was the fact that I found the concept to be totally believable. Especially in this day and age where all of our favorite people are being outed as monsters.
I think it was genius for the author to take the time in the beginning to give us a bit of backstory for some of the characters. It made it much easier for me to connect with them so when the hunger games from hell takes off, it made their fates so much more impactful.
This wasn't just a scary/thrilling read. I feel like a lot of horror authors just go the scare aspect, so it was really surprising to find myself actually rooting for some of these characters.
I will say, there were a lot of different characters in this book and for a moment there, I was becoming concerned. I was afraid that things were going to get pretty confusing but the author was able pull it off flawlessly. Every single character had their own personalities and it was easy to tell them apart from one another.
There was a nice blend of people. Some had backstories where I didn't really care what happened to that particular character. Others, had my heart longing for their survival. Not all of these people deserved to die and there was nothing I wanted more than for those to ban together and win.
Again, no spoilers, but I was so happy when I got what I wanted in the end. I so love happily ever afters.
With that said, I know it is difficult to write a novel with only a couple of characters. I know that it is challenging to give a few characters such depth to their character. Now imagine that but doubled or maybe even tripled. There was no way I couldn't stop and appreciate the amount of effort that went into writing this book and making these characters jump off the page.
If writing a basic book was easy, everybody would be doing it. With that in mind, there is something to be said about books that have that much detail and creativity.
And as a final thought, if all of the blood and gore wasn't enough, there were some parts that made me literally laugh out loud. Maybe these parts weren't intended to be funny and I am just messed up in the head. Either way, it was a welcoming feeling and I appreciated it.
Overall, this author has impressed me yet again.
If anybody ever asks me for a horror recommendation, I will always refer them to this author. Take a look at all of his work, find the one that appeals to you, and don't hesitate to read it.
Specifically, I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fucked up Hunger Games scenario.
Or really anyone who likes gory horror books.
I don't recommend the those who are easily squeamish.
I was given a free advanced reader copy of this book. I am giving this review voluntarily. Everything that was mentioned above is my honest opinion.
December 3, 2024
From the very first page, this book gripped me and refused to let go. Kaine crafted such vivid, well-developed characters that they practically took on human form in my mind’s eye - I could picture their facial expressions, their physical appearance, their mannerisms, and even the way they moved through scenes. Each person felt distinct and real, making their eventual fates all the more impactful. What struck me most was the book's exploration of human nature under extreme circumstances. The way the characters transformed from ordinary people into survivors capable of shocking violence felt terrifyingly and entirely possible. The pacing was perfect, making it impossible to stop reading as the chaos spread. By the end, I was left both disturbed and deeply moved by this portrayal of humanity pushed to its limits. It's the kind of story that stays with you, making you question what you might do in similar circumstances. And I cannot stop wondering… what comes next? After Chuck… what comes next?!
June 2, 2025
Oh man, I loved this book. It’s bloody, it’s graphic- it definitely answers the question “How many ways can you die in a shopping mall?” (Spoilers: There are a lot). Word of Advice if you ever find yourself in a James Kaine “Black Friday” type of situation: Avoid the escalators. Team up with people you can trust. Finally, for the love of God, do NOT go hide in the Food Court. James Kaine is extremely skilled with description. Reading this book is like watching a graphic horror movie, you might even find yourself wanting to make some popcorn. Don’t. Blood spills from this book’s pages and you probably won’t have an appetite. The story does have heart though. I really liked some of the characters and I rooted for them the entire way. Then there are the villains, and trust me they are horrifying. One thing for sure, you will never think of the Black Friday holiday the same way again. Grab this book, anytime of year, if you want to read a highly exciting book where the action does not stop. Shop til you drop, indeed.
September 26, 2024
Another 5 star book from an author who is fast becoming an auto buy for me.
The character building and action in this book had me gripped on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down. This book gave me 80s/90s slasher move x Maze runner x Hunger games vibe. The detailed description & gore that was happening to characters is not only intense but I devoured those sick and twisted details.
James has a easy flow writing style and his books are page turners that you cannot stop at a chapter because they end on a cliff hanger that you just need to jump into so you can find out what's happening.
The character building and action in this book had me gripped on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down. This book gave me 80s/90s slasher move x Maze runner x Hunger games vibe. The detailed description & gore that was happening to characters is not only intense but I devoured those sick and twisted details.
James has a easy flow writing style and his books are page turners that you cannot stop at a chapter because they end on a cliff hanger that you just need to jump into so you can find out what's happening.
March 7, 2026
One of the best books I've read so far this year!
I read in another review that they thought the first part of the book was boring because it just talks about the people. Well, I highly disagree as that explains why the people were drawn to participate in the Black Friday event!
Now we get to the second part of the book which is Black Friday! Holy cow! Be prepared. The death, carnage, blood and sicko murderers are so well written that I actually cringed as I was reading (listening while driving on audible). lol
Such a great book! The ending had a nice peaceful....What?.... How?.... Oh no!
I read in another review that they thought the first part of the book was boring because it just talks about the people. Well, I highly disagree as that explains why the people were drawn to participate in the Black Friday event!
Now we get to the second part of the book which is Black Friday! Holy cow! Be prepared. The death, carnage, blood and sicko murderers are so well written that I actually cringed as I was reading (listening while driving on audible). lol
Such a great book! The ending had a nice peaceful....What?.... How?.... Oh no!
October 1, 2024
Black Friday is quite a wild ride. After the initial introduction of the main characters, it is non-stop action and gore. Told from multiple POV's, you can find a little bit of everything; sex, action-adventure, family drama, the mob, the military, and human monsters. No one is safe, and I wouldn't want it any other way. Warning: may give you impure thoughts.
I received a free ebook copy of Black Friday in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free ebook copy of Black Friday in exchange for my honest review.
December 20, 2024
Fifty-plus people are summoned by a famous influencer to participate in a challenge. The prize is millions of dollars. Driven by desperation, the contestants find themselves in an abandoned mall. Once the doors close, the blood bath begins.
Gruesome and very fast paced. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. The plot didn’t go the way I thought it would. There were some parts, especially toward the end, that I found pretty emotional.
Gruesome and very fast paced. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. The plot didn’t go the way I thought it would. There were some parts, especially toward the end, that I found pretty emotional.
March 9, 2025
Kindle Unlimited Challenge March 2025
Let me start out by saying, I am a rabid black Friday shopper and when I first saw this book on Kindle Unlimited, I thought it would be a similar to a story I read previously where families fight to the death for Black Friday deals (sorry, I can't remember the name of it, and could not find it on goodreads). But this was very different. It was more of a Hunger Games sort of thing.
Either way, once I started reading this novella, I could not put it down. It was mostly action, very gory, full of death, and had a very satisfying ending. I have not read anything by Mr. Kaine before, but look forward to doing so in the future.
Let me start out by saying, I am a rabid black Friday shopper and when I first saw this book on Kindle Unlimited, I thought it would be a similar to a story I read previously where families fight to the death for Black Friday deals (sorry, I can't remember the name of it, and could not find it on goodreads). But this was very different. It was more of a Hunger Games sort of thing.
Either way, once I started reading this novella, I could not put it down. It was mostly action, very gory, full of death, and had a very satisfying ending. I have not read anything by Mr. Kaine before, but look forward to doing so in the future.
February 5, 2025
I ate this book up in one sitting!! Part 1 was a bit slow; but I’m glad they gave us a little backstory for some of the “contestants”. But it really took off in part 2, and was fast paced from there out. I was so sad when it was over. I really hope he plans on turning this into a series and writing a second, because I would love to know what happens next.
October 31, 2024
Wow what a book. I could not put it down, from start to finish I was hooked. I loved the set up and how we were introduced to the characters in the first part so we could build a connection to them. In the second part the gore did not disappoint and I couldn't have wished for a better ending. The book is a mix between the squid games/the hunger games/the purge/battle royale. I highly recommend this book.
October 28, 2024
Yes yes yes! What an excellent read for this time of year!!! I had sooo many questions but I loved it! How unique, fast paced and thrilling!
October 11, 2025
Didn’t pick up until 50% - just a bunch of introductions the first half. The second half was filled with action and the killings were pretty unique.
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