Permadeath

by Miguel H. Villarreal, Michael Kramer (Narrator)

Be careful what games you play. Some of them play with you.

Marcus is running out of money, and his streaming career is going nowhere. The chance to win a million dollars by competing in a mysterious, online battle royale first-person shooter seems like the perfect lifeline. Besides, he’s got nothing to lose. Right?

When players dying in the game begin to disappear in real life, Marcus realizes he’s caught in the most dangerous rabbit hole, conceived by the wickedest of minds.

Stuck in this gruesome online deathmatch, Marcus must play at the top of his game, conquering virtual and real-life dangers, while unraveling the jaw-dropping truth behind it all.

A grittier Ready Player One, mixed with Hunger Games for the online generation. If you enjoy being at the edge of your seat and having your hands stitched to a book that won’t let you put it down, this fast-paced, heart-pumping suspense thriller will suck you right in. Buckle up. Make it tight.

9 hrs. 25 min.

10 pages, Audible Audio

Published December 12, 2024

About the author

Miguel was born in Mexico, with a pen in one hand and a NES controller in the other. He's been trying to merge these two passions ever since. He lives in Mexico City with his incredibly patient wife, Marisol.

Reviews

[Haley McRawr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I haven't done an ARC review in a while but this book caught my interest. I'm a gamer (that plays FPS games as well as others) and a reader, but I don't believe you have to be a gamer to enjoy this book!

Thank you BookSirens and Miguel H. Villarreal for allowing me to read this book!

Permadeath follows Marcus, an orphaned teen who has nobody in his life except his computer. He's a struggling streamer on twitch and is behind on his mortgage. He's trying to grow it when he finds out about an opportunity to play in a tournament with a prize pool of $1 million. He signs up and gets accepted, but they soon discover that people are dying in real life when they die in the game.

This book went from being a casual start, relating to a struggling streamer (I used to stream on twitch) and having troubles in your personal life, to being a suspenseful thriller keeping you guessing.

Although I struggled a bit to get into this book, by about 30% I could no longer put it down. I'm so impressed that this is a debut novel. I found the writing was really well done. There were some smaller things that didn't quite add up to me but it didn't detract from the story.

I'll definitely be on the lookout for more books by Villarreal, if anybody knows his Instagram please let me know so I can tag him on my booksta 🩷

[Cindieslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to review read Permadeath by Miguel H. Villarreal. This book was released the 2nd of December.

I really wanted to read this one after I've read the description, it just wheeled me in. I enjoy reading thrillers, this being a bit different than what I normally read since it revolves around a game and a streaming community.

We're following Marcus in this story, a guy with way to much debt trying to climb the streaming ladder so he can live of the donations fans make. I have to say, the beginning threw me off a bit.. About a fifth of the book is about Marcus and his problems, him trying to reel in people for his streams and him online gaming / streaming and paying an obscene amount of money to get one on one sessions to learn how to get more viewers in stream.

After getting chosen to advance play a game with 7 other streamers the story really takes of. You only get to die once in game, so.. Permadeath. You don't get a second chance and parachute back in game. In fact, you die? The software will be deleted like it has never been there.

After the first to deaths in game, things get interesting.. The "losers" keep on streaming, but something about those streams seems off. Are they really streaming still? Is there a glitch? Is it AI?
Finding out people are really being eliminated in real life if they lose the game, Marcus runs.. He and another streamer will both be getting to the bottom of this.. But, will they survive? What will happen along the way? Find out!

[Melissa Thurlby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book presents a compelling narrative that initially unfolds at a slower pace, but quickly gains momentum after the pivotal “game” scene. Once this moment occurs, the story captivates with its unexpected twists and turns, keeping the reader hooked. The first major twist was particularly shocking, adding layers of intrigue that made it impossible to put the book down. Overall, this engaging read combines suspense and emotional depth, deserving of a solid 5-star rating.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC. 'Gamelit thriller' with such well-described horror elements that I had to put the book down while I was wincing so much? This book really had everything. Ender's Game meets Eli Roth's Hostel, wrapped up in the high quality graphics of a modern FPS.

A really great book, and one I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to read.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens for this free ARC. This review is left voluntarily.

This was crazy good! If you're into Twitch streamers, video games and thrillers, this is your book of the year! The writing is fast-paced, the plot is fantastic, well-crafted and full of plot twists and I spent so much time telling myself "only one more chapter before bed" but just HAD to know more!!
All of the characters are so amazing and Marcus goes through such a development throughout his adventure (I shed a few tears at the end I'm not going to lie).

[Bethany Bannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, without a doubt, the best book I’ve read in some time. The writing is outstanding, with captivating dialogue and vivid descriptions that bring the narrative to life. The author’s use of imagery is exceptional, and the pacing is flawless from beginning to end. The well-crafted twists kept me thoroughly engaged throughout.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lola Jansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohh this was a great read!

I love videogames, so a horror suspense book about videogames is right up my alley!

It read like a train, and the main chat years were realistic.

Great suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat, and a great plot twist altogether!

[April Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific read!

I really enjoyed this book. It's very fast paced and different from anything I've read before. I really like Marcus. He's relatable and down to earth. I'm looking forward to future books hopefully!

[Summer R Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Miguel H. Villarreal NetGalley for the ARC. I leave this review voluntarily and happily. Also, thank you publishers for your hard work!

This was definitely a unique read. It gets straight into things right away and then keeps going. The characters are definitely interesting, and you will love Marcus as you read the pages, learning more about him. There is death and some language throughout the book. There is definitely a lot of game violence, but there is nothing wrong with that. The way this book is written, I definitely got sucked into it, and it flew by like a movie in my head the entire time. I say that about most books, but the writing style of this book made it so much easier, and I absolutely loved it. This book is full of twists and turns, and like me, if you already don't trust the government, you will definitely be questioning them more by the end of it all.

A tournament that could have you winning a million dollars. Would you do it? Of course, many would. Much like Marcus and the others, they all need this money in order to keep living life. Of course, as the tournament keeps going, things are happening. The people dying in the game end up missing or worse in real life. Time is running out, and what's really happening to these people? Marcus only has so much time, and as he uncovers secrets and the truths behind everything, his life might be on the line. All he wanted was to play the game and win.

This book is on my top 5 of immersive and interesting reads of this year. I really enjoyed the flow and writing style. At first, I'll be honest, I thought i was going to hate it as it deals with streamers, and I'm not really into things like that, but taking the plunge, I really did love this book.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcus is a struggling gaming streamer who barely pulls in an audience of two figures on his channel & this is unlikely to change anytime soon. This is bad news as the mortgage payments on his house are overdue, & he's about to lose everything. Then he hears about a new, mysterious online first-person shooter game where 8 streamers are going to be picked to battle it out for a prize of $1M.

It sounds too good to be true right, but Marcus can't afford to let this chance go. So what if the application form has more questions that the LSAT & it all feels just a bit off? At the start of the game, Marcus's followers hit the thousands & the subscriptions & donations start rolling in, but when the players killed in the game start disappearing in real life, Marcus realises that something is badly wrong.

This was my last read of 2025 & it was a good one. This technothriller has a really interesting plot, a main character that does begin to grow on you, & plenty of action (both in-game & out). It was a little slow to start but once the tournament begins, the pace picks up & doesn't really slow down again. Yes, there are some things which are too convenient just to further the plotline, & I felt that sometimes it leaned too far into the gamer stereotypes, but it hit two major pluses: it was different & it held my attention at all times.

My thanks to NetGalley & the author for the opportunity to read an ARC.

TWs: (major) blood, violence, death, death of parents (moderate) racial slurs, strong language, (minor) animal death

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have been in a reading slump lately, but this book got me out of that! It was so intriguing from the start. Not only is this plot plausible for the real world (in a very sick way) but I was so comfortable with the characters and their world that I am thankful that I have to approve everything online for my daughter! It was well written and such a fast read. The scary part is that this book probably is already happening somewhere in some shape or form.

[Jesterr626 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Permadeath was a video game thriller that is incredibly fast paced the amount of twists and turns in it was just insane, the story kept me hooked.
Marcus admittedly I grew to love, first impression I wasn't sure - 50 pages later I had a complete change of heart.
Safe to say I really enjoyed this book. I loved the references to things, it made me smile on a couple of occasions.
Even if you're not a gamer you'll enjoy this book! One of my faves of the year.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this was an entertaining read. Being a non-gamer, but with grown up children who are gamers, it was interesting to see the story from a 'gaming' perspective.

I did find the story was a bit like a see saw with the pacing, which for me didn't work so well.

The plot itself was clever, and the characters likeable.

The blurb did meet expectation.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ricardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even a non gamer (like me) will eat up this book. The definition of page-turner. Very entertaining all the way through. Can’t wait for a sequel, or the author’s second book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[N.V. Cefalo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Awesome to have suspense/thriller in the GameLit genre. This emulates Sword Art Online, but focuses on the thriller aspect and takes it to a different level. Overall was impressed with the story, it really stands out as a great single-installment book within the genre. Not battered down with stat readings and in-game stuff and also a great balance with the IRL parts of the story. If a book 2 comes out, I will definitely be reading it. Would greatly recommend, especially if you are looking for something different within the GameLit genre.

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miguel H. Villarreal’s Permdeath is a pulse-pounding thrill ride that fuses the high-stakes intensity of a battle royale video game with the chilling reality of life-and-death consequences. A gritty, suspenseful blend of Ready Player One and The Hunger Games, this novel is a must-read for fans of fast-paced action, gaming culture, and edge-of-your-seat twists.

The story follows Marcus, a struggling video game streamer whose career is circling the drain. Desperate for money and relevance, he seizes the chance to compete in a mysterious online tournament promising a $1 million prize. But the stakes escalate quickly when he discovers that players eliminated in the game are disappearing in real life. Trapped in a brutal deathmatch, Marcus must battle not just for the prize but for his survival, navigating deadly enemies, digital and human alike, while uncovering the terrifying secrets behind the tournament.

Villarreal’s writing is as sharp and fast-paced as the game Marcus is thrown into. The action sequences are visceral and cinematic, immersing readers in the intense, high-pressure world of the battle royale. Gamers will appreciate the detailed depictions of the tournament, from its ruthless mechanics to the vivid and dangerous digital arenas. Yet the story’s appeal isn’t limited to gamers—its universal themes of desperation, survival, and moral ambiguity make it a gripping read for anyone who loves a high-stakes thriller.

Marcus is a compelling protagonist, with his flawed, relatable nature making him an easy character to root for. His growth over the course of the story—from a struggling streamer to a determined survivor—is well-paced and satisfying. The secondary characters, including allies and enemies in the game, are equally intriguing, adding depth and unpredictability to the narrative.

What sets Permdeath apart is its chilling exploration of technology’s darker possibilities. The novel doesn’t shy away from tackling questions about greed, exploitation, and the fine line between entertainment and cruelty. Villarreal masterfully builds suspense, keeping readers guessing about the tournament’s true purpose and the sinister forces behind it. The revelations, when they come, are jaw-dropping and raise the stakes even higher.

If there’s a critique, it’s that the breakneck pace occasionally leaves little room for deeper exploration of some characters and plot threads. However, the relentless momentum is part of the novel’s appeal, and readers will likely be too engrossed to notice.

Permdeath is a gripping, adrenaline-fueled thriller that blends gaming culture with dystopian horror. Miguel H. Villarreal has crafted a story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, with enough twists and turns to keep readers hooked until the final, shocking page. Perfect for fans of high-octane suspense and video game-inspired fiction, this is a novel you won’t be able to put down.

[Randowne · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I find it difficult to classify books about players as LitRPG, and I want to make it clear that, in my opinion, this one is not.

Marcus, the main character, is not someone I really liked. His life, attitude, and decisions put me off, but I can see that this was also the author's intention. At the start of the book, the author creates a gloomy and despairing atmosphere. Since I was in a bad mood when I began reading, it was hard for me to connect with either Marcus or the book.
I thought Marcus had the attitude of a "poker player at a casino"—a mix of bravado, some level of skill, but mostly without the means to keep behaving as he does… yet still stubbornly continuing. I believe the author made a major error here: constructing such a negative context to give Marcus his motivation. Any player would have been tempted by the reward with no official strings attached, but it feels unrealistic that Marcus was chosen, especially when competitors had significantly greater exposure.
For example, there was no need to create this whole competition in the first place, but that's another debate. The vans are catastrophically useless in their role. The lack of professionalism among the staff is also highly unrealistic.

In my opinion, the story should have been improved in the following ways:
- Marcus should have had a following of at least 100 to 1,000 players to seem more believable. For instance, he could have been known for "amazing comebacks" or "sudden turnarounds" (but not consistently), which might explain a community that knows him but doesn’t necessarily follow him because he isn’t reliable.
- The book’s balance was lacking. It feels as though the author had plans for a much longer story, as the real setup takes a VERY long time (50%?). As a result, the rest of the plot felt quite rushed.
- Marcus's relationships with other players were underdeveloped. He should have met a few at the start to further justify his place and establish dynamics for later in the story.
- The "shingles" were puzzling to me. I assume they’re meant to bring the LitRPG aspect, but I would have handled them very differently.
The "red thread" I imagined for the story didn’t unfold as I expected, but it was still okay overall, and I appreciated that.

In the end, I’d rate the book between 3 and 4 stars. I enjoyed the second half, mainly because it broke away from the somewhat depressing tone that defined the beginning.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Risa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book had me from the start. Being a gamer and also streamer on Twitch for a few years, it as great to be able to be so immersed in a book in a setting that I was so familiar with.

It was pretty fascinating to see the start of the story, with Marcus trying to win over more viewers after spending money on classes from another streamer on how to increase viewership. This is definitely a struggle as a streamer, when you want to increase your viewership and followers, but how do you do that? How do you keep up the momentum? And then suddenly, a chance of a lifetime lands in his lap that would not only bolster his lackluster streaming career, but also give him a million dollars if he wins. Who could say no to that?

The story continues and is very fast paced, giving just the right amount of action and leaving you wanting more. Marcus definitely grows as the story quickly progresses, and we see more of the person he is inside aside from the outer persona he gives himself to be seen for the streaming world. I enjoyed the interactions he had with the other characters. I also enjoyed that this provided a lot of critique in how AI can be used in gaming, and how there is a line that shouldn't, but can be crossed, in order to garner support from people. Or to ultimately work to end someone's career. That AI can be so realistic that you can't even tell what is real and what isn't.

I do wish at the end, we could've seen what happened to the other players in the game. I feel like we started to scratch the surface with Marcus and his relationship with his teammates, but I would've enjoyed seeing that fleshed out more, and how that would've interpreted outside the game as well.

I received an advance review copy for free (Thank you SirenBooks!), and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sucked me in from the very beginning and didn't let me go from its action-packed grasps until the very end.

Mason is a struggling streamer, hoping to make it big one day. Not fully dealing with the violent death of his parents, he throws himself into the world of online video games and poor financial decisions. When a million dollar opportunity arises for him to make it big as a streamer, he decides that the competition is worth his life, even if it results in permadeath.

I was drawn to PERMADEATH because I play videogames myself, my favorite genre being action RPGs. Ask me any day about my Fallout or Dead Space games. PERMADEATH starts off strong with references to popular games, such as Bioshock Infinite, and other online pop culture memes, making it highly relevant to today. From there, PERMADEATH turns into a full throttle action book that moves at a very fast pace. The stakes are high, the plot is tense, and the characters are relatable. Marcus is dealing with grief, and his struggles are handled with such delicacy that you can't help but grieve with Marcus.

Miguel H. Villarreal's writing is excellent, fully diving into his obvious passion for video games. What I didn't expect, and what I ended up loving most about PERMADEATH, was the commentary of how streaming culture can become toxic, the rise of AI, socio-economic disparities, and the ever present discussion of violence in video games. It was a very fresh take on the topics through a medium that will appeal to video game fans.

This is an excellent book for anyone who likes their books a little nerdy or a little thrilling. As a big fan of Squid Games, READY PLAYER ONE and READY PLAYER TWO, PERMADEATH is a very deserved spot on my bookshelf.

[Adri Holt · Rating 3 out of 5]

His bosses are faceless patrons that want to watch him kill. Marcus Rhodes, a lonely, young streamer on Twitch, plays Warfield 3 as his alternative identity, Hexagone. He wants to be able to subsist, pay off his mortgage, and play video games at the same time. The few viewers and subscribers that he has just aren’t cutting the bills and he does not want to return to working for corporate America. What makes Marcus an interesting character and streamer is that he can use his “Shingles” to fully immerse himself into the game, in the way that he can actually see, taste, and smell his surroundings in-game. After an injury and fluke lands him in prison in the game, he has no hope for his future as a video game streamer. A glimmer of hope appears in a new game called Thermal Core, where he may have the chance to win $1 million dollars. After software updates, in-person interviews, facial expressions recorded, and a van outside his home full-time, he is ready to play Thermal Core. 8 streamers total on 2 teams of 4 for 3 days, does he have the chance to win a million dollars or will he fall flat?

#ThxNetGalley #MiguelHVillarreal #Permadeath

[Nina Bicandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens for providing this ARC!
I have a couple issues with this book, the most glaring is the use of the word “oriental” to describe someone’s physical features. I think this book could have used a review of sensitivity readers and another round of grammar edits. However, the story as a whole was very entertaining. It took a second to really get started but then it was a whirlwind of action that was written really well. There’s also a slight love story aspect I wasn’t expecting that made the MMC a lot more likeable. The villains and the overarching conflict was super unique, if you enjoy reading about AI related conflicts you’ll enjoy this story. I also am not a huge gamer but my partner is so that helped follow the gaming aspects of the story! Even if you don’t know much about gaming you’ll still find something to enjoy here. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, yet Hopeful

This book grabbed me from the start with its tense action and incredibly immersive in-game world—the level of detail made it feel like I was right there with the characters. The protagonist, Marcus, is a deeply sympathetic character, and his internal struggles and moral dilemmas gave the story real depth, making him more than just another hero in a high-stakes game.

Despite the dark themes, there’s an underlying sense of optimism that kept me engaged, balancing the more intense moments perfectly. My only hesitation was the way the main characters’ relationship developed - it leaned heavily on a trauma bond, which didn’t fully work for me as a romantic arc.

Overall, this is a must-read for fans of Ready Player One and Black Mirror. If you love high-stakes virtual worlds with strong ethical dilemmas, you’ll be hooked.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[DarkS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Permadeath by Miguel H. Villarreal is what you get when Hunger Games meets Call of Duty and then throws you into a conspiracy rabbit hole you didn’t ask for but can’t escape. 🎮💀

Marcus, a down-on-his-luck video game streamer, sees a million-dollar online tournament as his one shot at turning things around. But surprise! The stakes aren’t just virtual—players start dying in real life too. 😱

What starts as just another online game spirals into a high-stakes, real-world deathmatch. Marcus is suddenly dodging more than lag and noobs—he's up against a sinister force that’s playing a much bigger game. And yeah… losing isn’t just game over. It’s permadeath for real.

If you love fast-paced thrillers, video games, and stories where you can’t trust anything, this one’s a wild ride.

[Andrew Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I recently discovered a love for the Litrpg genre and have been spending a lot of time reading popular selections from the style. Permadeath (a gamelit novel) gave me a refreshing reprieve from Litrpg’s D&D aesthetic and replaced it with a Call of Duty vibe. The story does not follow the character progression/growth you see in Litrpgs but this helps the story stay true to the Call of Duty narrative (characters don’t gain increased attributes with level progression in COD). The story was well paced with no parts that felt overly laggy (pun intended). I would definitely be interested in following Marcus and Moona’s story should it continue in future books.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and all thoughts on it our my own. I will be the first to admit that I know nothing about video games. But this book was an amazing thriller! The main characters were well developed although I wished that the other gamers in the book were a little more fleshed out. I also wished that the antagonists were also as well. I felt like this book started out like Orson Scott Card's "Ender's Game". But it was way more than just that. The "why" in this one was much better. The only thing that bothered me was that this book was about high tech everything it they mention Kmart being there which was so dated. Other than that gripe this great!

[Lea Mumford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! The description of this book pulled me in from the start. Whilst it started with a fairly slow pace when this book got going… it really got going - I could not put it down! It was a very different type of book for me, as it surrounded gaming, but I am SO glad I gave it a read! As a non-gamer I was worried parts of the book would go over my head slightly, but I didn’t find myself not being able to follow along for the most part. I found myself truly immersed in the story and felt strongly for the characters. This really is a page turner and kept me on the edge of my seat! If you are a fan of thrillers and enjoy adventure and gaming - you will love this!

[Dani D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The description really left this book with some big shoes to fill. Ready Player One is one of my favorite books and few things have compared to the excitement of that book but Permadeath did not disappoint. As a lifelong gamer, and a middle aged mom who still plays Fortnite, I can only hope I’m never thrust into a game where I must survive in order to not die in the real world. There is plenty of excitement and action that keeps you turning pages. If you’re a gamer I have no doubts that you will enjoy this one.

[Marion McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid and enjoyable gamer-centred action tale. I wasn't sure what to expect from the opening but a couple of chapters in found the book to be a very well-paced and quick read. I appreciated the ADHD-positive protagonist and the descriptions of his hyper focus experience in the game world. Some fans of Ready Player One will love it and others will probably find it's not what they expect so may not, but I enjoyed it!

Thank you for my advance review copy. All views my own.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This uses the gamelit thriller novel, that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. The characters were everything that I was looking for and thought it worked in a suspenseful atmosphere. I was engaged with what was happening and thought the overall feel worked. Miguel H. Villarreal has a strong writing style and was glad I read this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great read! The main character had me rooting for him right away. I just wish the author had put more into the ending and didn’t quickly wrap everything up in the last few pages. There were many characters that weren’t even mentioned, so you have no idea what happened to them. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC