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All or Nothing
The Game. A lucrative pay-per-view that caters to only the richest and most extravagant of clients, those selected based on their wealth, social status and Government position. Organised and run by a secret conglomerate called The Company, and only viewable by the extremely rich and wealthy, it’s the epitome of reality television.
The Chronicles. Four twisted, egotistical, wealthy men with no remorse for the public or people below their social status. With complete control over The Choices, they can do what they want, when they want, however they want. Egos and pride clash in order to produce the best entertainment their unlimited funds can buy.
The Choices. Four strangers chosen at random and ripped from their everyday lives, they are selected by The Chronicles to participate in The Game. Rules do not apply. There’s no law, no justice, no escape and no hope.
The Company does not accept failure. With a client base exclusively consisting of the most influential people on the planet, their tolerance for anything but perfection is zero. When The Game begins, things start to go wrong. The Chronicles become obsessed with power, The Choices become caught in the cross-fire and The Company is overseeing everything. Tempers fray, confidence cracks and people ultimately start paying the price.
The strangers begin to realise that anything is possible. Agendas seem random but as the night progresses, it becomes apparent that things are more personal than first thought. With The Company watching, The Chronicles pulling the violent, bloody strings and events spiralling out of hand, it becomes obvious that the outcome, and their fate, is beyond their control…
The Chronicles. Four twisted, egotistical, wealthy men with no remorse for the public or people below their social status. With complete control over The Choices, they can do what they want, when they want, however they want. Egos and pride clash in order to produce the best entertainment their unlimited funds can buy.
The Choices. Four strangers chosen at random and ripped from their everyday lives, they are selected by The Chronicles to participate in The Game. Rules do not apply. There’s no law, no justice, no escape and no hope.
The Company does not accept failure. With a client base exclusively consisting of the most influential people on the planet, their tolerance for anything but perfection is zero. When The Game begins, things start to go wrong. The Chronicles become obsessed with power, The Choices become caught in the cross-fire and The Company is overseeing everything. Tempers fray, confidence cracks and people ultimately start paying the price.
The strangers begin to realise that anything is possible. Agendas seem random but as the night progresses, it becomes apparent that things are more personal than first thought. With The Company watching, The Chronicles pulling the violent, bloody strings and events spiralling out of hand, it becomes obvious that the outcome, and their fate, is beyond their control…
- GenresHorror
344 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2014
3 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Keane
55 books145 followersAt the age of seven, I fell in love with the written word. Since that fateful day, I've dreamt of writing my own novels. In April 2014, twenty-five years later, that dream finally came true.
Writing is, and always has been, my passion. I revel in creating characters, unique worlds, realistic environments, and situations and stories that hook the reader. Reading stories of this kind inspires me so returning the favour has always been important to me, as a writer and a fan of literature.
I'm also a co-director at Dark Chapter Press, an English-based horror publisher, so pop over to my website for more information, including a fan club, the latest submission calls and new releases.
Writing is, and always has been, my passion. I revel in creating characters, unique worlds, realistic environments, and situations and stories that hook the reader. Reading stories of this kind inspires me so returning the favour has always been important to me, as a writer and a fan of literature.
I'm also a co-director at Dark Chapter Press, an English-based horror publisher, so pop over to my website for more information, including a fan club, the latest submission calls and new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 24, 2014
So I read the blurb for this book and I must say my first reaction was,
I just love this kind of story line, anything Big Brother/Hunger Games style and I'm on it like a cat with catnip. Then the author adds me on GR and offers me an ARC of said book and I just went..
To anyone who's read the blurb and your skimming reviews to see if you want to commit to this book I'll say HI and Thank You for reading my review and if you like the Hunger Games/Divergent and you also love horror/suspense and a little grossness in your reading you will LOVE this book.
Do not get me wrong it is a lot different to the aforementioned stories and a lot more adult(thank gods) and Stuart takes it to a whole other level and to top it all off I agree with some of the opinions put forward within the story about the way of the world today.
I don't want to bring any of the story into this review as I hate reviews with spoilers but this book is written in such a way that everything falls into place and you find yourself on the journey with the Choices (I even backed my winner half way through LOL) and the emotions take over, I start of with..
then its
and then I was
and just when I didnt see it coming I was
This is one of those books that you can not put down and it has so much happening at once with a lot to take in, BUT its very well written and it does not confuss you just prepare yourself for a...
This is Stuart's first full novel and for a first I have to say at this pace we are in for some great releases from this guy if he continues to write (and he better or I'll hunt him down and put HIM in The Game) and I'm sure has hell gonna be reading everyone.
To Stuart awesome first novel and THANK YOU for using arse throughout the book not ass I can safely assure all book writers my arse does not look like a donkey and I don't ever recall anyone else's either.
My Rating
★★★★★ = Best book Ever!
wow I hope all my images work
I just love this kind of story line, anything Big Brother/Hunger Games style and I'm on it like a cat with catnip. Then the author adds me on GR and offers me an ARC of said book and I just went..
To anyone who's read the blurb and your skimming reviews to see if you want to commit to this book I'll say HI and Thank You for reading my review and if you like the Hunger Games/Divergent and you also love horror/suspense and a little grossness in your reading you will LOVE this book.
Do not get me wrong it is a lot different to the aforementioned stories and a lot more adult(thank gods) and Stuart takes it to a whole other level and to top it all off I agree with some of the opinions put forward within the story about the way of the world today.
I don't want to bring any of the story into this review as I hate reviews with spoilers but this book is written in such a way that everything falls into place and you find yourself on the journey with the Choices (I even backed my winner half way through LOL) and the emotions take over, I start of with..
then its
and then I was
and just when I didnt see it coming I was
This is one of those books that you can not put down and it has so much happening at once with a lot to take in, BUT its very well written and it does not confuss you just prepare yourself for a...
This is Stuart's first full novel and for a first I have to say at this pace we are in for some great releases from this guy if he continues to write (and he better or I'll hunt him down and put HIM in The Game) and I'm sure has hell gonna be reading everyone.
To Stuart awesome first novel and THANK YOU for using arse throughout the book not ass I can safely assure all book writers my arse does not look like a donkey and I don't ever recall anyone else's either.
My Rating
★★★★★ = Best book Ever!
wow I hope all my images work
July 20, 2014
If you want wicked, evil people - read this book!
If you want mystery and suspense - read this book!
If you wants twists and turns beyond your imagination - read this book!
Simply put...read it!! It is an amazing read, one that I found hard to put down. The story pulled me in from the beginning, I was there, in the game with The Choices. I became invested in them, rooting for them, hoping that The Chronicles got what they deserved. Of course I had my favorites to love and favorites to hate. That is what this book does to you.
The Game is reality pay-per-view t.v. with a hard on! (literally). Which only sick people would be involved in competing in, but, that is what The Company is made up of. What if the government really did this? Makes you think doesn't it?
This is a thrilling, brilliant, phenomenal book. A must read for anyone that loves horror, mystery, thriller. Stuart Keane is an amazing author!
I had read Stuart's novella, The Customer Is Always and Terror Train; of which has Stuart's story, Fool Aboard in it. I was impressed by his writing and was looking forward to the release of All or Nothing so that I could read it. Stuart asked if I wanted to read an ARC of All or Nothing and I was honored to do so.
5 stars...YES! This one is going on my favorites list as well as Best of 2014. Again, this is a must read if you love wicked, evil people, thrills, mystery, suspense, and those twists and turns that make you go...What?!?, especially that one at the end, classic brilliance.
If you want mystery and suspense - read this book!
If you wants twists and turns beyond your imagination - read this book!
Simply put...read it!! It is an amazing read, one that I found hard to put down. The story pulled me in from the beginning, I was there, in the game with The Choices. I became invested in them, rooting for them, hoping that The Chronicles got what they deserved. Of course I had my favorites to love and favorites to hate. That is what this book does to you.
The Game is reality pay-per-view t.v. with a hard on! (literally). Which only sick people would be involved in competing in, but, that is what The Company is made up of. What if the government really did this? Makes you think doesn't it?
This is a thrilling, brilliant, phenomenal book. A must read for anyone that loves horror, mystery, thriller. Stuart Keane is an amazing author!
I had read Stuart's novella, The Customer Is Always and Terror Train; of which has Stuart's story, Fool Aboard in it. I was impressed by his writing and was looking forward to the release of All or Nothing so that I could read it. Stuart asked if I wanted to read an ARC of All or Nothing and I was honored to do so.
5 stars...YES! This one is going on my favorites list as well as Best of 2014. Again, this is a must read if you love wicked, evil people, thrills, mystery, suspense, and those twists and turns that make you go...What?!?, especially that one at the end, classic brilliance.
October 24, 2014
*Arc provided by Stuart Keane :)*
This book was filled with lots of action and suspense. Plenty of gore and mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Characters were well thought out and so were their stories.
My only complaint was that it frustrated the fudge out of me for reasons I can't explain. That may be a good or bad thing but that's my story and I'm sticking to it :D
Thanks Stuart!
This book was filled with lots of action and suspense. Plenty of gore and mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Characters were well thought out and so were their stories.
My only complaint was that it frustrated the fudge out of me for reasons I can't explain. That may be a good or bad thing but that's my story and I'm sticking to it :D
Thanks Stuart!
December 5, 2014
All or Nothing is released on Monday for Amazon Kindle and Print.
However, you can pick up an early copy on Createspace right here.
All or Nothing...there is no escape.
https://www.createspace.com/5144352
However, you can pick up an early copy on Createspace right here.
All or Nothing...there is no escape.
https://www.createspace.com/5144352
June 23, 2014
Having previously read Keane's startling debut novella, THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS..., I approached his first full length foray in the horror genre with very high hopes indeed. CUSTOMER proved that the author had a keen, natural knack of melding sharp, no-nonsense prose with an authentically dark and insightful tone. As debuts go, the novella was a brilliant showcase for Keane's full-bodied take on horror.
ALL OR NOTHING did not disappoint.
Keane capitalizes on all that made his novella great. Mixing social themes that most will relate to with ease, (reality television, class war, austerity, the whims of the super-wealthy), with an action packed pulp horror vibe has paid dividends here. This is intelligent horror thats unafraid to dive deep into the red stuff and swim around in the viscera. Equal parts social commentary and hyper-violent thrill-ride, ALL OR NOTHING takes the reader on a twisting, turning trip into a world where each of our protagonists are constantly on the precipice between life and death. No on is safe, and the more you grow to care for the poor souls running the vicious gauntlet that Keane has created, the more thrilling and nerve-wracking the journey becomes.
Wisely, Keane wastes no time in throwing the reader into the dark heart of his story, and allowing for the action to propel the plot and characters in a sort of high-speed real time. We learn about the players in Keane's game as the players themselves slowly learn about where they are and why, and by keeping all the plates spinning at once, the reader is never far from an action sequence or, as is often the case, an act of explicit violence.
And it's cold-hearted stuff. When the key scenes come, they often shock, and are vicious to behold. Also of note are the villains, (and there are many). I found the insight into the minds of the sociopathic elites to be the most engrossing moments, and it's every bit as exciting getting inside their heads as it is watching the hapless contestants suffer at their hands - perhaps more so.
Taking cues from modern sci-fi classics, (Cube, The Running Man)and melding it with a classic Hitchcockian suspense/thriller ethos, ALL OR NOTHING is a thought provoking, darkly funny take on wealth and exploitation, and is a surefire good time for any fan of the genre.
Thrilling, scary, violent and biting, ALL OR NOTHING impresses on every level. A must read.
ALL OR NOTHING did not disappoint.
Keane capitalizes on all that made his novella great. Mixing social themes that most will relate to with ease, (reality television, class war, austerity, the whims of the super-wealthy), with an action packed pulp horror vibe has paid dividends here. This is intelligent horror thats unafraid to dive deep into the red stuff and swim around in the viscera. Equal parts social commentary and hyper-violent thrill-ride, ALL OR NOTHING takes the reader on a twisting, turning trip into a world where each of our protagonists are constantly on the precipice between life and death. No on is safe, and the more you grow to care for the poor souls running the vicious gauntlet that Keane has created, the more thrilling and nerve-wracking the journey becomes.
Wisely, Keane wastes no time in throwing the reader into the dark heart of his story, and allowing for the action to propel the plot and characters in a sort of high-speed real time. We learn about the players in Keane's game as the players themselves slowly learn about where they are and why, and by keeping all the plates spinning at once, the reader is never far from an action sequence or, as is often the case, an act of explicit violence.
And it's cold-hearted stuff. When the key scenes come, they often shock, and are vicious to behold. Also of note are the villains, (and there are many). I found the insight into the minds of the sociopathic elites to be the most engrossing moments, and it's every bit as exciting getting inside their heads as it is watching the hapless contestants suffer at their hands - perhaps more so.
Taking cues from modern sci-fi classics, (Cube, The Running Man)and melding it with a classic Hitchcockian suspense/thriller ethos, ALL OR NOTHING is a thought provoking, darkly funny take on wealth and exploitation, and is a surefire good time for any fan of the genre.
Thrilling, scary, violent and biting, ALL OR NOTHING impresses on every level. A must read.
August 15, 2016
It is known as The Game, run by a conglomerate called The Company where very rich men with powerful connections known as The Chronicles participate in some very sick and frightening activities. The Choices, four individuals randomly selected to be their entertainment and no idea of the terror that is about to encompass them. There are no rules in this game and The Choices have only their survival skills to keep them alive, a terrifying reality that is now just beginning. There are no redeeming features about these sadistic men, these Chronicles, they are evil, narcissistic and have a complete lack of empathy towards human life, and the suffering of The Choices is just pure fun and self gratification to them.
I am not usually into books with this much violence as a theme but I was totally captivated, it was chilling, horrific and very dark but very well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
I am not usually into books with this much violence as a theme but I was totally captivated, it was chilling, horrific and very dark but very well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
March 15, 2015
I had a review in my head while at work, but now that i'm at the computer watching Patch Adams, squeeling like a little dirty hoe at how much I miss Robin Williams, all words have left me.
What I can say is I loved this book in a twisted sort of way. From the start he built characters, threw them into the shit and grime of a horror premise and started constructing each one of them. It's something that I've noticed, he is exceptionally well at. Being a novel, and not a novella, Stuart Keane throws you into the full force of the cruelty that is taking place, never yielding. Fantastic story, fantastic story telling.
What I can say is I loved this book in a twisted sort of way. From the start he built characters, threw them into the shit and grime of a horror premise and started constructing each one of them. It's something that I've noticed, he is exceptionally well at. Being a novel, and not a novella, Stuart Keane throws you into the full force of the cruelty that is taking place, never yielding. Fantastic story, fantastic story telling.
August 5, 2014
Awesome, awesome, awesome! I spent the first part of the book trying to figure out how the characters are connected - don't bother, it's not the point. And it all comes together as the story plays out. Wow, what a terrific tale! So much detail, yet I didn't feel bogged down with detail. So much edge, yet the scenes played out beautifully. I was completely enraptured, and really wish life hadn't tossed in so many distractions so I could remain in the story. I would highly recommend this book to all my friends who like mystery/horror/thrillers!! Well played!
June 8, 2014
Stuart Keane sent me an Advance Review Copy of All or Nothing. Here is what I thought:
This book is scaring, thrilling, and chock-full of horror.
A game of endurance that’s played to the death for faceless incredibly rich oligarchs, is the theme for Stuart Keane’s latest novel. The twist is that they don’t play the game themselves, they force unsuspecting strangers to play it for them, to devastating and shocking effect.
This is a chilling horror story, that nevertheless focuses on the bravery, resourcefulness and intelligence of the protagonists, the unwilling and mystified ‘chosen few’ who have to go through horrendous trials and tribulations just in order to survive.
Okay, all seems clear. But soon another twist in the story comes across: the fact that not all of the big players are sticking to the virtually cast-in-stone ‘rules of the game’. Soon very ugly consequences ensue for everyone involved.
This is a grim and gripping tale about survival, endurance, shocking surprises and fear. Prepare to be scared for the heroes, in fact get ready for a white-knuckle ride along some of the grim and secret tunnels of horror you never knew existed before.
This book makes you think, it makes you scared, frankly you’re so engrossed to know what’s about to happen you cannot put it down. Ordinary nice people get caught up in a maelstrom of bloodshed and horror that seems never ending. But, as a trademark for this writer, the ending is never quite what you expect.
Read it and enjoy it, but if you read it last thing at night, be warned, you might have nightmares!
This book is scaring, thrilling, and chock-full of horror.
A game of endurance that’s played to the death for faceless incredibly rich oligarchs, is the theme for Stuart Keane’s latest novel. The twist is that they don’t play the game themselves, they force unsuspecting strangers to play it for them, to devastating and shocking effect.
This is a chilling horror story, that nevertheless focuses on the bravery, resourcefulness and intelligence of the protagonists, the unwilling and mystified ‘chosen few’ who have to go through horrendous trials and tribulations just in order to survive.
Okay, all seems clear. But soon another twist in the story comes across: the fact that not all of the big players are sticking to the virtually cast-in-stone ‘rules of the game’. Soon very ugly consequences ensue for everyone involved.
This is a grim and gripping tale about survival, endurance, shocking surprises and fear. Prepare to be scared for the heroes, in fact get ready for a white-knuckle ride along some of the grim and secret tunnels of horror you never knew existed before.
This book makes you think, it makes you scared, frankly you’re so engrossed to know what’s about to happen you cannot put it down. Ordinary nice people get caught up in a maelstrom of bloodshed and horror that seems never ending. But, as a trademark for this writer, the ending is never quite what you expect.
Read it and enjoy it, but if you read it last thing at night, be warned, you might have nightmares!
January 14, 2015
There are some fears that I'm pretty sure most of us share in this day and age. One of these which has haunted my nightmares over the years is the fear of waking up in total darkness, dazed and confused, feeling sensory deprivation, not entirely sure if you are really awake because you can't see the fingers in front of your face. And then wondering, "Where the h-e-double-hockey-sticks am I???" You then gradually realize with a growing sense of panic that you are not in Kansas anymore.
This is what Stuart Keane has reserved for his five protagonists in his first novel. And it is a terrifying beginning. What follows is even more troubling as they regain their senses and perceptions and are led to leave the confines of their cells. Each character follows a different path to a potentially destructive conclusion. They share the fate of being manipulated by powers with dark designs.
This first novel exhibits the talents of a new writer: a keen (pun not intended) sense of thrill and a good grasp of how to describe horror and tension and make it grow throughout the book. The characters are reasonably well developed while the focus remains more on the action. The prose is quite competent and engaging for the ride.
It is not perfect of course. There are a few flaws that might not suit some readers. There are some concepts that are not new and perhaps a bit too much emphasis on the reasons for vilainy.
But I am a forgiving person with such minor issues when the overall work achieves its goal of thrilling, horrifying, and genuinely entertaining the reader.
If you want to have fun and encourage a new author, then read this book.
This is what Stuart Keane has reserved for his five protagonists in his first novel. And it is a terrifying beginning. What follows is even more troubling as they regain their senses and perceptions and are led to leave the confines of their cells. Each character follows a different path to a potentially destructive conclusion. They share the fate of being manipulated by powers with dark designs.
This first novel exhibits the talents of a new writer: a keen (pun not intended) sense of thrill and a good grasp of how to describe horror and tension and make it grow throughout the book. The characters are reasonably well developed while the focus remains more on the action. The prose is quite competent and engaging for the ride.
It is not perfect of course. There are a few flaws that might not suit some readers. There are some concepts that are not new and perhaps a bit too much emphasis on the reasons for vilainy.
But I am a forgiving person with such minor issues when the overall work achieves its goal of thrilling, horrifying, and genuinely entertaining the reader.
If you want to have fun and encourage a new author, then read this book.
January 30, 2016
I was really struggling with this book. The writing was good and it flowed wonderfully but everytime I tried so hard to get into it, I just had to accept that fact that, well...
I think it was the characters. I didn't care for any of them and when I read a book I have to like at least one.
Please don't let my review sway you away from the book, it is well-written and if you are looking for a horror/thriller, this book is for you.
I think it was the characters. I didn't care for any of them and when I read a book I have to like at least one.
Please don't let my review sway you away from the book, it is well-written and if you are looking for a horror/thriller, this book is for you.
August 22, 2015
That was bloody brilliant! It kept me gripped for the entire read. If you too "the running man" "saw" and "battle royale" and mashed them together, this is what you would get.
Bloody, violent & gripping. Definitely recommend
Bloody, violent & gripping. Definitely recommend
July 23, 2016
Awesome! Review to come!
August 28, 2015
This was absolutely amazing. Couldn't put it down!!! All I could think about throughout the story was how I'd deal with that situation if it was me, and how the hell the characters were going to sort their shit out!! Brilliant story line, amazing characters, plenty of gore and intensity and excellent twist ending. It's literally all I ever ask for in a book!!!
July 24, 2014
This book is the mutts nuts I tell ya! It was brilliant I was hooked from the beginning, I think this would make one kick ass horror movie, one I would pay good money to buy it was that good! I highly suggest that EVERYONE that enjoys a good horror story to pick this up asap
May 5, 2016
Loved this book! It's like that 80's kids programme Knightmare combined with Saw in the form of a book. Brilliant.
January 1, 2015
If the sum total of a lifetime of my nightmares, both remembered and unremembered measured as #1 on a fear factor scale, then this has to be a ten.
Stuart Keane has masterfully orchestrated nightmares which are far too sophisticated to enter the subconsciousness of the most disturbed mortal souls amongst us, into the form of an exclusive pay-to-view reality show.
The different settings are described with such clarity that I felt as a reader I was there slap bang in the middle of each of the larger than life scenarios. Strong characterisation and a powerful plot, if you haven't yet read it, make it top of your reading list for 2015.
Stuart Keane has masterfully orchestrated nightmares which are far too sophisticated to enter the subconsciousness of the most disturbed mortal souls amongst us, into the form of an exclusive pay-to-view reality show.
The different settings are described with such clarity that I felt as a reader I was there slap bang in the middle of each of the larger than life scenarios. Strong characterisation and a powerful plot, if you haven't yet read it, make it top of your reading list for 2015.
November 11, 2015
'The game' that's all it's called. Played by only the supremely rich and those with sick tastes in 'entertainment'. 4 unsuspecting 'players' wake up in this nightmare as each face very different scenarios. Such a gripping story even if it takes until ur about 40% in to really get to gist of what's going on. A long book but full of quality by the awesome Stuart Keane.
June 10, 2015
Wonderfully unique
This was an excellent story, I was engrossed for hours and will probably be thinking of it for days, at least. Strong characters, crazy plot, twists, turns, drama, suspense & so much more! I am speechless and loving it!
This was an excellent story, I was engrossed for hours and will probably be thinking of it for days, at least. Strong characters, crazy plot, twists, turns, drama, suspense & so much more! I am speechless and loving it!
December 5, 2014
I was an editor with this novel, truly great suspense, action and startling horror.
September 21, 2019
This is by far one of the best thriller type books I have yet to read. Looking forward to reading his other stuff.
March 26, 2021
I quite enjoyed this. Interesting storyline with a few twists. A good classic horror.
April 4, 2017
When this book came out, it was in my TBR pile for a while and when I finally managed to get around to it, I wasn't disappointed. Four people wake up, trapped in a room which is monitored by cameras. At the other side of the screen sit the Chronicles who send their Choices into situations meant to terrify and elicit a response.
The book moves chapter by chapter, following one character and then the next, as they realise what is happening to them. Each of them reacts in a different way, all while trying to figure out how to get out of the mess they are in.
There are some very twisted and grim deaths and incidents within these pages coming straight from the mind of Keane but it's all well placed. A good read and one featuring a very unique idea. Definitely worth a read!
The book moves chapter by chapter, following one character and then the next, as they realise what is happening to them. Each of them reacts in a different way, all while trying to figure out how to get out of the mess they are in.
There are some very twisted and grim deaths and incidents within these pages coming straight from the mind of Keane but it's all well placed. A good read and one featuring a very unique idea. Definitely worth a read!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews