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The Midnight Game : A Ritual Horror Novel
Some nights, the past doesn’t stay buried.
Lizzie Butler was eight years old when her world ended.
The world believes she survived a tragedy.
They don’t know the rest.
They don’t know about the candle.
Or the man who waits in the dark.
For years, Lizzie has convinced herself it was trauma. Hallucinations. A fractured mind trying to survive.
Until he appears again.
Watching from the shadows.
Laughing.
Waiting.
And this time, he doesn’t feel like a memory.
He feels close.
Very close.
Lizzie Butler was eight years old when her world ended.
The world believes she survived a tragedy.
They don’t know the rest.
They don’t know about the candle.
Or the man who waits in the dark.
For years, Lizzie has convinced herself it was trauma. Hallucinations. A fractured mind trying to survive.
Until he appears again.
Watching from the shadows.
Laughing.
Waiting.
And this time, he doesn’t feel like a memory.
He feels close.
Very close.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Amanda Russo
4 books34 followersAmanda is a horror/YA writer who occasionally writes a little romance. She is a movie enthusiast, a traveler, and can be found in her backyard either reading or writing.
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Undergo-Amanda...
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Undergo-Amanda...
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 11, 2026
THE MIDNIGHT GAME BY AMANDA RUSSO
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
This is my 2nd book by Amanda and it was amazing.
Absolutely chilling to the bone.
My heart felt so sorry for some characters.
I have flew through this book its creepy and unsettling throughout and I loved it.
Just brilliant
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
This is my 2nd book by Amanda and it was amazing.
Absolutely chilling to the bone.
My heart felt so sorry for some characters.
I have flew through this book its creepy and unsettling throughout and I loved it.
Just brilliant
April 11, 2026
The Midnight Game was creepy and slightly horrifying. I read this in one night while I was by myself and had all the regrets when I needed to go to the bathroom.
Lizzie has some childhood trauma. The type that no one ever wants to experience. Living with her Aunt and Uncle after her mother is murdered by their father, Lizzie and her younger brother are forced to play the midnight game. The only problem is they are 8 and 5 years old, and don't really understand what they're getting themselves into, but also, they don't really have a choice. When the game takes a turn for the worst, Lizzie will live with the nightmares of what she witnesses for the rest of her life. Now, she always sees things. Her reality is always distorted with visions and hallucinations that aren't actually there. Her world is warping and things that shouldn't be, are happening. The man that should have stayed in the midnight game feels closer, more real, than he ever did before, like he's waiting in the dark for her. Or is he?
This story sent chill up my spine. It played out like a horror movie in my head and I enjoyed the heck out of it. I highly recommend giving this story a read. I will definitely reread this around Halloween just for the spooky vibes it has!
Lizzie has some childhood trauma. The type that no one ever wants to experience. Living with her Aunt and Uncle after her mother is murdered by their father, Lizzie and her younger brother are forced to play the midnight game. The only problem is they are 8 and 5 years old, and don't really understand what they're getting themselves into, but also, they don't really have a choice. When the game takes a turn for the worst, Lizzie will live with the nightmares of what she witnesses for the rest of her life. Now, she always sees things. Her reality is always distorted with visions and hallucinations that aren't actually there. Her world is warping and things that shouldn't be, are happening. The man that should have stayed in the midnight game feels closer, more real, than he ever did before, like he's waiting in the dark for her. Or is he?
This story sent chill up my spine. It played out like a horror movie in my head and I enjoyed the heck out of it. I highly recommend giving this story a read. I will definitely reread this around Halloween just for the spooky vibes it has!
March 31, 2026
Amanda Russo has done it again with another fantastic spine tingling thriller, “The Midnight Game”. Thank you so much to the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lizzie lived a traumatic childhood after finding her mother murdered and her dad responsible. The horrors followed her well into adulthood, until one day, she was faced once again with the terror that has been haunting her in her dreams for years!
What I really enjoy about Amanda’s novels is how she intertwines a concept around ghost stories and urban legends and builds an incredibly entertaining story around them. The monster is this game kind of reminded me of how as kids we would try to call up Bloody Mary in a dark bathroom by saying her name three times, however. we were always too scared to follow through. But what if you DO follow the rules and play the game as it is intended? Only one way to find out if it’s real or not…
This novel is a quick page turning read that you will NOT want to put down. And afterwards, I definitely recommend checking out her other novels, too!
Lizzie lived a traumatic childhood after finding her mother murdered and her dad responsible. The horrors followed her well into adulthood, until one day, she was faced once again with the terror that has been haunting her in her dreams for years!
What I really enjoy about Amanda’s novels is how she intertwines a concept around ghost stories and urban legends and builds an incredibly entertaining story around them. The monster is this game kind of reminded me of how as kids we would try to call up Bloody Mary in a dark bathroom by saying her name three times, however. we were always too scared to follow through. But what if you DO follow the rules and play the game as it is intended? Only one way to find out if it’s real or not…
This novel is a quick page turning read that you will NOT want to put down. And afterwards, I definitely recommend checking out her other novels, too!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review!
This was a terrifying wild ride and I loved it!! I always look forward to Amanda Russo's releases and this did not disappoint. Not me over here browsing Disney+ after I finished so I can hopefully not have nightmares of the Midnight Man and a glowing candlestick.
While the story itself started a little slow, with an undetermined back story, it quickly picked up and had me hooked through the very last page.
The story follows Lizzie, a woman with a dark past she would rather forget. However a traumatizing game she was forced to play at a young age has followed her into adulthood...and now she is forced to not only play again, but also find a way to save her friends and herself and end the Midnight Man once and for all.
This book had all the makings of a creepy, bloody horrorfest, while leaving the reader trying to determine if what they are reading is real or imaginary, and feeling every broken bone as it plays out.
Definitely throwing out all my white candlesticks after this one.
Thank you, Amanda, for giving me the chance to be one of your first readers for this one. It quickly became one of my favorites alongside The Photo and Conditioned.
This was a terrifying wild ride and I loved it!! I always look forward to Amanda Russo's releases and this did not disappoint. Not me over here browsing Disney+ after I finished so I can hopefully not have nightmares of the Midnight Man and a glowing candlestick.
While the story itself started a little slow, with an undetermined back story, it quickly picked up and had me hooked through the very last page.
The story follows Lizzie, a woman with a dark past she would rather forget. However a traumatizing game she was forced to play at a young age has followed her into adulthood...and now she is forced to not only play again, but also find a way to save her friends and herself and end the Midnight Man once and for all.
This book had all the makings of a creepy, bloody horrorfest, while leaving the reader trying to determine if what they are reading is real or imaginary, and feeling every broken bone as it plays out.
Definitely throwing out all my white candlesticks after this one.
Thank you, Amanda, for giving me the chance to be one of your first readers for this one. It quickly became one of my favorites alongside The Photo and Conditioned.
April 10, 2026
What happened to Lizzie had to be the worst thing imaginable. She had lost her parents to the final act her father did. Then she was drawn into a terrible game involving a demon by her aunt and uncle. Her entire life had been one tragedy after another. Even as an adult she still had someone observing her as though she were a piece of property. I could really feel how much turmoil Lizzie had in her life due to her adoptive father wanting to control her. When she chooses to not listen to her father when he gives her an ultimatum; her life becomes a nightmare. Her past is back to haunt her and life becomes frightening all over again. This story was fiction but what if? I cannot imagine trying to deal with an entity following you until someone dies. What a truly terrifying situation. The author did an amazing job of allowing the reader’s imagination to decide how terrified one wants to be.
Review of advance copy
This was one of those books that made me want to read the entire story in one sitting.
I was immediately intrigued with the events in the first chapter. It caught my attention and made me want to dive deeper into the mystery of the man in the darkness.
I also enjoyed reading more about Lizzie’s backstory and friendships/relationships. Lizzie’s character development was wonderful. I felt her fear but also her bravery.
This was a well paced and enjoyable book if you are a fan of horror/mystery. I found that I never felt bored throughout the entire book and wanted to understand more about the game and how the monster can be defeated. Russo’s descriptions of all the monsters Lizzie encountered were well detailed, as I was able to picture each one perfectly. This was very dark and eerie, but also contained elements of loyalty and found family. I enjoyed it.
I was immediately intrigued with the events in the first chapter. It caught my attention and made me want to dive deeper into the mystery of the man in the darkness.
I also enjoyed reading more about Lizzie’s backstory and friendships/relationships. Lizzie’s character development was wonderful. I felt her fear but also her bravery.
This was a well paced and enjoyable book if you are a fan of horror/mystery. I found that I never felt bored throughout the entire book and wanted to understand more about the game and how the monster can be defeated. Russo’s descriptions of all the monsters Lizzie encountered were well detailed, as I was able to picture each one perfectly. This was very dark and eerie, but also contained elements of loyalty and found family. I enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Y’all, WHY was I reading The Midnight Game by Amanda Russo in the dark like I have no survival instincts 😅🕯️
Lizzie Butler’s past isn’t just trauma—it’s something darker. Candles, shadows, and a man who refuses to stay gone? Yeah… absolutely not. And when he comes back? The vibes go from uneasy to nope, I’m sleeping with a lamp on real quick 👀
The atmosphere is deliciously creepy—thick, heavy, and constantly whispering something’s watching you. Lizzie’s unraveling feels raw and real, and that blurry line between psychological and supernatural? Russo plays it PERFECTLY.
Writing is sharp, eerie, and addictive—I flew through this. I just wanted it to go even darker in a few spots because I was READY 😈
Creepy, tense, and lingers long after the last page. Read it… just maybe not at midnight.
Lizzie Butler’s past isn’t just trauma—it’s something darker. Candles, shadows, and a man who refuses to stay gone? Yeah… absolutely not. And when he comes back? The vibes go from uneasy to nope, I’m sleeping with a lamp on real quick 👀
The atmosphere is deliciously creepy—thick, heavy, and constantly whispering something’s watching you. Lizzie’s unraveling feels raw and real, and that blurry line between psychological and supernatural? Russo plays it PERFECTLY.
Writing is sharp, eerie, and addictive—I flew through this. I just wanted it to go even darker in a few spots because I was READY 😈
Creepy, tense, and lingers long after the last page. Read it… just maybe not at midnight.
April 23, 2026
Bone‑chilling, heartfelt, creepy, and deeply unsettling — with moments that edge into genuinely horrifying territory.
Lizzie’s childhood trauma is the core of the story, and it’s the kind that leaves a mark. After her mother is murdered by their father, she and her younger brother are taken in by their aunt and uncle… and forced to play the Midnight Game. They’re only eight and five, too young to understand what they’re being dragged into, and with no real choice in the matter. When the game spirals into something far worse, Lizzie is left with nightmares she’ll carry for the rest of her life.
It starts a bit slow, but once it hits its stride, it becomes a gripping mix of fear, emotion, and lingering dread. A standout read that earns its five stars.
Lizzie’s childhood trauma is the core of the story, and it’s the kind that leaves a mark. After her mother is murdered by their father, she and her younger brother are taken in by their aunt and uncle… and forced to play the Midnight Game. They’re only eight and five, too young to understand what they’re being dragged into, and with no real choice in the matter. When the game spirals into something far worse, Lizzie is left with nightmares she’ll carry for the rest of her life.
It starts a bit slow, but once it hits its stride, it becomes a gripping mix of fear, emotion, and lingering dread. A standout read that earns its five stars.
April 1, 2026
Holy Crap! This book had me going crazy (in a good way) the whole way through!! Each book that I read from Russo has me more and more hooked on her writing!
If you like creepy, jump-scary, anxious/nail-biting moments, with a large dash of gore thrown in, you will not be disappointed reading this one! You can't help but cheer and root for Lizzie and all her life throws at her! I love that the idea of strong friendships can help you "survive" anything life gives you!
I am not sure that I will be able to look at candle stick for awhile after this one though!
Keep up the great work Amanda Russo! I love it!
If you like creepy, jump-scary, anxious/nail-biting moments, with a large dash of gore thrown in, you will not be disappointed reading this one! You can't help but cheer and root for Lizzie and all her life throws at her! I love that the idea of strong friendships can help you "survive" anything life gives you!
I am not sure that I will be able to look at candle stick for awhile after this one though!
Keep up the great work Amanda Russo! I love it!
April 3, 2026
I was hooked from the very first scene. There’s something about Russo’s style that makes the suspense feel personal, like the danger is creeping right up behind you while you’re reading.
Lizzie’s trauma and the way the past keeps clawing back had me on edge the whole time. It’s dark, tense, and that creeping sense of “what’s real and what’s in her head?” kept me flipping pages faster than I expected.
The mix of urban legend vibes with psychological thriller elements is just so well done. It’s eerie, chilling, and the kind of story that stays with you long after you close the book.
Overall, it’s a gripping, spine-tingling thriller I couldn’t put down.
Lizzie’s trauma and the way the past keeps clawing back had me on edge the whole time. It’s dark, tense, and that creeping sense of “what’s real and what’s in her head?” kept me flipping pages faster than I expected.
The mix of urban legend vibes with psychological thriller elements is just so well done. It’s eerie, chilling, and the kind of story that stays with you long after you close the book.
Overall, it’s a gripping, spine-tingling thriller I couldn’t put down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This, by far, is my favorite Amanda Russo book. It has a great creep factor and had me wondering what is really out there in the dark. Some of the characters are amazing and some will definitely not be missed.
I felt so bad for Lizzie being thrown into something as a child due to people who were supposed to care for her and love her. Instead they put her in grave danger. Losing all your family at such a young age has got to be super tragic.
* thank you Amanda for the ARC of The Midnight Game*
I felt so bad for Lizzie being thrown into something as a child due to people who were supposed to care for her and love her. Instead they put her in grave danger. Losing all your family at such a young age has got to be super tragic.
* thank you Amanda for the ARC of The Midnight Game*
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an ARC that I was chosen to read from the author, thank you Amanda Russo you have written a book that scared me enough to put the book in time out, during the night, in the freezer!(Friends-Joey) No way could I read it at night! A definite psychological Horror for me! This book grabs you from the start and has you hooked until the end. It is fast-paced, easy to read, scary, suspenseful, creepy, and twisty. A character driven story told in first-person from Lizzie's perspective. I loved the slow-build of creepiness and the sense of dread as the night goes on. It is told where there are some flashbacks that slowly unfolds the secrets.
April 4, 2026
Amanda Russo’s tagline needs to be “do you wanna play a game?” Cause lawd have mercy, all the games in her books, and the games she plays with our emotions!
The cultish, supernatural, game/ritual gone wrong scares were so intense I had to stop two times while reading late at night because her descriptions and sounds had me paranoid!
I once again enjoyed Amanda’s writing, the concept was creative and each book she’s written could easily translate into a movie.
The cultish, supernatural, game/ritual gone wrong scares were so intense I had to stop two times while reading late at night because her descriptions and sounds had me paranoid!
I once again enjoyed Amanda’s writing, the concept was creative and each book she’s written could easily translate into a movie.
March 22, 2026
I wanted to give this a higher rating, but in the beginning it felt so much like another book I’ve read. I had to double check to make sure I wasn’t reading the other book. There a grammar mistakes all throughout, which is a major hang up for me. It may not be a favorite of mine that was written by her, but I would still recommend it for a quick read.
March 26, 2026
Review of an advanced readers copy
I really enjoyed this book! It was a unique premise for me and it was super creepy. I found myself not wanting to read too much after the lights were out because I didn’t want to dream of The Midnight Man and his freaky apparitions. Overall, a solid read for the most part!
I really enjoyed this book! It was a unique premise for me and it was super creepy. I found myself not wanting to read too much after the lights were out because I didn’t want to dream of The Midnight Man and his freaky apparitions. Overall, a solid read for the most part!
March 31, 2026
I loved this book and the premise of the story! I do like the fact that we were given some background on Lizzie and her family!
This was a creepy, scary and not a book you want to read at night if you get scared easily!
Amanda Russo knows how to write a book that can creep you out and make your mind think much later on after the story is done!
Highly recommend this book!!
This was a creepy, scary and not a book you want to read at night if you get scared easily!
Amanda Russo knows how to write a book that can creep you out and make your mind think much later on after the story is done!
Highly recommend this book!!
April 2, 2026
I have read 2 other books by Amanda and they were intense as well. She has a way of telling a story that you get detail without overdoing it. You can see what is happening in your mind and you feel the emotions of the characters. This one was a crazy ride and honestly feels like a good thriller movie that you would watch on the edge of your seat. Highly recommend if you love spooky books.
April 2, 2026
Really good and creepy story. It was intense and suspenseful. I was so intrigued with this one, I had to keep turning the pages needing to know what was going to happen next. This was a nice, dark read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed it… good mystery-thriller🖤🖤🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG this book was so good. So many surprises. An ending I did not expect but was very happy with.
April 1, 2026
4 star review coming soon!
April 5, 2026
This book was incredible! Very spooky and anxiety inducing(in a good way?) This would make a good paranormal scary movie that i would 100% watch
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews