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The Dark Pit
When a daring investment strategy goes wrong, costing the company millions of dollars, Michael Kaatz finds himself in hot water at work. Desperate to undo the damage, he accepts a mysterious offer: becoming a contestant in the Game, a top-secret, high-tech, high-stakes, high-risk venture that could not only recoup the loss, but make Michael richer than he ever dreamed. All he has to do is complete nine “experiences” within 24 hours, and the prize money will be his.
Little does he know what he’s gotten himself into. Each “experience” will test him in ways he never could have imagined, subjecting him to one horrific scenario after another. He’ll be pushed to, and beyond his limits, not just physically but mentally, emotionally, and morally as well. The penalties, and rewards, for his performance are severe.
And he must play through to the very end; there is no backing out. His fortune, his future, his family, and his very life are on the line. The clock is ticking. The Game has begun.
Little does he know what he’s gotten himself into. Each “experience” will test him in ways he never could have imagined, subjecting him to one horrific scenario after another. He’ll be pushed to, and beyond his limits, not just physically but mentally, emotionally, and morally as well. The penalties, and rewards, for his performance are severe.
And he must play through to the very end; there is no backing out. His fortune, his future, his family, and his very life are on the line. The clock is ticking. The Game has begun.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2026
About the author
David Lopera
8 books15 followersInstagram: @davidlopera_fiction
davidloperafiction.com
David's passion for exploring the complexities of the human condition, fueled by his deep interest in philosophy, religion, and art, informs his writing. His novels delve into moral dilemmas, the search for meaning, and the enduring power of the human spirit. When not crafting stories, he can be found riding his motorcycle, hiking through nature, or losing himself in a good comic book or horror novel.
davidloperafiction.com
David's passion for exploring the complexities of the human condition, fueled by his deep interest in philosophy, religion, and art, informs his writing. His novels delve into moral dilemmas, the search for meaning, and the enduring power of the human spirit. When not crafting stories, he can be found riding his motorcycle, hiking through nature, or losing himself in a good comic book or horror novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Dark Pit,” and what a page turner! This story begins by introducing Michael Kaatz and his current predicament. After making a rash decision at work, he realizes he’s plummeted himself and his family into a very dire financial situation. How can he get out of this?
Enter a mysterious stranger who offers Michael an opportunity: play the Game and you could become a multi-millionaire. But if you fail, well… let's just say the stakes are incredibly high.
What I really loved about this story were all of the games Michael had to play, they were all so different and creative. Lopera really packed a lot of detail in, too. I found myself always anticipating what horrors lay ahead in the next challenge.
If you’re a fan of Squid Game and survival horror and don’t mind some gross, this is a fun one!
Enter a mysterious stranger who offers Michael an opportunity: play the Game and you could become a multi-millionaire. But if you fail, well… let's just say the stakes are incredibly high.
What I really loved about this story were all of the games Michael had to play, they were all so different and creative. Lopera really packed a lot of detail in, too. I found myself always anticipating what horrors lay ahead in the next challenge.
If you’re a fan of Squid Game and survival horror and don’t mind some gross, this is a fun one!
August 2, 2026
😳🫣 What a story! “The Dark Pit” by David Lopera was gruesome, brutal, and had me cringing more than once, but I couldn't look away! It gave me serious Squid Game vibes with its deadly, high-stakes atmosphere and relentless tension. The pacing was fantastic, and I flew through it in one sitting because I had to know what would happen next. If you enjoy dark, gory survival horror that keeps you completely hooked, this one is definitely worth picking up!
September 2, 2026
𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒂𝒎𝒆...
The Dark Pit was definitely a page-turner! The tension? Relentless.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭?
After a costly investment mistake, Michael Kaatz enters a mysterious high-stakes Game where he must complete nine horrific experiences in 24 hours to win a fortune.
I loved all the games that Michael had to play. David Lopera got really creative in creating these different games and I was always anticipating what came next. I mean, the games sucked for our character, Michael‒ but as the reader, it was fun for me 😂
This book totally gave me Squid Game vibes. If you’re a fan of gory survival horror, I think you’ll love this book! I was excited to learn that Lopera is writing a sequel to this! Keep those books coming, David!! 😊
The Dark Pit was definitely a page-turner! The tension? Relentless.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭?
After a costly investment mistake, Michael Kaatz enters a mysterious high-stakes Game where he must complete nine horrific experiences in 24 hours to win a fortune.
I loved all the games that Michael had to play. David Lopera got really creative in creating these different games and I was always anticipating what came next. I mean, the games sucked for our character, Michael‒ but as the reader, it was fun for me 😂
This book totally gave me Squid Game vibes. If you’re a fan of gory survival horror, I think you’ll love this book! I was excited to learn that Lopera is writing a sequel to this! Keep those books coming, David!! 😊
September 5, 2026
🎰 I received an ARC from the author so the thoughts are my own 🎰
I highly suggest reading The Dark Pit if you liked Squidgame, splatter punk horror, and body horror. I loved this bc I've only read a few splatter punk books, and I have yet to find one that was like Squidgame.
I highly suggest reading The Dark Pit if you liked Squidgame, splatter punk horror, and body horror. I loved this bc I've only read a few splatter punk books, and I have yet to find one that was like Squidgame.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Dark Pit by David Lopera takes desperation, survival, and morality and throws them into an environment where every decision has a price. It’s violent, uncomfortable, fast-paced, and unapologetically gruesome, but underneath the brutality is an interesting examination of what people are willing to sacrifice when they believe they have nothing left to lose.
At the center of the story is Michael Kaatz, whose financial struggles lead him toward an opportunity that could provide an escape from his circumstances. What follows transforms that desperation into something far more sinister. As the situation escalates, the novel begins questioning where we draw the line between necessity, greed, survival, and morality.
One of my favorite aspects was how Lopera uses the death-game premise. The violence isn’t simply there for shock value. Each increasingly disturbing situation forces the characters to reconsider their boundaries. It’s easy to say what we would never do from the safety of our own lives; The Dark Pit takes that safety away.
And this book gets NASTY. Lopera doesn’t shy away from gore, bodily violence, disturbing imagery, or moments designed to make you squirm. Fans of extreme horror, splatterpunk, and survival horror will find plenty here.
Beyond the gore, the psychological element kept me invested. Watching fear, greed, desperation, and self-preservation collide reveals how quickly morality can become negotiable under extreme circumstances.
The pacing also works incredibly well. Once things begin escalating, there’s little room to relax, creating that addictive “one more chapter” feeling.
The Dark Pit ultimately feels like a brutal experiment in human behavior disguised as an entertaining death game. How much can someone endure? How badly do they want to survive? And when does the reward stop being worth the cost?
Words to summarize this small but mighty read: Gruesome, chaotic, uncomfortable, and relentlessly entertaining. Proving that good and genuine horror is simple when done correctly which Lopera has achieved.
At the center of the story is Michael Kaatz, whose financial struggles lead him toward an opportunity that could provide an escape from his circumstances. What follows transforms that desperation into something far more sinister. As the situation escalates, the novel begins questioning where we draw the line between necessity, greed, survival, and morality.
One of my favorite aspects was how Lopera uses the death-game premise. The violence isn’t simply there for shock value. Each increasingly disturbing situation forces the characters to reconsider their boundaries. It’s easy to say what we would never do from the safety of our own lives; The Dark Pit takes that safety away.
And this book gets NASTY. Lopera doesn’t shy away from gore, bodily violence, disturbing imagery, or moments designed to make you squirm. Fans of extreme horror, splatterpunk, and survival horror will find plenty here.
Beyond the gore, the psychological element kept me invested. Watching fear, greed, desperation, and self-preservation collide reveals how quickly morality can become negotiable under extreme circumstances.
The pacing also works incredibly well. Once things begin escalating, there’s little room to relax, creating that addictive “one more chapter” feeling.
The Dark Pit ultimately feels like a brutal experiment in human behavior disguised as an entertaining death game. How much can someone endure? How badly do they want to survive? And when does the reward stop being worth the cost?
Words to summarize this small but mighty read: Gruesome, chaotic, uncomfortable, and relentlessly entertaining. Proving that good and genuine horror is simple when done correctly which Lopera has achieved.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ominous, Macabre, Bloodcurdling
Michael Kaatz career spirals beneath him and currently at stake. As Michaels losses keep plummeting due to an investment strategy that went south, owing the company millions. How will Michael Un-do all the damage? Michael went to a local pub, running into an unknown person who offers him an opportunity of a life time. "And what a strange person he'd been. Like some sort of imp from an old Fairytale. How strange it all was." Michael accepts the "game" to win the grand prize all he has to do is complete 9 experiences within 24 hours. Sounds easy right? Well guess again Michael is in for one hell of a ride!
This book was a roller coaster ride of uneasiness, panic stricken and nightmarish. This book is not for the faint of heart, the experiences ramp up throughout the book and will literally make you say WTF. What Michael is enduring is unimaginable, hoping he makes the right choices and bargains correctly to not affect his price pot. You truly get inside Michaels head as if you're right there with him, trapped in this sinister game.
I couldn't put this book down and read it in less than 24 hours! To all you horror lovers out there if you need a book that will leave you shocked, scared and give you heart pounding moments, this is the book for you!
I want to give a huge shout out and thank you to David for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!
The Dark Pit will be released August 27, 2026
Michael Kaatz career spirals beneath him and currently at stake. As Michaels losses keep plummeting due to an investment strategy that went south, owing the company millions. How will Michael Un-do all the damage? Michael went to a local pub, running into an unknown person who offers him an opportunity of a life time. "And what a strange person he'd been. Like some sort of imp from an old Fairytale. How strange it all was." Michael accepts the "game" to win the grand prize all he has to do is complete 9 experiences within 24 hours. Sounds easy right? Well guess again Michael is in for one hell of a ride!
This book was a roller coaster ride of uneasiness, panic stricken and nightmarish. This book is not for the faint of heart, the experiences ramp up throughout the book and will literally make you say WTF. What Michael is enduring is unimaginable, hoping he makes the right choices and bargains correctly to not affect his price pot. You truly get inside Michaels head as if you're right there with him, trapped in this sinister game.
I couldn't put this book down and read it in less than 24 hours! To all you horror lovers out there if you need a book that will leave you shocked, scared and give you heart pounding moments, this is the book for you!
I want to give a huge shout out and thank you to David for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!
The Dark Pit will be released August 27, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
It's said that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and that goes double for "The Dark Pit": make no mistake, this is a fast-paced, brutally violent, and often revolting, extreme horror story, explicitly inspired by books such as "The Running Man", movies like Battle Royale and shows like The Squid Game (as the author himself explains in the acknowledgements). It demands similar suspension of disbelief as the works that inspired it, as well as a thick skin toward super-abrupt, rushed and mystifying endings.
Other than that, the book is great fun, in fact a page-turner! The premise revolves around a game one has to survive for huge amounts of money, on a time-limit, and on minimal resources. Consisting of nine experiences or situations one has to undergo seriatim, each experience worse than the previous one, the Game includes everything from uncomfortable sex and culinary horror to body horror and cannibalism. Characterization and dialogue are both OK, and overall the book is an easy read.
However, certain clues prepare the way for a bizarre reveal towards the end - one which I have no idea what exactly is supposed to mean. Is it just a flourish, a fancy add-on to a pretty typical survival horror tale, or is there a sequel in the works? Whatever the answer, I recommend the book for its gross and over the top challenges. Will definitely read more from this author!
Other than that, the book is great fun, in fact a page-turner! The premise revolves around a game one has to survive for huge amounts of money, on a time-limit, and on minimal resources. Consisting of nine experiences or situations one has to undergo seriatim, each experience worse than the previous one, the Game includes everything from uncomfortable sex and culinary horror to body horror and cannibalism. Characterization and dialogue are both OK, and overall the book is an easy read.
However, certain clues prepare the way for a bizarre reveal towards the end - one which I have no idea what exactly is supposed to mean. Is it just a flourish, a fancy add-on to a pretty typical survival horror tale, or is there a sequel in the works? Whatever the answer, I recommend the book for its gross and over the top challenges. Will definitely read more from this author!
Review of advance copy
The Dark Pit is a horror suspense story that was a wild reading experience for sure!
Michael is desperate for some money after making some bad investments at work. He flees his job and is trying to figure out what his next steps could be to make back the money he's lost at his job and for his family. And then, he's approached with an offer. The offer is to become a contestant on a game and complete a series of 9 "experiences" within a 24 hour period. If he completes it, he wins a very large sum of money. Enough to pay back what he lost and to live comfortably with his family. He has no idea what the experiences are until he is about to enter them and he can sometimes choose to not do that experience, but it will take money away from his winnings. The experiences though, are compromising, uncomfortable, and tests his limits. I mean... they tested mine and I wasn't even participating!
This story was so creative. The experiences are really made to test the limits of how bad he truly needs the money and how far he's willing to go.
I really enjoyed this story. The way it's written really pulls you into the story with some heart pounding, jaw dropping, and even cringy, disgusted moments. I highly recommend this one if you like horror.
Michael is desperate for some money after making some bad investments at work. He flees his job and is trying to figure out what his next steps could be to make back the money he's lost at his job and for his family. And then, he's approached with an offer. The offer is to become a contestant on a game and complete a series of 9 "experiences" within a 24 hour period. If he completes it, he wins a very large sum of money. Enough to pay back what he lost and to live comfortably with his family. He has no idea what the experiences are until he is about to enter them and he can sometimes choose to not do that experience, but it will take money away from his winnings. The experiences though, are compromising, uncomfortable, and tests his limits. I mean... they tested mine and I wasn't even participating!
This story was so creative. The experiences are really made to test the limits of how bad he truly needs the money and how far he's willing to go.
I really enjoyed this story. The way it's written really pulls you into the story with some heart pounding, jaw dropping, and even cringy, disgusted moments. I highly recommend this one if you like horror.
September 2, 2026
Title: The Dark Pit
Author: David Lopera
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
After a high risk investment fails, Michael Kaatz loses his company millions of dollars. Desperately looking to lay back his debts and ensure his family future, Michael accepts an offer to compete in the “Game” which promises a massive cash prize to anyone who survives. With 24 hours to complete nine progressively challenging experiences designed to push, and break, his physical endurance, mental/emotional and moral boundaries, Michael must fight not just for his life but for his sanity.
I liked this book, overall. It was a quick read, fast paced, brutal and gruesome. The nine experiences were creative, and Lopera does a good job showing how far someone will go when they find themself in a seemingly impossible position. I do wish there was more character development and that there was greater detail on why Michael was chosen for the Game. He lost his company a ton of money and the person making the offer just happened to be waiting for him immediately at the beginning of the book. Also, the story ended rather abruptly without an explanation of when the game started, why it was created, etc. I feel like Michael was just tossed into an experience and that’s it.
Definitely an entertaining read with strong creativity.
Author: David Lopera
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
After a high risk investment fails, Michael Kaatz loses his company millions of dollars. Desperately looking to lay back his debts and ensure his family future, Michael accepts an offer to compete in the “Game” which promises a massive cash prize to anyone who survives. With 24 hours to complete nine progressively challenging experiences designed to push, and break, his physical endurance, mental/emotional and moral boundaries, Michael must fight not just for his life but for his sanity.
I liked this book, overall. It was a quick read, fast paced, brutal and gruesome. The nine experiences were creative, and Lopera does a good job showing how far someone will go when they find themself in a seemingly impossible position. I do wish there was more character development and that there was greater detail on why Michael was chosen for the Game. He lost his company a ton of money and the person making the offer just happened to be waiting for him immediately at the beginning of the book. Also, the story ended rather abruptly without an explanation of when the game started, why it was created, etc. I feel like Michael was just tossed into an experience and that’s it.
Definitely an entertaining read with strong creativity.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In all seriousness, I got this from the author himself. Now I expected this to be standard death game material... the inspirations are worn on their sleeves. However, it still stands out because our protagonist, Katz made a financial mistake, and wants more than to make up for it.
Each experience he goes through is quite gruesome, more than the previous one in different ways. The Gluttony Challenge being one example and the entire Clue-inspired mystery which was funny in its own right.
The Archon of Games himself was interesting, I legitimately expected this game-master to screw over our MC or do a last-minute challenge to a wargame [his family has a long history of military service]... but nope.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
The gray-skinned monsters in the Clue Game legitimately made think of the Crawlers from The Descent and there came the origin of those beasts, won't lie, it legitimately sounded like something out of DOOM, a little jarring per say.
The bigger surprise was the Archon of Games not screwing over Katz. In fact, he lets him go home with the money and true to his word, he won The Game.
Each experience he goes through is quite gruesome, more than the previous one in different ways. The Gluttony Challenge being one example and the entire Clue-inspired mystery which was funny in its own right.
The Archon of Games himself was interesting, I legitimately expected this game-master to screw over our MC or do a last-minute challenge to a wargame [his family has a long history of military service]... but nope.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
The gray-skinned monsters in the Clue Game legitimately made think of the Crawlers from The Descent and there came the origin of those beasts, won't lie, it legitimately sounded like something out of DOOM, a little jarring per say.
The bigger surprise was the Archon of Games not screwing over Katz. In fact, he lets him go home with the money and true to his word, he won The Game.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Dark Pit by David Lopera
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dark, disturbing, and unable to put down! This is an intense and extreme psychological horror story!
Saw meets squid games! This books is super suspenseful and engaging! It’s brutal and shocking, and the storyline had me hooked and at the edge of my seat!
Michael made some poor money investment decisions at work and instead of facing the consequences, he simply leaves. While at a bar, he encounters a stranger who offers him a large sum of money to play a game. Michael is feeling desperate, so he decides to do it. He finds out that he must complete 9 “games” in order to win $100,000,000! But are these “games,” really worth the mental and physical toll?
Thank you to David Lopera for an arc of this amazing book! It blew my mind with the non- stop action, excitement and graphic imagery!! This is the 2nd book I’ve read of his and I’m so excited to read more!
**It comes out August 27th and I highly recommend reading this!
🎰♠️🃏💵
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dark, disturbing, and unable to put down! This is an intense and extreme psychological horror story!
Saw meets squid games! This books is super suspenseful and engaging! It’s brutal and shocking, and the storyline had me hooked and at the edge of my seat!
Michael made some poor money investment decisions at work and instead of facing the consequences, he simply leaves. While at a bar, he encounters a stranger who offers him a large sum of money to play a game. Michael is feeling desperate, so he decides to do it. He finds out that he must complete 9 “games” in order to win $100,000,000! But are these “games,” really worth the mental and physical toll?
Thank you to David Lopera for an arc of this amazing book! It blew my mind with the non- stop action, excitement and graphic imagery!! This is the 2nd book I’ve read of his and I’m so excited to read more!
**It comes out August 27th and I highly recommend reading this!
🎰♠️🃏💵
Review of advance copy received from Author
The protagonist got was offered to play in a game that could make him a multi millionaire. After losing millions of dollars for his company, he decided to enter into the game in hopes to win.
OMG this was absolutely incredible!!! It was so amazing. You need to 100% read this. This was my first horror book and I’m so glad it was it!! The game, the protagonist, and the concept was so unique. I never read anything like this before! It had gore and made me feel uncomfortable at certain moments. The writing was spectacular I felt like I was actually there. There was a high stakes and a time limit and I was stressing with the protagonist. I’m just at a loss for words, this was so amazing.
Our protagonist Michael Kaatz, man the things he goes through. I wouldn’t be able to do. He is so strong and he’d been through a lot. I just hope he is okay after everything he has been through.
OMG this was absolutely incredible!!! It was so amazing. You need to 100% read this. This was my first horror book and I’m so glad it was it!! The game, the protagonist, and the concept was so unique. I never read anything like this before! It had gore and made me feel uncomfortable at certain moments. The writing was spectacular I felt like I was actually there. There was a high stakes and a time limit and I was stressing with the protagonist. I’m just at a loss for words, this was so amazing.
Our protagonist Michael Kaatz, man the things he goes through. I wouldn’t be able to do. He is so strong and he’d been through a lot. I just hope he is okay after everything he has been through.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was overall super good. A solid plot line with some well timed gore scenes to really amp up the intensity. Some scenes had me cringing - exactly as expected with this genre! Honestly the horror scenes were top notch- I felt like I was actually experiencing them. Super creative things going on in this book that made it stand out.
My hangup with this one was the ending. A wildly new concept was introduced with less than ten percent left in the book, with nowhere near enough time or space to give it the attention it deserved. Additionally, this introduction prevented us from getting a satisfying resolution of the rest of the plot. If we get a novella or book 2 that expands on the topic of the last challenge, I’d add half a star because I think it could be really awesome. We just need more.
Thank you to the Author for the ARC copy!
My hangup with this one was the ending. A wildly new concept was introduced with less than ten percent left in the book, with nowhere near enough time or space to give it the attention it deserved. Additionally, this introduction prevented us from getting a satisfying resolution of the rest of the plot. If we get a novella or book 2 that expands on the topic of the last challenge, I’d add half a star because I think it could be really awesome. We just need more.
Thank you to the Author for the ARC copy!
September 1, 2026
The Dark Pit is not for the faint of heart.
This book is intense, fast-paced, and genuinely difficult to predict. There were several moments that had me thinking, “Oh, that is DISGUSTING,” and I mean that as a compliment. There is a lot of blood, gore, and stomach-churning imagery here.
What I appreciated, though, was that it never felt like gore just for the sake of shock value. Everything felt intentional and like it actually belonged in the story.
Underneath all of the carnage, there’s also a genuinely good horror story. I found myself really rooting for Michael, which is always a dangerous thing to do in a book like this.
Overall, this was a fun, brutal, gore-filled horror novel that kept me wondering what the hell was going to happen next.
Just maybe don’t eat while you’re reading it.
This book is intense, fast-paced, and genuinely difficult to predict. There were several moments that had me thinking, “Oh, that is DISGUSTING,” and I mean that as a compliment. There is a lot of blood, gore, and stomach-churning imagery here.
What I appreciated, though, was that it never felt like gore just for the sake of shock value. Everything felt intentional and like it actually belonged in the story.
Underneath all of the carnage, there’s also a genuinely good horror story. I found myself really rooting for Michael, which is always a dangerous thing to do in a book like this.
Overall, this was a fun, brutal, gore-filled horror novel that kept me wondering what the hell was going to happen next.
Just maybe don’t eat while you’re reading it.
Review of advance copy
I got this ebook gifted to me and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Michael makes one reckless choice and wakes up trapped inside a deadly underground game. If he survives nine brutal trials, he could walk away rich. The problem is each round gets bloodier, stranger, and more twisted than the one before it.
The Dark Pit moves fast and delivers graphic horror, deadly challenges, dark humor, and plenty of psychological pressure. Michael is greedy, flawed, and hard to root for at times, but his fight to survive keeps the pages turning.
Some scenes feel over the top, and the gore occasionally buries the story underneath all the shock. Readers who enjoy extreme horror, survival games, brutal violence, and twisted moral choices may enjoy this one.
I give it a 3 outta 5 catfish!
Michael makes one reckless choice and wakes up trapped inside a deadly underground game. If he survives nine brutal trials, he could walk away rich. The problem is each round gets bloodier, stranger, and more twisted than the one before it.
The Dark Pit moves fast and delivers graphic horror, deadly challenges, dark humor, and plenty of psychological pressure. Michael is greedy, flawed, and hard to root for at times, but his fight to survive keeps the pages turning.
Some scenes feel over the top, and the gore occasionally buries the story underneath all the shock. Readers who enjoy extreme horror, survival games, brutal violence, and twisted moral choices may enjoy this one.
I give it a 3 outta 5 catfish!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Dark Pit was dark, gory, fast-paced, and completely anxiety inducing, in the best possible way. Each new experience raised the stakes and pulled me deeper into a story that felt increasingly nightmarish. I never quite knew what horror was waiting around the next corner, and that constant sense of dread made this such an intense, addictive read.
This was an easy book to fly through, but it is definitely not for the weak of stomach. The graphic moments are brutal, the tension rarely lets up, and I genuinely loved the rush of feeling this anxious over a book. Intriguing, disturbing, and wildly entertaining,
The Dark Pit is a must read for horror fans who enjoy high stakes and plenty of gore.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
This was an easy book to fly through, but it is definitely not for the weak of stomach. The graphic moments are brutal, the tension rarely lets up, and I genuinely loved the rush of feeling this anxious over a book. Intriguing, disturbing, and wildly entertaining,
The Dark Pit is a must read for horror fans who enjoy high stakes and plenty of gore.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my second book from David, and I'm learning that I should not eat anything before I dive in! This book is full of stomach churning scenes, suspense, and terror. We follow Michael Kaatz on his journey to try to get out of his financial troubles. The lengths he goes to will have you squirming.
The ONLY thing I wish was that the ending wasn't so abrupt. My hope is that there will be a follow up. I'd love to know what happens next.
If you like Squid Games, Battle Royale, Hunger Games, or any story that puts people in situations that will test their resolve, check out The Dark Pit.
And shout out to Sandeep Karunakaran for the amazing cover art!
The ONLY thing I wish was that the ending wasn't so abrupt. My hope is that there will be a follow up. I'd love to know what happens next.
If you like Squid Games, Battle Royale, Hunger Games, or any story that puts people in situations that will test their resolve, check out The Dark Pit.
And shout out to Sandeep Karunakaran for the amazing cover art!
August 19, 2026
4.5/5 STARS
What an incredible read! If you love the intense, high-stakes, survival-game atmosphere of Squid Game, this one absolutely delivers.
The story follows Mike, who finds himself in serious financial trouble at work. Then he’s presented with an opportunity that seems impossible to refuse: complete nine levels of a gruesome and increasingly dangerous game for the chance to walk away with millions.
Each level brings a completely different experience, challenge, and nightmare—and I could not stop reading to see what Mike would face next. This was fast-paced, brutal, suspenseful, and completely addictive. The tension kept building, and every new level had me wondering just how far this game was going to go.
Lopera definitely has my interest after this one! 😂 I’m so glad he sent me his book, and I’ll absolutely be reading more from this author.
Horror lovers—put this one on your TBR. It’s a wild ride and absolutely worth the read!
What an incredible read! If you love the intense, high-stakes, survival-game atmosphere of Squid Game, this one absolutely delivers.
The story follows Mike, who finds himself in serious financial trouble at work. Then he’s presented with an opportunity that seems impossible to refuse: complete nine levels of a gruesome and increasingly dangerous game for the chance to walk away with millions.
Each level brings a completely different experience, challenge, and nightmare—and I could not stop reading to see what Mike would face next. This was fast-paced, brutal, suspenseful, and completely addictive. The tension kept building, and every new level had me wondering just how far this game was going to go.
Lopera definitely has my interest after this one! 😂 I’m so glad he sent me his book, and I’ll absolutely be reading more from this author.
Horror lovers—put this one on your TBR. It’s a wild ride and absolutely worth the read!
July 17, 2026
This one was a lot of fun! The survival game concept immediately reminded me of Squid Game. The story was easy to follow, and I couldn’t help but cheer for Michael the entire time. The challenges were over the top, gross, horrifying, and had me wondering what could possibly happen next. If you’re into high stakes survival horror, this is definitely worth picking up. Can’t wait to check out more from this author!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Dark Pit was a brutal read. I picked up this book because I thought the premise of this one sounded like a good time. After getting the chance to read The Dark Pit I was not disappointed one bit. This had a great plot, and it was a fun, fast paced horror novel. I had a great time reading it, and I especially loved just how dark it got. I thought that the overall concept was executed beautifully, and I really enjoyed how everything played out. I did have a hard time putting it down! I cannot wait to read another book by this author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Definitely giving Saw x Squid Games vibes!
I had such a fun time reading this and cringing my way through each game. It’s exactly the kind of brutal, disgusting, and downright morbid horror you want in a body horror story.
It actually reminded me a lot of The No-End House by Jeremy Bates, which is one of my favorite books, so that speaks measures!
Highly recommend grabbing this on release day!
Also highly recommend NOT eating while reading it! 🤣
I had such a fun time reading this and cringing my way through each game. It’s exactly the kind of brutal, disgusting, and downright morbid horror you want in a body horror story.
It actually reminded me a lot of The No-End House by Jeremy Bates, which is one of my favorite books, so that speaks measures!
Highly recommend grabbing this on release day!
Also highly recommend NOT eating while reading it! 🤣
Review of advance copy received from Author
As soon as I started reading, I got a Squid Game vibe, which I really liked! 🤌🏻 I was curious to see what 9 challenges the main character would have to go through. Sometimes it felt like things were a bit too easy for him, or he was just really lucky. 😆 I would’ve liked a bit more drama and for his personal struggles to be more involved in the game. Overall, it was a quick and easy read! 💗
Thanks for the arc!🖤
Thanks for the arc!🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
What would you do to become a millionaire? Would you participate in a game? Where the stakes are high and time is limited? Each level proves to be more difficult than the last.
This was a fast paced easy read. It reminds me of the movie “Hostel” and Aron Beauregard and Daniel J Volpes books “Through the Eyes of Desperation.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
A very quick read with a grisly “Squid Game” style.
If you like your reads dark, fast-paced, and utterly ruthless, The Dark Pit delivers. It wastes zero time throwing characters straight into a high-stakes, brutal survival arena where the psychological pressure is just as heavy as the physical violence.
If you like your reads dark, fast-paced, and utterly ruthless, The Dark Pit delivers. It wastes zero time throwing characters straight into a high-stakes, brutal survival arena where the psychological pressure is just as heavy as the physical violence.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Some really vile parts that will appeal to extreme horror fans. Lots of gore here and moments that should cause pretty intense visceral reactions. I didn't like the ending. I wanted more explanation of the idea behind the game and how it came to be so that was a let down. Otherwise, an interesting story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an amazing concept and executed beautifully. I read it in one sitting, eager to see what was next in the game.
I would love to see this story expanded into another book (hint hint, nudge nudge). There are a lot of things I still need to know!
I would love to see this story expanded into another book (hint hint, nudge nudge). There are a lot of things I still need to know!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am so thankful I was an ARC reader for this! I laughed, I was shocked, I held my breath and I had wide eyes most of the time! If you enjoy books that take you on a ride then this book is for you. Buy it, loan it and enjoy it.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy
July 20, 2026If you’re fine with death and gore, this book is for you. Immensely graphic, yet well written. The concept reminded me a lot of Squid Game, but with a wider variety of tasks.
For those that are worried about animal deaths, there are dogs, but they don’t die.
For those that are worried about animal deaths, there are dogs, but they don’t die.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2026
My goodness! What a crazy book!
When I say crazy, I mean in a good way! The story was so good I couldn’t put it down. It keeps you wondering if Mike ends up completing the game or not!
Also, the characters are very interesting! Mrs. Bootles.. lol!!!
When I say crazy, I mean in a good way! The story was so good I couldn’t put it down. It keeps you wondering if Mike ends up completing the game or not!
Also, the characters are very interesting! Mrs. Bootles.. lol!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where do I even begin??
Our main character finds himself in deep trouble costing millions. So, how to deal with that? Going to a bar and meeting a weird man with a solution of course.
The Game is simply 9 "experiences" that must be endured. Each one not only takes a physical toll but mental as well.
There was one that made me cringe and one that was so disgusting I needed a break from it. Things might be gross but man dies it mess with your mind.
I'm so lucky the author trusted me with his story and I can't wait for more!
Our main character finds himself in deep trouble costing millions. So, how to deal with that? Going to a bar and meeting a weird man with a solution of course.
The Game is simply 9 "experiences" that must be endured. Each one not only takes a physical toll but mental as well.
There was one that made me cringe and one that was so disgusting I needed a break from it. Things might be gross but man dies it mess with your mind.
I'm so lucky the author trusted me with his story and I can't wait for more!
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