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Camp Fear
Six months after Ritch’s brother was killed while serving in Iraq, Ritch is still having a hard time coming to grips with his grief. His therapist suggests a summer away as a camp counselor at Camp Safe Harbor in the North Georgia Mountains might be the perfect remedy. Shortly after arriving, he discovers the camp director uses manipulative fear to control counselors and campers. Threats, false warnings and outright lies scare people into submission and Ritch, his romantic interest, Tee and his co-counselor, Grey, join together to find a way to change things. Most of the camp staff rebel against such coercion by staging pranks and jokes, which only make the director more desperate and determined to gain control. The camp staff renames the camp, “Camp Fear.”
A real threat arrives one weekend when four convicts escape from nearby Hays State Prison and take the camp staff hostage. When the camp director cowers in fear, it’s up to Ritch and Grey to take over as leaders and find a way to escape. Their getaway takes them to the rifle range to destroy the camp rifles, through Junkins Cave and on a thrilling horseback ride over the mountain to contact authorities.
A real threat arrives one weekend when four convicts escape from nearby Hays State Prison and take the camp staff hostage. When the camp director cowers in fear, it’s up to Ritch and Grey to take over as leaders and find a way to escape. Their getaway takes them to the rifle range to destroy the camp rifles, through Junkins Cave and on a thrilling horseback ride over the mountain to contact authorities.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2016
2 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Ben A. Sharpton
6 books42 followers “Tell stories.” It's one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received. Stories inspire people to grow and expand their horizons. They entertain. They challenge. They comfort. Simply put, they make life much better.
I’ve been telling stories all my life. When I worked with youth years ago, I told stories that helped them understand, learn and develop. Later, as a corporate training manager I used stories to demonstrate examples, to encourage better business practices and to stimulate learning. As an online college professor I found stories to be instrumental in challenging people to think and comprehend.
Today I continue to tell stories. You’ll find them in my nonfiction curriculum books and all of my award-winning novels. My hope is you’ll enjoy my stories and share them with your friends.
Then, tell your own stories. It’s a great piece of advice.
I’ve been telling stories all my life. When I worked with youth years ago, I told stories that helped them understand, learn and develop. Later, as a corporate training manager I used stories to demonstrate examples, to encourage better business practices and to stimulate learning. As an online college professor I found stories to be instrumental in challenging people to think and comprehend.
Today I continue to tell stories. You’ll find them in my nonfiction curriculum books and all of my award-winning novels. My hope is you’ll enjoy my stories and share them with your friends.
Then, tell your own stories. It’s a great piece of advice.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 15, 2016
Book: Camp Fear
Author: Ben A. Sharpton
Rating: 5 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank Netgalley and Summer Solstice for providing me with this galley.
Well, it is late in the summer and I am trying to hold onto the magic of summer just a little bit longer. I really found this one by accident; I wasn't expecting much out of it and figured that I would not be out more than a few hours of reading. Boy, was I wrong. This is actually the second summer themed thriller/horror story that I have read this summer. The title alone, Camp Fear, is just enough to draw you in and have you wondering what kind of amazing secrets linger between the pages of the book. I truly am glad to have found this amazing, hidden gem.
At first, I was a little worried. The writing was terrible and it was really, really terrible. I thought that I was not going to be able through the first ten percent...Then, it all changed. Ritch is in a dark place after the death of his older brother. He had everyone worried. It is suggested that he go to summer camp to escape all of the darkness that has surrounded his life. He takes the job, not really expecting much. Over the course of the summer, he develops deep bonds and finds that he does have to the ability to overcome everything.
Like I just got done saying, Ritch has been going through some really difficult things. His brother was killed in the War of Terror and it does seem to hit Ritch the hardest. He stinks into this wave of never ending depression. When he takes the job at a summer camp, it seems to really open up his character. The camp itself is a dictatorship-there's just no other way to put it. Instead of allowing the rules to break him, Ritch becomes a leader of change-one that often gets him in trouble, but gets him a lot of respect at the same time. He is one that everyone seems to look to save the day.
This is young adult horror/thriller. It really does echo the writing style and plotlines of RL Stine. This is not a gory horror story, so if that is what you are looking for, find another book. It is simple horror that really messes with your mind. I could actually see this happening in real life-I truly hope not, but it could. It is full of mystery and surprises, twists and turns, love and heartbreak, and so much more. It really is amazing just how much is packed into a short read-under 300 pages.
Before I read this one, Ben A. Sharpton was not even on my radar. Now, I think he one of the people to watch in young adult horror. I know I certainly enjoyed this and I really do think that others will. It's such a shame that it doesn't have more reviews. Camp Fear certainly is deserving of more attention that what it has gotten.
Author: Ben A. Sharpton
Rating: 5 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank Netgalley and Summer Solstice for providing me with this galley.
Well, it is late in the summer and I am trying to hold onto the magic of summer just a little bit longer. I really found this one by accident; I wasn't expecting much out of it and figured that I would not be out more than a few hours of reading. Boy, was I wrong. This is actually the second summer themed thriller/horror story that I have read this summer. The title alone, Camp Fear, is just enough to draw you in and have you wondering what kind of amazing secrets linger between the pages of the book. I truly am glad to have found this amazing, hidden gem.
At first, I was a little worried. The writing was terrible and it was really, really terrible. I thought that I was not going to be able through the first ten percent...Then, it all changed. Ritch is in a dark place after the death of his older brother. He had everyone worried. It is suggested that he go to summer camp to escape all of the darkness that has surrounded his life. He takes the job, not really expecting much. Over the course of the summer, he develops deep bonds and finds that he does have to the ability to overcome everything.
Like I just got done saying, Ritch has been going through some really difficult things. His brother was killed in the War of Terror and it does seem to hit Ritch the hardest. He stinks into this wave of never ending depression. When he takes the job at a summer camp, it seems to really open up his character. The camp itself is a dictatorship-there's just no other way to put it. Instead of allowing the rules to break him, Ritch becomes a leader of change-one that often gets him in trouble, but gets him a lot of respect at the same time. He is one that everyone seems to look to save the day.
This is young adult horror/thriller. It really does echo the writing style and plotlines of RL Stine. This is not a gory horror story, so if that is what you are looking for, find another book. It is simple horror that really messes with your mind. I could actually see this happening in real life-I truly hope not, but it could. It is full of mystery and surprises, twists and turns, love and heartbreak, and so much more. It really is amazing just how much is packed into a short read-under 300 pages.
Before I read this one, Ben A. Sharpton was not even on my radar. Now, I think he one of the people to watch in young adult horror. I know I certainly enjoyed this and I really do think that others will. It's such a shame that it doesn't have more reviews. Camp Fear certainly is deserving of more attention that what it has gotten.
December 2, 2016
Camp Fear by Ben a sharpton is a mystery and thriller and teens and ya read.
Six months after Ritch’s brother was killed while serving in Iraq, Ritch is still having a hard time coming to grips with his grief. His therapist suggests a summer away as a camp counselor at Camp Safe Harbor in the North Georgia Mountains might be the perfect remedy. Shortly after arriving, he discovers the camp director uses manipulative fear to control counselors and campers. Threats, false warnings and outright lies scare people into submission and Ritch, his romantic interest, Tee and his co-counselor, Grey, join together to find a way to change things. Most of the camp staff rebel against such coercion by staging pranks and jokes, which only make the director more desperate and determined to gain control. The camp staff renames the camp, “Camp Fear.” A real threat arrives one weekend when four convicts escape from nearby Hays State Prison and take the camp staff hostage. When the camp director cowers in fear, it’s up to Ritch and Grey to take over as leaders and find a way to escape. Their getaway takes them to the rifle range to destroy the camp rifles, through Junkins Cave and on a thrilling horseback ride over the mountain to contact authorities.
This was a good read with good characters. A little slow but I read it. 3*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
Six months after Ritch’s brother was killed while serving in Iraq, Ritch is still having a hard time coming to grips with his grief. His therapist suggests a summer away as a camp counselor at Camp Safe Harbor in the North Georgia Mountains might be the perfect remedy. Shortly after arriving, he discovers the camp director uses manipulative fear to control counselors and campers. Threats, false warnings and outright lies scare people into submission and Ritch, his romantic interest, Tee and his co-counselor, Grey, join together to find a way to change things. Most of the camp staff rebel against such coercion by staging pranks and jokes, which only make the director more desperate and determined to gain control. The camp staff renames the camp, “Camp Fear.” A real threat arrives one weekend when four convicts escape from nearby Hays State Prison and take the camp staff hostage. When the camp director cowers in fear, it’s up to Ritch and Grey to take over as leaders and find a way to escape. Their getaway takes them to the rifle range to destroy the camp rifles, through Junkins Cave and on a thrilling horseback ride over the mountain to contact authorities.
This was a good read with good characters. A little slow but I read it. 3*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
May 20, 2016
***mostly spoiler free. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.***
As with any book, I have to be able to relate to the protagonist to really delve into the story. Sharpton's character development is phenomenal. Ritch is completely believable--as is the grief he is suffering due to the loss of a pivotal person in his life. However, the turmoil of the loss is not so oppressive that it steers the story entirely; rather, it lands Ritch in a bizarre camp for young people with an arguably insane director. Basically under dictatorship, Ritch strives to seek effective change...that's where the fun and action begins.
If not for my hectic personal life and my own writing deadlines, this would have been a one-sitting book. I enjoyed Sharpton's writing style and found the ambitious story line refreshing. It was completely unpredictable and yet believable. Easily worth 5 stars.
As with any book, I have to be able to relate to the protagonist to really delve into the story. Sharpton's character development is phenomenal. Ritch is completely believable--as is the grief he is suffering due to the loss of a pivotal person in his life. However, the turmoil of the loss is not so oppressive that it steers the story entirely; rather, it lands Ritch in a bizarre camp for young people with an arguably insane director. Basically under dictatorship, Ritch strives to seek effective change...that's where the fun and action begins.
If not for my hectic personal life and my own writing deadlines, this would have been a one-sitting book. I enjoyed Sharpton's writing style and found the ambitious story line refreshing. It was completely unpredictable and yet believable. Easily worth 5 stars.
February 9, 2024
As I read this book I felt I was walking in the southern Appalachians with Ritch and his fellow campers. The characters are well-rounded, people I expect to run into if I go hiking there. The descriptions of the setting flow as part of the story yet are detailed enough to almost smell the lush dampness of the mountains.
I really loved how Ritch grows as a person as the story develops, accidentally exploring his hurt and anger.
I really loved how Ritch grows as a person as the story develops, accidentally exploring his hurt and anger.
March 24, 2017
Camp Fear
The fear inside and the way out…
Ritch falls into serious depression when his brother, Michael, is killed while on duty as a Marine in Iraq. Failing his final senior high school exams Ritch's scholarship to university is withdrawn. Ritch's life is falling apart. Rather than prescribe drugs Rich's doctor recommends the young man work as a councillor over summer at Camp Safe Harbor in Young Harris, Georgia. Listlessly Ritch agrees.
This is a story about the importance of friendship. Ritch navigates through various situations with the help of those around him. Gradually he learns to reach out to others, and gradually they tempt him from depression. Self-belief is also a theme. As Ritch connects, he also learns to trust himself, to see that he can meet life in a challenging way. Ritch must rise above the 'fear' of the books title, and also aid the campers to rise above theirs.
Sharpton paints a good portrait of Ritch which engages the reader and gets us on side. We recognise in Rich a young man who has some talents, like horse riding, but is mainly just an ordinary guy we feel we could easily meet and befriend. Because he is down on his luck we feel for him, wanting him to find his way in life. Grey is also a well-developed character. His sense of humour, and perhaps his rebellion under authoritarian leadership, makes him likable. Like Ritch, though, he is not perfect. Sometimes we feel he goes too far. This imperfection makes both Ritch and Grey more human.
The story moves along quite well. While there are quiet points, the book is never boring. The plot certainly ends in an exciting climax. The book can basically be divided into two halves, covering two weeks at the camp. Each week has a different emphasis and different direction.
I was certainly glad I read this book and found it entertaining and interesting. If I could I would give it four and a half stars.
July 6, 2016
Ben Sharpton has done it again!
I may be many moons beyond the young adult reader, but Ben has totally captured the essence of a camper's imagination and summer experience! He brings us all back to the long hot dog days of summer camp(s) of our youth! Days where/when our imaginations were as much fun and life like as some of the camp activities. Ben's character development and story development are sensational! A great read for all...especially tweeners and young adults.
Ben Sharpton...please continue "telling your stories" and for those of you that haven't read Ben Sharpton, now is your chance to get started...you will never regret it!!
I may be many moons beyond the young adult reader, but Ben has totally captured the essence of a camper's imagination and summer experience! He brings us all back to the long hot dog days of summer camp(s) of our youth! Days where/when our imaginations were as much fun and life like as some of the camp activities. Ben's character development and story development are sensational! A great read for all...especially tweeners and young adults.
Ben Sharpton...please continue "telling your stories" and for those of you that haven't read Ben Sharpton, now is your chance to get started...you will never regret it!!
June 4, 2016
Absolute must read!
Excellent read, this book grips you from the first page and doesn't let go until you've finished. While I am probably outside of the intended reading audience for this book I loved every minute of it, Mr Sharpton has an amazing way of drawing you farther into the story as he brings you along for the ride.
Excellent read, this book grips you from the first page and doesn't let go until you've finished. While I am probably outside of the intended reading audience for this book I loved every minute of it, Mr Sharpton has an amazing way of drawing you farther into the story as he brings you along for the ride.
July 4, 2016
An enjoyable read. A good YA novel.
March 24, 2017
Camp Fear
The fear inside and the way out…
Ritch falls into serious depression when his brother, Michael, is killed while on duty as a Marine in Iraq. Failing his final senior high school exams Ritch's scholarship to university is withdrawn. Ritch's life is falling apart. Rather than prescribe drugs Rich's doctor recommends the young man work as a councillor over summer at Camp Safe Harbor in Young Harris, Georgia. Listlessly Ritch agrees.
This is a story about the importance of friendship. Ritch navigates through various situations with the help of those around him. Gradually he learns to reach out to others, and gradually they tempt him from depression. Self-belief is also a theme. As Ritch connects, he also learns to trust himself, to see that he can meet life in a challenging way. Ritch must rise above the 'fear' of the books title, and also aid the campers to rise above theirs.
Sharpton paints a good portrait of Ritch which engages the reader and gets us on side. We recognise in Rich a young man who has some talents, like horse riding, but is mainly just an ordinary guy we feel we could easily meet and befriend. Because he is down on his luck we feel for him, wanting him to find his way in life. Grey is also a well-developed character. His sense of humour, and perhaps his rebellion under authoritarian leadership, makes him likable. Like Ritch, though, he is not perfect. Sometimes we feel he goes too far. This imperfection makes both Ritch and Grey more human.
The story moves along quite well. While there are quiet points, the book is never boring. The plot certainly ends in an exciting climax. The book can basically be divided into two halves, covering two weeks at the camp. Each week has a different emphasis and different direction.
I was certainly glad I read this book and found it entertaining and interesting. If I could I would give it four and a half stars.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews