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The Game #3
The Game
People tune in from all over the world... A not-so secret show aired via a private satellite on the Dark Web, where contestants are forced to fight one another and navigate their way through a maze of unspeakable horrors. In this episode: It's Victoria's turn.
A woman plucked from her normal life and dropped directly into Hell, unaware she is being watched all around the world. The producers don't know if she, or the other contestants, will survive and they don't care. All they care about are the viewing figures. More Gore, More Ratings. The Game has started...
Warning: There are strong scenes of violence in this book. If easily shocked or offended, please do not purchase. Saw meets The Running Man in Matt Shaw's shocking new horror!
A woman plucked from her normal life and dropped directly into Hell, unaware she is being watched all around the world. The producers don't know if she, or the other contestants, will survive and they don't care. All they care about are the viewing figures. More Gore, More Ratings. The Game has started...
Warning: There are strong scenes of violence in this book. If easily shocked or offended, please do not purchase. Saw meets The Running Man in Matt Shaw's shocking new horror!
52 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2017
123 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Matt Shaw
529 books2,194 followersBiography
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 17, 2021
The fact that this guy decided to bake in an ad about Vagisil between the gore -
Seriously tho, how is it even possible to rate these books lol
Seriously tho, how is it even possible to rate these books lol
May 25, 2021
This is a re-read for me. It's been a few years ago that I first read it, but with newer books coming out in the series, I thought it'd be fun to go back and read from the beginning. I checked my old GR account, and I gave it 5 stars then, also. I pretty much remembered the premise of the story, but not the full details. Dark web books are pretty much no holds barred. The viewers of the game are pretty much like us readers, wanting to get the most gore as possible, and this book does not disappoint. The ending
April 6, 2024
Welp, I’m traumatised. Didn’t hate it tho 😂
July 19, 2020
The Deadliest Gameshow!
The Game is a very fast paced, and easy read. Most definitely not as gruesome as Shaw’s black cover books, but for a short and sweet story it was great! It kept my attention the entire time, and although there were hints of the Saw films and The Running Man it was quite original.
Vicki is the star of season 2 of The Game. She has been abducted, and must force her way through all of the rooms and the extreme tasks that they hold for her in order to win The Game. Ahead of her lies a lot of bloodshed, tears wept, and remorse to be had.
As Vicki proceeds through each room the tasks just get more and more daunting. Not to mention she is being broadcast for a live audience to relish in her pain and misery. However, she doesn’t learn this until quite sometime.
The Game is a ratings shattering show on the web, and for subscribers to indulge in grotesque delights. Vicki will end up having to make many difficult choices along the way. Will she make it all the way, and take home a prize she will truly love?
I felt that this novelette, if you would call it so, was a wild ride. I suspected some of the outcomes, but as with Matt’s work I was still thrown for a loop several times. I found myself rooting for Vicki even though the majority of the audience was against her.
Overall, I give The Game by Matt Shaw 4 stars out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed this quick and fun read, but I deducted a star because the ending was a bit different. I felt like I was missing something, and wanting just a bit more. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story immensely!
#mattshaw #thegame
The Game is a very fast paced, and easy read. Most definitely not as gruesome as Shaw’s black cover books, but for a short and sweet story it was great! It kept my attention the entire time, and although there were hints of the Saw films and The Running Man it was quite original.
Vicki is the star of season 2 of The Game. She has been abducted, and must force her way through all of the rooms and the extreme tasks that they hold for her in order to win The Game. Ahead of her lies a lot of bloodshed, tears wept, and remorse to be had.
As Vicki proceeds through each room the tasks just get more and more daunting. Not to mention she is being broadcast for a live audience to relish in her pain and misery. However, she doesn’t learn this until quite sometime.
The Game is a ratings shattering show on the web, and for subscribers to indulge in grotesque delights. Vicki will end up having to make many difficult choices along the way. Will she make it all the way, and take home a prize she will truly love?
I felt that this novelette, if you would call it so, was a wild ride. I suspected some of the outcomes, but as with Matt’s work I was still thrown for a loop several times. I found myself rooting for Vicki even though the majority of the audience was against her.
Overall, I give The Game by Matt Shaw 4 stars out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed this quick and fun read, but I deducted a star because the ending was a bit different. I felt like I was missing something, and wanting just a bit more. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story immensely!
#mattshaw #thegame
November 13, 2019
Disturbingly-fantastic and shockingly-twisted!
September 14, 2020
Well where to begin... I thought the concept was good. A twisted reality show, someone fighting for their family and their life. This book came up in my recommendations after reading the island, which I thought was a great read.
Read the synopsis thought id give it a go. It was fast paced and gruesome, just how I like horror to be. BUT whats with the constant humiliating sexual violence toward women ( in a lot of his books), i mean there's stories where rape scenes etc are integral to the story but his is just ridiculous.
I actually laughed at first with shock, but after I thought wtf who would watch a reality show like this. Sickos watching and betting on people dying yeah im sure there is, people all watching a women knock one out on special ppl then drink it no. Only a small amount of wierdos would be on board with this. Just trying to be as shocking as possible for the sake of it. Ruined the book.
Also couldn't root for Vicki, not enough info or anything about her to make me care about her either way.
End up hating on this book that much I deleted it, i won't be part of it.
I mean whatever floats your boat we all have different tastes, not only did this not float my boat, it sank the fucker.
Read the synopsis thought id give it a go. It was fast paced and gruesome, just how I like horror to be. BUT whats with the constant humiliating sexual violence toward women ( in a lot of his books), i mean there's stories where rape scenes etc are integral to the story but his is just ridiculous.
I actually laughed at first with shock, but after I thought wtf who would watch a reality show like this. Sickos watching and betting on people dying yeah im sure there is, people all watching a women knock one out on special ppl then drink it no. Only a small amount of wierdos would be on board with this. Just trying to be as shocking as possible for the sake of it. Ruined the book.
Also couldn't root for Vicki, not enough info or anything about her to make me care about her either way.
End up hating on this book that much I deleted it, i won't be part of it.
I mean whatever floats your boat we all have different tastes, not only did this not float my boat, it sank the fucker.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2018
Read my review on Amazon. This is a great concept and keeps you asking...what would I do? Loved it.
July 5, 2022
Waking up in a room with a stranger and a mysterious note on the only door out is not exactly how Victoria planned to spend her day. After people break into her house, kill the family dog, and kidnap her Victoria isn't sure what to expect. The fight through a rudimentary, half-assed version of Jigsaw's puzzles did not top her list. Yet, here she is . . . But will she survive the harrowing experience?
As the back says, The Game is the special needs love child of Saw, Running Man, and 21. Heralded as the author of extreme horror, I decided to give Matt Shaw a try. I mean, hey, my husband bought the book awhile back, it was short, and I needed something quick between books. The premise sounded entertaining, and people online said it would have my stomach roiling. I assumed I could handle it.
This book not only fails to live up to the hype of extreme horror, but it also fails to live up to Matt Shaw's hype. The format of the book is interesting—breaking sections up between Victoria, ads, and the host. However, the execution is sadly lacking. First, Shaw never met a dash he didn't love (or a comma splice he could walk away from). Second, for the love of everything holy, please vary your sentence length! Short sentences help the pacing. They can control the speed a which you read. The longer sentences allows you to add sensory detail, imagery, and the stuff to cause our gore to rise. Falling back on extremely long sentences ends up in verbal vomit, especially when the author fails to include figurative language. In addition, if it is extreme horror, why shy away from the extreme aspect? For example, when Victoria is in the third room, Shaw pulls away and focuses on the host right as it started tool get uncomfortable. We're only drawn back right as Victoria completes the task. Make the audience live in the discomfort!
If this book is indicative of Shaw's work, I'll pass. This book was a snooze-fest and a huge letdown. If you're looking for extreme horror, this is not the book for you. The Summer I Died was a brutal, visceral read that will fulfill the extreme horror need.
As the back says, The Game is the special needs love child of Saw, Running Man, and 21. Heralded as the author of extreme horror, I decided to give Matt Shaw a try. I mean, hey, my husband bought the book awhile back, it was short, and I needed something quick between books. The premise sounded entertaining, and people online said it would have my stomach roiling. I assumed I could handle it.
This book not only fails to live up to the hype of extreme horror, but it also fails to live up to Matt Shaw's hype. The format of the book is interesting—breaking sections up between Victoria, ads, and the host. However, the execution is sadly lacking. First, Shaw never met a dash he didn't love (or a comma splice he could walk away from). Second, for the love of everything holy, please vary your sentence length! Short sentences help the pacing. They can control the speed a which you read. The longer sentences allows you to add sensory detail, imagery, and the stuff to cause our gore to rise. Falling back on extremely long sentences ends up in verbal vomit, especially when the author fails to include figurative language. In addition, if it is extreme horror, why shy away from the extreme aspect? For example, when Victoria is in the third room, Shaw pulls away and focuses on the host right as it started tool get uncomfortable. We're only drawn back right as Victoria completes the task. Make the audience live in the discomfort!
If this book is indicative of Shaw's work, I'll pass. This book was a snooze-fest and a huge letdown. If you're looking for extreme horror, this is not the book for you. The Summer I Died was a brutal, visceral read that will fulfill the extreme horror need.
November 1, 2019
Another trip into a world of depravity from the wonderfully sick mind of Matt Shaw. Not just The Game but other short stories. My favourite was The Game but I did enjoy the rest. So tempted to donate this to the Salvation Army charity shop. ;)
Ray Smillie
Ray Smillie
August 25, 2021
1.5/5 Stars
The second novella was great and then the series fell flat with this one. Another game show format change except this one isn't fun nor exciting like the second was, I didn't WANT to get through this novella. I did finish though and AGAIN for shock value A whole round of the game based around it even, which didn't even fit in with the lot of the rounds, it felt out of place and it wasn't nice to read. I will admit that it does get a bit better after that round but god, it wasn't GOOD and it didn't improve enough. The ending was icing on the cake though, just frustrating and another annoying ending. Lack of closure as well, we don't get to know what happens to the girl after all of that either. Did I mention how much I hated the show host's character? I didn't even really find him to be a great antagonist, at least to read about.
The second novella was great and then the series fell flat with this one. Another game show format change except this one isn't fun nor exciting like the second was, I didn't WANT to get through this novella. I did finish though and AGAIN for shock value A whole round of the game based around it even, which didn't even fit in with the lot of the rounds, it felt out of place and it wasn't nice to read. I will admit that it does get a bit better after that round but god, it wasn't GOOD and it didn't improve enough. The ending was icing on the cake though, just frustrating and another annoying ending. Lack of closure as well, we don't get to know what happens to the girl after all of that either. Did I mention how much I hated the show host's character? I didn't even really find him to be a great antagonist, at least to read about.
August 7, 2023
I thought I'd give the extreme horror stuff a go based on the popularity it has.
I was recommended this......not my cup of tea.
The story telling was good and Matt Shaw is clearly a talented writer but the crude elements are too over the top for me.
I work full time dealing with disaster stricken bodies and gore doesn't bother me so that was fine.
I just can't enjoy the overdone sex and violence, on a positive note though the Saw type storyline was great.
I'm happy for people who enjoy this genre but it's not my thing.
I was recommended this......not my cup of tea.
The story telling was good and Matt Shaw is clearly a talented writer but the crude elements are too over the top for me.
I work full time dealing with disaster stricken bodies and gore doesn't bother me so that was fine.
I just can't enjoy the overdone sex and violence, on a positive note though the Saw type storyline was great.
I'm happy for people who enjoy this genre but it's not my thing.
October 3, 2017
Wow!
This book moved at a breakneck pace and was one of the more twisted things I've read in a while. A demented and satirical tale of the world's sickest game show. Fans of extreme horror should really enjoy this!
This book moved at a breakneck pace and was one of the more twisted things I've read in a while. A demented and satirical tale of the world's sickest game show. Fans of extreme horror should really enjoy this!
July 8, 2024
This series is growing on me. I hated the first one but gave the second a chance, and now I read the third in about an hour (it's the shortest so far, only 50 pages). This one focused much more on the production of The Game as a reality TV Show. The premise has gone from videos one would find on the Dark Web to an elaborate network who pays millions to every major country to not prosecute filmed/publicized murder. Far-fetched but fuck it, it's Splatterpunk! This one was more tame than the last, much more focus on psychological torment than physical pain.
*FULL SPOILERS AHEAD*
Vicki is the contestant, a mid-forties posh woman. She is forced to:
1. Beat a man to death with a hammer (the winner of this fight is The Game's contestant)
2. Cut off her own finger
3. Handcuff her good hand to the ceiling, use her injured hand to jerk off four sex-crazed mentally-disabled men into a jar.
4. Shoot the four men. Drink the cum from the jar.
5. Choose between killing her two children or ten random toddlers. She chooses the toddlers, but it's a trick and her children die instead.
6. Stand in a room with acid pouring from the ceiling, and reach into five jars full of acid until she finds the key.
7. At the end, she's promised "a prize you'll truly love." She has to decide to take home her husband or her parents. The other will be killed. It ends with her deciding and someone dying, but it's not revealed who.
*FULL SPOILERS AHEAD*
Vicki is the contestant, a mid-forties posh woman. She is forced to:
1. Beat a man to death with a hammer (the winner of this fight is The Game's contestant)
2. Cut off her own finger
3. Handcuff her good hand to the ceiling, use her injured hand to jerk off four sex-crazed mentally-disabled men into a jar.
4. Shoot the four men. Drink the cum from the jar.
5. Choose between killing her two children or ten random toddlers. She chooses the toddlers, but it's a trick and her children die instead.
6. Stand in a room with acid pouring from the ceiling, and reach into five jars full of acid until she finds the key.
7. At the end, she's promised "a prize you'll truly love." She has to decide to take home her husband or her parents. The other will be killed. It ends with her deciding and someone dying, but it's not revealed who.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2019
Another Seriously Twisted Read By Matt Shaw
Definitely not for the faint of heart or easily offended, we find our main character in a twisted game that could easily be the love child of Running Man & Hostel. If you thought Hostel too gory you certainly wouldn't want to read this, however if you loved Hostel (Mine being Hostel 2 from that chain) then you'll pretty much Like "anything" written by Matt Shaw and will be guaranteed to Love his Black Cover books.
Definitely not for the faint of heart or easily offended, we find our main character in a twisted game that could easily be the love child of Running Man & Hostel. If you thought Hostel too gory you certainly wouldn't want to read this, however if you loved Hostel (Mine being Hostel 2 from that chain) then you'll pretty much Like "anything" written by Matt Shaw and will be guaranteed to Love his Black Cover books.
December 30, 2019
Survive...or die...
These are the choices faced by one unlucky contestant chosen to take part in The Game - a gameshow aired on the Dark web before a live studio audience.
To survive to the end, the contestant must make her way through a series of rooms, each more terrifying than the last and once again, as expected, Shaw doesn’t pull any punches.
Another of his finest to date, this book is one not to be read by anyone of a sensitive nature as this book is SICK.
These are the choices faced by one unlucky contestant chosen to take part in The Game - a gameshow aired on the Dark web before a live studio audience.
To survive to the end, the contestant must make her way through a series of rooms, each more terrifying than the last and once again, as expected, Shaw doesn’t pull any punches.
Another of his finest to date, this book is one not to be read by anyone of a sensitive nature as this book is SICK.
February 11, 2020
Great book ending not so much
This was a great an intense book however in the ending you dont actually know who dies. Or maybe I misread something.
****Spoiler alert ****
The ending says her husband says to drop him. Yet it doesnt confirm that was her choice. If I had some conformation at the end I'd had given it 5 stars. But I dont want to assume she actually dropped her husband...
This was a great an intense book however in the ending you dont actually know who dies. Or maybe I misread something.
****Spoiler alert ****
The ending says her husband says to drop him. Yet it doesnt confirm that was her choice. If I had some conformation at the end I'd had given it 5 stars. But I dont want to assume she actually dropped her husband...
April 22, 2021
This book was recommended to me by a friend. If you know me, you know I LOVE horror and I'm always looking for gorey reads.
This one was full of gore, but also made me want to throw up. If you've read it, you probably know what parts I'm talking about.
The concept is extremely interesting, so I'll continue reading the others in this series.
Don't read this if you're squeamish. Don't say I didn't warn you.
This one was full of gore, but also made me want to throw up. If you've read it, you probably know what parts I'm talking about.
The concept is extremely interesting, so I'll continue reading the others in this series.
Don't read this if you're squeamish. Don't say I didn't warn you.
August 13, 2024
Aa horrific as it is.... I am invested in the plot! There are moments that will definitely feel squeamy. I can't lie, I skimmed through a few instead of devouring every word. I like how the books are evolving as the story has been unfolding. If The Truman Show was more of a fear factor episode, that would be this! Once again, I don't know that I recommend this unless extreme horror, skip trigger warnings, is your thing. I'm weirdly captivated and want to see how this series ends.
September 26, 2024
The gore and cruelty is still there, the format of the storytelling has changed a bit too, it felt more like an actual show.
I did binge it right after book 1 and 2 in one day, so it was engaging enough for me to keep going. However it was simply less impctful for me than the previous books. Still not a bad story per se, and it had some shocking moments.
I rly liked the protagonist of this one.
I did binge it right after book 1 and 2 in one day, so it was engaging enough for me to keep going. However it was simply less impctful for me than the previous books. Still not a bad story per se, and it had some shocking moments.
I rly liked the protagonist of this one.
May 8, 2021
This one gets the juices going. Man what a game. The end will get you. It's great. Maybe a 4.5 - 4.75 rating would be more justified. Too - Too short; but great when your in the mood for a Too - Too short read. Can't really give any details. It's so short that the wrong hint might give something away. Just read it. YOU GOT TO!
September 22, 2023
The hatred I have for one of the characters fuelled my love for the book. The amount of powerful emotions Matt can draw out of people while reading his disgusting, vile books seems to amaze me. These books are dark and meant to be revolting yet I still feel other emotions when reading them. The suspense was on point it kept me guessing and guessing right until the end. Recommend
October 9, 2025
୨ৎ : 'the man she didnt know. the man she'd never know. someone's son, someone's partner, someone's father, her victim.'
— ☆ 2/5
this one didnt make me feel anything. the first two books in this series were sooo good. but this one was boring and it wasnt even gory. i dont think ill continue it (unless i get bored i guess).
— ☆ 2/5
this one didnt make me feel anything. the first two books in this series were sooo good. but this one was boring and it wasnt even gory. i dont think ill continue it (unless i get bored i guess).
March 7, 2018
SPEECHLESS!!!! Not for the weak
What can I say about this. I have never been speechless...love it...Matt shaw you are a pure psychotic genus...just dark and not for the weak minded...
What can I say about this. I have never been speechless...love it...Matt shaw you are a pure psychotic genus...just dark and not for the weak minded...
May 28, 2018
Gore and madness perfect
Although this was a very short story it was good, if your a fan of the Saw films then this is perfect as it is very Saw. I do wish it had gone on a bit further last where it did end. But other than that a great short stort
Although this was a very short story it was good, if your a fan of the Saw films then this is perfect as it is very Saw. I do wish it had gone on a bit further last where it did end. But other than that a great short stort
April 9, 2020
Vicki
Vicki, abducted from her home to play a sick sadistic game where the lives of herself and family must fight for survival. Again this was very exciting read and I wasn't disappointed.
Vicki, abducted from her home to play a sick sadistic game where the lives of herself and family must fight for survival. Again this was very exciting read and I wasn't disappointed.
June 23, 2020
Interesting take on horror
This is the second Matt Shaw book I've read, the other was The Island, and I think I liked this more. It was like one of the saw movies but mixed with a game show. I was rooting for Vicki the whole way through.
This is the second Matt Shaw book I've read, the other was The Island, and I think I liked this more. It was like one of the saw movies but mixed with a game show. I was rooting for Vicki the whole way through.
November 26, 2020
The Game
This book was a bit much—-even for Matt Shaw. I couldn’t believe actual kids were sacrificed in this book. I feel like the main character couldn’t catch a break. She literally had it rough the entire story. It was a pretty good read to past the time though.
This book was a bit much—-even for Matt Shaw. I couldn’t believe actual kids were sacrificed in this book. I feel like the main character couldn’t catch a break. She literally had it rough the entire story. It was a pretty good read to past the time though.
November 8, 2023
stomach turning, car crash that you can’t help but keep your eyes on
I wanted to know who Victoria picked at the end! This one gave me anxiety. It was more saw driven and gorey, which is great for a horror read but overall I think I prefer the flow of the first!
I wanted to know who Victoria picked at the end! This one gave me anxiety. It was more saw driven and gorey, which is great for a horror read but overall I think I prefer the flow of the first!
March 28, 2018
Awesome read
This book kept me glued to the last page. Love love love this book. Highly recommend to extreme horror fans. Not for the faint of heart
This book kept me glued to the last page. Love love love this book. Highly recommend to extreme horror fans. Not for the faint of heart
August 8, 2018
Nope...
Hated this short story. It sucked so bad. If I could give it zero stars, I would. I would not recommend this one at all. Ever. Unnecessarily nasty.
Hated this short story. It sucked so bad. If I could give it zero stars, I would. I would not recommend this one at all. Ever. Unnecessarily nasty.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews