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The Dark Game
Ten writers are selected for a summer-long writing retreat with the most celebrated and reclusive author in the world. Their host is the legendary Roderick Wells. Handsome, enigmatic, and fiendishly talented, Wells promises to teach his pupils about writing, about magic, about the untapped potential that each of them possesses. Most of all, he plans to teach them about the darkness in their hearts.
The writers think they are signing up for a chance at riches and literary prestige. But they are really entering the twisted imagination of a deranged genius, a lethal contest pitting them against one another in a struggle for their sanity and their lives. They have entered into Roderick Wells’s most brilliant and horrible creation...The Dark Game.
The writers think they are signing up for a chance at riches and literary prestige. But they are really entering the twisted imagination of a deranged genius, a lethal contest pitting them against one another in a struggle for their sanity and their lives. They have entered into Roderick Wells’s most brilliant and horrible creation...The Dark Game.
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First published April 11, 2019
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About the author
Jonathan Janz
60 books2,090 followersJonathan Janz is an author and public schoolteacher. His sci-fi horror novel VEIL is now available, and you can find his story "Lenora" in THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT: NEW TALES OF STEPHEN KING'S THE STAND. He’s represented for Film & TV by Adam Kolbrenner of Lit Entertainment, and his literary agent is Lane Heymont. His ghost story The Siren and the Specter was selected as a Goodreads Choice nominee for Best Horror. Additionally, his novels Children of the Dark and The Dark Game were chosen by Booklist and Library Journal as Top Ten Horror Books of the Year. Jonathan’s main interests are his wonderful wife and his three amazing children. You can sign up for his newsletter (http://jonathanjanz.us12.list-manage....), and you can follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
October 9, 2022
"#1 Internationally Bestselling Author
MR. RODERICK WELLS
Requests the honor of your presence at his estate on May 26th for a six-week writing retreat. You and nine others have been selected for the opportunity of a lifetime. One of you will become the next Legendary Author.
Please find enclosed:
One airline ticket
A contract* outlining Mr. Wells's expectations
*Contract must be returned by mail no later than May 1st. Any mention of the retreat will automatically void the contract. Absolute secrecy is required."
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
I don't read as much horror as I did in my teens, and as such I'm sure that the parameters of what is included in such has evolved drastically, but if I had to describe this in a simple buzz phrase, I would call it "light horror". Not that this book didn't have numerous instances of disturbing content and graphic violence, but I think the only aspect that separates The Dark Game from the thriller genre would be the paranormal aspect. All that to say, if you're a reader looking for a nice bridge from the general thriller genre to something darker, but are concerned you can't handle the more unsettling stories found in the horror genre, this is a great novel to pick up.
Let me just say upfront, I adore novels that feature writers, especially ones at retreats who are working on manuscripts. Throw in a good mystery and I'm sold. This was my first experience with the author, but it certainly won't be my last. Janz knows how to grip the reader from the opening page, and the fact that he has sprinkled in Easter eggs with nods to his previous works (much like Stephen King does with his novels set in the same universe) really grabbed my attention. The plot here is very straight forward, and you'll mostly know what's going to happen from the beginning, but that's because at heart, this isn't a mystery novel, it's more of a heart-pounding suspense with a few nuggets of mystery thrown in along the way.
I had such a blast watching the plot unfold; it was like a more gruesome version of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None if said novel leaned to the supernatural side of the spectrum. While we know early on what is happening and roughly who is behind it, we don't really have all the intimate details of the why until the end, which I found kept the suspense high and my interest engaged. I do wish that we had a little more at the end, because I had quite a few questions that weren't answered, but I do appreciate that the author decided to leave some of those details up to the reader's imagination. This was a wicked fun little read that I highly recommend for those looking to be slightly scared, but wholly entertained!
*I received a review copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
MR. RODERICK WELLS
Requests the honor of your presence at his estate on May 26th for a six-week writing retreat. You and nine others have been selected for the opportunity of a lifetime. One of you will become the next Legendary Author.
Please find enclosed:
One airline ticket
A contract* outlining Mr. Wells's expectations
*Contract must be returned by mail no later than May 1st. Any mention of the retreat will automatically void the contract. Absolute secrecy is required."
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
I don't read as much horror as I did in my teens, and as such I'm sure that the parameters of what is included in such has evolved drastically, but if I had to describe this in a simple buzz phrase, I would call it "light horror". Not that this book didn't have numerous instances of disturbing content and graphic violence, but I think the only aspect that separates The Dark Game from the thriller genre would be the paranormal aspect. All that to say, if you're a reader looking for a nice bridge from the general thriller genre to something darker, but are concerned you can't handle the more unsettling stories found in the horror genre, this is a great novel to pick up.
Let me just say upfront, I adore novels that feature writers, especially ones at retreats who are working on manuscripts. Throw in a good mystery and I'm sold. This was my first experience with the author, but it certainly won't be my last. Janz knows how to grip the reader from the opening page, and the fact that he has sprinkled in Easter eggs with nods to his previous works (much like Stephen King does with his novels set in the same universe) really grabbed my attention. The plot here is very straight forward, and you'll mostly know what's going to happen from the beginning, but that's because at heart, this isn't a mystery novel, it's more of a heart-pounding suspense with a few nuggets of mystery thrown in along the way.
I had such a blast watching the plot unfold; it was like a more gruesome version of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None if said novel leaned to the supernatural side of the spectrum. While we know early on what is happening and roughly who is behind it, we don't really have all the intimate details of the why until the end, which I found kept the suspense high and my interest engaged. I do wish that we had a little more at the end, because I had quite a few questions that weren't answered, but I do appreciate that the author decided to leave some of those details up to the reader's imagination. This was a wicked fun little read that I highly recommend for those looking to be slightly scared, but wholly entertained!
*I received a review copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
January 16, 2022
**3.5-stars**
This is the story of ten writers picked to live in a mansion and compete for the ultimate prize.
Find out what happens when people stop being polite, and start getting KILLED .
Ten aspiring authors are selected to attend a summer-long writing retreat at a private estate property.
Their host, Roderick Wells, a renowned author himself, is eccentric and creepy AF. He also happens to be cruel and quite possibly insane.
We meet the competitors fairly rapidly and, truth be told, I had a hard time distinguishing between some of them throughout; particularly the men.
We learn a bit about each of their pasts, with particular focus on the personal demons haunting them. Some of these past reflections were definitely cringe-worthy.
It appears that something about the estate itself brings these memories back in vivid detail and with often horrific consequences.
The gruesome scenes were definitely that and very well done. But again, I had a hard time keeping track of the who and the what; it was a lot to take in.
The general story line was definitely interesting. It felt very Christiesque in its set-up.
I loved the premise. I wanted a bit more from the atmosphere. I think it was so large in scope, as far as the estate and the grounds went, that it lost a bit in translation.
This is my second Janz novel and while I did enjoy The Nightmare Girl more, I will absolutely continue to read his works.
If the premise of this one sounds interesting to you at all, pick it up!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Flame Tree Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I always appreciate the opportunity!
This is the story of ten writers picked to live in a mansion and compete for the ultimate prize.
Find out what happens when people stop being polite, and start getting KILLED .
Ten aspiring authors are selected to attend a summer-long writing retreat at a private estate property.
Their host, Roderick Wells, a renowned author himself, is eccentric and creepy AF. He also happens to be cruel and quite possibly insane.
We meet the competitors fairly rapidly and, truth be told, I had a hard time distinguishing between some of them throughout; particularly the men.
We learn a bit about each of their pasts, with particular focus on the personal demons haunting them. Some of these past reflections were definitely cringe-worthy.
It appears that something about the estate itself brings these memories back in vivid detail and with often horrific consequences.
The gruesome scenes were definitely that and very well done. But again, I had a hard time keeping track of the who and the what; it was a lot to take in.
The general story line was definitely interesting. It felt very Christiesque in its set-up.
I loved the premise. I wanted a bit more from the atmosphere. I think it was so large in scope, as far as the estate and the grounds went, that it lost a bit in translation.
This is my second Janz novel and while I did enjoy The Nightmare Girl more, I will absolutely continue to read his works.
If the premise of this one sounds interesting to you at all, pick it up!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Flame Tree Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I always appreciate the opportunity!
January 23, 2019
2.5 stars
Ten Writers are invited to a summer long retreat at the home of one of the most celebrated and reclusive writers, Roderick Wells. He promises to teach them any things while they are there about writing and reaching their full potential. One of them will even win three million dollars, a publishing contract and Well's patronage! Who wouldn't want that?
Soon it becomes clear that things are not quite right at the retreat. Soon each one is confronted with their past and their deeds, actions and lack of actions. Not only are they confronted with their past secrets, the writers begin to die one by one.
The premise of the book is very enticing but that is where it ended with me. I believe I would have enjoyed this book more if there were less characters. There were just too many characters and I didn't get to really know they all enough to like them let alone care about what happens to them. Janz's previous book The Siren and the Specter is mentioned several times in this book, I have to say I found that book to be more enjoyable.
This book just wasn't for me. Other reviewers are enjoying this more than I did, so I encourage people to read all the reviews. We can't all enjoy the same books. This one just didn't hit the mark for me.
Thank you to Flame Tree Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Ten Writers are invited to a summer long retreat at the home of one of the most celebrated and reclusive writers, Roderick Wells. He promises to teach them any things while they are there about writing and reaching their full potential. One of them will even win three million dollars, a publishing contract and Well's patronage! Who wouldn't want that?
Soon it becomes clear that things are not quite right at the retreat. Soon each one is confronted with their past and their deeds, actions and lack of actions. Not only are they confronted with their past secrets, the writers begin to die one by one.
The premise of the book is very enticing but that is where it ended with me. I believe I would have enjoyed this book more if there were less characters. There were just too many characters and I didn't get to really know they all enough to like them let alone care about what happens to them. Janz's previous book The Siren and the Specter is mentioned several times in this book, I have to say I found that book to be more enjoyable.
This book just wasn't for me. Other reviewers are enjoying this more than I did, so I encourage people to read all the reviews. We can't all enjoy the same books. This one just didn't hit the mark for me.
Thank you to Flame Tree Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 22, 2019
With his new book “The Dark Game” Jonathan Janz its author, has created an interesting set-up. What the story presents is Roderick Wells, the most celebrated and reclusive author in the world. hosting a summer-long writing retreat where ten writers have been selected to attend, for the chance of winning three million dollars, and an assurance of a big-time publishing contract.
The contestants are:
Lucy Still
Tommy Marston
Marek Sokolow
Evan Landon
Anna Holloway
Elaine Kovalchyk
Sherilyn Jackson
Rick Forrester
Bryan Clayton
Will Church
Some published some unpublished. All with secrets.
The contest is held in Wells’ antediluvian mansion deep in the woods. Wells also surrounds himself with a cadre of strange individuals not the least of which is his wife.
Mr. Janz must wear the hats of the ten writers, both male and female, and present not only the writers stories written for the retreat, but the back story for each writer. A type of anthology is created, which brings aspects of the stories into a reality the authors must contend with, conquer, or fail to confront. As there can only be one winner/survivor of this “Dark Game”.
This is an Advanced Reading Copy with a publication date of April 2019.
The contestants are:
Lucy Still
Tommy Marston
Marek Sokolow
Evan Landon
Anna Holloway
Elaine Kovalchyk
Sherilyn Jackson
Rick Forrester
Bryan Clayton
Will Church
Some published some unpublished. All with secrets.
The contest is held in Wells’ antediluvian mansion deep in the woods. Wells also surrounds himself with a cadre of strange individuals not the least of which is his wife.
Mr. Janz must wear the hats of the ten writers, both male and female, and present not only the writers stories written for the retreat, but the back story for each writer. A type of anthology is created, which brings aspects of the stories into a reality the authors must contend with, conquer, or fail to confront. As there can only be one winner/survivor of this “Dark Game”.
This is an Advanced Reading Copy with a publication date of April 2019.
August 4, 2019
I'm thinking about a 4.5 Star review here - just can't push myself to give five.
Janz is a very talented horror writer - if you've read some reviews, you will know that he has impressed some serious horror fans. His writing is good and stable, and his stories flow rather well. If it wasn't for me seeing the ending a bit too soon - don't know how many people will feel this way - I might have given it a five.
So, this story is almost like FLATLINERS meeting IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS.
We all have skeletons in our closets. I call mine Skinhead, because he's pale and doesn't have any hair. I thought it was hilarious when my wife opened the door for the first time...she did NOT!
But we all have secrets as well, and when the 10 writers gets invited to a retreat with a guarantee of millions of dollars and fame to boot, they will have to face their deepest and darkest...or die trying. After all, "There can be only one!"...
They have my sympathy. I can remember the time we had to cover up accidentally killing that stripper at the bachelor party in Vegas...no, wait, that was only a recurring nightmare after I saw that movie - and fuck anybody who didn't think it was hilarious!
Anyway, I enjoyed this one a lot - it felt like good, old fashioned horror - in a very good way.
Recommended to most horror fans.
Janz is a very talented horror writer - if you've read some reviews, you will know that he has impressed some serious horror fans. His writing is good and stable, and his stories flow rather well. If it wasn't for me seeing the ending a bit too soon - don't know how many people will feel this way - I might have given it a five.
So, this story is almost like FLATLINERS meeting IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS.
We all have skeletons in our closets. I call mine Skinhead, because he's pale and doesn't have any hair. I thought it was hilarious when my wife opened the door for the first time...she did NOT!
But we all have secrets as well, and when the 10 writers gets invited to a retreat with a guarantee of millions of dollars and fame to boot, they will have to face their deepest and darkest...or die trying. After all, "There can be only one!"...
They have my sympathy. I can remember the time we had to cover up accidentally killing that stripper at the bachelor party in Vegas...no, wait, that was only a recurring nightmare after I saw that movie - and fuck anybody who didn't think it was hilarious!
Anyway, I enjoyed this one a lot - it felt like good, old fashioned horror - in a very good way.
Recommended to most horror fans.
May 6, 2019
Original review posted at Cemetery Dance April 15th, 2019
2019 is the year of Jonathan Janz. There. I said it. Flame Tree Press performed the remarkable act of acquiring his previously released titles and then doling them out to us on a pretty aggressive schedule, which is an impressive gesture all on its own…but wait! There’s more. Flame Tree is also releasing new titles from Janz.
Like I said, this is the year of Jonathan Janz and an incredibly exciting time to be a fan. If you haven’t had the pleasure of picking up one of his books, now is the time, my horror loving friends. The Dark Game was my eighth Janz book and it’s one of his new releases. In this story, Janz polishes up a favorite genre trope: a select few are invited to stay at a wealthy—and potentially sinister—host’s home to play a game.
Roderick Wells is a prolific author who invites up-and-coming authors to his estate for a writers retreat/competition. The writer who can endure Wells’ unorthodox methods and scathing humiliation will win a monetary prize, bragging rights and a contract with a New York publisher.
This is a large cast of characters, with the sinister host and his wife plus the ten authors invited to play, but Janz puts his writing skills to work right away, developing characters and giving them unique backstories and voices. I had no trouble keeping everyone straight.
The short chapters help to keep the pace of the story moving at just the right speed. Somewhere around the middle of the book, I realized that the first two parts consists of building and setting up so that when parts three through five come, Janz can tear everything down, strip it back and lay it bare. It was very effective storytelling. I particularly enjoyed the different literary devices like character monologues, diary entries, and all the different excerpts of the stories the authors were writing. It gave the reader a hundred different ways to get to know important details of the character’s pasts without clunky info dumps.
If you’re like me, you’re a reader who enjoys stories involving writers. When an author tells a story involving a writer, it forces that 4th wall to come down and reveal insight into the real life and mind of the writer—perhaps even the man behind the very words you’re reading. This was, perhaps, the most enjoyable aspect of this book. Reading Janz’s The Dark Game was like experiencing the creator speaking through his creation. I highly recommend it.
2019 is the year of Jonathan Janz. There. I said it. Flame Tree Press performed the remarkable act of acquiring his previously released titles and then doling them out to us on a pretty aggressive schedule, which is an impressive gesture all on its own…but wait! There’s more. Flame Tree is also releasing new titles from Janz.
Like I said, this is the year of Jonathan Janz and an incredibly exciting time to be a fan. If you haven’t had the pleasure of picking up one of his books, now is the time, my horror loving friends. The Dark Game was my eighth Janz book and it’s one of his new releases. In this story, Janz polishes up a favorite genre trope: a select few are invited to stay at a wealthy—and potentially sinister—host’s home to play a game.
Roderick Wells is a prolific author who invites up-and-coming authors to his estate for a writers retreat/competition. The writer who can endure Wells’ unorthodox methods and scathing humiliation will win a monetary prize, bragging rights and a contract with a New York publisher.
This is a large cast of characters, with the sinister host and his wife plus the ten authors invited to play, but Janz puts his writing skills to work right away, developing characters and giving them unique backstories and voices. I had no trouble keeping everyone straight.
The short chapters help to keep the pace of the story moving at just the right speed. Somewhere around the middle of the book, I realized that the first two parts consists of building and setting up so that when parts three through five come, Janz can tear everything down, strip it back and lay it bare. It was very effective storytelling. I particularly enjoyed the different literary devices like character monologues, diary entries, and all the different excerpts of the stories the authors were writing. It gave the reader a hundred different ways to get to know important details of the character’s pasts without clunky info dumps.
If you’re like me, you’re a reader who enjoys stories involving writers. When an author tells a story involving a writer, it forces that 4th wall to come down and reveal insight into the real life and mind of the writer—perhaps even the man behind the very words you’re reading. This was, perhaps, the most enjoyable aspect of this book. Reading Janz’s The Dark Game was like experiencing the creator speaking through his creation. I highly recommend it.
April 27, 2019
A Very Tantalizing Horror Novel.
The story evolves around ten authors who are invited to participate in a six week-long writing competition which is a very hush, hush program that they will have to sign a contract of complete secrecy (no cellphones, no computers or tablets, nor telling any family or friends what they are doing) or they will be eliminated immediately and sent back home. The winner of this elite competition will be awarded a several year contract with the top publishers and guaranteed fame and fortune from the sales of a many book deal that all writer's would want to die for an opportunity like this to fall into their laps. These authors have all different backgrounds and their writing tastes vary from adventure, romance, erotica, mystery etc. Little do they know their mission will be to write a complete horror story well out of their comfort zone.
Let the best writer of a frightfest with chills and creepiness begin!I
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. Jonathan Janz is a terrific writer and I will continue to read his books. The Dark Game is written with great imagery and some subtle dark humor as well! This is a must read for any horror enthusiast!
I want to thank the the publisher Flame Tree Press and Netgally for the opportunity to read this very creepy book!
I highly recommend to all horror lovers and have given a rating of 4 Dark and Creepy 🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars!!
The story evolves around ten authors who are invited to participate in a six week-long writing competition which is a very hush, hush program that they will have to sign a contract of complete secrecy (no cellphones, no computers or tablets, nor telling any family or friends what they are doing) or they will be eliminated immediately and sent back home. The winner of this elite competition will be awarded a several year contract with the top publishers and guaranteed fame and fortune from the sales of a many book deal that all writer's would want to die for an opportunity like this to fall into their laps. These authors have all different backgrounds and their writing tastes vary from adventure, romance, erotica, mystery etc. Little do they know their mission will be to write a complete horror story well out of their comfort zone.
Let the best writer of a frightfest with chills and creepiness begin!I
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. Jonathan Janz is a terrific writer and I will continue to read his books. The Dark Game is written with great imagery and some subtle dark humor as well! This is a must read for any horror enthusiast!
I want to thank the the publisher Flame Tree Press and Netgally for the opportunity to read this very creepy book!
I highly recommend to all horror lovers and have given a rating of 4 Dark and Creepy 🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars!!
November 1, 2019
I have to admit that I had a little struggle with this book because the font on my ARC was so teeny tiny I could only read the story in 20 minute increments before my eyes started to cry and reading became an impossibility. After trying to read it this way for over two weeks I finally gave up and requested an eArc via Netgalley. Thank you Netgalley and Flame Tree Press for the arc’s! The author has confirmed that final copies will have an easier to read font so your eyeballs need not worry.
This is a story about a group of writers who are invited to join in on a game at a creepy old mansion hosted by a creepier old writer. A Dark Game, mwahaha. The winner will receive fame and fortune and all they desire and who doesn’t want that? Everything about this game and its mysterious host is weird and ultra-creepy but the prize is irresistible. The losers? Well, you do not want to lose this game and that’s all I’ll be saying about that . . .
When the story begins it tells the tale of a full cast of characters in alternating chapters and, likely because I was reading it in such short bursts, I had a difficult time keeping track of who was who and whose back story went with who and I kept mixing them all up in my head. I kept hoping a few of them would get killed off fast in order to end some of my confusion. I know, how selfish of me, but it is the truth. I don’t like straining my brain that hard after a long day of life and some of these characters were no good trashy people anyway and no great loss to humanity, if you’re asking me.
I enjoyed this book once the cast was trimmed down a bit, as I knew I would. The whole atmosphere was very well done and I enjoyed learning about the darkness hiding inside most of these characters. Reading about terrible and sordid secrets is my one of my favorite past-times and this book delivered on those. There were lots of nasty surprises to be found and watching the characters get all vicious with each other was a bit of a blast!
This is a wild book that really ramps up in its last few acts. If your memory is better than mine and you can handle a large cast of characters, I bet you’re going to fall right into this deliciously evil story and not come up for breath until you finish.
This is a story about a group of writers who are invited to join in on a game at a creepy old mansion hosted by a creepier old writer. A Dark Game, mwahaha. The winner will receive fame and fortune and all they desire and who doesn’t want that? Everything about this game and its mysterious host is weird and ultra-creepy but the prize is irresistible. The losers? Well, you do not want to lose this game and that’s all I’ll be saying about that . . .
When the story begins it tells the tale of a full cast of characters in alternating chapters and, likely because I was reading it in such short bursts, I had a difficult time keeping track of who was who and whose back story went with who and I kept mixing them all up in my head. I kept hoping a few of them would get killed off fast in order to end some of my confusion. I know, how selfish of me, but it is the truth. I don’t like straining my brain that hard after a long day of life and some of these characters were no good trashy people anyway and no great loss to humanity, if you’re asking me.
I enjoyed this book once the cast was trimmed down a bit, as I knew I would. The whole atmosphere was very well done and I enjoyed learning about the darkness hiding inside most of these characters. Reading about terrible and sordid secrets is my one of my favorite past-times and this book delivered on those. There were lots of nasty surprises to be found and watching the characters get all vicious with each other was a bit of a blast!
This is a wild book that really ramps up in its last few acts. If your memory is better than mine and you can handle a large cast of characters, I bet you’re going to fall right into this deliciously evil story and not come up for breath until you finish.
March 16, 2019
4.5 Stars!
Thank you to Jonathan Janz, Flame Tree Press and NetGlley for the ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Jonathan Janz read, I had heard lots of good things so was super excited to get started on this.
The premise of a group of authors unknowingly being entered into a twisted game against each other, while being confronted by demons from their pasts had me hooked and I wasn’t disappointed!
The story starts quite briskly, with the authors arriving at the retreat separately, over the first few chapters there are many characters introduced, I must admit it took me several chapters to recognize the individual characters and their back stories.
Having said that I felt that the characterization was brilliant! They were all well rounded and mostly likable, I found it really impressive that they all had such distinct personalities and stories, which is no mean feat for a book with so many! I loved the way each character had individual writing styles, there were 10 books within this book! I thought the snippets from their manuscripts and diaries gave a really clever insight into each of them.
The setting was perfect; creepy mansion in the middle of woods that seem to go on for ever, check! Eerie corridors, rooms and basements, check! The deranged and creepy host, check! What’s not to love right?!
Janz writing was original and at the same time this book gave me a real ‘classic horror’ feeling and I couldn’t help but imagine Wells as Christopher Lee at times!
This was a solid 4.5 stars for me, the only reason I shaved half a star off was due the initial confusion with so many characters, the horror aspect of the book was really good, I felt there could have been a little more suspense surrounding those elements.
Overall the book was fast paced and was full of creepy imagery, gore and dark humor. I LOVED it!
I would definitely recommend you check out The Dark Game in April 2019!!
I can’t wait to read more from Jonathan Janz!
Thank you to Jonathan Janz, Flame Tree Press and NetGlley for the ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Jonathan Janz read, I had heard lots of good things so was super excited to get started on this.
The premise of a group of authors unknowingly being entered into a twisted game against each other, while being confronted by demons from their pasts had me hooked and I wasn’t disappointed!
The story starts quite briskly, with the authors arriving at the retreat separately, over the first few chapters there are many characters introduced, I must admit it took me several chapters to recognize the individual characters and their back stories.
Having said that I felt that the characterization was brilliant! They were all well rounded and mostly likable, I found it really impressive that they all had such distinct personalities and stories, which is no mean feat for a book with so many! I loved the way each character had individual writing styles, there were 10 books within this book! I thought the snippets from their manuscripts and diaries gave a really clever insight into each of them.
The setting was perfect; creepy mansion in the middle of woods that seem to go on for ever, check! Eerie corridors, rooms and basements, check! The deranged and creepy host, check! What’s not to love right?!
Janz writing was original and at the same time this book gave me a real ‘classic horror’ feeling and I couldn’t help but imagine Wells as Christopher Lee at times!
This was a solid 4.5 stars for me, the only reason I shaved half a star off was due the initial confusion with so many characters, the horror aspect of the book was really good, I felt there could have been a little more suspense surrounding those elements.
Overall the book was fast paced and was full of creepy imagery, gore and dark humor. I LOVED it!
I would definitely recommend you check out The Dark Game in April 2019!!
I can’t wait to read more from Jonathan Janz!
June 16, 2019
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the Horror Aficionados group and guest author Jonathan Janz for doing the group read for The Dark Game! I really enjoyed being a part of this!
This is the first book that I’ve read by Janz and I really enjoyed it. His writing is very descriptive, grim and shocking at times. I love this type of writing in horror! He does not skip on the horror or details when gruesome deaths occur.
The Dark Game starts off with 10 writers getting an invitation to a writing retreat with a famous author, Roderick Wells. I imagined this author to be similar to the impressive Ray Bradbury or Stephen King in where anyone would want to get tips and advice from them! Why would they not come to this retreat?!
As the aspiring authors meet up at Roderick Wells’ house, we start to learn that each character has dark secrets in their past. Wells wants each guest writer to write a horror book and this is when the fun begins.
As each character starts writing, the characters that they are writing about start coming to life. Each aspiring writer is starting to lose his or her mind along with nerve. What’s going on at the estate?! One by one, each character dies in gruesome ways and strange things start happening to the Wells’ estate.
You will not like most of the characters in this book. They are manipulative, selfish and downright evil at times. It doesn’t help that some of the characters are willing to win at all costs.
And Roderick Wells is the worst! He’s a charismatic bully that you will love to hate.
If you love the horror genre, I believe you will enjoy reading this entertaining and suspenseful tale of writer obsession and ambition!
Thank you to the Horror Aficionados group and guest author Jonathan Janz for doing the group read for The Dark Game! I really enjoyed being a part of this!
This is the first book that I’ve read by Janz and I really enjoyed it. His writing is very descriptive, grim and shocking at times. I love this type of writing in horror! He does not skip on the horror or details when gruesome deaths occur.
The Dark Game starts off with 10 writers getting an invitation to a writing retreat with a famous author, Roderick Wells. I imagined this author to be similar to the impressive Ray Bradbury or Stephen King in where anyone would want to get tips and advice from them! Why would they not come to this retreat?!
As the aspiring authors meet up at Roderick Wells’ house, we start to learn that each character has dark secrets in their past. Wells wants each guest writer to write a horror book and this is when the fun begins.
As each character starts writing, the characters that they are writing about start coming to life. Each aspiring writer is starting to lose his or her mind along with nerve. What’s going on at the estate?! One by one, each character dies in gruesome ways and strange things start happening to the Wells’ estate.
You will not like most of the characters in this book. They are manipulative, selfish and downright evil at times. It doesn’t help that some of the characters are willing to win at all costs.
And Roderick Wells is the worst! He’s a charismatic bully that you will love to hate.
If you love the horror genre, I believe you will enjoy reading this entertaining and suspenseful tale of writer obsession and ambition!
June 14, 2020
Jonathan Janz knows how to tell a story. His strength is driving a plot forward and keeping me wondering what will happen next. Ultimately, it's what brings me back to his books. That is definitely the strength of this novel. The setting is very And Then There Were None like. There are guests on an island vying for a prize and since this book is in the horror genre, the reader has a fairly decent idea of what will happen to at least some of them. The only thing in question is the how and why, and that is the crux of the plot.
The reason I didn't rate this five stars is the sheer number of characters did not allow the author to delve into depth with any of them. Given the plot this was necessary (unless he was trying to write a Stephen King size novel, which would have been a viable alternative) and it did not take away from the plot at all. The lack of depth with any specific character kept me from becoming as emotionally invested as I ordinarily would like to be, but the plot is fascinating and forward driving. The book provided an escape from everday life and an interesting read based on a unique premise that I won't divulge in this review. Overall, I like his writing and have another of his books on cue. He is definitely up and coming talent.
Four and a half stars.
The reason I didn't rate this five stars is the sheer number of characters did not allow the author to delve into depth with any of them. Given the plot this was necessary (unless he was trying to write a Stephen King size novel, which would have been a viable alternative) and it did not take away from the plot at all. The lack of depth with any specific character kept me from becoming as emotionally invested as I ordinarily would like to be, but the plot is fascinating and forward driving. The book provided an escape from everday life and an interesting read based on a unique premise that I won't divulge in this review. Overall, I like his writing and have another of his books on cue. He is definitely up and coming talent.
Four and a half stars.
April 12, 2019
4.5 stars.
THE DARK GAME, by Jonathan Janz, is a novel that takes ten struggling writers--each aspiring to be the next to land a bestseller--on what they think is their chance of a lifetime. Each of them will meet and stay for a time with the extraordinarily successful, yet eccentric, Roderic Wells. The last time Wells extended an invitation to a group of authors, one of them became successful beyond her wildest dreams!
The catch? Only one of them can win the prize money and contract.
"MR. RODERICK WELLS requests the honor of your presence at his estate on May 26th for a six-week writing retreat . . . "
The concept of an author writing about writers going on a "writing retreat" isn't a new one, but Janz is able to take virtually any idea and turn it into something captivating and completely his own.
". . . Everything begins with horror."
The atmosphere is set right from the start. The dynamics between each "contestant" has been carefully studied and applied to make their arrival as unsettling as possible. They are not there to forge friendships, but rather set out to one-up each other in every manner possible. This tactic serves to help keep them mentally isolated as much as possible--even as they are physically separated from the rest of the world by the infinite expanse of Well's hidden, foreboding estate.
". . . Well's mansion looked like every ghost story he'd ever read . . . "
Even beginning with this rather large cast of characters, I felt that Janz did a good job in giving them some distinguishing traits and characteristics. Admittedly, there were a couple that were merely "throw-away" characters, in my opinion, but even those had a backstory we were privy to, and completely necessary to further the plot.
"Just what the hell did happen to the other nine writers in the first contest?"
One thing I especially loved was how TRUE so many of the statements in this novel were. Things that were simply stated, could often be so profoundly accurate.
". . . stories have incredible power. They can teach. They can transport . . . Some stories can kill."
While being introduced little by little to the . . . differences . . . in Well's homestead, we get a chance to know the majority of the characters very well. These individuals--like so many of my favorites in literature--are all flawed. This serves to make them even more realistic to the reader. Their fears, their desires, their shortcomings . . . these are all things that some of us will be able to sympathize and identify with. While we are learning the inner feelings of the contestants and others on this estate, another, larger part of the novel is moving inexorably forward.
". . . There was no doubt Well's estate was . . . different. Mysterious things happened here, things he had trouble explaining . . . "
Another enjoyable feature here that may be noted by those that have read some of Janz' other novels, is some "internal referencing" to his works that the contestants are contemplating writing about. While this knowledge is in no way necessary, it certainly put a smile on my face when I was able to visualize a "story idea" that had already been fully fleshed out. A treat to some, and perhaps an added incentive for others to explore some previously released titles.
". . . No one is more honest than the storyteller . . . They have the ability to create life . . . Or to bring death."
Overall, I feel that Janz is growing stronger as an author with each new book he produces. He's able to layer an idea with complex characters, multiple, intersecting storylines, and yet in such a way that serves to pull the reader into the worlds he creates--almost making them feel a "part" of the tale. In THE DARK GAME Janz showcases this ability to virtually bring his characters to life, endowing them with full pasts, and future goals. They all have regrets from earlier mistakes which makes them easier to identify with as individuals. He can take what could be a magical, fairy tale setting and turn it into something twisted and malevolent with only a few words.
". . . a place of magic . . . But the magic was of the darkest, most demented sort . . . "
Janz is an author whose voice is now being heard above so many others. With his dramatic storylines and three-dimensional characters, his novels are among those that I will be seeking out in the future.
"Do you believe in monsters?"
Highly recommended.
*I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are uniquely my own.*
THE DARK GAME, by Jonathan Janz, is a novel that takes ten struggling writers--each aspiring to be the next to land a bestseller--on what they think is their chance of a lifetime. Each of them will meet and stay for a time with the extraordinarily successful, yet eccentric, Roderic Wells. The last time Wells extended an invitation to a group of authors, one of them became successful beyond her wildest dreams!
The catch? Only one of them can win the prize money and contract.
"MR. RODERICK WELLS requests the honor of your presence at his estate on May 26th for a six-week writing retreat . . . "
The concept of an author writing about writers going on a "writing retreat" isn't a new one, but Janz is able to take virtually any idea and turn it into something captivating and completely his own.
". . . Everything begins with horror."
The atmosphere is set right from the start. The dynamics between each "contestant" has been carefully studied and applied to make their arrival as unsettling as possible. They are not there to forge friendships, but rather set out to one-up each other in every manner possible. This tactic serves to help keep them mentally isolated as much as possible--even as they are physically separated from the rest of the world by the infinite expanse of Well's hidden, foreboding estate.
". . . Well's mansion looked like every ghost story he'd ever read . . . "
Even beginning with this rather large cast of characters, I felt that Janz did a good job in giving them some distinguishing traits and characteristics. Admittedly, there were a couple that were merely "throw-away" characters, in my opinion, but even those had a backstory we were privy to, and completely necessary to further the plot.
"Just what the hell did happen to the other nine writers in the first contest?"
One thing I especially loved was how TRUE so many of the statements in this novel were. Things that were simply stated, could often be so profoundly accurate.
". . . stories have incredible power. They can teach. They can transport . . . Some stories can kill."
While being introduced little by little to the . . . differences . . . in Well's homestead, we get a chance to know the majority of the characters very well. These individuals--like so many of my favorites in literature--are all flawed. This serves to make them even more realistic to the reader. Their fears, their desires, their shortcomings . . . these are all things that some of us will be able to sympathize and identify with. While we are learning the inner feelings of the contestants and others on this estate, another, larger part of the novel is moving inexorably forward.
". . . There was no doubt Well's estate was . . . different. Mysterious things happened here, things he had trouble explaining . . . "
Another enjoyable feature here that may be noted by those that have read some of Janz' other novels, is some "internal referencing" to his works that the contestants are contemplating writing about. While this knowledge is in no way necessary, it certainly put a smile on my face when I was able to visualize a "story idea" that had already been fully fleshed out. A treat to some, and perhaps an added incentive for others to explore some previously released titles.
". . . No one is more honest than the storyteller . . . They have the ability to create life . . . Or to bring death."
Overall, I feel that Janz is growing stronger as an author with each new book he produces. He's able to layer an idea with complex characters, multiple, intersecting storylines, and yet in such a way that serves to pull the reader into the worlds he creates--almost making them feel a "part" of the tale. In THE DARK GAME Janz showcases this ability to virtually bring his characters to life, endowing them with full pasts, and future goals. They all have regrets from earlier mistakes which makes them easier to identify with as individuals. He can take what could be a magical, fairy tale setting and turn it into something twisted and malevolent with only a few words.
". . . a place of magic . . . But the magic was of the darkest, most demented sort . . . "
Janz is an author whose voice is now being heard above so many others. With his dramatic storylines and three-dimensional characters, his novels are among those that I will be seeking out in the future.
"Do you believe in monsters?"
Highly recommended.
*I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are uniquely my own.*
October 2, 2024
A number of books have explored the use of writers and their fictional characters coming to life to wreak havoc on their creators, but none have been so diverse and plentiful in number as those which appear in The Dark Game.
The premise of this horror is a genre staple; a bunch of people of varying socio-economical standing are invited to a house off the grid to participate in a contest which will reward the victor handsomely. If they can survive the secluded retreat that is.
The contest revolves around a writers retreat. 10 fortunate (or unfortunate) aspiring writers have been selected to showcase their talent to a renowned published author. He'll choose the writer whose work impresses him the most and award him/her a publishing deal and a cool 3 million dollars. It's a prize most of the contestants would kill for; however, this being horror and not murder mystery, it's their characters along with some nasty surprises which aim to kill them!
Full of wicked imagery and precision placed scare tactics, The Dark Game doesn't disappoint on the spooky scale.
My rating: 4/5 stars. This was my first book by Jonathan Janz and I have to say, I'm very impressed by what I read, so much so, that I rushed out and bought 3 of his other novels. If horror is your thing, I highly recommend reading The Dark Game.
The premise of this horror is a genre staple; a bunch of people of varying socio-economical standing are invited to a house off the grid to participate in a contest which will reward the victor handsomely. If they can survive the secluded retreat that is.
The contest revolves around a writers retreat. 10 fortunate (or unfortunate) aspiring writers have been selected to showcase their talent to a renowned published author. He'll choose the writer whose work impresses him the most and award him/her a publishing deal and a cool 3 million dollars. It's a prize most of the contestants would kill for; however, this being horror and not murder mystery, it's their characters along with some nasty surprises which aim to kill them!
Full of wicked imagery and precision placed scare tactics, The Dark Game doesn't disappoint on the spooky scale.
My rating: 4/5 stars. This was my first book by Jonathan Janz and I have to say, I'm very impressed by what I read, so much so, that I rushed out and bought 3 of his other novels. If horror is your thing, I highly recommend reading The Dark Game.
January 10, 2019
Ok so this is pretty silly, but it’s the kind of inventively murderous fun that passes the time splendidly and has an ending which leaves you with a wide, gleeful smile.
But was it scary??
Well, It had enough of a spook factor to make me check the shadows when taking the bins out so... make of that what you will.
ARC via Netgalley
But was it scary??
Well, It had enough of a spook factor to make me check the shadows when taking the bins out so... make of that what you will.
ARC via Netgalley
April 29, 2019
#1 Internationally Bestselling Author
Mr. Rodrerick Wells
Requests the honor of your presence at his estate on
May 26th for a six-week writing course
From the multitude of applicants, you and nine others have
been selected for the opportunity of a lifetime.
One of you will become
the next Legendary Author
The premise of this novel had me immediately excited and eager to read it. Ten writers are selected by bestselling author Roderick Wells to spend the summer at a writing retreat in his isolated estate. The invitees begin to arrive at the estate, and immediately something seems off to all of them, but they shrug it off because this is RODERICK WELLS, and of course he's giving them the opportunity of a lifetime.
Wells is far from what everyone imagined he would be, and he's especially cruel and acerbic the first time they all meet him together. Wells is going to make someone a legend, but it's going to come at cost. The ten writers think the hardest part of the retreat will be the writing and criticism, but what they don't know is that they will also have to fight for their lives to win the challenge.
I think this book would make an excellent film. I love situations where you put a bunch of people in an isolated, crumbling mansion and then all hell breaks loose. And I loved the paranormal element to this one as well. It was unexpected. I thought there would be a human antagonist in this story, and that just goes to show why expectations are tricky when it comes to fiction. I would much rather just pick up a book and let the author take me where he intends to go than decide what I want the book to be. Expectations lead to disappointment, so why set yourself up for that? I'm learning to use this idea in all aspects of my life, and it's starting to make me a much happier person. If you go into something without expectations, you can't really be disappointed.
Granted, expectations are not the same as just not connecting with a book. That's a different ball of wax. But as I mentioned in another review, going into a book or a movie with a preset list of expectations is just going to lead to frustration and disappointment. I sort of admonished myself a little bit for assuming this book would not have a paranormal element. The cover and synopsis made me think that, and honestly in retrospect I'm not sure why. The paranormal parts of this book make the final chapter so satisfying. I'm glad Janz was able to surprise me with this one.
Definitely pick this one up. It's a fun read with some really tense moments and I really enjoyed it.
Mr. Rodrerick Wells
Requests the honor of your presence at his estate on
May 26th for a six-week writing course
From the multitude of applicants, you and nine others have
been selected for the opportunity of a lifetime.
One of you will become
the next Legendary Author
The premise of this novel had me immediately excited and eager to read it. Ten writers are selected by bestselling author Roderick Wells to spend the summer at a writing retreat in his isolated estate. The invitees begin to arrive at the estate, and immediately something seems off to all of them, but they shrug it off because this is RODERICK WELLS, and of course he's giving them the opportunity of a lifetime.
Wells is far from what everyone imagined he would be, and he's especially cruel and acerbic the first time they all meet him together. Wells is going to make someone a legend, but it's going to come at cost. The ten writers think the hardest part of the retreat will be the writing and criticism, but what they don't know is that they will also have to fight for their lives to win the challenge.
I think this book would make an excellent film. I love situations where you put a bunch of people in an isolated, crumbling mansion and then all hell breaks loose. And I loved the paranormal element to this one as well. It was unexpected. I thought there would be a human antagonist in this story, and that just goes to show why expectations are tricky when it comes to fiction. I would much rather just pick up a book and let the author take me where he intends to go than decide what I want the book to be. Expectations lead to disappointment, so why set yourself up for that? I'm learning to use this idea in all aspects of my life, and it's starting to make me a much happier person. If you go into something without expectations, you can't really be disappointed.
Granted, expectations are not the same as just not connecting with a book. That's a different ball of wax. But as I mentioned in another review, going into a book or a movie with a preset list of expectations is just going to lead to frustration and disappointment. I sort of admonished myself a little bit for assuming this book would not have a paranormal element. The cover and synopsis made me think that, and honestly in retrospect I'm not sure why. The paranormal parts of this book make the final chapter so satisfying. I'm glad Janz was able to surprise me with this one.
Definitely pick this one up. It's a fun read with some really tense moments and I really enjoyed it.
April 16, 2019
Where vivid imagination breathes life into manuscripts, unleashing the stuff of nightmares!
Fans of Stephen King, Scott Thomas' Kill Creek, and Stephen Laws, Daemonic, will devour The Dark Game.
Ten authors are invited to the isolated home of best-selling, reclusive writer, Roderick Wells for a six week writing retreat. Absolute discretion is required, with those who choose to attend, contractually obligated not to mention the retreat to a soul. The prize: two million dollars and a publishing deal for one winner.
But from the moment they arrive the contestants are plagued by terrifying visions of past wrongdoings and supernatural beings who taunt them with their most private of sins. Moreover, their penned stories appear to be taking on a life of their own. Then one-by-one they are killed, murdered in terrifying and macabre ways.
Gothic horror meets black comedy – gory rather than scary, but a whole lot of fun nonetheless. Not for the faint-hearted though as there are a lot of grisly deaths, as well as sex scenes. But for regular readers of horror I highly recommend. I'm a big fan of a horror where a group of strangers are trapped together, forced to fight for their lives with seemingly no escape, and that the threat not only comes from whatever they are facing but also from those who turn on each other. Who's behind everything will come as no surprise, but the reason the writer's were selected, and the final showdown threw me for a loop. Loved the ending as well – talk about poetic justice!
None of the characters were particularly likeable, but all the same it's hard not to empathize over the way they were being violated, and hunted, in such perverse ways. There were characters I was rooting for more than others, but I didn't really warm to any of them. The benefits of a larger cast of characters, or in this case writers, is that some are merely there just to be killed off, so the action, and body count starts from the get go, and either this way, or a slow-build, work just as well for me in a horror plot.
This is my first horror novel by Jonathan Janz, but I do own The Siren and the Specter and with several references to it within this story, and having enjoyed this one, I'll definitely be reading it sooner rather than later.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Flame Tree Press, and Jonathan Janz for the e-ARC.
Available Now!
Fans of Stephen King, Scott Thomas' Kill Creek, and Stephen Laws, Daemonic, will devour The Dark Game.
Ten authors are invited to the isolated home of best-selling, reclusive writer, Roderick Wells for a six week writing retreat. Absolute discretion is required, with those who choose to attend, contractually obligated not to mention the retreat to a soul. The prize: two million dollars and a publishing deal for one winner.
But from the moment they arrive the contestants are plagued by terrifying visions of past wrongdoings and supernatural beings who taunt them with their most private of sins. Moreover, their penned stories appear to be taking on a life of their own. Then one-by-one they are killed, murdered in terrifying and macabre ways.
Gothic horror meets black comedy – gory rather than scary, but a whole lot of fun nonetheless. Not for the faint-hearted though as there are a lot of grisly deaths, as well as sex scenes. But for regular readers of horror I highly recommend. I'm a big fan of a horror where a group of strangers are trapped together, forced to fight for their lives with seemingly no escape, and that the threat not only comes from whatever they are facing but also from those who turn on each other. Who's behind everything will come as no surprise, but the reason the writer's were selected, and the final showdown threw me for a loop. Loved the ending as well – talk about poetic justice!
None of the characters were particularly likeable, but all the same it's hard not to empathize over the way they were being violated, and hunted, in such perverse ways. There were characters I was rooting for more than others, but I didn't really warm to any of them. The benefits of a larger cast of characters, or in this case writers, is that some are merely there just to be killed off, so the action, and body count starts from the get go, and either this way, or a slow-build, work just as well for me in a horror plot.
This is my first horror novel by Jonathan Janz, but I do own The Siren and the Specter and with several references to it within this story, and having enjoyed this one, I'll definitely be reading it sooner rather than later.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Flame Tree Press, and Jonathan Janz for the e-ARC.
Available Now!
April 7, 2019
The Dark Game was a fun read! I really liked the setup of this book, and my attention will always be caught with a synopsis like this. I think that this book is perfect for fans of books like The Carrow Haunt, Kill Creek, Hell House, etc.
I felt like there were a few too many characters, and it was difficult to connect with anyone. It was impossible to keep anyone straight, and it took people much longer to die than I expected since there were so many characters. I think a character list at the front would have been helpful. I think I would have liked to spend a little more time in the present day instead of going into the background of so many characters.
I loved the gothic atmosphere of the house, and seeing the whole story unravel. I enjoyed the setting very much. I wish the deaths had a little more detail - I guess I was expecting a bit more gore? It got closer to what I expected toward the end, and it was entertaining.
This had nothing to do with the story itself, but the FlameTree ARC print was SO TINY, and it was difficult to read. I read this with a group, and spoke with other readers, and multiple readers struggled with this. The author confirmed that the final copy has a regular font size, and I hope that the font size of the ARCs will also be normal in the future.
Thank you so much to FlameTree for sending me a copy to review. I can't wait to see what Jonathan Janz does next! Pick this one up if you need a fun new horror novel!
I felt like there were a few too many characters, and it was difficult to connect with anyone. It was impossible to keep anyone straight, and it took people much longer to die than I expected since there were so many characters. I think a character list at the front would have been helpful. I think I would have liked to spend a little more time in the present day instead of going into the background of so many characters.
I loved the gothic atmosphere of the house, and seeing the whole story unravel. I enjoyed the setting very much. I wish the deaths had a little more detail - I guess I was expecting a bit more gore? It got closer to what I expected toward the end, and it was entertaining.
This had nothing to do with the story itself, but the FlameTree ARC print was SO TINY, and it was difficult to read. I read this with a group, and spoke with other readers, and multiple readers struggled with this. The author confirmed that the final copy has a regular font size, and I hope that the font size of the ARCs will also be normal in the future.
Thank you so much to FlameTree for sending me a copy to review. I can't wait to see what Jonathan Janz does next! Pick this one up if you need a fun new horror novel!
April 11, 2019
10 aspiring writers are invited to a writing retreat at the remote mansion of reclusive author and literary giant Roderick Wells, an invitation that will transform one of them into a bestselling author in their own right.
But this bargain turns out to be more Faustian than benevolent......and failing to impress the great Roderick Wells carries a price far darker than any of them can imagine.
Janz spins a nasty little tale of psychological and supernatural horror, with touches of BURNT OFFERINGS that makes one wonder what he has agreed to on his path to becoming one of the powerhouses of contemporary horror.
Someone really needs to keep an eye on this man.
Many thanks to Flame Tree Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Highly recommended.
But this bargain turns out to be more Faustian than benevolent......and failing to impress the great Roderick Wells carries a price far darker than any of them can imagine.
Janz spins a nasty little tale of psychological and supernatural horror, with touches of BURNT OFFERINGS that makes one wonder what he has agreed to on his path to becoming one of the powerhouses of contemporary horror.
Someone really needs to keep an eye on this man.
Many thanks to Flame Tree Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Highly recommended.
January 11, 2022
There is a wide and varied cast of characters, but I didn’t find myself losing track of who’s who or disliking the number of perspectives; if anything, it was intriguing to watch the story-telling style change as the players began to exit the game. And believe me...they do exit quickly. The story’s action picks up early and never lets up. A word of warning: If you get a letter in the mail that begins with, “Mr. Roderick Wells invites you...”, just throw it away. Don’t read the rest. Don’t consider it for even a moment, and most importantly of all... DO NOT RESPOND!!!.
March 22, 2019
My review of THE DARK GAME can be found at High Fever Books.
I have to admit up front that I have a certain fondness for horror books about authors whose literary creations come alive. One of my favorites, of course, is Stephen King’s The Dark Half, and I’m pretty sure Dean Koontz wrote something along these lines as well, but I’ll be damned if I can recall the title (or maybe I’m just getting hit with a serious case of Mandela Effect). The Dark Game, a brand-new release unleashed amidst Flame Tree Press’s unofficial Year of Janz reissues, toils in the topics of writers and their creations, and the perils of writing horror villains that are a little too realistic.
Ten writers have been hand-selected by the reclusive but highly regarded literary legend Roderick Wells to take part in a competition. The prize — three million dollars and a guaranteed best-seller status that will likely have the winner set for life. The secret catch? That one writer has to write well enough, and live long enough, to win.
On the topic of writing, The Dark Game may be Janz’s most thematically rich title to date, and the author is afforded plenty of page space to muse on the merits of an author’s legacy, their immortal creations, the various ways in which writers bleed upon the page, and the lessons learned and passed down from one author to another. After being tasked with writing a horror novel for Wells, Lucy confides in Rick (our central protagonists here) that she’s afraid of failing. Her debut book was a hit, her second less so. Rick asks if she’s ever heard of horror author Jack Ketchum, and imparts upon her the sage advice that was shared with him by the man himself: “Fuck fear.” Write bravely. Get those words down on the page.
I suspect this was advice Janz learned first-hand and is sharing with us through Rick. We get various other nuggets along the way, as Janz shares other tidbits of advice through his characters. Wells philosophizes over the nature of villains and reminds his group of authors, “You mustn’t allow the audience to know what he will do, yet his actions must always make sense in retrospect. You must provide him with a motivation. A purpose. … Make your villains live, my friends. Through them, you shall become legend.”
Rather than being a how-to guide or Janz’s version of On Writing, The Dark Game is very much a horror novel. It’s also a horror novel in which we can see the author exploring why he writes, sharing the lessons he learned over the years, while also telling one hell of a well crafted story. Although there’s clearly a lot of personal experience baked in, it never feels like Janz is speaking directly to you or breaking the fourth wall. Rather, it’s an author using a subject matter he is intimately familiar with — in this case, being an author — to ground the work in concrete credibility. Horror novels are rife with horror authors encountering the unnatural and inexplicable and becoming the main protagonist, and while that’s certainly true here, too, there’s a richness to the story, a muscularity to it all, that puts it pretty well close to the top of Janz’s output thus far. The suspense and eventual bloodshed have a literary meatiness to them, and the ideas presented within this book provide plenty to chew on. There’s an elegance to the revelations here, and Janz takes his time springing his various traps on us. The secrets each of these authors possess unfold slowly, while the plot simmers to a roiling boil.
The most popular maxim in writing is to write what you know. Well, Janz knows horror and literature, and the result is The Dark Game, a book that is all about fear. The fear writers carry that their stories aren’t ever good enough, the hope that their works can instill fear, the fears that make authors write in the first place, that inspire them or force them to grapple with, and the fear of unintended consequences. The fears of succumbing to egomania, and the price of immortality…and simply the fear of being forgotten or derided. And, ultimately, getting over those fears and just doing the damn work, to choose to, as Ketchum advises, fuck fear. It’s advice worth following, and advice that I suspect Janz took to heart writing this book especially. The end result is a story showcasing an author at the top of his own dark game.
I have to admit up front that I have a certain fondness for horror books about authors whose literary creations come alive. One of my favorites, of course, is Stephen King’s The Dark Half, and I’m pretty sure Dean Koontz wrote something along these lines as well, but I’ll be damned if I can recall the title (or maybe I’m just getting hit with a serious case of Mandela Effect). The Dark Game, a brand-new release unleashed amidst Flame Tree Press’s unofficial Year of Janz reissues, toils in the topics of writers and their creations, and the perils of writing horror villains that are a little too realistic.
Ten writers have been hand-selected by the reclusive but highly regarded literary legend Roderick Wells to take part in a competition. The prize — three million dollars and a guaranteed best-seller status that will likely have the winner set for life. The secret catch? That one writer has to write well enough, and live long enough, to win.
On the topic of writing, The Dark Game may be Janz’s most thematically rich title to date, and the author is afforded plenty of page space to muse on the merits of an author’s legacy, their immortal creations, the various ways in which writers bleed upon the page, and the lessons learned and passed down from one author to another. After being tasked with writing a horror novel for Wells, Lucy confides in Rick (our central protagonists here) that she’s afraid of failing. Her debut book was a hit, her second less so. Rick asks if she’s ever heard of horror author Jack Ketchum, and imparts upon her the sage advice that was shared with him by the man himself: “Fuck fear.” Write bravely. Get those words down on the page.
I suspect this was advice Janz learned first-hand and is sharing with us through Rick. We get various other nuggets along the way, as Janz shares other tidbits of advice through his characters. Wells philosophizes over the nature of villains and reminds his group of authors, “You mustn’t allow the audience to know what he will do, yet his actions must always make sense in retrospect. You must provide him with a motivation. A purpose. … Make your villains live, my friends. Through them, you shall become legend.”
Rather than being a how-to guide or Janz’s version of On Writing, The Dark Game is very much a horror novel. It’s also a horror novel in which we can see the author exploring why he writes, sharing the lessons he learned over the years, while also telling one hell of a well crafted story. Although there’s clearly a lot of personal experience baked in, it never feels like Janz is speaking directly to you or breaking the fourth wall. Rather, it’s an author using a subject matter he is intimately familiar with — in this case, being an author — to ground the work in concrete credibility. Horror novels are rife with horror authors encountering the unnatural and inexplicable and becoming the main protagonist, and while that’s certainly true here, too, there’s a richness to the story, a muscularity to it all, that puts it pretty well close to the top of Janz’s output thus far. The suspense and eventual bloodshed have a literary meatiness to them, and the ideas presented within this book provide plenty to chew on. There’s an elegance to the revelations here, and Janz takes his time springing his various traps on us. The secrets each of these authors possess unfold slowly, while the plot simmers to a roiling boil.
The most popular maxim in writing is to write what you know. Well, Janz knows horror and literature, and the result is The Dark Game, a book that is all about fear. The fear writers carry that their stories aren’t ever good enough, the hope that their works can instill fear, the fears that make authors write in the first place, that inspire them or force them to grapple with, and the fear of unintended consequences. The fears of succumbing to egomania, and the price of immortality…and simply the fear of being forgotten or derided. And, ultimately, getting over those fears and just doing the damn work, to choose to, as Ketchum advises, fuck fear. It’s advice worth following, and advice that I suspect Janz took to heart writing this book especially. The end result is a story showcasing an author at the top of his own dark game.
April 4, 2019
Read this review and others on my blog!
Thank you to NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for sending me a free advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review. The Dark Game debuts April 11th.
This may have been a poor choice for a first book to read by Jonathan Janz. I didn’t know much about Janz, though the name vaguely rang a bell. (More on that later.) The premise is a bunch of writers competing for mentorship and future literary prestige at a spooky retreat. Normally I’m not huge on stories where the MC is an author; the characters always read cringy to me, like an over-the-top author-insert. But the whole writer competition thing sounded fun, so I decided to request the book.
Yet it turns out that ten writer MCs read more cringy to me than one writer MC, by a factor of about ten-fold. (Whodathunkit.) Again, this is totally a personal preference thing; I just can’t get past all the talk about agents and advances and genre dissing, since I’m forever trying to suss out Janz the author’s actual thoughts.
Take the above quote, for example—what do you mean by that exactly, Jonathan Janz? You wanna throw down? Huh? Huh? 😀
But then. Then. We get to the above and beyond part. Because Janz inserts multiple mentions of one of his own novels into the book and talks up how great it is. Read that again. One of the writers on the retreat is writing one of Janz’s books, The Siren and the Specter, and keeps saying how it’s amazing. It’s bookception, with a marketing twist. As my husband put it, “Wow, that takes a lotta balls.”
This is when I realized why Janz’s name seemed so familiar to me; I have The Siren and the Specter on my (lengthy) Goodreads TBR. Honestly I have no idea if there are other Easter eggs in The Dark Game, but I wouldn’t be surprised. My overall sense is that this book might be great for diehard Janz fans as a sort of fan service book, but it left me kind of feeling like I was missing a bunch of inside jokes, while also being served some sneaky advertisements. I also had a difficult time connecting with the characters since there were just so damn many of them. Some had interesting back stories, but most felt fairly interchangeable, and it was hard to keep everyone straight. (Save for Sherilyn; really enjoyed her brief POV sections.)
So I’m not ruling out reading another book by this author, but suffice it to say that The Dark Game was unfortunately a miss for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for sending me a free advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review. The Dark Game debuts April 11th.
This may have been a poor choice for a first book to read by Jonathan Janz. I didn’t know much about Janz, though the name vaguely rang a bell. (More on that later.) The premise is a bunch of writers competing for mentorship and future literary prestige at a spooky retreat. Normally I’m not huge on stories where the MC is an author; the characters always read cringy to me, like an over-the-top author-insert. But the whole writer competition thing sounded fun, so I decided to request the book.
Yet it turns out that ten writer MCs read more cringy to me than one writer MC, by a factor of about ten-fold. (Whodathunkit.) Again, this is totally a personal preference thing; I just can’t get past all the talk about agents and advances and genre dissing, since I’m forever trying to suss out Janz the author’s actual thoughts.
He narrowed his eyes, appraising her. “You look like a YA writer. Am I right?”
She considered telling him of her early success, transforming his arrogant expression into a look of awe.
Take the above quote, for example—what do you mean by that exactly, Jonathan Janz? You wanna throw down? Huh? Huh? 😀
But then. Then. We get to the above and beyond part. Because Janz inserts multiple mentions of one of his own novels into the book and talks up how great it is. Read that again. One of the writers on the retreat is writing one of Janz’s books, The Siren and the Specter, and keeps saying how it’s amazing. It’s bookception, with a marketing twist. As my husband put it, “Wow, that takes a lotta balls.”
This is when I realized why Janz’s name seemed so familiar to me; I have The Siren and the Specter on my (lengthy) Goodreads TBR. Honestly I have no idea if there are other Easter eggs in The Dark Game, but I wouldn’t be surprised. My overall sense is that this book might be great for diehard Janz fans as a sort of fan service book, but it left me kind of feeling like I was missing a bunch of inside jokes, while also being served some sneaky advertisements. I also had a difficult time connecting with the characters since there were just so damn many of them. Some had interesting back stories, but most felt fairly interchangeable, and it was hard to keep everyone straight. (Save for Sherilyn; really enjoyed her brief POV sections.)
So I’m not ruling out reading another book by this author, but suffice it to say that The Dark Game was unfortunately a miss for me.
April 5, 2019
** Edited as Review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
You want to know a sad reality? Like, a reality we’re living in that will possibly make you cry once you read it? OK – maybe grab some tissues. Got ‘em? OK – here we go. (Don’t say I didn’t warn you!)
THE DARK GAME IS ONLY MY SECOND JANZ READ EVER!!!
I know right! This is the reality of 2019 and you know frankly I’ll just go sit quietly in the corner and wait for you all to settle down. (Wow eight DM’s already yelling at me about that. You guys are fast. But passionate and that’s acceptable.)
You see, last year I only managed to read Children of the Dark and it was stunning.
I’d not heard of Janz before (again, yes blasphemous) and was drawn in by the cover for that novel. Once done reading it, I ordered Exorcist Falls and then pre-ordered The Siren and The Spectre. But I just never got to them. They’re coming, but I’m ashamed I haven’t read them yet!
So – The Dark Game. 10 writers are invited to the mystery house of living legend Roderick Wells. At the end, one of them will be selected as the grand prize winner. Fame, fortune, publishing contract; what all writers dream about.
It isn’t hard to think that this was conjured up during a feverish dream Janz had. We’ve all been curious about visiting our literary hero’s houses, and I suspect every horror fan out there has seen Stephen King’s gothic abode. I haven’t come across who Janz considers his literary God, but I’m sure that person played a role in Mr. Wells’s demeanor.
The principle of the story is that straight forward. 10 writers of varying skill and success arrive at Well’s massive house, far off the beaten trail. None of the competitors has any idea what to expect. All they know is that the last winner of such a contest became one of the more sought after authors in the world.
From here out Janz shows his chameleon ability as a writer. We get 11 stories running throughout – Roderick Wells and each of the writers. Janz does a superb job of jumping back and forth and maintaining continuity. Even the add-in lesser characters have purpose and he ensures that they’re placement isn’t simply to write himself out of a corner.
As the pace quickens and the story unfolds, Janz doesn’t back off. We go from drama to horror and back within a few paragraphs and then back again. Suspense is high and the grounds around the house work well to keep the reader on their toes.
Without going further into detail, and keeping this review spoiler free, The Dark Game works amazingly as both a further addition to Janz’ output as well as the perfect introduction to his body of work.
Can’t recommend it enough!
You want to know a sad reality? Like, a reality we’re living in that will possibly make you cry once you read it? OK – maybe grab some tissues. Got ‘em? OK – here we go. (Don’t say I didn’t warn you!)
THE DARK GAME IS ONLY MY SECOND JANZ READ EVER!!!
I know right! This is the reality of 2019 and you know frankly I’ll just go sit quietly in the corner and wait for you all to settle down. (Wow eight DM’s already yelling at me about that. You guys are fast. But passionate and that’s acceptable.)
You see, last year I only managed to read Children of the Dark and it was stunning.
I’d not heard of Janz before (again, yes blasphemous) and was drawn in by the cover for that novel. Once done reading it, I ordered Exorcist Falls and then pre-ordered The Siren and The Spectre. But I just never got to them. They’re coming, but I’m ashamed I haven’t read them yet!
So – The Dark Game. 10 writers are invited to the mystery house of living legend Roderick Wells. At the end, one of them will be selected as the grand prize winner. Fame, fortune, publishing contract; what all writers dream about.
It isn’t hard to think that this was conjured up during a feverish dream Janz had. We’ve all been curious about visiting our literary hero’s houses, and I suspect every horror fan out there has seen Stephen King’s gothic abode. I haven’t come across who Janz considers his literary God, but I’m sure that person played a role in Mr. Wells’s demeanor.
The principle of the story is that straight forward. 10 writers of varying skill and success arrive at Well’s massive house, far off the beaten trail. None of the competitors has any idea what to expect. All they know is that the last winner of such a contest became one of the more sought after authors in the world.
From here out Janz shows his chameleon ability as a writer. We get 11 stories running throughout – Roderick Wells and each of the writers. Janz does a superb job of jumping back and forth and maintaining continuity. Even the add-in lesser characters have purpose and he ensures that they’re placement isn’t simply to write himself out of a corner.
As the pace quickens and the story unfolds, Janz doesn’t back off. We go from drama to horror and back within a few paragraphs and then back again. Suspense is high and the grounds around the house work well to keep the reader on their toes.
Without going further into detail, and keeping this review spoiler free, The Dark Game works amazingly as both a further addition to Janz’ output as well as the perfect introduction to his body of work.
Can’t recommend it enough!
May 15, 2020
Wells’ mansion looked like every ghost story he’d ever read. As they drew closer, Rick couldn’t shake the feeling he was about to become part of one.
I’ve read and reviewed many of Jonathan Janz’s releases and re-releases over the last several months, and have loved all of them, but none have won me over quite as much as my first read of his, The Siren and the Specter—that is, until finishing this newest novel of Jonathan’s, The Dark Game.
I know what haunts you, Wells gloated. I can summon it here to claim you.
Right off the bat, this synopsis ticked so many boxes for me. I love books about writers, I love plots involving competitions, and I love “retreat” settings (camps, secluded mansions, etc.). Most of all, I love when a horror story features multiple characters plagued by their own personal demons—but it’s not an easy trick to pull off, because telling these layered stories-within-a-story requires a nuanced and talented creator. Luckily, Jonathan Janz is precisely that.
“This place… is a wonderland of hideous beauty. Of dreadful passion.”
As is typically the case with one of Jonathan’s stories, there’s a wide and varied cast of characters, but I didn’t find myself losing track of who’s who or disliking the number of perspectives; if anything, it was so intriguing to watch the story-telling style change as the players began to exit the game. And boy, do they ever exit quickly; The Dark Game’s action picks up early and never lets up.
I learned something that night. I learned that stories have incredible power. They can teach. They can transport. But they can also bring misery. They can enslave. Some stories can kill.
Up until now, I’ve always recommended that readers who are unfamiliar with Jonathan Janz titles begin with Siren, but after finishing up this incredible whirlwind of nightmarish suspense, you can’t go wrong with The Dark Game as an introduction to his work, either. I know this is going to be a new all-time favorite that I’ll be raving about for a long time to come, and I can’t wait to see what Jonathan does next to top it.
All quotes come from an advance copy and may not match the final release. Thank you so much to Flame Tree Press for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 30, 2019
Gratuitously oversexualized in a way that makes me want to take a shower. Rape/sexual assault of someone with an intellectual disability. Domestic abuse, too. Slut-shaming. Fuck loads of misogyny and toxic masculinity. Then I DNFed. 1-starring this because honestly, it makes me never want to read anything written by a man ever again. I love horror, but rape as a horror plot device is lazy, bad writing.
April 5, 2019
Having been a huge fan of his work since THE SORROWS from now defunct Samhain Publishing several years ago, Jonathan Janz has been steadily releasing his back list with Flame Tree Publishing over the past year. And if his new horror release THE SIREN AND THE SPECTER from last year wasn't a big enough hit, which it was, with his forthcoming April release, THE DARK GAME, is like Janz's telling us, "Hold my beer!"
The mysterious and enigmatic bestselling novelist Roderick Wells holds his notorious "star maker" writers retreat at his estate every few decades. The selection process is rigorous. But the end result would make the writer lucky enough to win a literary superstar. And those that lose...may live to regret it, to say the least!
No spoilers here, but as an author myself, Janz clearly had nasty fun with the eclectic cast of characters. All of them have dark secrets that come out through the course of the narrative as they pursue their dream of being awarded mega publishing success. And Wells isn't what he seems, as this is after all, a very dark game.
Gut wrenching and tautly chilling, Jonathan Janz weaves a fantastic chiller about the price of fame and sometimes what haunts us the most may or may not be what defines us.
Highly recommended!
The mysterious and enigmatic bestselling novelist Roderick Wells holds his notorious "star maker" writers retreat at his estate every few decades. The selection process is rigorous. But the end result would make the writer lucky enough to win a literary superstar. And those that lose...may live to regret it, to say the least!
No spoilers here, but as an author myself, Janz clearly had nasty fun with the eclectic cast of characters. All of them have dark secrets that come out through the course of the narrative as they pursue their dream of being awarded mega publishing success. And Wells isn't what he seems, as this is after all, a very dark game.
Gut wrenching and tautly chilling, Jonathan Janz weaves a fantastic chiller about the price of fame and sometimes what haunts us the most may or may not be what defines us.
Highly recommended!
May 11, 2019
You know you’re reading a great story when 50 pages in you know you will be reading this again. The premise of The Dark Game alone deserves a 3 star rating, ten writers competing for a publishing contract at a writers retreat run by international best selling writer. Yet, what elates this novel to 5 star is Jonathan Janz awe inspiring storytelling ability.
The first thing that struck me about The Dark Game is how much story exists in its 300 plus pages. Every character is well defined, compelling and entertaining even those that are hateful. Every character gets a back story and I have read reviews that say that this is the novels one weakness; too many characters but I disagree. The ten reminded me of the Loser Club from It.
This in-depth storytelling is combined with a break neck pace. I could have happily read this novel in one sitting if I didn’t have bills to pay. The Dark Game is my favourite novel I’ve read this year so far and I believe on future reads might become one of my favourites of all time.
Jonathan Janz, you are now my new favourite author.
The first thing that struck me about The Dark Game is how much story exists in its 300 plus pages. Every character is well defined, compelling and entertaining even those that are hateful. Every character gets a back story and I have read reviews that say that this is the novels one weakness; too many characters but I disagree. The ten reminded me of the Loser Club from It.
This in-depth storytelling is combined with a break neck pace. I could have happily read this novel in one sitting if I didn’t have bills to pay. The Dark Game is my favourite novel I’ve read this year so far and I believe on future reads might become one of my favourites of all time.
Jonathan Janz, you are now my new favourite author.
November 11, 2020
I still can’t quite get over how damn good Janz’s writing is. With every book I read by him I become a bigger and bigger fan of his work. I think this just might be my favourite that I’ve read by him so far, it is SO bloody brilliant. At first I thought it sounded similar to Kill Creek by Scott Thomas and was worried it would follow that story too closely. But clearly I’m an idiot because holy hell, this is definitely not an imitation of that story, it is VERY much it’s own story. And is it every one HELL of an amazing story. Beyond amazing even. I can’t even quite put it into words how good it is, it’s left my mind blown and shattered into pieces. There’s just so many brilliant elements of horror that all twist together to make one of the best horror novels I’ve read this year, probably ever.
September 29, 2025
New author for me, and a very talented horror writer at that. Only con, was the sheer amount of characters, which is a bit confusing at times. As a concept though the plot was very good. I liked the characterizations ; we see a lot of sub plots interweaved throughout the novel. The adversary of The Dark Game, is very chilling. Would highly recommended this to all Horror fans.
November 29, 2021
My thanks to Flame Tree Press and Netgalley. It's just one of those things I suppose. A book description sometimes sounds way more exciting than the actual book. This was the case with me. I've only read 4 or 5 books by Mr. Janz, and I plan on reading more. But, this book in particular was almost the same book as another I've read by this author. Which one? Heck if I know! 😬 But, it was on an island, and shit was weird. Here? Yep, maybe not an island, but definitely lost, and definitely strange! As soon as I started reading the story I knew how it would go. I had hoped I was wrong, "as I often am," but this book was exactly as I expected. So, a familiar storyline, too many people and the weird, the "Big Bad?" Too confusing. Mixing a lot of people and scary element's are usually a good thing, but the characters were hard to keep 👣 track of, and the bad was just too over the top! This just isn't a book I'd recommend, unless it's one of your firsts by this author. Still, Janz is a pretty intense storyteller, so I'll be waiting for the next book.
March 19, 2019
I have been a fan of Jonathan Janz for a long time. He’s is good and I really dig his work.
There is a lot going on with this one though and it was a bit difficult to keep it all straight. I think it could have used a wee bit of a trim here and there to keep it a little leaner and meaner. That being said, it definitely didn’t lack for crazy sh*t going on. That’s for sure.
$3,000,000 up for grabs.
Let the games begin.
*I received an advance review copy of this release from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This was it.
There is a lot going on with this one though and it was a bit difficult to keep it all straight. I think it could have used a wee bit of a trim here and there to keep it a little leaner and meaner. That being said, it definitely didn’t lack for crazy sh*t going on. That’s for sure.
$3,000,000 up for grabs.
Let the games begin.
*I received an advance review copy of this release from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This was it.
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