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The Deleted
'The Deleted' - uncompromising suspense and family fear, as game technology runs amok.
Laura Chance is worried about her teenage son, Bradley. He's spending too much time playing computer games and it's affecting his mood and wellbeing. The one that is particularly disconcerting is The Deleted, picked up from a weekend stay at his father's.
She fears that Brad is going to inherit all of Martin's bad habits. Has Brad's dad got him hooked on a dangerous game? Or is it the game that's got its hooks into Brad? How can it be that characters from the game are following him in real life?
You know your time is running out when The Deleted come to your door...
And Laura will do anything to protect her family, even if it means playing the game herself...
From Stephen Barnard, the author of 'Corner House', 'A Very Bad Year' and 'Unlucky Numbers'.
Laura Chance is worried about her teenage son, Bradley. He's spending too much time playing computer games and it's affecting his mood and wellbeing. The one that is particularly disconcerting is The Deleted, picked up from a weekend stay at his father's.
She fears that Brad is going to inherit all of Martin's bad habits. Has Brad's dad got him hooked on a dangerous game? Or is it the game that's got its hooks into Brad? How can it be that characters from the game are following him in real life?
You know your time is running out when The Deleted come to your door...
And Laura will do anything to protect her family, even if it means playing the game herself...
From Stephen Barnard, the author of 'Corner House', 'A Very Bad Year' and 'Unlucky Numbers'.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2020
67 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Barnard
60 books44 followersStephen Barnard has been writing fiction (and non-fiction cricket exploits) for a number of years. The success of his short story collection 'A Very Bad Year' encouraged him to push further. He now has over 20 published works, mainly in the horror/suspense genre. When he's not writing he teaches, reads, snoozes and binge-watches horror films.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 12, 2021
Great example of the genre
This was engrossing and engaging read, excellent plot and believable fallible characters. Would recommend to anyone with imagination not just tech horror geeks.
This was engrossing and engaging read, excellent plot and believable fallible characters. Would recommend to anyone with imagination not just tech horror geeks.
July 20, 2020
Uniquely Entertaining
Novel plot concept. I became so engrossed in this t ale that I finished it in line sitting. Very enjoyable.
Novel plot concept. I became so engrossed in this t ale that I finished it in line sitting. Very enjoyable.
November 3, 2020
Be careful what game you play it might kill you.
What can I say about this book, that it is awesome. I love how protective the mother is in the story that she would sacrifice yourself. But don't worry she survives in the end. Let's just say the deleted is about if you play this game and you bump into people in the game and you delete them they will come and get you. But I won't give any more details because I don't like to give spoilers away. 5 deleted people out of five
What can I say about this book, that it is awesome. I love how protective the mother is in the story that she would sacrifice yourself. But don't worry she survives in the end. Let's just say the deleted is about if you play this game and you bump into people in the game and you delete them they will come and get you. But I won't give any more details because I don't like to give spoilers away. 5 deleted people out of five
September 11, 2020
I wasn't quite sure I would like this book at first but as the story continued and the plot developed I was pleasantly surprised. Loved the story line, the characters, and the ending. Darned kids anyway! Keep the books coming Mr. Barnard!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2024
I was definitely hooked to keep reading as I wanted explanations for what was happening in the book, but the end was so heartbreaking.
January 8, 2022
Norse Mythology Meets Horror Gaming
Uhm where has this book been all my life? A tightly paced on the run horror novel with a badass mom character and Norse mythology coming to life? More people need to read this bool...it was an absolute breath of fresh air for a seasoned horror reader looking for something different. Bravo, Mr. Barnard! Thank you for plugging your book on Facebook, so glad I found this!
Uhm where has this book been all my life? A tightly paced on the run horror novel with a badass mom character and Norse mythology coming to life? More people need to read this bool...it was an absolute breath of fresh air for a seasoned horror reader looking for something different. Bravo, Mr. Barnard! Thank you for plugging your book on Facebook, so glad I found this!
April 15, 2022
Watch Where You Are Going!
Man, I LOVED this book. It will be a permanent book in my library, as will all of Stephen Barnard's books. Some people binge Hulu, I binge new authors that I am fortunate to find. This one is a keeper. And this book will make you think twice about video games. Also, a killer ending. Well played, Sir!
Man, I LOVED this book. It will be a permanent book in my library, as will all of Stephen Barnard's books. Some people binge Hulu, I binge new authors that I am fortunate to find. This one is a keeper. And this book will make you think twice about video games. Also, a killer ending. Well played, Sir!
February 28, 2023
Black Mirror candidate
The Deleted is a cult-like game where people become obsessed with playing and advancing. The dangers of kids playing video games are a bit too real with this one.
This book is incredible. I was honestly nervous to read more for fear of what was going to happen. The game won’t let you go— talk about a great idea for an episode of Black Mirror. I wish I could've learned a bit more about the cult group members but honestly, I'm not even upset that I didn't. It was a trip all the way through. There's not much build up before the action starts in Chapter 1.
I need everyone I know to read this so we can talk about it and point out Bobs in real life.
The Deleted is a cult-like game where people become obsessed with playing and advancing. The dangers of kids playing video games are a bit too real with this one.
This book is incredible. I was honestly nervous to read more for fear of what was going to happen. The game won’t let you go— talk about a great idea for an episode of Black Mirror. I wish I could've learned a bit more about the cult group members but honestly, I'm not even upset that I didn't. It was a trip all the way through. There's not much build up before the action starts in Chapter 1.
I need everyone I know to read this so we can talk about it and point out Bobs in real life.
July 5, 2020
A game you don't want to play
This book was a trip. Gamers would like this story. Horror fans will love it as well. A great mix of horror in the world of gaming.
This book was a trip. Gamers would like this story. Horror fans will love it as well. A great mix of horror in the world of gaming.
July 21, 2021
This book...wow. I absolutely LOVED this. Start to finish...I was completely sucked in and creeped out. So fun. The story was unique, the writing was great, and I definitely recommend to horror fans. Free on Kindle Unlimited but I will definitely be buying this because it's one of my favorite horror reads of 2021.
February 22, 2023
The Deleted
A wonderful horror story, with a little bit of wit mixed in. I loved it!!! Check it out today will ya?
A wonderful horror story, with a little bit of wit mixed in. I loved it!!! Check it out today will ya?
March 19, 2024
4 🌟 What a captivating read! It surpassed my expectations and kept me hooked as the plot unfolded. Bravo.
Format: Kindle.
Format: Kindle.
January 13, 2025
Great Book!!
I started this and couldn’t stop! The characters are written well and the story sucks you in and holds on until the very end. Amazing! Hope there’s more to come!
I started this and couldn’t stop! The characters are written well and the story sucks you in and holds on until the very end. Amazing! Hope there’s more to come!
April 26, 2020
This was a great sit on the edge of chair read. About half-way through I was wondering if the story line can be pulled together and I was not disappointed. A very exciting read.
June 26, 2021
This book is quite good, especially considering its premise: An online game leads to real-life consequences, including death. There were more than a handful of typos, but the author can actually write. As a result, the typos didn’t bother me much.
July 15, 2024
this book was so fun. I would 1000% watch this as a movie. The whole concept was so entertaining it had me engrossed from the jump.
It really takes virtual reality to the most real level. Imagine eliminating someone in a game just for them to manifest in real life and come for you....but only you (and the others who have played) can see them. It's such a cool plot and kept me hooked.
I would def recommend. It's a quick fun read!
It really takes virtual reality to the most real level. Imagine eliminating someone in a game just for them to manifest in real life and come for you....but only you (and the others who have played) can see them. It's such a cool plot and kept me hooked.
I would def recommend. It's a quick fun read!
October 23, 2023
BOH indie author category
Being a gamer, I was hooked on this story.
I'm usually not too keen on supernatural stuff, but this one was great.
There was a plot, likeable characters, and an ending that made sense.
Being a gamer, I was hooked on this story.
I'm usually not too keen on supernatural stuff, but this one was great.
There was a plot, likeable characters, and an ending that made sense.
June 11, 2021
This book was interesting and fun to read. The only thing holding it back was so many typos and the lack of copy editing. Get someone knowledgeable to at least proofread before publication, Stephen.
June 18, 2021
Interesting concept but not executed very well.
Really disliked all of the characters.
Really disliked all of the characters.
February 27, 2022
no conclusion
I felt like this all led up to a big ending but then it never came. Unfortunately it was pretty anticlimactic.
I felt like this all led up to a big ending but then it never came. Unfortunately it was pretty anticlimactic.
September 29, 2024
Good story but some dodgy writing in places.
Includes one of my personal pet peeves - "peak" and "peaking" instead of peek/peeking throughout.
Includes one of my personal pet peeves - "peak" and "peaking" instead of peek/peeking throughout.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews