LOGAN VS. THE DAMNATION GAME

Logan revisits a book he’s found to be cathartic, one of those few books that molds a reader, and explains why Clive Barker’s the Damnation Game is so important.

TITLE: The Damnation Game

AUTHOR: Clive Barker

GENRE: Dark Fantasy/ Horror

PAGES: 532

FORMAT: E-book/Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook

PRICE: $4.99 e-book, $23.78 paperback, $38.15 hardcover, $22.71 audiobook.

There are few books that change everything for me. Not just as a writer, but also as a reader. The first one I can think of is Harry Potter, followed quickly by Ocean at the End of The Lane (which inspired me to write novels and not just plays), next was It by Stephen King, which pulled me into the realm of horror and darkness or at least farther into it. Finally, followed by Carrion Comfort, and the amazing Indian Lake Trilogy which showed me what a novel could become.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t think I would find a book at this point that would define or really make me re-think my own writing. Thus, when I picked up a work by the phenomenal Clive Barker. I thought I knew what I was in for.

I didn’t.

So, in my typical fashion I didn’t start with Books of Blood or anything like that. I started with The Damnation Game. 

Boy Howdy, it is probably one of the most beautiful, and well written works of fiction I have had the pleasure of reading. His characters are so visceral and real. From our lead Marty Straus to Mamoulian, you can see their decisions and actions are their own.

The writing itself is what I find the most incredible. It is written from an omniscient point of view, but it doesn’t feel unnatural to pop between the feelings of the characters.  

Marty is the one I like most, he is a just released gambling addict who was released early to be Mr. Whitehead’s bodyguard. A mysterious rich man who may or may not have made a Faustian Deal with a man, or thing that helped him become more than he ever thought.

I think the cold opening is what really grabbed my attention, a thief was looking for the gambler, you really get a sense of what type of story you may be reading from the beginning. After that attention is grabbed you go on a whirlwind of adventure through England that eventually ends as all things do, with the hero standing up against this entity.

I think this book is not just a great look at addiction, but what happens to those on the other side. It also looks deeply at greed and to an extent grief. However, most importantly it is a look at the human experience as a whole. 

I can’t wait to read more books by Mr. Barker, if you like horror/ almost supernatural thriller. Check this book out today.

As I turn to leave a man appears. He smiles as he shuffles the cards before slamming them onto a table. “Pick one,” he smiles. 

My hand shakes as I reach forward. I flip the card and find 5 of diamonds staring back at me. 

He smiles again and flips his own. In an instant I see the card 8 of clubs. 

And I’m gone.

Logan Patrick has earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. He is a member of the Horror Writers Association, and author of The Disappearing of Three Forks, and has been included in the Horrorzine. As well as a collection, Marked: Tales of S.T.A.N.G.E., Logan has a background in theater, from acting to directing. As well as a play that is still in development.

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