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Roll for Initiative: An Extreme Horror
When Gemma moves across the country, she’s thrilled to be accepted in a group to play her favorite TTRPG. The group is excited, too.
Then, in one session, one of the members takes it too far, becoming that guy. However, the game master silences Gemma when she stops the game, telling her not to ruin the fun for everyone.
Unbeknownst to Gemma, the group's behavior spirals after this incident to a point where Gemma has no choice but to play their game, but Gemma is determined not to roll a natural one…
This is an Extreme Horror, consider this a warning for all TW. 18+.
Then, in one session, one of the members takes it too far, becoming that guy. However, the game master silences Gemma when she stops the game, telling her not to ruin the fun for everyone.
Unbeknownst to Gemma, the group's behavior spirals after this incident to a point where Gemma has no choice but to play their game, but Gemma is determined not to roll a natural one…
This is an Extreme Horror, consider this a warning for all TW. 18+.
- GenresHorrorSplatterpunk
84 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2025
22 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Lesley A. Camphouse
24 books271 followersLesley lives secluded in the Netherlands with her husband and five cats. She enjoys writing Extreme Horror, Splatterpunk, and Dark Romantasy.
Besides writing, she likes to read, and those exact categories are the ones she devours.
She's also a hoarder of trinkets and cool things and collects a lot of stuff, from oddities and curiosities to manga, comics, and figurines.
Besides writing, she likes to read, and those exact categories are the ones she devours.
She's also a hoarder of trinkets and cool things and collects a lot of stuff, from oddities and curiosities to manga, comics, and figurines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
May 17, 2025
A complete and total mind F#*k Lesley didn’t have to do me like this I was not ready at all. This book is about a woman named Gemma. She moved from a small town to a big city and she decided to join a group that plays dungeons and dragons. At this point there was a grave error made. I have read quite a few of Lesley’s books and this is the first where I laughed out loud then two sentences later screamed out loud and gasped. This book is the definition of you messed with the wrong one and they had time today.
Describe this book in three words: Dangerous, devious, and ominous.
With each book Lesley publishes it gets better. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys D&D and reading about women rage I must caution you please avoid food while reading this book you’ll thank me later.
Lesley, thank you so much for providing me with this ARC. I am truly grateful and honored to have receive this copy.
Describe this book in three words: Dangerous, devious, and ominous.
With each book Lesley publishes it gets better. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys D&D and reading about women rage I must caution you please avoid food while reading this book you’ll thank me later.
Lesley, thank you so much for providing me with this ARC. I am truly grateful and honored to have receive this copy.
May 15, 2025
Guess whose back with another review but not as nicely written as most people’s because I’m not good at this BUT, I love being an arc reader.
ANYWAYS, This is the second book by Lesley that i’ve had the honor of ARC reading (the first being ingest me and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) and to her I say thank you a million times over it is a privilege to be one of the first to get a hand and read on these things.
This book was fantastic, I was a little worried at first (spoilers ahead so if you’re trying to avoid those stop here) when Gemma started with her revenge that she was being WAYYYYYY to lenient with these men AND THEN BOOM near the end the theme & the brutality going hand in hand was so beautifully executed. I, like Gemma had the game of DnD ruined for me (for different reasons fortunately I don’t need to stick somebodys balls in another persons eye sockets (fucking love that btw), but good for fucking her we love a good female rage moment 🫀
ANYWAYS, This is the second book by Lesley that i’ve had the honor of ARC reading (the first being ingest me and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) and to her I say thank you a million times over it is a privilege to be one of the first to get a hand and read on these things.
This book was fantastic, I was a little worried at first (spoilers ahead so if you’re trying to avoid those stop here) when Gemma started with her revenge that she was being WAYYYYYY to lenient with these men AND THEN BOOM near the end the theme & the brutality going hand in hand was so beautifully executed. I, like Gemma had the game of DnD ruined for me (for different reasons fortunately I don’t need to stick somebodys balls in another persons eye sockets (fucking love that btw), but good for fucking her we love a good female rage moment 🫀
May 14, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read this in one sitting, partly because it’s under 100 pages, but mostly because I couldn’t put it down! This story is brutal and completely unforgettable.
Roll for Initiative is soaked in repulsion, feminine rage, and blood. It’s an unflinching look at what happens when a woman is silenced, and the way the horror escalates is so well done.
Even if you’re not a gamer (I’m not), don’t let that stop you from picking this one up. You won’t feel confused by game mechanics or rules. The story stays focused on the characters and the tension.
This is extreme horror, and every possible content warning applies. But if you’re someone who seeks out stories that challenge, disturb, and provoke, this one delivers.
Thank you so much to Lesley Camphouse for the eARC!
I read this in one sitting, partly because it’s under 100 pages, but mostly because I couldn’t put it down! This story is brutal and completely unforgettable.
Roll for Initiative is soaked in repulsion, feminine rage, and blood. It’s an unflinching look at what happens when a woman is silenced, and the way the horror escalates is so well done.
Even if you’re not a gamer (I’m not), don’t let that stop you from picking this one up. You won’t feel confused by game mechanics or rules. The story stays focused on the characters and the tension.
This is extreme horror, and every possible content warning applies. But if you’re someone who seeks out stories that challenge, disturb, and provoke, this one delivers.
Thank you so much to Lesley Camphouse for the eARC!
May 11, 2025
We follow a gamer who finally finds a group of people to play Dungeons & Dragons with. Sounds great, right? Nope, and I love the female rage that comes with it.
As always, when something horrible happens, women ask themselves—"Did I do something to trigger this?" We internalize it. We question it. And we shouldn’t have to.
To make it worse? They ruined her favorite game. That’s another kind of violence.
Alsoooooooo, crossover I didn’t know I needed it. Not going to spoil it, but it was chef’s kiss.
No is a full sentence. Speak up, men. Don’t be silent. Don’t be accomplices. And fuck the ones who think hurting, raping, and degrading women is some kind of power play.
I’ve been a gamer since 2013. Over the years, I've met a lot of people through gaming—mostly men—and I’ve been lucky. The friends I play with are amazing. We tease, we talk shit, and we have fun (as all groups do). But never once have they made me feel uncomfortable or unsafe for being a woman in the space. And I’m extremely grateful for that. But not everyone’s story looks like mine.
May 11, 2025
Okay! I'm back: Review time
I'm going to be 100% honest with you all—I saw the cover and IMMEDIATELY thought, "I need to read this book ASAP."
I used to play Vampire: The Masquerade (once a roleplayer, always a roleplayer, right?) and the second I saw the D20, I said "yes!! this one’s for me."
Besides, I’m happily living my Splatterpunk/extreme horror era and I have zero intention of stopping.
Now, let’s dive into this beauty: this was my first book by Lesley, my first taste of female rage book—and I’m honestly at a loss for words. I LOVED every single sentence. I felt so connected to so many of the things Gemma said. It’s uncomfortable at first, because you will relate to what she’s going through (even if the setting isn’t the same), and that makes the revenge hit even harder.
There were moments when I laughed SO HARD—because let’s be real, those ugly men absolutely deserved it
I won’t say much more because I don’t want to spoil anything, but trust me: this is a short, wild ride you do not want to miss.
I’m definitely going to read more of Lesley’s books!
I'm going to be 100% honest with you all—I saw the cover and IMMEDIATELY thought, "I need to read this book ASAP."
I used to play Vampire: The Masquerade (once a roleplayer, always a roleplayer, right?) and the second I saw the D20, I said "yes!! this one’s for me."
Besides, I’m happily living my Splatterpunk/extreme horror era and I have zero intention of stopping.
Now, let’s dive into this beauty: this was my first book by Lesley, my first taste of female rage book—and I’m honestly at a loss for words. I LOVED every single sentence. I felt so connected to so many of the things Gemma said. It’s uncomfortable at first, because you will relate to what she’s going through (even if the setting isn’t the same), and that makes the revenge hit even harder.
There were moments when I laughed SO HARD—because let’s be real, those ugly men absolutely deserved it
I won’t say much more because I don’t want to spoil anything, but trust me: this is a short, wild ride you do not want to miss.
I’m definitely going to read more of Lesley’s books!
May 19, 2025
‼️RELEASE DATE IS MAY 25TH‼️
4/5 🍒
1/1 🎲
Gemma plays D&D with a group of guys she met through a shopkeeper. They always have fun up until a night where the role playing takes a nasty turn. The men decide to rape her character and force her to continue with the verbal roleplaying.
After that night she is hesitant to continue playing with them, but they’re her only friends in the city. She craves that human contact. She returns to play one more time but feels something is off, so she decides to quit.
The leader of the group doesn’t take kindly to that and a crazy night ensues, full of blood. Will Gemma be able to defend herself against a group of nerdy men or will the nasty role-play come to life?
If anyone knows me they know I LOVE feminine rage and revenge books. This book was a fun read and I love how descriptive it was during the more gory scenes. I will be reading more by this author.
4/5 🍒
1/1 🎲
Gemma plays D&D with a group of guys she met through a shopkeeper. They always have fun up until a night where the role playing takes a nasty turn. The men decide to rape her character and force her to continue with the verbal roleplaying.
After that night she is hesitant to continue playing with them, but they’re her only friends in the city. She craves that human contact. She returns to play one more time but feels something is off, so she decides to quit.
The leader of the group doesn’t take kindly to that and a crazy night ensues, full of blood. Will Gemma be able to defend herself against a group of nerdy men or will the nasty role-play come to life?
If anyone knows me they know I LOVE feminine rage and revenge books. This book was a fun read and I love how descriptive it was during the more gory scenes. I will be reading more by this author.
December 3, 2025
In this story we follow a girl who plays a dice game with a group of guys. When they start making her do things that she doesn’t want to do, she decides to leave the group. When they come barging into her house she has no choice but to fight back.
I really enjoyed this story, My least favorite trope in the extreme horror category in sa revenge. But I really thought this one was done super well. I enjoyed her character and they got what they deserved.
I really enjoyed this story, My least favorite trope in the extreme horror category in sa revenge. But I really thought this one was done super well. I enjoyed her character and they got what they deserved.
January 14, 2026
du female rage nerd quel plaisir
May 22, 2025
When Gemma moves across the country, she feels super lonely. Thankfully, she finds a group of boys who play her favourite game. She's accepted into their group, and she's finally happy. Until one night, the game takes a dark turn. The boys create a scene where they're sexually abusing her, and she immediately leaves. But she's not alone.
Knowing that the right choice for her is to leave the group, she decides to stay, and maybe things will get better. The boys continue to make her feel uncomfortable, and she finally tells them she's leaving the group. The boys won't take no for an answer, and they pay her a visit.
I really enjoyed the concept of this story! Camphouse has some of the most unique topics, and they just work! The feminine rage was great in this, but Gemma really made me mad. Her choices made me scream at my Kindle, but I did enjoy her getting her revenge. This is a prime example as to why I never open my door! Camphouse continues to be an excellent author, and I'm a big fan!
Knowing that the right choice for her is to leave the group, she decides to stay, and maybe things will get better. The boys continue to make her feel uncomfortable, and she finally tells them she's leaving the group. The boys won't take no for an answer, and they pay her a visit.
I really enjoyed the concept of this story! Camphouse has some of the most unique topics, and they just work! The feminine rage was great in this, but Gemma really made me mad. Her choices made me scream at my Kindle, but I did enjoy her getting her revenge. This is a prime example as to why I never open my door! Camphouse continues to be an excellent author, and I'm a big fan!
May 20, 2025
“I would like to rage, asshole!”
I read this book in one sitting. I mean it was only 61 pages but wow, I was HOOKED.
Lesley is becoming an auto buy author for me, she does the feminine rage so fkn well. Gemma was a bad ass bitch, I literally was rooting for her throughout.
It really delve into the problems in today’s world and the struggles that women go through. The men got exactly what they deserved and MOREEEEE
I am such a huge fan of the feminine rage trope, there’s nothing quite like watching shitty men get what they deserve 👏
“It’s because of men like you that women fucking suffer, you stupid cunt! Not speaking up makes you one of them!”
4.5 stars
arc review
I read this book in one sitting. I mean it was only 61 pages but wow, I was HOOKED.
Lesley is becoming an auto buy author for me, she does the feminine rage so fkn well. Gemma was a bad ass bitch, I literally was rooting for her throughout.
It really delve into the problems in today’s world and the struggles that women go through. The men got exactly what they deserved and MOREEEEE
I am such a huge fan of the feminine rage trope, there’s nothing quite like watching shitty men get what they deserve 👏
“It’s because of men like you that women fucking suffer, you stupid cunt! Not speaking up makes you one of them!”
4.5 stars
arc review
July 9, 2025
When Gemma moves to the big city, she searches for a D&D group to join. She’s accepted into a group of guys and they enjoy their weekly games. That is until one night the guys take it too far, things become extremely weird and uncomfortable and when Gemma kicks up about their behaviour, the game master tells her to just deal with it, they’re only having some fun. The group’s behaviour spirals quickly and Gemma is left with no choice but to play their game but she’s determined not to lose…
Camphouse’s 84 page novella is a tense, gory and at times brutal story of how women are treated and when these men are confronted about their behaviour, their turn to gaslighting and intimidation to quieten their victims. The author includes a trigger warning list at the very start of this story and it’s a good idea to check that out because the story deals with stalking, attempted SA and other difficult subjects.
Although Gemma is the victim of the guys’ disgusting behaviour and the author represents her reaction to the events in a raw and realistic way, Gemma’s vengeance is also evoked in the most brutal and fitting manner.
This is an extreme horror story so be prepared for all hell to break loose with plenty of graphic description and vivid imagery. The opening line “How the fuck did I end up dismembering a fucking corpse instead of rolling a set of dice?” sets the tone for the story from the start. You will shout for Gemma and not at one single moment will you feel sorry for the guys when she turns the tables on them.
A quick read packing a brutal punch, Roll for Initiative is a well written story and Camphouse is an author I’m going to keep my eye on. I’m here for all the unhinged feminine rage! Go check it out 🎲
4⭐️
Camphouse’s 84 page novella is a tense, gory and at times brutal story of how women are treated and when these men are confronted about their behaviour, their turn to gaslighting and intimidation to quieten their victims. The author includes a trigger warning list at the very start of this story and it’s a good idea to check that out because the story deals with stalking, attempted SA and other difficult subjects.
Although Gemma is the victim of the guys’ disgusting behaviour and the author represents her reaction to the events in a raw and realistic way, Gemma’s vengeance is also evoked in the most brutal and fitting manner.
This is an extreme horror story so be prepared for all hell to break loose with plenty of graphic description and vivid imagery. The opening line “How the fuck did I end up dismembering a fucking corpse instead of rolling a set of dice?” sets the tone for the story from the start. You will shout for Gemma and not at one single moment will you feel sorry for the guys when she turns the tables on them.
A quick read packing a brutal punch, Roll for Initiative is a well written story and Camphouse is an author I’m going to keep my eye on. I’m here for all the unhinged feminine rage! Go check it out 🎲
4⭐️
October 15, 2025
Gemma is thrilled when she makes new friends, especially ones who love her favourite game as much as her.. until one of the members takes the game a little too far, and so she decides it's time to quit playing. This player, however, doesn't take no for an answer and blames her for ruining his fun. He's not going to take this lightly, and he plans on making her pay..
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
As a woman, this book made me feel so uneasy. Parts of this, as any woman would know, would be absolutely terrifying. I winced so many times just imagining what was coming, and unfortunately, those types of men are becoming more and more known. However, in typical Leslie A Camphouse style, the "good for her" trope is well, and truly there 😆
Really enjoyed this one. It's nerve-racking and claustrophobic but such a good revenge story.
It's also available on Audible, which is highly recommended.
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
As a woman, this book made me feel so uneasy. Parts of this, as any woman would know, would be absolutely terrifying. I winced so many times just imagining what was coming, and unfortunately, those types of men are becoming more and more known. However, in typical Leslie A Camphouse style, the "good for her" trope is well, and truly there 😆
Really enjoyed this one. It's nerve-racking and claustrophobic but such a good revenge story.
It's also available on Audible, which is highly recommended.
May 26, 2025
D&D and Extreme Horror are two of my favourite things, so imagine how excited I was when the lovely Lesley announced Roll For Initiative!
Gemma moves to a new city and finds an all-male D&D campaign to join. Everything is going well, until she's forced into an uncomfortable situation which very quickly spirals out of control.
Once again, Lesley does what she does best and unleashes a torrent of female rage on men who truly deserve everything they get.
For anyone who's read her other books, there's also a nice little crossover which I absolutely loved!
*I was kindly gifted an ARC by the author*
Gemma moves to a new city and finds an all-male D&D campaign to join. Everything is going well, until she's forced into an uncomfortable situation which very quickly spirals out of control.
Once again, Lesley does what she does best and unleashes a torrent of female rage on men who truly deserve everything they get.
For anyone who's read her other books, there's also a nice little crossover which I absolutely loved!
*I was kindly gifted an ARC by the author*
May 11, 2025
Gemma is the perfect example of a lonely girl that just wants some friends. Unfortunately the “friends” she makes are sleaze bags. Emma doesn’t need saving though. Don’t worry, she’s just dyeing her hair 😉
December 28, 2025
I absolutely loved this book, I could not put this one down.
October 27, 2025
ok diva
July 22, 2025
I love when women
May 13, 2025
When I turned on my phone last Sunday morning I was so happy to see a new incoming mail from Lesley A. Camphouse with the ARC of Roll for Initiative. Thanks so much Lesley!! 🫶🏼 So I immediately downloaded it on my kindle, threw everything else aside and started reading, because that’s the effect Lesley’s books have on me. And ooooh, this was another next level gem(ma)!!
Gemma is the new kid in town and looking for friends. She’s more than thrilled to find a group of four men who love to play Dungeons & Dragons and let her play along. However, one night these men violate her personal boundaries in an ugly way, but soon they will find out they messed with the wrong girl!
I felt really connected to Gemma and it bothered me severely when these nerdy guys assaulted her like that. It’s devastating to read she even thought she evoked this behavior in them. No victim of assault should ever question that. They showed no respect to her whatsoever and that justifies every act of revenge imo. Go Gemma and go feminine rage!!
Another fast-paced, excellent piece of gory art! Lesley always surprises me with with new places to put certain severed body parts in. 🤭 Can’t wait to find out what she comes up with next. READ THIS! 🖤
Gemma is the new kid in town and looking for friends. She’s more than thrilled to find a group of four men who love to play Dungeons & Dragons and let her play along. However, one night these men violate her personal boundaries in an ugly way, but soon they will find out they messed with the wrong girl!
I felt really connected to Gemma and it bothered me severely when these nerdy guys assaulted her like that. It’s devastating to read she even thought she evoked this behavior in them. No victim of assault should ever question that. They showed no respect to her whatsoever and that justifies every act of revenge imo. Go Gemma and go feminine rage!!
Another fast-paced, excellent piece of gory art! Lesley always surprises me with with new places to put certain severed body parts in. 🤭 Can’t wait to find out what she comes up with next. READ THIS! 🖤
May 11, 2025
4.5 rounded down
Gemma plays DnD every week with a group of guys. One night, things take an odd turn and she’s verbally accosted by all of them. Things begin to escalate and soon she finds herself afraid of her so called friends and she is forced to protect herself in the most ruthless ways possible.
A perfect example of freeze, fight or flight. Gemma’s instinct is to fight.
She is sexually harassed (verbally) by a group of boys who are her “friends”. Then they go a step further, show up at her home and refuse to let her leave while they play out their sick fantasies against her will.
Gemma has no desire to hurt anybody, but once backed into a corner and forced to fight her way out, she becomes lethal.
Don’t let your desperation for friendship lead you down the path of accepting abhorrent behavior.
Gemma plays DnD every week with a group of guys. One night, things take an odd turn and she’s verbally accosted by all of them. Things begin to escalate and soon she finds herself afraid of her so called friends and she is forced to protect herself in the most ruthless ways possible.
A perfect example of freeze, fight or flight. Gemma’s instinct is to fight.
She is sexually harassed (verbally) by a group of boys who are her “friends”. Then they go a step further, show up at her home and refuse to let her leave while they play out their sick fantasies against her will.
Gemma has no desire to hurt anybody, but once backed into a corner and forced to fight her way out, she becomes lethal.
Don’t let your desperation for friendship lead you down the path of accepting abhorrent behavior.
May 26, 2025
I cast fireball!
I’ve never played DnD myself but I feel like it would be pretty fun, thankfully this has not deterred me 😂
I really enjoyed reading Gemma’s story and the feminine rage that came with it, those assholes got what they deserved! And I am rather intrigued by the stranger in the hospital gown, will she get her own story?
“I hope you enjoyed that fireball as much as I did. Now I understand why it’s a wizard’s favourite”
I’ve never played DnD myself but I feel like it would be pretty fun, thankfully this has not deterred me 😂
I really enjoyed reading Gemma’s story and the feminine rage that came with it, those assholes got what they deserved! And I am rather intrigued by the stranger in the hospital gown, will she get her own story?
“I hope you enjoyed that fireball as much as I did. Now I understand why it’s a wizard’s favourite”
June 6, 2025
Another fantastic short story by Lesley. I loved how the tables turned on the men when Gemma fought back.
September 26, 2025
Roll for Initiative by Lesley A. Camphouse
Narrated by Salem Arbuckle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fantastic extreme horror story!!
It’s entertaining, dark and original!
Gemma joins a roll playing gaming group, but she quickly finds out the other gamers did not add Gemma to join them with innocent thoughts.
Gemma shows the horrible men that she’s a kick ass person and doesn’t need to take shit from others!
This author is easily a must read for me! Her writing is fantastic!
I listened to the audio version and the narrator did an excellent job! It’s a fast read/listen, with some great gore, and I loved it!
*I highly recommend the read or listen!!*
🎲🩸🎲🩸🎲🩸🎲🩸
Narrated by Salem Arbuckle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fantastic extreme horror story!!
It’s entertaining, dark and original!
Gemma joins a roll playing gaming group, but she quickly finds out the other gamers did not add Gemma to join them with innocent thoughts.
Gemma shows the horrible men that she’s a kick ass person and doesn’t need to take shit from others!
This author is easily a must read for me! Her writing is fantastic!
I listened to the audio version and the narrator did an excellent job! It’s a fast read/listen, with some great gore, and I loved it!
*I highly recommend the read or listen!!*
🎲🩸🎲🩸🎲🩸🎲🩸
May 31, 2025
This was my first read by this author and it sure was a fun read! Gemma likes to play D&D with a group of guys but one night they take the game too far. How far will Gemma go to get revenge?
October 11, 2025
Dungeons and Dragons, Extreme Horror and Female Rage. Great fast paced quick read
TW include SA and Violence
TW include SA and Violence
January 28, 2026
Haha, eyeballs!
May 25, 2025
Please read the trigger warnings before reading this novella, as it heavily addresses misogyny and other dark themes that are an increasing concern in the treatment of women.
You know you've entered something truly gruesome when the first line is:
"How the fuck did I end up dismembering a fucking corpse instead of rolling a set of dice?"
The promise of violence is undeniable, but Lesley adds depth to the narrative through Gemma's narrative, which delves extensively into the female psyche and has us sympathising with Gemma as she questions and doubts herself as she deals with the unwanted attentions of four men who treat her as a joke and claim she is oversensitive.
Lesley addresses these issues extensively and effectively, yet the sensitivity and painful nature of this story are not glossed over. It makes you somewhat immune to when the gore fest begins, as it blurs the boundary between reality and a fantasy game. I found myself unable to criticise Gemma as she exacted her horrific revenge since the plot builds up so much suspense and tries to break Gemma into submission.
Gemma walks a fine line between sweet and ruthless, and it's strange to say that I loved her character, no matter how demented that seems.
Roll of Initiative is a successful little book if you want something short, full of feminine rage, gore, and a horror thriller that hits near to home. Again, I suggest reading the trigger warning so you know what you are entering into.
Quote:
Was it that hard to accept 'no' from a woman?
No is a fucking answer.
But all of you seem to have a hard time grasping such a simple concept," I snarl.
🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸/5
You know you've entered something truly gruesome when the first line is:
"How the fuck did I end up dismembering a fucking corpse instead of rolling a set of dice?"
The promise of violence is undeniable, but Lesley adds depth to the narrative through Gemma's narrative, which delves extensively into the female psyche and has us sympathising with Gemma as she questions and doubts herself as she deals with the unwanted attentions of four men who treat her as a joke and claim she is oversensitive.
Lesley addresses these issues extensively and effectively, yet the sensitivity and painful nature of this story are not glossed over. It makes you somewhat immune to when the gore fest begins, as it blurs the boundary between reality and a fantasy game. I found myself unable to criticise Gemma as she exacted her horrific revenge since the plot builds up so much suspense and tries to break Gemma into submission.
Gemma walks a fine line between sweet and ruthless, and it's strange to say that I loved her character, no matter how demented that seems.
Roll of Initiative is a successful little book if you want something short, full of feminine rage, gore, and a horror thriller that hits near to home. Again, I suggest reading the trigger warning so you know what you are entering into.
Quote:
Was it that hard to accept 'no' from a woman?
No is a fucking answer.
But all of you seem to have a hard time grasping such a simple concept," I snarl.
🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸/5
June 13, 2025
Roll for Initiative - Lesley A. Camphouse
3/5 ⭐
Gemma moves across the country and finds a D & D group that accepts her, until one session when one of the players takes the game a little too far.
I had a lot of fun with this read. Extreme horror, Dungeons and Dragons, and feminine rage? All fucking things I love.
I felt that this one was a bit too short. I had some trouble believing that the entire group would go down the eventual route they take. I would have found it a touch more believable if it was one or two of them; however, an easy remedy for this would be a prequel (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).
I also was screaming at Gemma — much like one screams at a character in a horror movie — and couldn't totally understand some of her decision-making processes.
However, if anyone reads this book and is familiar with the game and says to themselves, "That would never happen" — this shit does happen to women in D & D groups, and I have a friend who is really going to appreciate this one.
Having said that, Lesley is a great author. I am once again impressed with her prose, her ability to paint pictures in my imagination. I also remain astounded by her pacing. This is my second read of hers, and I have noticed her inability to waste a single second of your time. Every word progresses onward like a runaway train, leading you to the (often) brutal conclusion.
Loved the climax, and I loved the appearance of a certain someone (whose story I am going to work on next).
Definitely give this one a read.
3/5 ⭐
Gemma moves across the country and finds a D & D group that accepts her, until one session when one of the players takes the game a little too far.
I had a lot of fun with this read. Extreme horror, Dungeons and Dragons, and feminine rage? All fucking things I love.
I felt that this one was a bit too short. I had some trouble believing that the entire group would go down the eventual route they take. I would have found it a touch more believable if it was one or two of them; however, an easy remedy for this would be a prequel (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).
I also was screaming at Gemma — much like one screams at a character in a horror movie — and couldn't totally understand some of her decision-making processes.
However, if anyone reads this book and is familiar with the game and says to themselves, "That would never happen" — this shit does happen to women in D & D groups, and I have a friend who is really going to appreciate this one.
Having said that, Lesley is a great author. I am once again impressed with her prose, her ability to paint pictures in my imagination. I also remain astounded by her pacing. This is my second read of hers, and I have noticed her inability to waste a single second of your time. Every word progresses onward like a runaway train, leading you to the (often) brutal conclusion.
Loved the climax, and I loved the appearance of a certain someone (whose story I am going to work on next).
Definitely give this one a read.
May 19, 2025
Lately, I've been living for anything with a feminine rage theme, and Lesley just keeps delivering!
This is a short read, so I will try to keep my review spoiler free!
In this one, we meet Gemma: new in town, eager to make friends, and what better way than by joining a local D&D group? Sounds harmless, right? WRONG. She quickly finds herself surrounded by the absolute worst kind of men, creepy, manipulative, bottom-of-the-barrel scumbags🙄
Honestly, I wanted to grab Gemma by the shoulders and yell, "Girl, no!" more than a few times for the situations she talked herself into! But the payoff? AMAZING. 👏 Justice is served, and it is bloody satisfying!
It's infuriating how real this feels. The gaslighting, the fake "nice guys," the silence of those who should've spoken up. That rage? It simmers under every page-and it's earned!
Lesley gives us the gore, the horror, and the vengeance we crave 😌
Also.... that ending?? Left me with questions!
This is a short read, so I will try to keep my review spoiler free!
In this one, we meet Gemma: new in town, eager to make friends, and what better way than by joining a local D&D group? Sounds harmless, right? WRONG. She quickly finds herself surrounded by the absolute worst kind of men, creepy, manipulative, bottom-of-the-barrel scumbags🙄
Honestly, I wanted to grab Gemma by the shoulders and yell, "Girl, no!" more than a few times for the situations she talked herself into! But the payoff? AMAZING. 👏 Justice is served, and it is bloody satisfying!
It's infuriating how real this feels. The gaslighting, the fake "nice guys," the silence of those who should've spoken up. That rage? It simmers under every page-and it's earned!
Lesley gives us the gore, the horror, and the vengeance we crave 😌
Also.... that ending?? Left me with questions!
May 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I found this book through a friend of mine, and honestly, I’m so glad that I came across it. There is nothing quite like feminine rage, and this book does it well. It also helps that I’m a huge nerd too. – I like my books dark, and this splatterpunk novel doesn’t disappoint.
Through this book we follow Gemma, who has just moved to a new town and joined a new Dnd group – who of course are all male, normally this would be fine... but these guys?! Ew.... they are not...
I honestly felt like Gemma takes it all in her stride, with some EPIC kills that had me both chuckling at her revenge and gagging at the same time. it’s gore was also amazing, i wish i could say, but just know... its totally on point! I enjoyed the “switch” that happened with Gemma, one minute she’s wanting to be friends, and the next she’s kicking ass. I loved that for her and was totally rooting for her the whole way through.
Roll for Initiative comes out May 25th! Make sure you add this to your TBR! 🤌
I found this book through a friend of mine, and honestly, I’m so glad that I came across it. There is nothing quite like feminine rage, and this book does it well. It also helps that I’m a huge nerd too. – I like my books dark, and this splatterpunk novel doesn’t disappoint.
Through this book we follow Gemma, who has just moved to a new town and joined a new Dnd group – who of course are all male, normally this would be fine... but these guys?! Ew.... they are not...
I honestly felt like Gemma takes it all in her stride, with some EPIC kills that had me both chuckling at her revenge and gagging at the same time. it’s gore was also amazing, i wish i could say, but just know... its totally on point! I enjoyed the “switch” that happened with Gemma, one minute she’s wanting to be friends, and the next she’s kicking ass. I loved that for her and was totally rooting for her the whole way through.
Roll for Initiative comes out May 25th! Make sure you add this to your TBR! 🤌
October 15, 2025
The opening chapter sets this up in a way that fills me with concern - are we going to have another splatterpunk filled with gratuitous sexual violence against a young woman? Thankfully we don't, this was really refreshing. I'm so grateful that although the first chapter was gross and quite horrific in regards to SA and r*pe, it's swiftly followed by a revenge arc executed by a great, strong FMC who holds her own impeccably well and dishes out the justice these pigs deserve. It was short, sweet (in a twisted way) and written very well. Some lines were quite cringey and did pull me out a little bit, but other than that I really enjoyed the writing, the story was told very well given its such a short book. Every violent act was detailed and made for a very unsettling read. I also loved the refreshing element of D&D, and as its something I've not read before it engaged me a lot. If you're after a splatterpunk, women-fight-back story you'll love this, I thought it was super empowering.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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