Fun Times at the Bloodbath

by Jeff Strand

“No author working today comes close to Jeff Strand’s perfect mixture of comedy and terror.”—Cemetery Dance

The game you can’t stop playing… even if it kills you.

Fun Times at the Bloodbath may be the most insanely violent video game ever designed. The only thing more addictive than playing is the chaos it unleashes. Currently, only a select few have played the beta version, and it’s to die for… literally.

Players are instantly addicted to the point of death: one man dies of dehydration, a woman brutally murders her husband with a meat cleaver after he unplugs the console, and others violently defend their right to keep playing and harm anyone who gets in the way.

Margo’s brother is one of the game’s victims, and she is determined to uncover the game’s creators and prevent anyone else from succumbing to its addictive grasp. As she discovers the sinister plot behind Fun Times at the Bloodbath, Margo tries to warn people before it launches to the general public. But with threats to herself, her family, and anyone who helps her, she’s right to be scared…

When Fun Times at the Bloodbath launches nationwide, the United States is plunged into chaos, and the rest of the world is next. As the carnage spreads, Margo and others impacted by the game’s toxic hold infiltrate the company and shut it down before it’s game over for everyone.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Thriller

240 pages, Paperback

Published July 7, 2026

About the author

Bram Stoker Award-winning author of a bunch of demented books, including PRESSURE, DWELLER, CLOWNS VS. SPIDERS, AUTUMN BLEEDS INTO WINTER, MY PRETTIES, the official novelization of ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES, and lots of others!

Reviews

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Step aside, peons, horror royalty is coming through! You think you mouth-breathers have the right to talk smack—come back after you’ve written the Killer Tomatoes book! If Jeff Strand wants to play his new favorite video game 24/7 then it’s our job to accommodate him with fresh Doritos and cases of Mountain Dew: Pitch Black from 2004.

[Travis Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Times at the Bloodbath
By Jeff Strand
Pub Date: Jul 07 2026

Beta testers become addicted to a violent videogame and turn into violent psychopaths in real life.
This book is a gory, fun time. Jeff Strand is one of the best horror authors writing today.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dead Sky Publishing for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.

[Xanadu · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are myriad stories about gamers being literally or figuratively sucked into their obsessions, but Jeff Strand created a completely original, outrageously fun and disturbing variation on this theme. Fun Times at the Bloodbath is modern and stylish, the dialogue authentic enough that each character is convincing within a few sentences. The title is no false advertisement on either count, with consistent humor throughout the story and intense (but purposeful) bloodshed.

In this book, Strand is almost satirizing the hapless victim character, with some scenes resembling the large-scale chaos and disorder in Max Brooks' World War Z, vividly depicting the the effects of the pandemic on a variety of different individuals. The story is also lampooning gamer culture and e-sports, all while establishing a believable apocalyptic scenario complete with shady corporate executives and violent henchmen. Fans of EW Doc Parris' Walrustech series will enjoy this brief detour into the world of viral gaming.

The ending is a little rushed given how well developed everything leading up to that point is, but it gives the reader a satisfying conclusion to the chaos with legitimate social commentary subtext. It's an impressive achievement given the perfectly consistent suspense and alternately hilarious or revolting plot developments.

Strand fans will find that the only thing more addictive than the titular video game is the book it inspired. Go easy on the Cheetos and Mountain Dew Code Red, you're in for some Fun Times at the Bloodbath!

A blood-drenched thank you to NetGalley and Dead Sky Publishing for the ARC.

[AllegedlySarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is humanity too dumb to survive?

You have been chosen as one of a select few to test the beta version of Fun Times at the Bloodbath, a revolutionary game that promises an experience unlike anything you've played before. Every challenge is designed to keep you hooked, every decision matters, and every player is guaranteed to remember it forever. Assuming, of course, they live long enough to tell anyone about it.

This was such a wild ride, unlike anything I have read before. From the very first few pages, you immediately get a sense of the chaotic energy the story is aiming for, and I was instantly intrigued. One aspect I particularly enjoyed was the inclusion of snippets showing different people testing the beta version of the game and the increasingly extreme lengths it pushed them toward. Those moments added variety to the narrative and made the premise feel much bigger than just the main storyline.

The book leans into splatterpunk, horror, and graphic gore, so I would definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings beforehand. Personally, though, I found many of the gruesome scenes to be a little too over the top. Perhaps that was an intentional stylistic choice to complement the chaotic tone of the novel, but for me they lost their impact after a while and didn't add much beyond the initial shock value. While the resolution ultimately took me by surprise, it didn't resonate with me as much as I had hoped, leaving the ending feeling less impactful than the journey leading up to it.

Thank you to the author, Dead Sky Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Dead Sky Publishing| Death’s Head Press, as well as the author, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #DeadSkyPublishingDeathsHeadPress #JeffStrand #FunTimesattheBloodBath #Horror #Fiction #Books #Reading #BookReviews

Title: Fun Times at the Bloodbath

Author: Jeff Strand

Format: eBook

Publisher: Dead Sky Publishing| Death’s Head Press

Publication Date: July 7, 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Themes: Survival, addiction, humans as monsters, video games, technology

Trigger Warnings: Explicit violence, gore, death, addictive behaviors, mental illness, self-neglect including hygiene and bathroom habits, profanity

This was very fun, as all Mr. Strand’s books are. This story about a video game that’s so addictive that a person will do anything not to stop playing, is full of explicit bloody violence and extreme addictive behaviors.

Whenever I see the name “Jeff Strand” on the cover of a book, I know I’ll have fun. I just love his imagination! His easy-to-read writing style gives this book a sometimes-frantic sense of doom. His commentary on addiction to technology didn’t go unnoticed. We’re all obsessed with our devices, and many of us have experienced negative impacts on our lives and/or the lives of those around us. This message is delivered with a heavy dose of horror, humor, and camp. Only Jeff Strand can get away with this. His wicked and twisted sense of humor makes me laugh and wish we could hang out!

All in all, this is bloody, gory fun, and please, please, please make this into a movie.

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Times at the Bloodbath is a darkly entertaining ride that balances horror and humor in a way that only Jeff Strand can pull off. From the very first scene, the book immerses you in a world that is equal parts eerie and absurd, where tension simmers beneath every joke and danger lurks behind every laugh.

Strand’s writing has a sharp, twisted wit that kept me grinning one moment and shivering the next. The characters are lively, flawed, and surprisingly relatable amidst the chaos, which makes their misadventures both hilarious and unsettling. There’s a genuine sense of suspense throughout, even as the story leans into over-the-top horror moments that feel like a fun, twisted carnival.

The pacing is brisk, and while it sometimes skirts the line between campy and chilling, the book’s atmosphere is consistently engaging. It’s a read that made me laugh, squirm, and genuinely care about what happens next. While I wished some parts had dug a little deeper emotionally, the blend of dark humor and horror makes it a standout experience.

A perfect pick for readers who love horror with a playful, yet moody twist—Fun Times at the Bloodbath is a bloody good time, just don’t read it expecting a quiet night in.

[sussu is reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, might read again

I read this basically in one go, although - unlike some people - I did take a break midway through to make myself some lunch.

I like picking up books from Netgalley, especially from authors unknown to me, because I always go in blind, expecting a solid three star. Sometimes I get something below average and other times, like with this one, I get something unexpectedly great.

Fun Times at the Bloodbath is a videogame that makes you so addicted you'll do anything just to play five minutes more, and heaven forfend if someone tries to stop you.

This book is a lot of things, and all of them come together to create a quick and entertaining read. This is an interesting combination of humor, gory splatter horror, mystery, and commentary on addiction and desensitization, question mark?

The writing is really solid and the characters feel real, even when they act in completely absurd ways. I also always appreciate when an author plays around with stereotypes, as Strand does here with, for example, the landlord, the lawyer, the PI, the thug (I wanted to use the word 'goon' here but I feel like the internet has ruined that word for me), and the bodyguard.

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys splatter and satire.

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went in expecting an over-the-top splatterpunk novel, but I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did.

Jeff Strand delivers an incredibly creative premise with a story that continually raises the stakes. The violence only escalates from an already morbid beginning, and as someone who appreciates fictional gore as an art form, I had an absolute blast with it. The kills were inventive, the chaos was nonstop, and the dark humor sprinkled throughout kept me turning the pages.

That said, the pacing wasn't always perfect for me. There were moments where the story slowed just enough to pull me out of the momentum, especially considering how explosive the premise is. It never became boring, but I found myself wanting the narrative to maintain the same frantic energy that made the opening and climax so compelling.

Even with that minor issue, this was a ridiculously fun, fast read that left a lasting impression. It has easily earned a spot among my favorite splatterpunk novels, and I definitely wasn't expecting to love it this much. If you're a fan of extreme horror, creative gore, and stories that spiral into absolute mayhem, this one is well worth picking up.

[Kera’s Always Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was dark and twisted and I absolutely loved it. A video game so addictive that it leaves the player in a full state of panic when separated from the game... a panic that is violent and deadly. This is a brand new game being sent out only to select few for testing, but quickly the deaths and acts of intense violence start adding up. Margot, the sister of one of the dead players, is the first to begin putting the pieces together that this game is the root of these strange deaths and violent acts, and she digs her way into an investigation to find the creator.

There were some plot holes and a couple of things that I would have liked to have more clarification about, but honestly this was such a fantastic read. There were scenes that made me full-body cringe. The inner monologue of some of the characters was really interesting, especially in the moments of full blown addiction to the game. All horrifying! Plus the chapters are all "levels" which gave me a little chuckle.

This was just a really gruesome, freaky read and I loved it!

[Mikey ಠ◡ಠ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listen, sometimes you just need a quick and easy silly little read about a video game that's so addictive it turns people into murderous psychopaths. I admit for some reason I thought people were getting trapped in the video game itself or something. I don't know why I thought that, but still a fun read either way.

I wish there was more to say here but that's it, that's the book! It was totally goofy and kinda weird and Rowan was probably my favorite character tbh. Margot was fine, but she just wasn't as funny & charming as Rowan.

I loved the graphic at the very end of the book! And in an ironic and hilarious twist I was reading later into the night than I usually do and my partner asked if I was going to get ready for bed soon and I pleaded "I'm almost done. Just one more chapter!" 😂

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was... so stupid. In both good and bad ways. The first 3rd of this was very fun. The writing wasn't great, but Strand's characterization was distinct and funny, and the plot felt ripped out of an old creepypasta or 2010s fiction podcast. While I was never invested in the Margot and Rowan plotline, it at least had enough stakes to keep me intrigued.

My biggest issue is that after that first 3rd, the book gets repetitive fast. All the Fun Times at the Bloodbath chapters have the same arc, and it's like... we get it. It doesn't help that Margot's plotline goes stagnant around the same time. However, both pick up around the same time, and I actually found the way the main conflict is solved really clever.

Unfortunately, still waiting for the slam dunk Jeff Strand book I know is out there.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick but fun read. I had trouble actually putting it down and then... it was over. It was entertaining, kept my attention... but ultimately lacked much to make it memorable or recommendable. The big bad is such a flat character that you can't actually fear or hate him - there's just not enough there. His motivations are almost non-existent. Some of the descriptions are quite humorous - a few turns of phrases actually had me laughing out loud (while my students were silently reading their own books). While the violence flirts with splatterpunk, it doesn't really commit - a few cringey, over the top descriptions of violence that then just fade out. But then it ends. The Deus Ex Machina to just close it down seems rushed, improbable, and forced. And... I grew up in San Diego. So now I'm craving some fish tacos.

[Matt Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Times at the Bloodbath — 4 stars

Beta testers get hooked on a new video game and turn into actual killers. That's the whole pitch, and honestly, that's all you need. Jeff Strand knows exactly what he's doing here.

The humor and the horror aren't fighting each other, they're doing a weird little dance together, and it works. I laughed more than I expected to for a book with this much blood in it.
Pacing is quick. Nothing overstays its welcome.

The characters are ridiculous in the best way, and I found myself rooting for people I probably shouldn't root for.
Is it deep? No. Does it need to be? Also no.

If you want a smart, twisted, fast read that doesn't take itself too seriously, this is it. Read it with the lights on.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dead Sky Publishing for the early copy.

[Jacob Greenough · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw that Jeff Strand posted ARCs for his upcoming book, I had to jump at the chance. Huge thanks to Mr. Strand and Dead Sky Publishing for the copy.

Much like the game Fun Times at the Bloodbath, this was very hard to put down. It’s a classic Strand novel: stupidly enjoyable fun. If you have read Jeff Strand books in the past you know what kind of book you are getting. Nothing that you stay up late at night thinking about, but something you love recommending to friends of stupid horror and humor. The multiple POVs showing how the game tears the world apart was a great touch. I’ll pick up anything Strand writes, and while this might not be his absolute best work, it’s still a damn good time!

[Mark Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Times at the Bloodbath by Jeff Strand is another fantastic example of why Jeff Strand has become one of my favourite horror authors. This wasn’t my first Strand book, but it is definitely one of my favourites so far. The combination of humour, horror, and absolute mayhem made it incredibly hard to put down.

As always, Strand’s writing is fast paced and highly entertaining, with characters you actually care about and plenty of unexpected moments along the way. The balance between laugh out loud comedy and genuine tension is something he does better than almost anyone else.

If you’re already a fan of Jeff Strand, this is a must read. If you’re new to his work, it’s a great example of everything that makes his books so much fun. Highly recommended.

[MaryJude Schmitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this Jeff Strand book. If you are a gamer (like my 15 year old son), this is a tongue in cheek warning to you that if a game seems too good to be true, don't try it! Fun Times At The Bloodbath is a super addictive game that is sent out for free to a few chosen gamers and of course, humorous chaos ensues. This is an extremely entertaining story that will leave you disgusted (in a good way) and laughing out loud (in a way that may get you strange looks from those around you). If you have never read a Jeff Strand book before, this is a great one to start with. If you have read Jeff Strand and like his horror/humor style then run out and get this book! Just don't get the game!

[Lucille Bransfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to see that I could get an ARC of Jeff Strand’s newest on Netgalley! I always know I’m in for a gory, fun ride with his books. This one was a little different from his usual, simply for the fact I could almost see this happening. Video games are definitely an addictive thing to use. Jeff of course had some funny stuff in there as usual. Fun horror is probably my favorite genre of horror stories, so I will always pick up anything Jeff Strand writes. Thank you to Netgalley for the early read.

[Hazel Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Times at the Bloodbath by Jeff Strand is a wild, chaotic blend of horror and dark humour that doesn’t hold back.

Centered around a dangerously addictive video game that pushes players into real-life violence, the concept is as unsettling as it is addictive, with a fast-paced, almost over-the-top energy.

Strand balances gore with sharp, twisted humour, making it both disturbing and strangely fun to read.

Overall, it’s a brutal, binge-worthy horror that’s perfect if you love your scares with a side of chaos and dark comedy.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah. Ahhh hahahaha. Oh man. This was great. As a gamer and someone who met their significant other via World of Warcraft, this book just tickled some deep part of my brain so perfectly that I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. Now that I'm done... I feel like life has no purpose. I've already read the best book that will ever exist. What's the point of living? Life now has no meaning....(the last part is a homage to the story and not how I really feel so please do not worry about my wellbeing. Please read the book to understand.)

[Lili Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Just 5 more minutes!" Ever get so into a videogame that you just couldn't stop? This book is about that, to an extreme. There are those who want to watch the world burn and this book explores what would happen if those people made a videogame that no one who started playing could step away from. Definitely a lot of body horror and slasher gore across many age groups. Thank-you, Dead Sky Publishing and Jeff Strand, for this complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about a ridiculous ride! This was a lot of fun and as addictive as the killer video game. This was an interesting idea, using a video game to insight violence. The "how" is a bit vague but kind of what I was assuming it would be. Margot and Rowan were entertaining characters to follow and Bowie was a nice touch despite not being in the story too much.
This is definitely a slasher with gory descriptions. It got a bit repetitive at the end and the solution was pretty good.
Overall this was a fun, bloody read.

Thank you to NetGalley for a review copy

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I read a book by Jeff Strand, it was chaotic, irrational and over-the-top. And that's a fair description of most of what I've read from him since.
I love how he wrote a book about people being taken over by video games. I kept thinking no, they're not going to-- wait -- and then they did things even worse than I imagined.
This book was a blast. The ending was too fast, but it fit. I'm already looking forward to his next book.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

[OutlawPoet · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute blast of a book this was!

Readers should note that there's nothing subtle about this one. It's slicing and dicing and a bowling ball to the head kind of mayhem. Expect an incredibly high body count and lots of blood.

I loved our main characters and the author does a great job of making what happens truly massive in scope.

It's incredibly fast paced, very funny, and wonderfully gruesome.

So much fun!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Strand never disappoints! This story is about a video game that is so addictive, players would rather starve to death than pause it and not let anyone, no matter who, get in the way of them playing it. There are 2 main characters, our heroes, and several characters we follow for a bit, players in the game, and how their circumstances unfold. Bloody fun!

[Nelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This definitely made my top three of 2026. I finished it in less than 24 hours. It was so addictive. The multiple POV’s kept the story flowing and I enjoyed that it didn’t go too much into detail. It got straight to the point. I can absolutely see this happening in real life and I would love to see a live action short film about this book. It’s so good.

[Cynthia Magness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun times indeed!

This book is as addictive as the video game it's about. It's well written and a damned good time. I've never been disappointed in a Strand book. Although I'm still hoping for a new Andrew Mayhem book, please Jeff!

[Mike Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a ton of fun! loved the video game aspect if the story and Strand really delivers on the comedy as well as the gruesome scenes. really enjoyed it.

[Ary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a blast! Read it in one sitting.

[Andy Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dunno if Strand ran out of ideas and needed to publish a book, or what, but this was probably the stupidest thing I’ve read in a long time.

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It starts with a solo gamer beta testing Fun Times at the Bloodbath—the newest, goriest, most politically incorrect game ever—until he dies from dehydration, so addicted to clearing levels that he neglects himself entirely.

One half of a couple plays, then a couple, then some college kid, and a grandmother. Tragedy ensues. Graphic violence becomes a well-reported side effect of playing.

Margo, the sister of the first victim, is determined to find out why this is happening and to what end. Armed with almost no information and with the aid of an attorney who represents a woman who murdered her partner for unplugging her game console, Margo travels to FTATA, Inc. headquarters to investigate.

The rest is up to you to read. No spoilers.

I really enjoyed Jeff Strand’s Andrew Mayhem series, so as a gamer and horror fan myself, Fun Times at the Bloodbath had me at hello. The blurb hooked me. The opening scene drew me in. The book kept my attention, moving at a consistently fast pace.

It’s disturbing, funny, and wrong in the right ways—the sort of wrong I don’t see much in contemporary horror as writers navigate the shark-infested waters of public opinion. I can’t imagine someone won’t be offended. But the audacity is what makes the idea of FTATB as a viral breakout hit seem plausible. A game like this would definitely be talked about. And the ending? It’s a nod to OG gamers everywhere. I definitely had Fun Times at the Bloodbath, and if you don’t take things too seriously, you might, too.

A big thank you to Jeff Strand, NetGalley, and the publisher for the awesome ARC. I wish you all a lot of luck with it!