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The Apollyon Game
Dare To Play The Demon's Game?
From author Clive Reznor comes a twisted horror short story.
Portia is a strange girl who has spent most of her life isolated and ridiculed for being different. On this night however, she gathers five friends to take part in The Apollyon Game, a macabre mix of truth or dare where if you get the answers wrong, or are not truthful, the consequences will tear your soul apart.
The demons are watching.
If you like
Gory Books
Teen Supernatural Horror
Ghosts and Demons
Mythical Occult Fiction
For fans of stories like The Hellbound Heart or Night Shift, this scary short read injects the reader into the middle of a terrifying paranormal nightmare that will have you questioning what you believe about personal truths and the justifications for revenge.
From author Clive Reznor comes a twisted horror short story.
Portia is a strange girl who has spent most of her life isolated and ridiculed for being different. On this night however, she gathers five friends to take part in The Apollyon Game, a macabre mix of truth or dare where if you get the answers wrong, or are not truthful, the consequences will tear your soul apart.
The demons are watching.
If you like
Gory Books
Teen Supernatural Horror
Ghosts and Demons
Mythical Occult Fiction
For fans of stories like The Hellbound Heart or Night Shift, this scary short read injects the reader into the middle of a terrifying paranormal nightmare that will have you questioning what you believe about personal truths and the justifications for revenge.
- GenresHorrorParanormalEbooks
ebook
Published January 4, 2018
77 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 1, 2017
I can't think of a way to include this gracefully, so let me simply say that the story could've done with another pass by its proof-reader. It isn't riddled, by any means, but the typos are regular enough to be noticeable. (One thing that really burned my biscuits was the author calling one of the game pieces The Pith Dice even though it's a single piece, a die, and he shows at the start that he knows the difference.)
Anyway!
More than anything, The Apollyon Game reminded me of horror movies from the 80s. (This is absolutely not a criticism; I could and have watch(ed) horror movies from the 80s all ding-dang day, when time's permitted.)
The premise and the twist are both a little bit corny, and the whole story hinges on this particular group of people doing something that flies in the face of their characterization, history and etc.
It put me in mind of Ouija board movies in this way--the hot dumbasses always decide to try the Ouija board even though they're in a luxurious beach house crammed full of video games, liquor and flavoured condoms--and also movies like Sleepaway Camp 2, in which all of the campers are old enough to vote, like within the framework of the movie, and wouldn't have been eligible for summer camp, even if they'd wanted to go.
Further to that, all the characters are (or seem to be) caricatures of particular types: The Edgy One, The Sycophant, The Gay Guy, The Princess, The Virgin, and of course, The Black One. (She doesn't actually say "Oh, hell no!" but it's a near thing.)
That aspect of the story reminded me a bit of every horror movie that has such a group of people (although, he forgot the sad, hilarious fat guy! what's the point, without a sad, hilarious fat guy? there's a fat guy, but he's not sad and hilarious at all) and also The Breakfast Club, but then also, an essay Chuck Klosterman wrote about how most people nowadays never develop any sort of a personality of their own, just choose some archetype from pop culture and cram themselves into it. You're not Harvey Garvey no mores, you're The Chandler.
Of course I can't know the author's intentions in writing the story he did in the way he did, so I hope he isn't insulted by the things I've said. My impressions are genuine and shared with great affection for the story, which is smart, quick-paced and well-written. I wished it were longer, that he'd taken a little time to flesh things out more, but that's not because I thought he skimped on anything, okay, it's because I liked it so much that I wished there were more of it.
Great story, great gore, surprise ending, and he set it up for a sequel, besides. OOAK, A+++++++, would read this author again.
Anyway!
More than anything, The Apollyon Game reminded me of horror movies from the 80s. (This is absolutely not a criticism; I could and have watch(ed) horror movies from the 80s all ding-dang day, when time's permitted.)
The premise and the twist are both a little bit corny, and the whole story hinges on this particular group of people doing something that flies in the face of their characterization, history and etc.
It put me in mind of Ouija board movies in this way--the hot dumbasses always decide to try the Ouija board even though they're in a luxurious beach house crammed full of video games, liquor and flavoured condoms--and also movies like Sleepaway Camp 2, in which all of the campers are old enough to vote, like within the framework of the movie, and wouldn't have been eligible for summer camp, even if they'd wanted to go.
Further to that, all the characters are (or seem to be) caricatures of particular types: The Edgy One, The Sycophant, The Gay Guy, The Princess, The Virgin, and of course, The Black One. (She doesn't actually say "Oh, hell no!" but it's a near thing.)
That aspect of the story reminded me a bit of every horror movie that has such a group of people (although, he forgot the sad, hilarious fat guy! what's the point, without a sad, hilarious fat guy? there's a fat guy, but he's not sad and hilarious at all) and also The Breakfast Club, but then also, an essay Chuck Klosterman wrote about how most people nowadays never develop any sort of a personality of their own, just choose some archetype from pop culture and cram themselves into it. You're not Harvey Garvey no mores, you're The Chandler.
Of course I can't know the author's intentions in writing the story he did in the way he did, so I hope he isn't insulted by the things I've said. My impressions are genuine and shared with great affection for the story, which is smart, quick-paced and well-written. I wished it were longer, that he'd taken a little time to flesh things out more, but that's not because I thought he skimped on anything, okay, it's because I liked it so much that I wished there were more of it.
Great story, great gore, surprise ending, and he set it up for a sequel, besides. OOAK, A+++++++, would read this author again.
December 11, 2017
This is a 3.5 star read.
An entertaining short horror novella that proves there's always a price to pay for passing judgement and enacting vengeance by oneself ..... and it generally doesn't have a good ending. The plot is outlined in the blurb so I won't rehash, but the story has a definite "feel" to it reminiscent of urban horror stories and the visceral "ploppiness" of 80's horror videos.
Another new author for me, one that I'll be checking out further with a few more pieces of his work hidden away somewhere in my Kindle. Recommended for those horror lovers who prefer their shocks ala gore rather than string-taught tension.
An entertaining short horror novella that proves there's always a price to pay for passing judgement and enacting vengeance by oneself ..... and it generally doesn't have a good ending. The plot is outlined in the blurb so I won't rehash, but the story has a definite "feel" to it reminiscent of urban horror stories and the visceral "ploppiness" of 80's horror videos.
Another new author for me, one that I'll be checking out further with a few more pieces of his work hidden away somewhere in my Kindle. Recommended for those horror lovers who prefer their shocks ala gore rather than string-taught tension.
October 27, 2017
A strange girl named Portia gathers 5 "friends", Liz, an Asian American goth, Kerry, a recently out of the closet flamboyant boy, Latoya, the hood chick, Callie the virgin, and Meredith, Portia's brothers lover, to play a centuries old, twisted game that she has acquired over the internet. The old game bases on the likeness of truth or dare. Answer wrong or lie, your soul will be destroyed. Choose not to answer the question then you can choose a challenge. Each round a player receives a spirit card upon completion. If they do not complete the truth or challenge, they must reveal their spirit card and accept their fate. Also with feels of 13 ghosts meets jumanji with spirits instead of jungle animals and nature, you must finish the game or again, your fate be up to the spirits.
This gory short story actually surprised me. I'm usually not a short story reader because I'm always wanting more but I think this story has changed my mind. How far would you go to exact your revenge? Is your own soul worth the cost? Will you really feel justice? Or is it the truth too hard to swallow? Is liberation really what you think it is? Fate is a trickster and will claim what it pleases.
This gory short story actually surprised me. I'm usually not a short story reader because I'm always wanting more but I think this story has changed my mind. How far would you go to exact your revenge? Is your own soul worth the cost? Will you really feel justice? Or is it the truth too hard to swallow? Is liberation really what you think it is? Fate is a trickster and will claim what it pleases.
December 6, 2017
Jumanji game meet Thir13en Ghosts
I chosen 5 rated because I like ideas of game of demons to test players if one of them is lie or refuse to answer a question. Demon will end of one player as removed (killing).
I chosen 5 rated because I like ideas of game of demons to test players if one of them is lie or refuse to answer a question. Demon will end of one player as removed (killing).
November 29, 2017
I think it makes u think about what wanting justice or an eye for an eye really means and that sometimes the judge is just a guilty as the person looking for justice
March 14, 2018
This twisted short story presented a terrifying gorisy nightmare game with a deadly outcome depending on how well you played the game. It appeared to be well written, fast paced and to short, and with a 1980's (style) Vibe. If your squeamish don't read this after dark. Check it out and enjoy.
October 15, 2018
Very creepy short story. Loved how it ended.
September 21, 2018
Stereotypical, ripoff off Hellraiser with a "God affirming" message at the end.The naming formula is ridiculous, but with a pen name like Clive Reznor, I don't know what else to expect .
Some people will like it for that good old Christian message at the end of only for that reason, it read as condescending detritus to me. It's not edgy, it's derivative, not to mention needs edited.
So...I guess if your church group needs a scary story, this try-hard's for you.
Some people will like it for that good old Christian message at the end of only for that reason, it read as condescending detritus to me. It's not edgy, it's derivative, not to mention needs edited.
So...I guess if your church group needs a scary story, this try-hard's for you.
Read
January 3, 2019The premise of the book definitely has potential, but "What graded on [my] nerves" [sic] were the typos and grammatical errors. The book definitely could stand another pass through (or five) by a proofreader.
I also thought that there was way more emphasis on the gore and shock factor than the creepiness. I'd rather see the motivations of the characters explored more (because they were interesting), and less limbs flying.
I also thought that there was way more emphasis on the gore and shock factor than the creepiness. I'd rather see the motivations of the characters explored more (because they were interesting), and less limbs flying.
February 21, 2018
Meh
Shallow and gory just for the sake of it. I like my blood and guts with a little more substance. The game itself was an idea worth exploring, like a demonic Jumanji, it's just unrealized here.
Shallow and gory just for the sake of it. I like my blood and guts with a little more substance. The game itself was an idea worth exploring, like a demonic Jumanji, it's just unrealized here.
January 31, 2019
I received a copy of this book from Hidden Gems in exchange for my honest review.
Portia wants to play a game with a few of her ‘friends’ and the devil. Problem is, not everyone will make it out alive.
I went into this horror book with no expectations and was very surprised to find that it was only a very short novella. The gore is very strong with this one, unfortunately the story is not. I would have liked to see much more build up regarding the friendships involved and much more about the characters. While I found the story interesting, it has been done quite a bit and there needed to be more of a twist than just having a Christian character as part of the game. I would recommend this for an entertaining hour read, but not if you are looking for something more substantial.
Portia wants to play a game with a few of her ‘friends’ and the devil. Problem is, not everyone will make it out alive.
I went into this horror book with no expectations and was very surprised to find that it was only a very short novella. The gore is very strong with this one, unfortunately the story is not. I would have liked to see much more build up regarding the friendships involved and much more about the characters. While I found the story interesting, it has been done quite a bit and there needed to be more of a twist than just having a Christian character as part of the game. I would recommend this for an entertaining hour read, but not if you are looking for something more substantial.
October 13, 2019
This is such an interesting read! It's like voodoo meets truth or dare. A fun game of revenge that left me turning pages wanting to know what came next! It was kinda short, and I wish it were longer. It was so good that a few typos here and there didn't even bother me. I highly recommend this as a fun, short read. I took a star off for character's reactions. I don't wanna give away too much, so don't read this if you don't like Spoilers. But after the first person was dismembered in front of my own eyes I would have reacted differently. ( I would've liked the host) But that's just me. It was still a great read. I even love this author's name. It's pretty much a homerun book
December 23, 2021
This book was SUCH A GOOD READ. I loved it. The only problem with it was that it was too short and I think there could have been a lot of room for character development. The game itself was an interesting concept. I don't know if the author made it up or not, but if they did, it's genius. I would kind of want to play. It's like a twisted truth or dare, but better than the movie that came out last year. I really hope that the author continues to write more novels/novellas like this. I can see a very bright future for the author if they continue with well written and interesting stories. Definitely recommended.
March 8, 2019
Portia is a very disturbed girl who seeks vengeance against her friends for 'turning their backs' on her. She invites them over to play an otherworldly game and succeeds in getting all but one of her friends killed, who had the protection of God right from the beginning of the sick game she forced them to play. In the end, she got what she deserved.
It kind of reminded me of the Ouija board movie (the first one) and the truth or dare movies. The proofreader didn't do a very good job, as the mistakes were quite visible. It was a cool story tho, I liked the ending.
It kind of reminded me of the Ouija board movie (the first one) and the truth or dare movies. The proofreader didn't do a very good job, as the mistakes were quite visible. It was a cool story tho, I liked the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2019
This was definitely a demented version of the game jumanji or truth and dare, and this book by Clive Reznor is absolutely dark and grisly with vividly described gore and dismemberments. If you like blood and gore this short book is right up your alley. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.
February 9, 2019
Since this is a short book, I'll write a short review :) I liked the concept of this book, which is why I picked it up in the first place. I was hooked from the first chapter. There was no way to anticipate what was going to happen next and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. It's a short story, but it will take your breath away and leave you wanting more.
June 14, 2018
A really quick read . It pulls you in quick and never lets go. If you are into a truly scarier short story, this is it. Author knows how to scare.
Don’t want to give any hints but truth me, you will like it if you like to be scared
Don’t want to give any hints but truth me, you will like it if you like to be scared
January 26, 2019
Just read this as an ARC reader and was a little disappointed. Was expecting more from it but ended off being a little flat and very predictable. Very 80's horror film setting but that didn't bother me.
It really needed editing as a lot of grammar mistakes and spelling that needs correcting.
It really needed editing as a lot of grammar mistakes and spelling that needs correcting.
January 29, 2019
I wasn’t sure what to make of this story at first to be honest, but as I kept reading I found myself getting drawn in completely! Really enjoyed it, loved the twist at the end in which Portia (literally) faced her demons, nice little story to read during the day. (Don’t read it before bed!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2018
Not bad
The story is told well. It's a little predictable although it does have some twists that make it worth a read.
The story is told well. It's a little predictable although it does have some twists that make it worth a read.
July 3, 2018
Fantastic
It was a little short but it was a very interesting,suspenseful thriller. I enjoyed reading it very much! Kudos to the author!
It was a little short but it was a very interesting,suspenseful thriller. I enjoyed reading it very much! Kudos to the author!
July 10, 2018
A well written short story. Fairly predictable, but still entertaining.
April 25, 2019
Needswork
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I am glzdit wàs rathersh9rt àndi hatereadinv 3b9kß withtonß of t609ß I ßu09serth3 premise w9s OK bunr3dedo be elab9rated on
July 16, 2020
It was fine.
May 10, 2024
Not just pretty bad. Very bad.
October 4, 2018
This is a insanely crazy, fun read; reminded me of something from the SAW movies.
January 14, 2022
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I got an ARC of this book (and it turns out I had bought a copy and downloaded a copy for free months ago too).
I got this because I really liked the description, shocking that it is that I even read the description. It sounded like it was going to be accidental carnage and horror for all. It sounded like it could have been a revenge plot. There were options out there.
Instead it was gore for gore sake with some really awful messages thrown in. Did I really need the slut shaming? The queerbaiting? The judgment on religion that turned out to be a really bad way of going “wait, religion is good” at the last second? I could have enjoyed the gore for gore sake, if it wasn’t so awful about everything. I could have done without the overload of slut shaming that took up more page space than the literal ripping of the girl to shreds. If I want gore, I don’t want this moralized pain. If I want that I can watch pretty much any horror movie in the 90s and 00s. The sexually active couple usually doesn’t last long.
The gore itself was pretty eh too. It was very quickly over and it wasn’t scary. It was just bloody. There wasn’t any real explanation at why the game worked the way it did or how the demons got involved. It was hinted that the game came from another country, but that didn’t explain anything. There was no build up outside of flat characters arguing about the others being fake before the game started.
There was no character development at all. The characters were flat and shamed. That was it. There was the guy that may or may not have been “queer” (I put this in parenthesis as the writing made me believe it was being used as an insult instead of a reclaimed identity). There was the sexual active girl. There was the girl who wanted to be popular at 12. Oh no. What wonderfully diverse characters that were easy to tell apart when they were talking. I couldn’t tell you anything about these characters except what they were shamed for and even then I couldn’t tell you their names as they weren’t even remotely real enough to bother learning anything about them or caring.
So this was not a book I enjoyed. There was nothing to it, not even enough to pique my interest in looking into this author more. I am sad.
I got an ARC of this book (and it turns out I had bought a copy and downloaded a copy for free months ago too).
I got this because I really liked the description, shocking that it is that I even read the description. It sounded like it was going to be accidental carnage and horror for all. It sounded like it could have been a revenge plot. There were options out there.
Instead it was gore for gore sake with some really awful messages thrown in. Did I really need the slut shaming? The queerbaiting? The judgment on religion that turned out to be a really bad way of going “wait, religion is good” at the last second? I could have enjoyed the gore for gore sake, if it wasn’t so awful about everything. I could have done without the overload of slut shaming that took up more page space than the literal ripping of the girl to shreds. If I want gore, I don’t want this moralized pain. If I want that I can watch pretty much any horror movie in the 90s and 00s. The sexually active couple usually doesn’t last long.
The gore itself was pretty eh too. It was very quickly over and it wasn’t scary. It was just bloody. There wasn’t any real explanation at why the game worked the way it did or how the demons got involved. It was hinted that the game came from another country, but that didn’t explain anything. There was no build up outside of flat characters arguing about the others being fake before the game started.
There was no character development at all. The characters were flat and shamed. That was it. There was the guy that may or may not have been “queer” (I put this in parenthesis as the writing made me believe it was being used as an insult instead of a reclaimed identity). There was the sexual active girl. There was the girl who wanted to be popular at 12. Oh no. What wonderfully diverse characters that were easy to tell apart when they were talking. I couldn’t tell you anything about these characters except what they were shamed for and even then I couldn’t tell you their names as they weren’t even remotely real enough to bother learning anything about them or caring.
So this was not a book I enjoyed. There was nothing to it, not even enough to pique my interest in looking into this author more. I am sad.
Read
August 21, 2018Could of been a good story but felt rushed, like the author took a novel and just gave us the a
Last few chapters.
Last few chapters.
March 29, 2019
The book was an extremely easy read, short, and straight to the point, which is probably why I didn’t care too much for it. The beginning the suspense was strong, but fell extremely flat once all the characters were introduced. Nothing about the book left me shocked like I would suspect from the horror genre. No intensity and only partially gory. Not much backstory about the game itself.
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