I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle Published by Tor Nightfire on July 18 2023
Genres: Adult, Horror
Pages: 256
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: Chuck Tingle tackles some big themes in his latest, a fun, entertaining and heartfelt story about being yourself.
“This is my parents’ worst nightmare,” I announce, gazing at the living room ceiling with a pillow behind my head. “Their gay daughter and her lesbian girlfriend in a spooky old farmhouse doing drugs with a metalhead.”
Aside from what I’ve seen on social media about Chuck Tingle—the ubiquitous photo of him wearing a pink sack over his head with sunglasses, and the ridiculous titles of some of his books (My Billionaire Triceratops Craves My Ass or Space Raptor Butt Invasion)—I really didn’t know anything about the author before I read Camp Damascus. And I was pleasantly surprised that it turned out to be a mainstream horror title, extremely well written, with nary a butt invasion of any kind to be found. I had a lot of fun with this book, and even though it went to some weird places near the end, Tingle does a great job of not only delivering an entertaining story, but giving his readers plenty to think about.
Rose Darling lives in the town of Neverton and is part of Kingdom of the Pine, an Evangelical Christian organization that just happens to run the most successful gay conversion camp in the country. Rose has been raised since infancy under the strict religious beliefs of the church and guided by her parents every step of the way. When the story begins, Rose has just turned twenty and still lives at home, although her father is hinting that a certain boy named Isaiah might be a good match for her. Rose’s life is perfect, predictable and comfortable. She relishes her sincere love for God and Bible verses, and she is happy to abide by the four tenants of the church.
But one day she sees a mysterious woman lurking in the woods, watching her. She’s pale with long, stringy black hair and sharp teeth, and she’s wearing a red polo shirt. Even worse, she’s looking right at Rose. Rose brushes her off as a hallucination, but later in the day something strange happens. Rose feels a tickle in her throat and coughs up a swarm of mayflies. Obviously, things aren’t quite right with Rose, even though her parents don’t seem overly concerned. But then odd memories of a different girl start surfacing. Who is the girl, and why does she feel so familiar, even though Rose has no idea who she is? Rose’s perfect world is starting to crack, and her natural curiosity won’t let it go.
And that’s about all the plot I can talk about, because to say more would really spoil Camp Damascus‘ surprises. Tingle sets up some intriguing mysteries—what is happening to Rose? Who is the woman in the polo shirt? And what does all this have to do with Camp Damascus?—and slowly reveals the answers through Rose’s point of view. For the first three quarters of the book, the story doesn’t have much to say about Camp Damascus at all, and I was a bit confused because I thought the camp would be the main setting. But you’ll understand why once you start reading, because the camp itself and what’s going on there is a huge spoiler. Once Rose understands who the pale woman is and her role in all this, I was sort of blown away. It was a fantastic idea, and I’m dying to talk about it, but I won’t. Let’s just say the author takes the phrase “scared straight” and creates a horror story around that idea, and I thought it was brilliant.
Aside from the physical horror, Tingle adds lots of food for thought by centering his story around a religious cult, focusing on the damage cults can do and how completely they can brainwash their members. I usually shudder at the idea of organized religion myself, but I liked that the author included a character who, even after seeing the truth behind Kingdom of the Pine, continues to believe in most everything the church has taught him. At first Rose can’t understand why, after all, her faith has been shaken to the core. But the idea that there are two sides to every story, or every belief, in this case, was thoughtfully incorporated into the story.
But remember, Camp Damascus is about a conversion camp, an evil idea that Tingle wraps in visceral horror, making it even more horrific. The battle between conservative religions and the gay community is nothing new, but here it takes on an almost manic tone. Camp Damascus is determined to wipe the queer out of every child on the planet, an idea that chills me to the bone, and for that reason it’s the perfect fodder for a horror story.
Rose is a sympathetic, relatable character. She’s the victim here, even though you might not understand her religious fervor in the beginning. I also loved that she’s autistic, and she has a number of coping mechanisms she uses for anxiety. It was hard to see the way her parents treated her at times, for example, every time she taps out a countdown with her fingers, her father tells her to stop. Just like Rose’s sexual identity, the idea of his daughter being neurodivergent is way more than he can handle.
The climax of the story was tense and exciting, filled with unexpected gruesome horror elements. At this point, the story went a bit off the rails for my taste, with some over-the-top explanations about what the camp is doing and exactly how it works. The ending also felt a little rushed and ended abruptly, and I personally would have liked a “wrap-up” chapter that showed the characters after some time had passed.
But still, I’m so glad I read Camp Damascus, and yes, I’m even happy that I can say I’ve read a Chuck Tingle book. This is a quick read that offers plenty of entertainment value in addition to its more serious subject matter.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
“a mainstream horror title, extremely well written, with nary a butt invasion of any kind to be found”
LOL!
I love the way you crafted this review (“scared straight” for instance). It sounds like a nightmare to write while staying away from spoilers.
Roberta R. recently posted…Rebekah Bergman: “The Museum of Human History” (ARC Review)
It was hard, I really wanted to say more!
I think it being horror I’d still pass Tammy
Yes, you should pass, ha ha.
This sounds intriguing, and you definitely leave me wanting to know more! Next time I’m in the mood for horror…
It would be a great choice when you’re in the mood:-)
I have my copy, but I’m waiting for the Horror Spotlight group to read it next month. I’m glad for your review. I’ve been a little nervous tbh.
Jen | Book Den recently posted…Review | Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
I was pleasantly surprised!
Funny, I have a hard time reconciling the words fun and horror, but that only shows how little I know of the horror genre, lol
Emma @ Words And Peace recently posted…Sunday Post #89 – 07/23/2023: Book Giveaways galore!
Some of the best horror has a lot of humor as well:-)
I very rarely read horror, maybe once a year or so. But I’m definitely intrigued by this one. Maybe I will someday… just have to give a Chuck Tingle book atleast one try
Ha ha I do like to say I’ve read one of his books!
I like mystery and suspense but not horror so much.
I totally get it. Horror isn’t for everyone:-)
As usual, I could not agree more with your thoughts here! I was afraid it would be really out there, but it wasn’t- and when it was, it was in a good way! I liked Rose a lot, and like you said, really appreciated the way her autism was handled. Totally agree about wishing there was an epilogue, but overall it was very solid and I will definitely be seeking more from the author!
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It was very solid, you’re right! I would read him again as long as he sticks with this kind of book, lol.
It was an interesting take on demon possession, that’s for sure!
I thought it was very clever:-)
Sounds like another good pick for spooky season once my summer cosy crime reading mood has passed. A bit of a difference 😀
Yes, it’s perfect for Fall:-)
This sounds like a really good read, Tammy! I love it when an author can create lots of entertainment in a book but also tackle serious subjects. I’m sure that’s not an easy thing to write. Thanks for sharing!
Knowing his reputation, I was surprised how well written this was!
I’m glad to hear this one surprised you in good ways. The blend of horror and humor definitely intrigues me.
Haha, I love some of those titles. I’ll have to make a determined effort to read one by this author just for humour.
Lynn 😀
I had 4 pre-orders in July and had to cancel 3 of them, but Camp Damascus is the one I kept and I really can’t wait to get around to it. So glad you loved it!! He has another horror out called Straight which I’m hoping to pick up one day as well.
While I know I’d heard the author’s name before, didn’t know those were titles of his books, lol. This one sounds really good though! I’ll have to check it out. Great review without giving much away, which only makes me want to read it more.
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