Vous voulez voir cette page en français ? Cliquez ici.

5 used & new from CDN$ 42.70
See All Buying Options
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
 
 
The Damnation Game
  
Publisher: learn how customers can search inside this book.

The Damnation Game (Hardcover)

by Clive Barker (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)

Available from these sellers.


1 new from CDN$ 42.70 2 used from CDN$ 65.58 2 collectible from CDN$ 118.45

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

Books Of Blood Omnibus #1

Books Of Blood Omnibus #1

by Clive Barker
4.4 out of 5 stars (44)  CDN$ 17.52
The Hellbound Heart: A Novel

The Hellbound Heart: A Novel

by Clive Barker
4.5 out of 5 stars (40)  CDN$ 11.32
Weaveworld

Weaveworld

by Clive Barker
4.6 out of 5 stars (91)  CDN$ 12.91
The Thief Of Always

The Thief Of Always

by Clive Barker
4.7 out of 5 stars (108)  CDN$ 10.91
Imajica

Imajica

by Clive Barker
4.5 out of 5 stars (115)  CDN$ 16.37
› Explore similar items

Product Details

Product Description

From Library Journal

"I have seen the future of the horror genre, and his name is Clive Barker," Stephen King has written. Fortunately, this first novel (Barker has published short story collections) more than bears the weight of King's praise. Barker is a better writer than King, and his characters are just as interesting. Set in modern Britain, the story thrusts a flawed "innocent"parolee Marty Straussinto an epic conflict between wealthy Joseph Whitehead and Mamoulian the Cardplayer, a centuries-old creature with whom Whitehead had struck a bargain to obtain his wealth and power. Whitehead reneges, and the resulting struggle is played out primarily on his fortress-like estate. Barker's excellent writing makes the graphic, grotesque imagery endemic to current horror fiction very effective. Highly recommended anywhere horror fiction is popular. A.J. Wright, Anesthesiology Dept., Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.


Book Description

A reclusive millionaire makes a deal with the devil. Just another horror tale? Don't bet on it.

It's from Clive Barker. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
See all Product Description

Tag this product

 (What's this?)
Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organize and find favorite items.
Your tags: Add your first tag
 
See most popular tags

What do customers ultimately buy after viewing this item?

The Damnation Game
80% buy the item featured on this page:
The Damnation Game 4.2 out of 5 stars (56)
Books Of Blood Omnibus #1
8% buy
Books Of Blood Omnibus #1 4.4 out of 5 stars (44)
CDN$ 17.52
Books Of Blood Omnibus #2
6% buy
Books Of Blood Omnibus #2
CDN$ 16.79
The Hellbound Heart: A Novel
3% buy
The Hellbound Heart: A Novel 4.5 out of 5 stars (40)
CDN$ 11.32
Explore similar items
 

Customer Reviews

56 Reviews
5 star:
 (32)
4 star:
 (13)
3 star:
 (6)
2 star:
 (3)
1 star:
 (2)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.2 out of 5 stars (56 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most helpful customer reviews

 
4.0 out of 5 stars poetic and sly, Aug 29 2006
By Loki Xombi "Nox" (Alberta, ED Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   
This review is from: Damnation Game (Paperback)
Once again, Barker gives me a good reason to call him the Master of the Macabre.
Martin Strauss, ex-boxer, petty thief and gambler, gets offered the chance at early parole. The catch is that he would have to become the personal bodyguard of one of Europe's wealthiest businessmen: Joseph Whitehead. What could be wrong with that? A lot, as Marty will soon learn. Beneath the image of a calm and cool man in complete control of his life, Joseph is a man with a horrible and deadly secret.
In the closing days of WW2, Joseph had made a living in the demolished ruins of Warsaw as a thief and a cheat; he carried the persona of a man in control of his own destiny, who could outsmart any opponent. So when Joseph hears tell of a man, a mysterious card-sharp, living in Warsaw who cannot be beaten, Joseph jumps at the chance to test his skills. Joseph manages to walk away from the game with the man who calls himself The Last European with more then he could have ever dreamed. He is gifted with power, wealth, and fame; the price-tag for all of these gifts was a steep one: Joseph's soul.
Now, some 40 years later, The Last European is back to claim what he is owed; only Joseph doesn't want to pay up. Now Martin has a choice, he can return to prison and finish his sentence, or he can risk his soul in the protection of Whitehead. Martin may be in good physical condition, but the Last European has more than muscle on his side. He is the master of illusions, he can make you see and feel your worst nightmares in the flesh; his power is so terrible that he is able to raise the dead to aid him in his quest to get to Joseph. One such undead associate of The Last European's is Anthony: an overweight middle-age man with a habit of eating the little girls he so lovingly massacres.
This book was utterly guttural and vicious in it's imagery, while at the same time as clever and sensitive.
Pick it up if you want a good scare.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
5.0 out of 5 stars Barker's Best, Jul 15 2004
By Brennon Slattery (Davie, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: Damnation Game (Paperback)
I used to be a huge Clive Barker fan, but as time goes on, I find him less accessible. "The Great and Secret Show" was an overdrawn and dull "epic" and didn't quite go anywhere but down. His latest book, the incredibly inept "Coldheart Canyon," was nothing but a perverted romp into self-indulgence. But the "Damnation Game" is gripping, tight, and much shorter than the aforementioned door-stoppers, which makes it much more accessible.

First and foremost, "Damnation" is disgusting. The Razor-Eater is truly stomach turning, and the various rotten corpses that are ressurected by Mamoulian, the almighty wizard thing, are also barf-worthy. The writing, however, is not. Barker had a knack for putting intellectualism and cultural criticism into his works of horror. Perhaps "Damnation" is about the downfall of corporate society, the domination of greed, and the all-engulfing human desires which rule our lives. Yes, this book is worthy of all different sorts of interpretations, unlike other, more popular horror writers (ahem-StephenKing-ahem!), who just splash blood and profanity on the page without regard to the higher-thinking audience.

Barker is an intelligent gore-fiend's author. He's smart but remembers what genre he's working in, thus, how to please his audience. "The Damnation Game" is Barker's best book. His others do not achieve this level of accessibility, intrigue, plot structure, and intelligence, perhaps because they reach too far and end up tripping over the gore-soaked zombie dog.

Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
4.0 out of 5 stars The beginning of this book is Barker at his best..., Jun 30 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: Damnation Game (Paperback)
This is the best full length novel of horror Ive ever read by Clive Barker. The beginning is delightfully NC17, and the end is great. Its the whole middle of the story that seemed to slow down in pace. His best horror writing was in the short story collections of the Books of Blood. This takes a close 2nd place however. Definately should be read if your a fan of Barkers horror. I am looking foward to the movie.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)


Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 		 Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrifying, depressing, inspiring...
...these are but a few of the words that come to mind when reading Clive Barker's horror epic The Damnation Game. Read more
Published on Feb 16 2004 by Quentin Xavier

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite Clive Barker story!
To me, this book defines the essence of what is appealing about Clive Barkers vision of horror. It conveys a wonderful sense of immortal evil, the tragedy of human pride, and a... Read more
Published on Dec 5 2003 by Ty

4.0 out of 5 stars This is what no one could discribe?
I decided to check this book out after i heard and interview with Barker saying that he planned on shooting a movie of The Damnation Game. Read more
Published on Nov 14 2003

3.0 out of 5 stars Average work compared to his short stories
Humdrum, maybe near boring. I know I am going to get into a lot of trouble out there for this dissenting opinion but i just dont think this book is one of Barker's best, nor even... Read more
Published on Oct 21 2003 by shettakaburi

5.0 out of 5 stars He has done it again!
An excellent book on horror and the darker side of deal making.
Published on Oct 19 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars This should be a movie
Joesph Whitehead is a pharmaceutical baron who had, years before, made a deal with the devil; well, a sorcerer any way. Read more
Published on Oct 15 2003 by Vagabond77

4.0 out of 5 stars An adult, modern, adventure - more fun than fear
Reading throught this book I couldn't help but think of this more as an adult, modern day, Huck-Fin adventure than a horror story. There were gross bits of course. Read more
Published on Oct 4 2003 by hairpin

5.0 out of 5 stars Clive Barker IS THE KING
I'm only on page 28 of this book (chapter 6) and I am thoroughly enjoying every word of it. Clive Barker is one of the best writers of our time. Read more
Published on Jul 30 2003 by M. Loughlin

4.0 out of 5 stars Slaps the reader with an unclean hand
One thing is always true about Clive Barker's novels: He will disturb you.

"The Damnation Game" was my first experience with Barker, and is the first I've decided to read again... Read more

Published on Mar 24 2003 by Plaque

3.0 out of 5 stars Gore fest
Not a bad story, btu seemed to carry on too long. Every chapter led to anotehr gore fest, which can be interesting, but sorta got redundant after a spell.
Published on Mar 22 2003

Only search this product's reviews


Listmania!

Create a Listmania! list

Look for similar items by category

Feedback

Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

Your Recent History

 (What's this?)

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.