A review by ashliesydel
Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle

adventurous challenging emotional reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

 I did not read any blurbs on this so I had no idea what it was about. I just knew it was gay and involved a camp. Why I didn't put two and two together and connect a conversion camp is beyond me.

I really liked this story. Our girl Rose is part of a religious community that seemed to blend several mainstream organizations including Scientology and Mormonism. She lives in a small town where most are members, everyone's watching, and the church has a hand in all aspects of your life. From your school to your medical doctors.

I went into this thinking it was going to be a slaughter, instead I got a psychological horror that analyzed religion, morals, demons, and featured a neurodivergent FMC who while far from bad ass, pushed for answers and did what she needed to do to rectify the wrongs.

I hope the movie rights for this have been sold. I feel like this story would make a fantastic think piece.