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hzmt's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
augur01's review against another edition
4.5
I wish there had been an epilogue. Other than that, a really wonderful book on all counts. Devastating but wonderful.
ryebread1998's review
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
pagesandgloom's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
cloverbaby's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
hauntedhexgirll's review
4.0
I really liked the concept of this book it was so unique and such a smart and twisted idea, I really loved it. I thought this book was going to be about the camp experience like living it in real time and about a non religious person with religious parents, like Willow. Instead it was much more interesting to have the story with a character like Rose who was so engrained in this twisted culture and whose parents were so far into it as well. I loved the moment that her mother let her go, I thought that was a touching moment from a character who is obviously also struggling in their own way with the things they do because of their religion. This was such a good story and I wish it was longer and we got to know rose more. I also really resonated with Rose from the start of the book and felt like she had autistic traits - I am autistic myself and I liked the confirmation that she is autistic. It was a good representation to me, with the way her brain obsesses over topics and her strong sense of justice. Great story and I will revisit this author again.
anonymous_blobfish's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
CW: homophobia, conversion therapy, religious extremism, religious trauma, gore, bugs (so many bugs), some really icky scenes if you have a weak tummy
Camp Damascus is a quirky, fun and slightly predictable – though no worse for it – YA horror novel. The story is set against the backdrop of white-picket fence America, complete with beautiful scenery, youthful self-discovery, and Christian fundamentalism.
I loved the way Tingle wrote this story, the gentle introduction of the religious cult and its death grip on its parishioners, the hints of queerness that built to a roaring conflagration, and what was actually evil in this world. I think it was really fun to write the conversion camp the way it was written which gave it a new take on the normal awful.
Whilst aspects of this were definitely new and fresh feeling, the story overall was a bit formulaic. That being said, I don’t mind a predictable horror story, especially when it brings both new and fun elements, and a cast of characters I can’t help but attach myself to.
This will not be my last book by Tingle as I had a really enjoyable time with this story and I definitely recommend it to fans of the genre!
Camp Damascus is a quirky, fun and slightly predictable – though no worse for it – YA horror novel. The story is set against the backdrop of white-picket fence America, complete with beautiful scenery, youthful self-discovery, and Christian fundamentalism.
I loved the way Tingle wrote this story, the gentle introduction of the religious cult and its death grip on its parishioners, the hints of queerness that built to a roaring conflagration, and what was actually evil in this world. I think it was really fun to write the conversion camp the way it was written which gave it a new take on the normal awful.
Whilst aspects of this were definitely new and fresh feeling, the story overall was a bit formulaic. That being said, I don’t mind a predictable horror story, especially when it brings both new and fun elements, and a cast of characters I can’t help but attach myself to.
This will not be my last book by Tingle as I had a really enjoyable time with this story and I definitely recommend it to fans of the genre!
corsetedfeminist's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’m not sure how to write a review for this book without giving away most of the plot, but I shall attempt.
This book is a ride, and I mean that in the best way possible. What the plot sometimes lacks in detail and worldbuilding logic, it makes up for in sheer heart and aesthetic.
It wasn’t what I explicated, from the descriptions I’d heard, but I think it’s actually better. I’ve often seen it described as a conversion therapy horror novel, but I’d describe it more as a loosing the fear of hell horror novel.
I love the main character, who was incredibly relatable to me as a fellow autistic lesbian recovering from fundamentalist religion, and the romance was so sweet and simultaneously an embodiment of rebellion and freedom. And Saul is the perfect sidekick. 10/10 chosen family. 10/10 cathartic vengeance on the homophobes.
I’d best describe this book as the love child of a Frank Peretti book and Good Omens.
Please be forewarned that there is a lot of bug related horror, and act accordingly
This book is a ride, and I mean that in the best way possible. What the plot sometimes lacks in detail and worldbuilding logic, it makes up for in sheer heart and aesthetic.
It wasn’t what I explicated, from the descriptions I’d heard, but I think it’s actually better. I’ve often seen it described as a conversion therapy horror novel, but I’d describe it more as a loosing the fear of hell horror novel.
I love the main character, who was incredibly relatable to me as a fellow autistic lesbian recovering from fundamentalist religion, and the romance was so sweet and simultaneously an embodiment of rebellion and freedom. And Saul is the perfect sidekick. 10/10 chosen family. 10/10 cathartic vengeance on the homophobes.
I’d best describe this book as the love child of a Frank Peretti book and Good Omens.
Please be forewarned that there is a lot of bug related horror, and act accordingly
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Religious bigotry, Torture, Forced institutionalization, Homophobia, Gore, and Vomit
lydiahephzibah's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Setting: Montana
Rep: autistic lesbian protagonist
This was ok, that's about it? Pretty average. Felt like it needed more thinking out / a bit of editing - the relationship wasn't well developed at all - but I appreciated some of the concepts. Always great to have autistic rep!
Rep: autistic lesbian protagonist
This was ok, that's about it? Pretty average. Felt like it needed more thinking out / a bit of editing - the relationship wasn't well developed at all - but I appreciated some of the concepts. Always great to have autistic rep!