I picked up 'Bad Games' on a whim after seeing it recommended in a horror fiction forum, and honestly? It hooked me faster than I expected. The premise feels fresh—a blend of psychological thriller and survival horror where the protagonists aren’t just fighting external threats but their own deteriorating sanity. The pacing is relentless, with short chapters that make it hard to put down. Some scenes are genuinely unsettling, not just from gore but from the way the author builds tension through small, creeping details.
That said, it’s not flawless. The dialogue can feel clunky at times, especially in quieter moments, and a few character decisions strained my suspension of disbelief. But if you’re into stories like 'Battle Royale' or 'The Long Walk,' where desperation and moral ambiguity take center stage, 'Bad Games' delivers that same adrenaline rush. I finished it in two sittings and immediately loaned my copy to a friend—always a good sign.