Camp Damascus

Camp Damascus is a spine-chilling and emotionally gripping supernatural horror novel by Chuck Tingle. Set in the eerie and secluded Montana wilderness, it explores the life of Rose Darling, a devout young woman whose world begins to unravel in the most disturbing ways. Known for its 100% success rate, Camp Damascus is the world’s most effective gay conversion camp where parents from all over the globe send their children, hoping to 'fix' them. However, the camp harbours dark and sinister secrets that are anything but holy.

The protagonist, Rose Darling, is a model of piety and devotion until she starts experiencing unsettling phenomena. Tormented by gruesome visions, she finds herself regurgitating flies and haunted by nightmarish encounters with a spectral woman with pale, sagging skin lurking in the woods. These terrifying episodes disrupt Rose's reality, casting doubt on what she has been taught to believe and forcing her to confront unsettling truths hidden within her own psyche and history.

As Rose navigates her troubling experiences, she realises that her nightmares appear to be more than just figments of her imagination; they might actually be memories buried deep within her subconscious. Her parents, steadfast in their faith, dismiss her fears and visions, leaving Rose isolated and pushing her to question her own sanity. The story masterfully intertwines Rose's journey of self-discovery with the dark, underlying horror of the camp itself, creating a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying.

For fans of Stephen Graham Jones, Hailey Piper, and Lucy A. Snyder, Camp Damascus offers a unique blend of supernatural horror and poignant human emotion. It delves into themes of identity, repression, and the often horrific attempts to change what society deems 'unacceptable'. With vivid prose and masterful suspense, Chuck Tingle crafts a compelling tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, making them question the very nature of love, faith, and the demons that lurk within.

In the end, Camp Damascus is not just about the ominous conversion camp nestled in the wilderness; it is about the power of truth, the horrors of forced conformity, and the courage to embrace one’s true self against all odds. Prepare for a journey that will haunt you long after the final page is turned.