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Ken Stark
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Gaia's Game: A Dark New Level of Horror Kindle Edition

by Ken Stark (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 45 ratings
UNIMAGINABLE HORROR. NAIL-BITING SUSPENSE.

From the multi-award-winning horror writer of the STAGE 3 Series and Arcadia Falls.
  • 2022 Best Indie Book Award (BIBA) Winner: Horror
  • 2022 Book Excellence Award Winner - Horror
  • 2022 Literary Titan Gold Award Winner
  • 2022 National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist - Horror

"The realization of who is doing the killing will leave readers horrified and on the edge of their seat. The enigmatic horror element of the story was one thing that kept me coming back to this book. This novel’s mystery has substantial shock value and keeps readers on edge most of the time. This novel reminds me of the dark supernatural feel of the movie “Sinister” or an updated “Children of the Corn.”

Gaia’s Game, by Ken Stark, is a suspenseful mystery novel for readers who love bizarre horror. This paranormal story will thrill readers until the end and leave them with a chilling conclusion." ~ LITERARY TITAN REVIEW

"The build up and character dives are reminiscent of the great Stephen King. But the best was when I thought I understood where the plot was going and was genuinely surprised at the direction! WOW did it catch me off guard!"

IT'S BEEN A DAY LIKE NO OTHER FOR SHERIFF TOM COOPER.
A body has been found in an abandoned mansion, and it looks like that's just the beginning.

Reports have been coming in from all across Keeter's Bluff.
Violent attacks. Townspeople disappearing. Others found torn to pieces.
Bodies now litter the streets from one end of town to the other, and it's not just happening on Keeter's Bluff.

With the setting of the sun, Sheriff Cooper is faced with the shocking truth...
This is not the work of a madman.
This enemy is closer to home, and it might be impossible to defeat.

He and a handful of friends only have hours left to end the carnage. If they can't find a way to stop this unthinkable new horror, this might be the last night for Keeter's Bluff, and quite possibly, the world.

"Similar to the Alfred Hitchcock thriller The Birds, Keeter's Bluff is under siege and no one is safe in Gaia's Game by Ken Stark. Expertly written, it contains a compelling and suspenseful plot, solid and personable characters, and a definitive and climactic story arc that builds to a dramatic and chilling conclusion. It is a phenomenal horror story that promises to thrill... Outstanding!" ~ Readers' Favorite Review

START READING.

OTHER BOOKS by KEN STARK:

THE STAGE 3 SERIES
Stage 3: A Post-Apocalyptic Zombie Thriller
Stage 3: ALPHA
Stage 3: BRAVO
Stage 3: CHARLIE
Stage 3: DELTA
Billy the Kid (A Stage 3 Short Story)

HORROR NOVELS
Miracle Man: The Rise of an Anti-Christ
Arcadia Falls

SHORT STORIES
Born of the Dark
Horrible Little Nasties
Jitters
Killing Joe Prince
Dead Weight
Who's Going to Feed Johnny?
Read more
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  1. Print length
    351 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    August 1, 2021
  4. File size
    3.5 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
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From the Publisher

horror, suspense, thriller, ken stark
Gaia's Game intro
Eerie stairs with child's shadow

Review for gaia's game

Gaia's Game Review

Gaia's Game

Ken Stark, horror writer

Post apocalyptic world
The STAGE 3 Post-Apocalyptic Zombie Thriller Series

The Walking Dead is Dead...

But the UNDEAD of STAGE 3 just keeps on evolving.

The worst is yet to come.

"The suspense here is devastatingly effective and only scratches the surface of the blood-soaked brutality that plays out in the chaos of this world."

  • STAGE 3: A Post-Apocalyptic Zombie Thriller
  • Stage 3: ALPHA
  • Stage 3: BRAVO
  • Stage 3: CHARLIE

KEN STARK

Multi-Award-Winning Horror Writer

"If I can move a reader, I am honored. If those words I string together resonate with the reader in some way, I am thrilled. But if one reader out of a thousand experiences an actual nightmare because of what I wrote, then I will know that I've done my job right, and you may consider me ecstatic."

ALSO by KEN STARK:

  • The STAGE 3 Post-Apocalyptic Zombie Thriller Series
  • Arcadia Falls
  • Other Horror Short Stories
  • Miracle Man: The Rise of an Anti-Christ

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The sharp writing style and eerie tone of this book are blended perfectly to create a high level of suspense throughout the story. Every character that is introduced has their own unique characteristics and develops in interesting ways, even those who are only mentioned in the moments before their death. As readers follow the gory deaths occurring, they begin to realize who is committing all of the murders. The realization of who is doing the killing will leave readers horrified and on the edge of their seat. The enigmatic horror element of the story was one thing that kept me coming back to this book. This novel's mystery has substantial shock value and keeps readers on edge most of the time. This novel reminds me of the dark supernatural feel of the movie "Sinister" or an updated "Children of the Corn."

Gaia's Game, by Ken Stark, is a suspenseful mystery novel for readers who love bizarre horror. This paranormal story will thrill readers until the end and leave them with a chilling conclusion." - Literary Titan 5-Star Review

"Similar to the Alfred Hitchcock thriller The Birds, Keeter's Bluff is under siege and no one is safe in Gaia's Game by Ken Stark. Expertly written, it contains a compelling and suspenseful plot, solid and personable characters, and a definitive and climactic story arc that builds to a dramatic and chilling conclusion. It is a phenomenal horror story that promises to thrill... Outstanding!" - Readers' Favorite

"The writing is beautiful and creates a personal feel for the reader. The build up and character dives are reminiscent of the great Stephen King. But the best was when I thought I understood where the plot was going and was genuinely surprised at the direction! WOW did it catch me off guard!" - Amazon Review

"Gaia's Game built an elevating sense of suspense from page one. With a unique plot, which I will not spoil for you, the story unfolds with ever increasing intensity, pace, fear, surprises and character." - Amazon Review

"This is some serious Hitchcock/Stephen King mash up. Well written, easy to read, not gory and the horror is manageable." - Amazon Review

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B098GQ4RTJ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (August 1, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 1, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.5 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 351 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 45 ratings

About the author

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Ken Stark

Ken Stark

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Multi-award-winning horror writer Ken Stark was born in Saskatchewan, but has called Vancouver home for most of his life. He was raised on a steady diet of science fiction and disaster movies, so it seems right that his first published book series be about the zombie apocalypse. In his spare time, Ken tries to paint like Bob Ross and play poker like Doyle Brunson, but results suggest that he might have got it all backwards.

Website: www.kenstark.ca

Twitter: @PennilessScribe

Facebook: PennilessScribe

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
45 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's suspense level elevating from page one, with one review noting how the story unfolds with increasing intensity. They appreciate the character development, with one comparing it to Stephen King's style, and enjoy the author's writing style.

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5 customers mention "Suspense level"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's suspense level, with one customer noting how the story unfolds with increasing intensity, while another describes it as a spine-tingling tale.

"...That fact leads me to offer my own little theory about this fun/scary slab of horror...." Read more

"...This author's wit, humor, and imagination guide horror in an insanely wicked way, which never ceases to amaze me...." Read more

"I enjoyed this author’s writing style and recommend this book to horror lovers...." Read more

"...A fabulous read, perfect for this scary season of Halloween (or anytime you want a really, scary story)-- highly recommended!" Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one comparing it to Stephen King's style.

"...It’s well-written with great world building and character development. Very entertaining read, reminiscent of Stephen King. I highly recommended it!" Read more

"...As I read, I was able to envision the characters and the town clearly as if I was watching a movie...." Read more

"Absolutely loved it! Such well developed characters and such a insidious happenstance. Well thought out and executed perfectly. Read it!..." Read more

"...Set in a small town, the characters have a personal and authentic feel to them as each of their stories unfolds and blend together into suspense..." Read more

4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a fabulous and entertaining read.

"...This book is great. It’s fun, it’s demented, and the scenes are graphically livid. Give “Gaia’s Game” a looksy. It doesn’t disappoint...." Read more

"...Very entertaining read, reminiscent of Stephen King. I highly recommended it!" Read more

"Absolutely loved it! Such well developed characters and such a insidious happenstance. Well thought out and executed perfectly. Read it!..." Read more

"...A fabulous read, perfect for this scary season of Halloween (or anytime you want a really, scary story)-- highly recommended!" Read more

4 customers mention "Writing style"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the author's writing style, with one noting it is well thought out.

"This book kept me at the edge of my seat from beginning to end. It’s well-written with great world building and character development...." Read more

"...This author's wit, humor, and imagination guide horror in an insanely wicked way, which never ceases to amaze me...." Read more

"I enjoyed this author’s writing style and recommend this book to horror lovers...." Read more

"...Such well developed characters and such a insidious happenstance. Well thought out and executed perfectly. Read it! But leave the light on!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • MEMEMEME
    5.0 out of 5 stars LIFE IS BRUTALLY UNPREDICTABLE AND INEXPLICABLE IN THIS GREAT BOOK.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    LIFE IS BRUTALLY UNPREDICTABLE AND INEXPLICABLE AND KEN STARK BRILLIANTLY REMINDS US OF THAT REALITY.

    Alrighty, it took a few midnights to get through Ken Stark’s “Gaia’s Game” and hence it took me until now to get out this 5-star review. I’m loathe to say too much because I’m paranoid about ruining anyone’s reading experience so you’re going to take my word for it. This book gets downright savage.
    GG takes place in a small city called Keeter’s Bluff in an unnamed state, (I keep thinking Missouri for some reason.), and it takes off rapidly without any kind of preamble just like “Night of the Living Dead”. Ken Stark just throws the reader straight into the maw of madness starting in broad daylight no less, and the whole world goes violently bonkers suddenly.

    The fact that it’s a global nightmare plays in the background while Stark keeps the focus firmly rooted in Keeter’s Bluff and the reader is dropped into the local idiosyncrasies of this nifty little community. That fact leads me to offer my own little theory about this fun/scary slab of horror.

    A lot of people are going to make the obvious observations regarding the influences that feed into GG. One influence that I think is in the background like an old radio playing in another room is “Twin Peaks”. That is testament to Stark’s brilliance when it comes to creating unique small-town characters that are suddenly subjected to real evil and being forced to not only confront evil but also their own need to fight like hell to preserve their own bedrock sense of humanity.

    This book is great. It’s fun, it’s demented, and the scenes are graphically livid. Give “Gaia’s Game” a looksy. It doesn’t disappoint.

    G.G. MacLeod- Psychodramatist
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  • Vashti Quiroz-Vega
    4.0 out of 5 stars Creepy, haunting and fascinating!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book kept me at the edge of my seat from beginning to end. It’s well-written with great world building and character development. Very entertaining read, reminiscent of Stephen King. I highly recommended it!
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  • JC Brennan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Won't you play with me?
    Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Imagine waking up on an ordinary day in a small town. The day is just like any other day. Everything is in its place. People conduct their daily activities, and everything is as normal as the day before. However, this particular day will rapidly change to become the day no one in a small town will forget.
    On this day, without warning, Mother Nature has had enough and releases her wrath. She turns the world upside down, inside out, and chaos spreads like wildfire. Animals, insects, birds, and ones a person would never envision—ones that stop the heart and send shards of horror slashing the soul—turn the small town of Kotter's Bluff and the world into a living nightmare.
    This author's wit, humor, and imagination guide horror in an insanely wicked way, which never ceases to amaze me. Ken Stark hits a home run with this story. I recommend you read this book, but be ready to play the game.
    My favorite passage:
    "Something behind her eyes. A fleeting shadow that came and went almost too quickly to be seen. Before Cooper could even begin to put a name to any of it, the smile returned in full force, and Cecie squealed, "I like this game. Ivy will play with me some more."
    ~Ken Stark (Gaia's Game)
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  • Bri
    5.0 out of 5 stars A horror packed with action and suspense.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this author’s writing style and recommend this book to horror lovers. As I read, I was able to envision the characters and the town clearly as if I was watching a movie. Most of the characters had potty mouths but it demonstrates the characters’ culture of living in a small backwater town. There was plenty of action, suspense, and horror. I also enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek remakes the characters used to lighten the horror at times and give out a few chuckles. I stopped to think a few times about what I would do if I was in their shoes. All I came up with was; glad I'm not in their shoes. :)
    This book kept me reading to find out how this horror would be resolved.

    I have also read and enjoyed other books by this author, Ken Stark:
    1. Jitters
    2. Stage 3
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Jaye Clinton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning
    Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Absolutely loved it! Such well developed characters and such a insidious happenstance. Well thought out and executed perfectly. Read it! But leave the light on!
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  • Veronica
    5.0 out of 5 stars A chilling thriller!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    For many of the residents of Keeter's Bluff, the day is getting off to a very rough start. Reports of animal attacks are flowing into police headquarters, leading Sherriff Cooper and his deputies on chase after chase as they investigate the calls. Are these random acts, or has something gone rogue in the animal kingdom?

    New history teacher in town, Emma Wong, gets a first hand view of the of the animals gone wild. Her carefully prepared curriculum for the new school year includes studying The Gaia Theory---an hypothesis that all biological systems on Earth could be considered a as a living entity. As the day's chaos continues in Keeter's Bluff and around the planet, is the academic theory being proved right---is Earth cleansing itself of the humans?

    As Sheriff Cooper and his colleagues race against time to find out what is going on---will they ever be able to put an end to the carnage? Author Stark has written a gripping tale of of a horrific vengeance unleashed. This is a spine-tingling tale that has twists and turns you will never expect. A fabulous read, perfect for this scary season of Halloween (or anytime you want a really, scary story)-- highly recommended!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kerry L. Reis
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Small Town Faces a Worldwide Ecological Horror
    Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The news stories are lighting up as bands of animals are attacking and bringing death to communities around the world. However, the town of Keeter’s Bluff is facing the closest and ultimate horrific threat to its humanity, as Sheriff Cooper and a small group seek to understand what is happening and figure out how to stop the devious ecological horror. While the initial horror finds its roots in Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” the ultimate danger is a much more sly horror that must be faced. The underlying mythology may be harder for some readers to comprehend, and other readers may find some ethical concern with the ultimate horror protagonists, but absolute horror fans will be more willing to “want to play the game.”
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Robert Howell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Not for the faint of heart
    Reviewed in Canada on August 20, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Loved this book. The characters were strong, the plot well written and the action non stop. Yes there is a lot of blood and gore, but it is an important part of the story. I would highly recommend it.
    Report
  • Sheila
    5.0 out of 5 stars Throw the dog off your lap before reading!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 15, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I started reading this book with the dog on my lap, then I moved into the garden where a flock of birds started staring at me from the fence. This is some serious Hitchcock/Stephen King mash up, well written, easy to read, not gory and the horror is manageable. Highly recommend, please check it out.

    Small town Sheriff Cooper is just doing his job and trying to get a wedding cake over to his pal's wedding. However, the sudden change in the local animals in the small town starts a storm of weird events. Along with help from his friends, deputies etc, can they save their little town and perhaps accept it is the Gaia theory that is at play here. Check it out, throw the cat out first!!
    Report
  • ScotttheReader
    4.0 out of 5 stars Constant Action
    Reviewed in Canada on November 12, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Gaia’s Game starts like a mystery and quickly turns into a horror. Each character is clearly defined, and the plot is appropriately twisty to keep the reader interested. The writing is generally good and the pace is consistent throughout. It’s a good, fun ride with enough depth of character and conscience to stand above the average horror-thriller. Worth the read.
    Report
  • Lisa
    5.0 out of 5 stars A really well crafted horror story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 18, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Ken Stark starts us off with a murder mystery and then gradually builds the pace until we are faced with the unthinkable. Gaia is infected but what is the disease, who are the antibodies and what is Gaia's game? How and when will it all end? Not only does the author dare to think the unthinkable but he builds likeable characters and writes with a fast tempo and a touch of humour that makes it easy to read even when at its most gruesome.
    Report
  • Misfit Malice
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really good
    Reviewed in Canada on January 22, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Despite the « Gaïa » theme and what I was afraid of, it was a really good read, not at all a new age angle I was afraid of.
    Report

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