The odds are this is a winner

I went into this thinking it would be a frenetic, gory, humor filled tale. Boy was I wrong. This is a taut, harrowing, psychological case of torment. Very good characterization, inventive challenges for The Game. Just a fast paced rollercoaster of tension. ( )

An easy 5-star review! This is well written and a must-read. One exciting twist after another. I couldn't put it down. How far would you go to keep your family safe? ( )

You know that old saying that when something's too good to be true, it probably is? Ethan Causin doesn't seem to have learned this. After losing big in a casino, Ethan is approached by a stranger who proposes he play a game that can solve all his money problems. The catch? The consequences of losing could be deadly.

The story starts off slow and it took me a few chapters to get into things. Once I did, this ended up being a quick and compelling read. While not nearly as gory, I was reminded of the SAW movies with the crazy scenarios Ethan has to solve as part of the game. I am disappointed we didn't get more information about the organization behind the game. It ends well enough, all things considered. I'm truly surprised at Ethan by the end and his final actions. Big kudos to his wife Jenny also for being willing to take part if needed. Perhaps some day there will be a sequel. ( )

Tightening Tension!

Backstory:

Ethan is a big time gambler but when he spends more than he should have at the slot machines he is given an opportunity to win back his losses - though there is a price for it. Ethan doesn't dare tell his wife Jenny what he has done or he will be in the doghouse forever, so he tries to jump around her questions with lies.

In steps Rick - who is the somebody that can possibly make Ethan's dreams come true with putting money in his pocket and all Ethan has to do is play a game, but not just any game and nothing that has to do with slot machines, but a game that is totally different which can lead to pain.

As much as Ethan wants money to line his pockets he will have to consider the consequences of staying in the game to keep earning money or die trying - whichever comes first!

What is the game? What does Ethan have to do to win the game? How much money will Ethan win?

No spoilers here as you will need to read the book!

Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book and right away I was pulled into the storyline as the book kicks off with some intrigue. The more I read the story the deeper I was pulled into the book. There is tons of tension and anxiety associated with this storyline as I wanted to keep reading but also wanted to hide behind my fingers to peek out as I wasn't sure what was going to happen next!

I felt sorry for the character, Ethan as he has to go through some major stuff to keep playing the game and I wanted to see something bad happen to the character Rick as he was a pain in the arse most of the time through the book.

As time goes on though and more stuff happens within the book I just could not put the book down as the story just kept escalating to the point I had read almost 30% in one sitting without moving as the book went into supersonic overdrive!

Another great book by author, Jeff Strand! If you want something that will keep you awake all night with lots of tense moments with breath hitching intrigue then go grab this book as I guarantee you will be up all night reading this story! Giving this book five "Game of Chance Horror" stars! ( )