🩸 Horror Fiction

Fun Times at the Bloodbath

✍️ Jeff Strand
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$19.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A violent video game causes testers to die of thirst while ignoring basic human needs.

The narrative follows Margot as she investigates her brother's unexplained death. His body shows no medical issues, yet he expired from dehydration while surrounded by water. The cause links directly to a beta test for Fun Times at the Bloodbath. This title represents one of the most insanely violent video games ever made. Testers exhibit extreme behavioral changes, neglecting all biological functions. The game's addictive nature overrides survival instincts. When others try to intervene, testers respond with lethal aggression. Strand uses this premise to examine how digital entertainment can consume identity. The story highlights the terrifying potential of software that demands total attention. It moves beyond simple horror into a critique of modern engagement models.

Key Themes
video game addiction violent entertainment death by thirst
Literary Context

This 2026 release from Death's Head Press sits within the contemporary horror tradition. It draws on fears surrounding digital media and interactive entertainment. The narrative reflects anxieties about technology's hold on daily life.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Stephen King · Joe Hill · Clive Barker · Paul Tremblay
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Death's Head Press 📅 2026 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781639512362

📝 Description: Fun Times at the Bloodbath

Jeff Strand delivers a sharp blend of comedy and terror in this novel. The story begins with Margot discovering her younger brother dead in his apartment. Investigators find no medical cause for death. He played a video game until he died of thirst, ignoring a refrigerator full of water nearby. The narrative centers on Fun Times at the Bloodbath, an insanely violent video game available only to lucky few testers. The software is so addictive that players cannot stop playing. They ignore work, sleep, eating, drinking, and bathroom breaks. If anyone attempts to make them stop, they become murderously violent. Strand, praised by Cemetery Dance for his perfect mixture of comedy and terror, explores the dangers of unchecked addiction. This book suits readers who enjoy dark humor mixed with supernatural horror. It may not appeal to those seeking traditional gothic atmospheres or slow-burn suspense without comedic elements. The plot moves from a personal tragedy to a looming national crisis as the game prepares for nationwide release.

💎 Our verdict on Fun Times at the Bloodbath

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Strand delivers a unique horror experience by combining comedic elements with genuine terror. The premise of a video game causing testers to neglect basic biological functions provides a fresh take on addiction narratives. The book excels in examining the terrifying potential of software demanding total attention. It suits readers who enjoy dark humor mixed with supernatural or psychological horror. Those seeking traditional gothic atmospheres may find the tone too irreverent. The shift from individual tragedy to national crisis adds necessary scale to the story. Overall, it is a compelling critique of unchecked digital engagement wrapped in an entertaining package.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate the intersection of dark humor and visceral horror will find this novel highly rewarding. It appeals to those interested in critiques of modern engagement models and digital consumption. The story offers a sharp blend of comedy and terror, making it suitable for fans of unconventional horror narratives. Those who enjoy exploring how technology can consume identity will gain insight from the premise. The narrative moves from personal tragedy to broader societal crisis, providing layered thematic depth. It is ideal for readers seeking entertainment that challenges traditional genre boundaries while maintaining a fast-paced, engaging plot.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
H
Horror Reads editorial team

Strand delivers a unique horror experience by combining comedic elements with genuine terror. The premise of a video game causing testers to neglect basic biological functions provides a fresh take on addiction narratives. The book excels in examining the terrifying potential of software demanding total attention. It suits readers who enjoy dark humor mixed with supernatural or psychological horror. Those seeking traditional gothic atmospheres may find the tone too irreverent. The shift from individual tragedy to national crisis adds necessary scale to the story. Overall, it is a compelling critique of unchecked digital engagement wrapped in an entertaining package.

✍️ More books by this author Jeff Strand

The Horror Collection Toxic Edition
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Jeff Strand
The Horror Collection Toxic Edition
$19.99
81
Read →
Your Body Will Never Be Found
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Jeff Strand
Your Body Will Never Be Found
$15.99
81
Read →
The Horror Collection: Amber Edition
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Jeff Strand
The Horror Collection: Amber Edition
$18.99
78
Read →
The Horror Collection: Sinister Edition
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Jeff Strand
The Horror Collection: Sinister Edition
$16.99
81
Read →
The Horror Collection: Crystal Edition
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Jeff Strand
The Horror Collection: Crystal Edition
$15.99
86
Read →
Karma
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Jeff Strand
Karma
$19.99
81
Read →

🏛 Books from this publisher Death's Head Press

The Night Silver River Run Red
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Christine Morgan
The Night Silver River Run Red
$17.99
81
Read →
Dust
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Chris Miller
Dust
$19.99
81
Read →
Boinking Bizarro: A Weird Anthology of Literary Parodies
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Chandler Morrison
Boinking Bizarro: A Weird Anthology of Literary Parodies
$17.99
78
Read →
The Magpie Coffin
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Wile E Young
The Magpie Coffin
$17.99
81
Read →
Starving Zoe
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
C Miller
Starving Zoe
$14.99
81
Read →
Visceral: Collected Flesh
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Patrick C Harrison III
Visceral: Collected Flesh
$14.99
81
Read →

You might also like

See more →
Evil Little Fucks ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Jeff Strand
Evil Little Fucks
$22.99
86
Read →
The Horror Collection: Crystal Edition ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Jeff Strand
The Horror Collection: Crystal Edition
$15.99
86
Read →
Hot Iron and Cold Blood: An Anthology of the Weird West ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Kenzie Jennings
Hot Iron and Cold Blood: An Anthology of the Weird West
$19.99
86
Read →
Cruel Angels Past Sundown ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Hailey Piper
Cruel Angels Past Sundown
$17.99
86
Read →
Dead Inside ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Chandler Morrison
Dead Inside
$15.99
86
Read →
Human-Shaped Fiends ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Chandler Morrison
Human-Shaped Fiends
$14.99
86
Read →

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist