House

Written by Frank E. Peretti and Ted Dekker

Narrated by Kevin King

A mind-bending supernatural thriller from the creators of This Presesent Darkness and Showdown. Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker—two of today’s most acclaimed writers of supernatural thrillers—have joined forces for the first time to craft a story unlike any you’ve ever heard. Enter House—where you will find yourself thrown into a killer’s deadly game in which the only way to win is to lose . . . and the only way out is in. One game, seven players, three rules.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oasis Audio
• Release date: Mar 15, 2006
• ISBN: 9781608142408

Frank E. Peretti

Frank E. Peretti is one of American Christianity's best-known authors. His novels have sold over 10 million copies, and he is widely credited with reinventing Christian fiction. He and his wife, Barbara, live in the Pacific Northwest. www.frankperetti.com.

Reviews for House

[Catherina Braune · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have been a Peretti fan for probably 20 years now. Anr this book, written in partnership with Ted Dekker did not dissapoint.

"House" by Frank E. Peretti and Ted Dekker opens with two couples, along with a few other individuals, unexpectedly finding themselves trapped within a foreboding house located in the remote Alabama countryside. The initial sense of unease quickly escalates as the house reveals itself to be far from ordinary, exuding an aura of malevolence and harboring sinister secrets. A pivotal turning point occurs with the discovery of a tin can containing a series of cryptic and disturbing "rules," which thrust the characters into a terrifying game. These rules force them to confront their deepest fears and make agonizing moral choices, pushing them to the edge of their psychological and emotional limits.

The narrative weaves a chilling tapestry of horror and supernatural elements, creating an atmosphere of relentless dread and uncertainty. The house itself acts as a conduit for these forces, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. At the heart of the story lies a profound exploration of good versus evil, not just as external forces, but as internal struggles within each character. The authors delve into themes of morality, redemption, and the inherent darkness that resides within humanity. As the characters are compelled to confront their pasts and their darkest impulses, they are forced to grapple with the consequences of their actions and the true nature of their beliefs. The collaboration between Peretti and Dekker is evident in the book's strong Christian themes, which are seamlessly integrated into the suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative, challenging readers to consider their own moral compass and the choices they would make in the face of ultimate fear.

The suspense and fear in the realistic way the authors brought the story to life, speaks volumes for the mastery of their craft. I aspire to be so masterful in my own writings one day.

[corie · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Not my favorite read. Almost didn't finish it.
Pushed through it. Wouldn't recommend.

[Bridget Oliphant · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed the book, as I did the first time I read it. The narrator was just okay for me. I had to speed him up to 1.2/1.5 for him to become a little more interesting. As always though, I am grateful for the audio book. It made it easier for me to get through another book while I am doing other things. (4/5 rating is for the audio book itself. I gave the book a 4.75/5)

[Kunle Amuwo Jr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What an amazing book!! I’m speeches!! Love it so much!!

[Pareese Smith · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

i thoroughly. enjoyed this book definitely kept me involed in the story

[Amanda Thompson · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

omg ehat is going on...it starts with vhapter 6 and chapter 1 is around 11...

[Heidi Kay · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I didn't enjoy this one as much as Dekker's other books. This one seemed to lack a good storyline and felt more like a lot of repeating back-and-forth argument/problem-solving/brainstorming type conversation. What little storyline there was left me feeling prettt confused, but my husband seemed to follow along pretty well!

[jenneth_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

 So I was only planning to read the first page of this...The House had other plans.This book has been haunting my life for years now. A friend once showed it to me when I was a lot younger and said she was reading it. That it was Christian. I looked at the back and was prepared to argue that fact. Then later another friend was reading it. I kept seeing it on the shelves. Finally, it appeared IN MY HOME. So, naturally, I picked it up...decided to read a page...and was suddenly captive.Four people have accidents on the road. Four people end up at the House. But the House isn't what it seems, and soon, a killer is playing a wicked game with them. The only way to win is to give him one dead body.I've read a Dekker book before, and yes, this is very much a Dekker book. The style was very fast paced and used fragments and run-ons to add to the tension and thrilling sense of the book. It's definitely a page turner; I couldn't put it down, but mainly because I wanted a sense of closure and relief by the end! I wanted answers, and every time the authors got close to revealing something important, they would sweep their characters through a door and told us answers had to wait. Oh, it was gripping. There were just a few slight contradictions (a character's name is given before she introduces herself), and a few small grammatical mistakes, like missing a period at the end of a paragraph, but hardly noticeable unless you look for those kinds of things.As for characters, there really was only one that I really liked. That was Jack, who is more or less the main character of the series. Stephanie, Randy, and Leslie, along with the rest of the cast all have traits that I would rather not relate to. Too angry, too violent, etc. But hey, Jack was a writer. I was okay with that. :) And even though I didn't really bond with any of the characters, they weren't people that I openly groaned when the POV switched to them. They had questions hanging around them and made me want to learn more about them.The story: fantastic. It was definitely adult in content. No doubt about that. But the allegory of the story was wonderful. The book could probably be used in a sermon, although I wouldn't think our pastor would feel right condoning it behind the pulpit because of it's dark tone. Point being, the Biblical truths displayed at the end was a nice touch, and also a reassuring one. I also enjoyed the subtle pictures and allusions that Peretti and Dekker wove in, which made the book only more powerful. I wouldn't be reading a demon book if it wasn't for it being Christian. The only thing I have against the allegory is how one character represented another in a way I thought was a little unorthodox, but still got the point across.Although the book is clearly adult, and not for kids under, say, ninth grade due to content level, violence, and pure horror and brush with the supernatural evils, the book was good, and strongly grounded in the faith.Things to Watch Out For:Romance: a couple is separated and near divorce; man looks at a woman inappropriately; unmarried couple plans to stay in one room; a wife is jealous and thinks her split up husband has a thing for another girl; "sex" is mentioned in a list of sins on pg 164; woman kisses married man after torture and says that she loves him (but he doesn't feel the same) and her lover walks in; woman says her experience is just as bad as being raped; character admits to being a whore; character was abused as a child; suggestive scene between a woman and a mentally ill man in a room together, but nothing happens over borderlineLanguage: several uses of God's name such as "my L-1" pg 27; "dear God" pg 62 and 357; "thank God" pg 144; "Oh God" pg 148, 150, 176, 178, 220, 230, 250; these uses could often be interpreted as prayers for help, but many are unlikely. The "Oh God's" are considered empty habitual prayers except for one; Hellish-2 pg 77, 341; "rot in Hell" pg 98; other Hell references on pgs 119, 123, 126, 147, 197, 323, 325, 338, 358. None of which are "What the"s but are more descriptions; one character wishes Hell upon another on pg 226; "screw"-2 pg 148, 252; heck-1 pg 150; devil-2 pg 159 and the last chapter references Lucifer; bull--but the thought isn't finished pg 178; crap-3 pg 138, 232Violence: man hits his head and there's blood; man throws darts at girl; a family's daughter falls through ice and dies in front of her mother; several characters try to murder others; fist fights; man shot in the shoulder; man lets another man drown; woman says to shoot a man in his groin; man shoots another man twice but doesn't seem to die; character cracks another character's skull; character cuts himself to test a theory; demonic furniture attempts to murder a girl; man attempts to murder a child; man stabs character but no blood is mentioned; girl slices a possessed body but there is no blood; man is shot; girl is shot; several deaths and torture scenesDrugs: woman has a cigarette lighter to offer smokers but doesn't seem to smoker herself; allusion to BudweiserNudity: man takes off his shirt to show off his muscles to a womanOther: a character calls another character the devil, which might be accurate; characters are atheists or previous Catholics; character struggles with hate for her spouse; characters are called demons; man says God just takes money from the poor; demons possess a house and people; demonstrations of satanic influences throughout the entire book; there's not much Good vs Evil until near the end372 pages; Ages 15+

[Jessica Kopchik · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I had a hard time with this book, it wasnt playing properly, it kept repeating chapters and replaying parts, or not saying what chapter it was in the beginning, so it said the chapter number was chapter 8, but then the next chapter would start off saying it was chapter 8 too, then the next chapter wouldn't say what number it was, it would just repeat again, so the chapter numbers and what you were listening to didn't line up at ALL, it was totally messed up, you couldnt find where you were supposed to be in the book, I ended up giving up and deleting it. I was interested in the story, but it wasn't working properly. I'd give it a negative star if I could. I got to chapter 12, i think, but it said I was at chapter 33.

[Anteau Family · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I finished it because I felt I couldn't review it unless I finished it, but this was far below the high standards set by both Perretti and Dekkar in other books. Nothing in the way of character development. Way too much rehashing and rehashing the same thing over and over. Like how a high school student tries to fill out a word count requirement. I would not be surprised if I learned this had been ghost written. Watch the movie. It will be over faster.

[Becca · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was amazing. It portrayed perfectly what it’s like to fight your own self, your past, your deepest secrets, your mistakes etc. It showed that you are your own BIGGEST enemy and the devil KNOWS how to get to you. It has a great collective message about seeking, finding and turning to God, the light, and taking/using that light to diminish the devil, the darkness. God will always give you the strength to overcome your own self AND the darkness that tries to overtake your life. If we look to God and place our confidence and trust in him, he will protect us and help us battle the darkness. The very end of the story where Stephanie was shooing those figures from the attic window, was a perfect analogy to us calling on and using the name of the Lord to rebuke the devil. The Bible tells us that when we call on HIS name, the devil MUST flee. This book was amazing and also shows that our hope IS in God, not ourselves or anything thing else this world has to offer, but our hope is in HIM. I can’t wait to listen to it again! I recommend this to anyone!

[Chris · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

soo bad but not the worst
started really good but finished bad.

[Donna Larson Christian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is a bit....strange. Again very well written, but a LOT of running around in it.

[Della Crownover · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic allegory! Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker are fantastic writers. I know when I pick up a book by either that I will be in for a good read.

[Irene Jeanette Boyce · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Boring and senseless a waste of time. Couldn't recommend it .

[Bill Yeary · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I made it through the first 12 chapter. It’s written as if told by a scoutmaster to a city scout troop on their first camping trip to the wilderness. I can’t imagine it being anything but painful to see anyone over 12 years of age.

[Tori Tramel · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I just couldn't take the narrators voices. That coupled with the fact that the book kept skipping backwards (or repeating sections) made it so I couldn't keep up with the actual story. I gave up after 20 chapters.

[Kars · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Nothong that I am used to by these christian writers. The book is a pure horror movie, with a little light at the end. There is no difference from wordly writers. The book installs more fear than hope and life.

[amy · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Unless you’re specially looking for Christian fiction/horror, skip this book. ?

[jguidry-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book was okay, but not super spectacular. The middle of the story dragged on way too long. The authors added too many details trying to build too many plot twists. This story would have benefited by keeping it simple.

[slmr4242 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I try to read outside of my usual lines. This one had far too many caricatures, rather than characters. Disappointing.

[reemsf-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The only way out is in!

I've always been into horror but this is my first with regard to Christian Horror. I didn't even know that this was a sub genre that existed and yet, here I am!

Who knew that the perfect scene out of the horror movie you just watch would be the start of a killer's game? A bit cliched, almost like the shower scene in almost every horror. Driving down the road as night begins to fall and of course things just don't feel right. Some how things are contrived to have two couples end up at what looks like a bed and breakfast from the outside. Walk in and everything is perfect, hot food on the table, ice cold drinks on the sideboard. Just wonderful but is it really?

Soon the two couples find themselves being tested, around every corner a new personal fear that they must face. All throughout the story there is a lone child. She brings with her a sense of peace that is both unnerving and calming at the same time.

At no point did I actually feel a connection to any of the characters. I can't say that there was any one person that I really wanted to succeed, I didn't grow fond of anyone. I did expect more from this story and I was left rather disappointed.

Maybe next time!

[agrimscythe · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

House takes place in the backwoods of Alabama, down a dirt road where only inbreds are really known to reside. When Jack and Stephanie, en route to a marriage counseling session in order to save their failing marriage, take a wrong turn, they quickly find themselves victims of sabotage. Abandoning their care, they walk to the nearest place, an old, rustic inn, where they encounter Randy and Leslie. The four of them soon find themselves caught up in a tale of horror that is best compared to a B-rated horror movie.

I really, really wanted to love this book. It’s no secret that I have a fondness for psychological thrillers and the supernatural, but I was actually hoping for something a bit more on the realistic side of the spectrum. Without going into too much detail, I will admit that the resolution for this story probably could have been reached without adding elements of the paranormal. Of course, House is marketed as a supernatural thriller, so its tendency toward the fantastic is expected, even if it does lean a bit on the side of ridiculous.

This book is yet another title with largely flawed and unlovable characters – the sort that are stereotypical for this genre. It’s very easy to imagine characters like Jack, Stephanie, Randy, and Leslie in a movie like Saw because they are, ultimately, a cookie cutter image of horror movie victims. There simply wasn’t much in the way of originality at all.

One of the reasons I absolutely love haunted house/hotel stories is because I like to see the story that has been woven to explain why the locale plays host to the dead. What information we’re given about the house that our quartet encounter is vague. As a result, upon the conclusion of the story, there’s still a few questions left hanging in the air.

At best, this book was meh. As I stated previously, its tale plays out more like a cheesy horror flick than anything truly thrilling. I listened to the audiobook version, and for that reason alone I almost dropped it. The book is narrated by Kevin King, and as a listener with a voice fetish for lack of better words, I found his voice to be extremely grating. I’m glad the audiobook is over and for those who are sensitive to the way certain narrators sound, I recommend simply picking up the book or checking it out at your local library.

[veeshee-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I wish I had never given this novel a chance. I don't even know how I managed to finish it. There was so much wrong with the story that I don't even know where to start. The characters were terribly developed and played a stereotypical role. There was the hot-headed man, and the rational man, and two women who were meant to act like complete idiots, with no shred of independence. I think what bothered me the most was how the women were depicted in this novel. The authors used one character's "psyche" and showed that underneath it all "[she] was a whore". That enraged me to no end. Why does she have to be portrayed in that way? Is that all a woman is meant to be in a horror story? And how dare you use psychology in that way? So, every rational and logical woman who works in the field of psychiatry actually has sexual issues and is a depraved whore on the inside?! Oh, and the other woman is the one who has to take the heat for a failed marriage and a family tragedy? And on top of it, she needs to be completely useless?! To make matters worse, the story kept going around in circles, and there was the sudden introduction of another character, who I actually liked and I wish she had had more to her character. And then this story becomes all about sin and goodness and the battle between darkness and light. And now it is suddenly a Christian story. Now, I had not known that the authors write Christian fiction, and to be quite honest, I don't necessarily care because I will read anything and everything and have no bias towards it. But seriously?! It just took an already ridiculous story to a whole new level of crazy. And not in a good way. I could go on and on about every single thing that I disliked about this novel, but I don't want to waste any more time or energy on it. Just ... don't read it. Seriously. Don't read it.

[carmenmilligan · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

***SPOILERS***

Entertaining and fast read of yet another "game" in a creepy house with strangers brought together under suspicious circumstances.

The difference with this one is that it's Christian fiction, which gives it a bit of a different flavor and none of the gore, sex, or language that you'd find in a Clive Barker, Joe Hill, or Stephen King book.

With an interesting twist that the horrors in the house are of the guests' own making, with sin directly from their own souls, this delivers frights of the supernatural kind. Angels? Check. Demons? Check. Good vs Evil? Check.

However, it wouldn't be Christian fiction without a salvation message. Of course, in the course of the game, two players see their need for Jesus and it ends well for them. The others? Not so much. What happens to the house? Well, I guess you'll have to read it to find out.

It's a very quick and easy read. It probably won't change your life, but it's a recommended read for Halloween month.

[dom76-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Was very boring, not worth the read

[buttonholed · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This story is a haunted house that represents the evil of each person's heart without having Christ. The book starts off with Jack and Stephanie are on their way seeking some marriage counseling in Alabama. On the way, Jack is almost rear-ended by a state-boy and he eventually pulls them over. Jack stops and the officer races past them. WTH? They drive on and Stephanie convinces Jack they are lost. Jack sees the lights of a police car ahead and stops to ask for directions. It's the same cop who almost rear-ended them earlier. Officer Lawdale, asks Jack to step out of the car and walk to the back of the car. He uses his billy club to point out a brake light on their car that isn't working. As they talk about the light officer Lawdale tells Jack the road ahead is under repair but how kind is he to point out a shortcut through the backwoods. Mmm. He warns the two that if they have car trouble they should stay in their car until he comes back through in the morning on his way home. Stephanie doesn't like the idea, but, Jack takes the detour. Men, right?
Jack and Stephanie travel on this back road for quite some time and the only sign they have seen is one for a hotel called the Wayside Inn. Just after Jack suggests they stay there the night, their car hits a spike strip and all 4 tires are slashed. They walk to the Inn where they find another couple who have had the same problem.
Soon the lights go out in the house and the two couples meet the owners of the Inn who are pretty damn rude. They all eventually sit down for dinner and the food starts to rot in front of their eyes. Stephanie gets up to run from the house and is stopped by a man with a shotgun who chases her back in and locks the two couples and the "owners" of the Inn in the house. He throws an old soup cap down the chimney that outlines the rules of a game that he decides to play with them. He makes them go against each other by seeking one dead body in exchange for the freedom of the others. You've gotta read this and see if Officer Lawdale...or.... ~ Evilicious.

[mirandalg14 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

2.75 stars:
A fun horror with some interesting twists.

[laella-9 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

So, this was an enjoyable read. I found it to be...I don't know, maybe outlandish? The ending was disappointing.

[whitewavedarling · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A thrill ride of a book, Dekker and Peretti's House gains momentum quickly, and then doesn't slow down for more than three hundred pages. This might, though, be the biggest problem with the novel--action, horror, violence, and conflict are so incredibly constant in the work that there's never a chance to savor any suspense or horror. Instead, the pace is kept frantic, ever moving forward--it's no exaggeration to say that I was using so much attention and energy to keep up with the plot that I never really had time to feel any fear or worry, or to get that creeping sensation you find when a horror novel really takes hold of your own reality. Am I complaining that the book moved too quickly to really keep me up at night? Yes, a little.

On the upside, the characters here are frighteningly believable, and the authors' descriptions are as brutal as they are visual, making this book one heck of a thrill ride. It may well be that they simply tried to fit too much in, though, because this book does have a little bit of everything, and tying it all together in the end felt something like a stretch, even for a horror novel.

All in all, it was a bit messy and chaotic, and it didn't give me the chills I associate with my favorite horror novels, but it was a great piece of entertainment, and more than enough to make me curious about these authors' individual efforts.