In Jon Kaczka's Surviving The Summit Conference, Lew Starek is desperately looking for a job while struggling to come to terms with the arrival of baby Anika into his and his wife's lives. He has no realistic options until he receives a special invitation from the Summit Conference, a mysterious organization that promises him a change in fortune after participating in their event. Tempted by their seductive offer, curiosity gets the better of him as Lew, Hannah, a struggling mother with a sick child, and Damien, Frank, and Bob, a trio of unscrupulous social media influencers, embark on a quest to the Beburoa Hotel where desperation meets opportunity and everything you dream of can be yours for the right price, according to its mysterious chief executive, Abigor.

Jon Kaczka blends skillfully crafted origin stories with readily recognizable motivations to create distinctive characters. Hannah's failings as a mother will resonate with drama genre readers. Simultaneously, Damien's excesses will pique readers' curiosity about whether he fulfills his dream. As the story unfolds, the banter shifts from subdued and humorous to downright unsettling, all thanks to Abigor's crafty way of getting what he wants from his guests. The slow tempo fits in perfectly with the enigmatic quality of Kaczka's storytelling as he deftly inserts perplexing scenarios between scenes that immerse readers in the mystery behind the horror. The remarkable level of detail in Surviving The Summit Conference makes it stand out. Vivid otherworldly beings engage with the protagonists in ways that leave no room for misinterpretation, resulting in an unparalleled adventure that captivates you.

In Surviving the Summit Conference by Jon Kaczka, five people desperate for success in the corporate world find themselves at a conference designed to help them achieve success. A pseudo-televangelist, mountain climber, and stoner are among the attendees. An Asian-American single mom wants nothing but to make a name for herself in the corporate world, while an unemployed dad hopes the conference can help him get ahead. But Abigor, the conference chairman, has other plans for these people, and keeping them in a never-ending conference is just the beginning. The characters attending the conference begin to face their biggest fears and struggle for survival when Abigor starts killing the participants. Who can survive what comes next at the Beburoa Hotel?

This chilling tale has everything readers want in a page-turning horror — the chills, the fear, the anticipation of something horrible. You are never sure what will happen next, and the characters quickly begin feeling conditioned by their fears. The characters are fully drawn, and the author intelligently explores reality vs appearances, especially when crafting Abigor. Outwardly, he seems convincing, but his good-natured attitude and confidence are a veneer that hides his monstrous aims. The setting feels like a character in its own right, a place that quickly haunts the characters. Jon Kaczka’s descriptive prose and well-crafted dialogue augment this novel's entertainment factor. The characters are believable, ordinary people with common problems and challenges. Yet, not everyone is what they seem. Surprises are plentiful in this captivating horror tale, and while the chilling moments abound, readers can’t stop looking forward to what happens next. Surviving the Summit Conference is a perfect read for horror fans.

Surviving the Summit Conference by Jon Kaczka is a paranormal horror story that follows the perspectives of multiple characters who arrive at the Beburoa Hotel for the titular 2019 conference. Some are there by design, some by accident, and a few by choice, although that changes pretty rapidly. According to the most likable character with severe imposter syndrome, Lew, most conference applicants aren't accepted. In any event, it becomes clear that not all is as it should be very quickly and continues throughout. People are walking around dressed—and armed—for different eras, things dropped out of the windows never thud, nobody can communicate with anyone outside, flying down a trash shoot just gets you back to your room, and the showrunner, Abigor, knows everything about everyone. He also has a deal to make with two options, neither of which involve an exit from the hotel.

“Chin up. The worst is over. You’re about to reap the rewards of last night’s torture.” Surviving the Summit Conference by Jon Kaczka was just so much fun to read. One of the things I enjoyed is that no time is wasted getting us, through the characters, into the hotel, and as a result, the story kicks off from the first page. I prefer not to waste time and appreciate that Kaczka doesn't either. The characters are all extremely well developed and because we are provided with their thoughts, as well as dialogue, the connective tissue between the reader and characters builds organically. Very little else in the story is organic, but that's unrelated. The most likable character is Lew, who is basically the Tom Hanks of the story so you cannot possibly NOT like him. The most hilarious moment is a toss-up between Bob and Frank. Bob is nuts and Frank is someone I am desperate to adopt, just so I can teach him to say, “Farrrr out duuuude....” Hanna is the wild card and I adore how unpredictable her arc is. This isn't a book for the easily offended or serious, but for the rest of us, it's an absolute gem. A diamond among zombie turds. Very highly recommended.

Surviving the Summit Conference by Jon Kaczka is an unsettling thriller that explores the dark underbelly of corporate ambition and the horrors that can unfold when desperation and greed take over. The story follows five unlikely individuals who attend the Summit Conference, a seemingly prestigious event that promises to unlock the secrets of success and wealth. A fake televangelist, a rock climber, an underestimated stoner, an Asian-American single mom trying to make a name for herself in the corporate world, and an unemployed dad seeking to turn his life around find themselves at the conference. However, the participants soon discover that the conference is a trap designed by the enigmatic Abigor, Chairman of the Summit Conference, to manipulate and exploit them. Things turn sinister when Abigor starts killing the attendees. Can they escape the Beburoa Hotel, or will they become victims of the demonic conference Chairman?

Jon Kaczka creates diverse and relatable characters, each with unique struggles and dreams. The author infuses the writing with the element of fear that characterizes well-crafted horror narratives. Abigor’s determination to keep the conference attendants hostage is the driving force that propels the narrative forward. Surviving the Summit Conference features stellar storytelling that blends psychological horror, suspense, and thriller elements to create a truly unputdownable read. The setting of the Beburoa Hotel is eerie and foreboding, perfectly capturing the sense of unease and dread that permeates the entire story. The author creates unforgettable characters, examining the cutthroat nature of corporate culture and what people will do to achieve success. The author's portrayal of Abigor's manipulation and exploitation is chilling and thought-provoking, highlighting the darker side of human ambition. This is a perfect horror tale with relatable characters and a setting that grabs readers.