Welcome to the conference from hell!
What horrors hide behind the promise of greatness?
SURVIVING THE SUMMIT CONFERENCE plunges readers into a world where ambition, vanity, and terror collide inside the walls of the mysterious Beburoa Hotel.
What begins as a prestigious corporate gathering quickly unravels into a labyrinth of horrors. Attendees arrive chasing success, recognition, or escape, but soon discover that once inside, no one ever leaves.
Beneath patterned carpets and sterile décor lies something far darker: spectral figures that whisper half-truths, a black abyss waiting beyond shattered windows, and a creeping dread that no amount of confidence or charisma can silence.
This is not merely a haunted hotel story. It is a psychological descent into obsession, insecurity, and the monstrous force, both human and supernatural, that feed on them. Balancing razor-sharp dark humor with moments of shocking violence, Jon Kaczka’s debut grips from the first page and doesn’t let go until its nightmarish finale.
Perfect for fans of horror thrillers laced with satire, SURVIVING THE SUMMIT CONFERENCE skewers the world of business buzz word junkies, influencers, and corporate power-seekers while immersing readers in relentless dread.
Step inside the darkness. The conference has begun.
Reviews
Goodreads Reviews for Surviving the Summit Conference
“A killer premise blending horror, mystery, and career-advice satire makes Kaczka’s debut stand out. Kaczka’s vicious blend of suspense, bloodshed, and parody is inspired and original, as he lampoons influencer culture, racism, boomers, buzzword-afflicted corpo-culturists, and more. Some jolts of horror are both funny and inventive, like the revelation of the contents of the rules book given to conference goers. The satire is heavy-handed but likely to amuse readers wary of management happy-talk, especially as the presentations spin increasingly out of control in flashy, funny ways. There’s a lot to digest here, but readers who appreciate unbridled mockery of self-proclaimed ‘management masterminds’ will be entertained.”
– Booklife Reviews
Readers’ Favorite Reviews for Surviving the Summit Conference
“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.”
– Essien Asian, Readers’ Favorite Reviews
“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.”
– Christian Sia, Readers’ Favorite Reviews
“Author Jon Kaczka’s chilling narrative is packed to the brim with psychological horror and intense suspense, but the graphic nature of the tale is well-balanced so audiences are never too overwhelmed to continue reading until the next horrific twist. His vivid, unsettling scenes and deep exploration of fear and survival highlight this skillful storytelling style, leaving readers to ponder the chilling fate of certain characters as we shift focus to others, weaving back and forth in different psychological and emotional journeys. Fear is such a common human experience, and this novel sets itself apart from others in the horror genre by homing in on physical fears, spiritual fears, and emotional triggers in diverse ways to hit the theme from every possible angle. Kaczka’s ability to craft a gripping, horrifying atmosphere and create morally complex characters caught in the center of it all offers a chillingly relatable read that is sure to leave you in a cold sweat. Overall, Surviving the Summit Conference is a provocative and engaging book with loads to offer horror fans, and I highly recommend it.”
K.C. Finn, Readers’ Favorite Reviews
“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.”
– Jamie Michele, Readers’ Favorite Reviews
“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.”
– Romuald Dzemo, Readers’ Favorite Reviews