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LARP: The Battle For Verona
Sometimes even a geek can become a hero.
Dennis and his friends have been LARPing (Live Action Role Playing) since high school. Now, in his 20s, Dennis is seriously considering giving up LARPing for good. He’s tired of dealing with his overzealous friend Mark; he’s tired of his older brother Brad’s constant put-downs; and he’s tired of the fact that he doesn’t have a girlfriend. Check that. Not a girlfriend, but the girlfriend.Alyssa—the one woman he’s been pining over for years.
Dennis and his fellow LARPers have never been considered cool, in their small island community of Verona, located off the coast of Washington State.
But all of that is about to change . . .
While Dennis and his friends are attending a big LARP tournament on the mainland, a rogue terrorist group of Mongolians in medieval garb, led by an American madman, invade Verona and take its citizens hostage—including their families and friends.
When the LARPers find out what’s happening in their home-town, they do what any dedicated LARPer would do: they put on their armor, strap on their swords, and fight their way home—LARP-style!
Dennis and his friends have been LARPing (Live Action Role Playing) since high school. Now, in his 20s, Dennis is seriously considering giving up LARPing for good. He’s tired of dealing with his overzealous friend Mark; he’s tired of his older brother Brad’s constant put-downs; and he’s tired of the fact that he doesn’t have a girlfriend. Check that. Not a girlfriend, but the girlfriend.Alyssa—the one woman he’s been pining over for years.
Dennis and his fellow LARPers have never been considered cool, in their small island community of Verona, located off the coast of Washington State.
But all of that is about to change . . .
While Dennis and his friends are attending a big LARP tournament on the mainland, a rogue terrorist group of Mongolians in medieval garb, led by an American madman, invade Verona and take its citizens hostage—including their families and friends.
When the LARPers find out what’s happening in their home-town, they do what any dedicated LARPer would do: they put on their armor, strap on their swords, and fight their way home—LARP-style!
- GenresFantasy
204 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2012
2 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Justin Calderone
5 books6 followersJustin Calderone started creating books when he was old enough to hold a pencil and crayons. He pursued writing professionally after reading Jack Kerouac’s Desolation Angels. His first book, the poetry novel Revolutions, was published by Lachesis Publishing Inc. in 2004.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 7, 2013
“I think we act the way we see ourselves, whether our reality is true or not, […]”
I have some very good things to say about LARP and some not so much, but drawing the line, pluses are much more.
First of all, I want to point that I had a great pleasure to find, from the first pages, figures of speech. Rarely in new books and I say it is pity.
The novel gives life lessons and I would have liked more if those were the result of events and not only offered directly. But they are important enough to overlook that. The book is about what you have to do and what you have to decide, what you want to do, what people expect you to do, what you think you should do.
“Every day, these people had to live by society’s rules. They had to act a certain way, dress a certain way, and, oftentimes, couldn’t talk freely about their hobby because most people either didn’t understand it, or thought it was ridiculous.”
It is about how adolescent friendships evolve as time goes by, how it changes you and how your evolution changes the relationship and how you’ll should react.
“Mark was always looking backward, and, lately, Dennis was always looking forward, with Freddy stuck in the middle.”
Everything is so well constructed that you have the impression that you're in the middle of the action, in the first line. The author always manages to make the reader feel what the characters live: frustration, desires, regrets, concern and fear for those are trapped, battle rage, passion.
I liked it both, the "motivational speech" of the Governor and how the LARPers, each with different skills and trades and even inappropriate for the purpose, decide to be part of Mark’s plan along with Dennis, Fred and Jen, though they had no real reason to do so. But people can surprise you sometimes.
“The sun ricocheted off of each piece of faux metal, duct tape, and fiberglass, giving the LARPers an otherworldly glow. The flags from each kingdom proudly waved, welcoming their fellow warriors.”
And there is a touch of color of some well-placed humor.
“Every time I talk to you, I lose a few points off my IQ,”
Of the few negative aspects I would remember just the bit facile way in which everything is resolved. At one point I thought that the opportunity for the characters to "find" themselves is doomed to be lost. In the ending, the author recovers the situation and only the villain’s motivation remains somehow in the air.
Despite I think that the ending is a bit unlikely (in respect to Dennis life, which has no merit here whatsoever) and that I would have liked him to find someone else to be with, I cannot say that I didn’t read it with pleasure.
Perhaps my enjoyment came also from the fact that many times the author's views are mine too.
I have some very good things to say about LARP and some not so much, but drawing the line, pluses are much more.
First of all, I want to point that I had a great pleasure to find, from the first pages, figures of speech. Rarely in new books and I say it is pity.
The novel gives life lessons and I would have liked more if those were the result of events and not only offered directly. But they are important enough to overlook that. The book is about what you have to do and what you have to decide, what you want to do, what people expect you to do, what you think you should do.
“Every day, these people had to live by society’s rules. They had to act a certain way, dress a certain way, and, oftentimes, couldn’t talk freely about their hobby because most people either didn’t understand it, or thought it was ridiculous.”
It is about how adolescent friendships evolve as time goes by, how it changes you and how your evolution changes the relationship and how you’ll should react.
“Mark was always looking backward, and, lately, Dennis was always looking forward, with Freddy stuck in the middle.”
Everything is so well constructed that you have the impression that you're in the middle of the action, in the first line. The author always manages to make the reader feel what the characters live: frustration, desires, regrets, concern and fear for those are trapped, battle rage, passion.
I liked it both, the "motivational speech" of the Governor and how the LARPers, each with different skills and trades and even inappropriate for the purpose, decide to be part of Mark’s plan along with Dennis, Fred and Jen, though they had no real reason to do so. But people can surprise you sometimes.
“The sun ricocheted off of each piece of faux metal, duct tape, and fiberglass, giving the LARPers an otherworldly glow. The flags from each kingdom proudly waved, welcoming their fellow warriors.”
And there is a touch of color of some well-placed humor.
“Every time I talk to you, I lose a few points off my IQ,”
Of the few negative aspects I would remember just the bit facile way in which everything is resolved. At one point I thought that the opportunity for the characters to "find" themselves is doomed to be lost. In the ending, the author recovers the situation and only the villain’s motivation remains somehow in the air.
Despite I think that the ending is a bit unlikely (in respect to Dennis life, which has no merit here whatsoever) and that I would have liked him to find someone else to be with, I cannot say that I didn’t read it with pleasure.
Perhaps my enjoyment came also from the fact that many times the author's views are mine too.
May 3, 2015
Larp: The Battle For Verona is utterly ridiculous. :-) A small island off the coast of Washington State is occupied by an invading horde of medieval Mongols...riiighhhtt. Then a group of local Live Action Role Players ride in to save the day, not the US military, militia, or even the freakin' Boy Scouts, but LARPers....Ooookaaay. But all of that is written on the back of the book, so you know going in exactly what you are going to get. This is the type of book you pick up because of the absurdity of the story, not in spite of it.
For me the whole point is being able to abandon myself to the unpredictable nature of the characters who find themselves in a completely unforeseeable circumstance. LARP doesn't let you down in this regard. Dennis, Freddy, Mark, and Jen a good fun. As semi-professional twenty-somethings they each embody their time. Dennis is stuck. He can't seem to find meaning in his mundane life. Freddy is struggling with an ethnic identity. Mark hasn't quite managed to grow up and Jen is determined to find respect as a ferocious woman (as opposed to a pretty lady, or worse, Daddy's Little Girl). These are characters you recognise from life. You see them day in and day out. Watching them each overcome their own uniquely modern problems has a certain gratifying feeling to it, as does seeing them concur the external problem.
I did find that the book repeated itself a lot and this got a little tiresome. It also felt like everything wrapped up a little too well. I'm all for a happy ending, but it all became so hunky-dory that it felt a bit like a veneer. This was only a small irritant on an otherwise really enjoyable read however.
For me the whole point is being able to abandon myself to the unpredictable nature of the characters who find themselves in a completely unforeseeable circumstance. LARP doesn't let you down in this regard. Dennis, Freddy, Mark, and Jen a good fun. As semi-professional twenty-somethings they each embody their time. Dennis is stuck. He can't seem to find meaning in his mundane life. Freddy is struggling with an ethnic identity. Mark hasn't quite managed to grow up and Jen is determined to find respect as a ferocious woman (as opposed to a pretty lady, or worse, Daddy's Little Girl). These are characters you recognise from life. You see them day in and day out. Watching them each overcome their own uniquely modern problems has a certain gratifying feeling to it, as does seeing them concur the external problem.
I did find that the book repeated itself a lot and this got a little tiresome. It also felt like everything wrapped up a little too well. I'm all for a happy ending, but it all became so hunky-dory that it felt a bit like a veneer. This was only a small irritant on an otherwise really enjoyable read however.
January 9, 2015
This is a story about some average, if slightly nerdy, guys who go LARPing regularly. I.e., dressing up, wielding fake swords and chasing each other about like madmen. There's dissension in the group and one member is about to quit -- when they suddenly find out that their hometown, which is on an isolated island, has been attacked by Mongols.
The U.S. Army is helpless, as modern weaponry means that, while they could free the island, they'd end up flattening it if they tried. However, the Mongol army is low-tech, without guns. The LARPers volunteer to take back their island.
The author's descriptions of their hometown, Verona, are lavishly detailed, and the main characters are alive and real with both faults and virtues. Aside from some cringeworthy moments when I wanted to kill Mark, the geekiest of the lot, the story flowed well.
The battles were entirely too easy and the conclusion of the story too pat, but it was a heartwarming moment nonetheless.
I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The U.S. Army is helpless, as modern weaponry means that, while they could free the island, they'd end up flattening it if they tried. However, the Mongol army is low-tech, without guns. The LARPers volunteer to take back their island.
The author's descriptions of their hometown, Verona, are lavishly detailed, and the main characters are alive and real with both faults and virtues. Aside from some cringeworthy moments when I wanted to kill Mark, the geekiest of the lot, the story flowed well.
The battles were entirely too easy and the conclusion of the story too pat, but it was a heartwarming moment nonetheless.
I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2013
Larp: The Battle for Verona was a really interesting read for me. It might be because I am a nerd and I used to LARP (live action role play for those who don't know) in the World of Darkness and I'm an avid fan and player of Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder, and pretty much any other system that I can play in. So to me nothing could be better then donning armor and going to save the world! Okay in this case it's an island but your home is always your world, at least in my world it is so there.
The story begins with Dennis reminiscing about his character Sir Dengar as he struggles to think about how his life would have been different had he not started to play LARP. His brother was a popular football player and Dennis was following in his footsteps until during a gym class he befriended Mark and Freddy, the resident nerds. They introduced him to LARP and ten years later he was still playing. Dennis feels that he should be more grown up now and focus on his job at the bank and he wonders if he missed out on the chance for love because of his affection for the game. He is also troubled by his friend Mark's personality when he plays because of his controlling and egocentric personality.
The boys head off to their yearly convention on the Washington main land away from their beloved island of Verona. Meeting up with the friend Jenn who works at the museum in near by Seattle. Unfortunately the weekend quickly goes bad for Dennis when Mark puts himself in a bad situation and Dennis ends up "dying" because of Mark's foolhardiness. Dennis leaves the convention in a huff and head back home until he is stopped at the bridge to Verona. Turned away by the military he becomes intrigued and pulling around to the back of a local store Dennis uses binoculars to spy across the water. He is disturbed to see flames and smoke and blackness as all the electricity has been turned off.
Dennis returns to the convention and gathers his friends together to discuss what he has seen. Jen gets a hold of her father who happens to be a general in the US Army. A plan is soon formulated that involves both the military and all of the larpers as it seems like the people who have attacked the island are Mongolian's who have forsaken the modern world.
I really liked reading this book. The characters are well rounded and have great depth. It's well written with great humour and the action seems to move along at a good pace. The main bad guy could have been a little more thought out and have more background but otherwise really good. The Mongolians were great sympathetic bad guys. I loved the conflict with Dennis and his friends as they try and re counsel what they feel are teenage hobbies with their adult responsibilities.
You can find this great book at Amazon both .com and .ca, it's a steal for under 4 bucks if you buy the e version. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!!
The story begins with Dennis reminiscing about his character Sir Dengar as he struggles to think about how his life would have been different had he not started to play LARP. His brother was a popular football player and Dennis was following in his footsteps until during a gym class he befriended Mark and Freddy, the resident nerds. They introduced him to LARP and ten years later he was still playing. Dennis feels that he should be more grown up now and focus on his job at the bank and he wonders if he missed out on the chance for love because of his affection for the game. He is also troubled by his friend Mark's personality when he plays because of his controlling and egocentric personality.
The boys head off to their yearly convention on the Washington main land away from their beloved island of Verona. Meeting up with the friend Jenn who works at the museum in near by Seattle. Unfortunately the weekend quickly goes bad for Dennis when Mark puts himself in a bad situation and Dennis ends up "dying" because of Mark's foolhardiness. Dennis leaves the convention in a huff and head back home until he is stopped at the bridge to Verona. Turned away by the military he becomes intrigued and pulling around to the back of a local store Dennis uses binoculars to spy across the water. He is disturbed to see flames and smoke and blackness as all the electricity has been turned off.
Dennis returns to the convention and gathers his friends together to discuss what he has seen. Jen gets a hold of her father who happens to be a general in the US Army. A plan is soon formulated that involves both the military and all of the larpers as it seems like the people who have attacked the island are Mongolian's who have forsaken the modern world.
I really liked reading this book. The characters are well rounded and have great depth. It's well written with great humour and the action seems to move along at a good pace. The main bad guy could have been a little more thought out and have more background but otherwise really good. The Mongolians were great sympathetic bad guys. I loved the conflict with Dennis and his friends as they try and re counsel what they feel are teenage hobbies with their adult responsibilities.
You can find this great book at Amazon both .com and .ca, it's a steal for under 4 bucks if you buy the e version. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2013
I received a free copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really thought that a book about LARP geeks defending their homes using their awesome larping skills and know-how was going to be my cup of tea. All those years of being teased for my inability to let go of my obsession with role-playing primed me for this book. And the main character's concerns were ones I could easily understand. He was worried about wasting his life, about being less than he could be, about not "growing up" - worried that this fascination with LARPing was in some way holding him back. His friends I could understand too. There was the rules lawyer who found worth in defending the game to the letter no matter whose feelings were hurt, and there was the peacemaker, who needed the game because that was where he felt connected to his friends. Of course there were other stereotypes, like the jock who mocks the game, and the hot girl that the nerd pines after, but believes (falsely or not) that his gaming obsession keeps them apart.
And then there was going to be the vindication when the characters have to battle - truly battle - for their homes and friends.
But the story didn't work for me, as much as I enjoyed the self-satisfaction and gratification that I got from it, being a gamer. And make no mistake - that's what this book was /really/ about. This was about lauding the game and making those who didn't play look foolish or washed up or helpless. Or making them want to play, because suddenly LARPing saves the world.
I guess a few years ago I might have enjoyed that plot more. But now, it felt very all or nothing. As though people shouldn't have hobbies that they enjoy and waste time on for pleasure and friendship and relaxation - that's not good enough. The MC's self-doubt and almost self-loathing, as well as his tendency to lash out at everyone, made him "feel" very immature. His learning lessons that teenagers usually learn in his 20's also didn't really help matters. It was hard to argue that he wasn't wasting his life - because he believed it, and that was wasting his life. Not to mention that he took everything to extremes, and that he felt the need to tear other's down in order to bolster his own shallow defenses.
The book was less about the "battle" for Verona and more about defending LARP and its usefulness, as well as providing a "bildungsroman" for a group of misfit LARPing adventurers and those attached to them. But the book probably would have been more successful is the "coming of age" had been accomplished via LARPing, rather than a rather strange Mongolian attack on their home island.
I finished the book, but it took me a long time. There were parts I liked, but I ultimately don't think I would recommend it or ever read it again.
I really thought that a book about LARP geeks defending their homes using their awesome larping skills and know-how was going to be my cup of tea. All those years of being teased for my inability to let go of my obsession with role-playing primed me for this book. And the main character's concerns were ones I could easily understand. He was worried about wasting his life, about being less than he could be, about not "growing up" - worried that this fascination with LARPing was in some way holding him back. His friends I could understand too. There was the rules lawyer who found worth in defending the game to the letter no matter whose feelings were hurt, and there was the peacemaker, who needed the game because that was where he felt connected to his friends. Of course there were other stereotypes, like the jock who mocks the game, and the hot girl that the nerd pines after, but believes (falsely or not) that his gaming obsession keeps them apart.
And then there was going to be the vindication when the characters have to battle - truly battle - for their homes and friends.
But the story didn't work for me, as much as I enjoyed the self-satisfaction and gratification that I got from it, being a gamer. And make no mistake - that's what this book was /really/ about. This was about lauding the game and making those who didn't play look foolish or washed up or helpless. Or making them want to play, because suddenly LARPing saves the world.
I guess a few years ago I might have enjoyed that plot more. But now, it felt very all or nothing. As though people shouldn't have hobbies that they enjoy and waste time on for pleasure and friendship and relaxation - that's not good enough. The MC's self-doubt and almost self-loathing, as well as his tendency to lash out at everyone, made him "feel" very immature. His learning lessons that teenagers usually learn in his 20's also didn't really help matters. It was hard to argue that he wasn't wasting his life - because he believed it, and that was wasting his life. Not to mention that he took everything to extremes, and that he felt the need to tear other's down in order to bolster his own shallow defenses.
The book was less about the "battle" for Verona and more about defending LARP and its usefulness, as well as providing a "bildungsroman" for a group of misfit LARPing adventurers and those attached to them. But the book probably would have been more successful is the "coming of age" had been accomplished via LARPing, rather than a rather strange Mongolian attack on their home island.
I finished the book, but it took me a long time. There were parts I liked, but I ultimately don't think I would recommend it or ever read it again.
May 14, 2013
I was immediately hooked on the premise of this story. A bunch of LARP geeks fighting for family and island-dom? Yes, please. It sounded like an awesomely fun romp.
The execution, however, was not as great as I’d have hoped. I found the story to be very draggy and difficult to get into. It could have done with another round or two of editing, I believe. The exposition is handled pretty heavy handed, and some of the facts about the characters are repeated more times than necessary.
It begins with a false start where the mighty warrior gazes out over his enemies, only to get knocked back to reality, in which he is a twenty something guy realizing that he may not get everything he wanted out of life. Dennis has achieved a certain measure of success in life: he has a degree to his name, a good job, a car, nice place to live, etc. But that’s not enough, because he lacks the two things that will make live worth living: a girl, and his brother’s respect.
Dennis is a member of the local LARP team, along with his two best friends, Fred who is constantly stuck in the middle, and Mark who drives everyone insane because he is just such an annoying power gamer. They have been friends since high school when Dennis stopped hiding behind his older brother’s big man on campus reputation and saved Mark and Fred from a couple of bullies. They then introduced him to the wonders of LARPing. Now, all fully grown, they are still LARPing regularly, but Dennis has not been feeling the love for the last couple of years. The reason for that? Mark being kind of a tool.
As you may expect, during the LARP battle, Mark behaves like we’ve been told he will (i.e. a tool) and gets himself and Dennis’ character killed. Cue Dennis jumping in his car and flouncing out in a fit of temper, vowing to never LARP again. At which point I lost a lot of respect for Dennis as a character. He is a grown man, for goodness’ sake. Did it not occur to him at any point to confront Mark and point out what a bonehead he is? Sure, Mark is the Game Master, but did none of the other players ever decide to step up and take the reigns from him? In what universe do you continue to game with a guy who embarrasses you and himself and makes life unbearable for everyone around? Was there absolutely no one willing to stand up for themselves? And you want me to believe these are the kind of people who will defeat a Mongolian horde? Eish, no.
I’ll admit, I stopped reading at this point. Perhaps the story gets better, perhaps the latter half would have knocked my socks off, but truthfully, these characters were just not people I wanted to spend any more time with.
The execution, however, was not as great as I’d have hoped. I found the story to be very draggy and difficult to get into. It could have done with another round or two of editing, I believe. The exposition is handled pretty heavy handed, and some of the facts about the characters are repeated more times than necessary.
It begins with a false start where the mighty warrior gazes out over his enemies, only to get knocked back to reality, in which he is a twenty something guy realizing that he may not get everything he wanted out of life. Dennis has achieved a certain measure of success in life: he has a degree to his name, a good job, a car, nice place to live, etc. But that’s not enough, because he lacks the two things that will make live worth living: a girl, and his brother’s respect.
Dennis is a member of the local LARP team, along with his two best friends, Fred who is constantly stuck in the middle, and Mark who drives everyone insane because he is just such an annoying power gamer. They have been friends since high school when Dennis stopped hiding behind his older brother’s big man on campus reputation and saved Mark and Fred from a couple of bullies. They then introduced him to the wonders of LARPing. Now, all fully grown, they are still LARPing regularly, but Dennis has not been feeling the love for the last couple of years. The reason for that? Mark being kind of a tool.
As you may expect, during the LARP battle, Mark behaves like we’ve been told he will (i.e. a tool) and gets himself and Dennis’ character killed. Cue Dennis jumping in his car and flouncing out in a fit of temper, vowing to never LARP again. At which point I lost a lot of respect for Dennis as a character. He is a grown man, for goodness’ sake. Did it not occur to him at any point to confront Mark and point out what a bonehead he is? Sure, Mark is the Game Master, but did none of the other players ever decide to step up and take the reigns from him? In what universe do you continue to game with a guy who embarrasses you and himself and makes life unbearable for everyone around? Was there absolutely no one willing to stand up for themselves? And you want me to believe these are the kind of people who will defeat a Mongolian horde? Eish, no.
I’ll admit, I stopped reading at this point. Perhaps the story gets better, perhaps the latter half would have knocked my socks off, but truthfully, these characters were just not people I wanted to spend any more time with.
January 26, 2013
LARP: THE BATTLE FOR VERONA.
By Justin Calderone.
Dennis is a larper and he’s been a larper ever since he stood up for two of the unpopular kids at school. That decision sealed Dennis’ fate as one of the losers and lost him the protection and status having a football star brother had gained him. Dennis is still friends with those same two kids, still larping and still being mocked by his brother and everyone like him. And it’s not fair. He’s a professional success, intelligent and there’s far more to him than larping.
Dennis has reached a point where he feels trapped. Trapped by the life he is leading and trapped by the decision he made all those years ago. What ifs plague him. What if he had not saved them from the bullies? What if he had not taken up larping? What if he had listened to his brother? Perhaps the life he is living is not the one he is supposed to be living. And with that, Dennis decides that this weekend’s larping tournament will be his last. Unfortunately when crisis hits his hometown it looks as though Dennis won’t be able to turn away from larping just yet.
The book begins very much with Dennis in focus, but the roaming point of view that is used throughout is occasionally confusing, as it switches frequently mid-chapter and mid-scene. In fact there is a section in the latter part of the book where one of Dennis’ friends becomes the main focus of the story, and that means Dennis, who has been the hero of the story up to this point, takes a back seat for a considerable period, which feels slightly out of kilter with the rest of the narrative.
What is interesting is that when the main crisis of the story begins, Dennis and his friends are not immediately plunged into the centre of events, which makes for a refreshing angle on the ‘save the world’ adventure story. Much of the book is unpredictable which also works in its favour.
This is definitely a feel good book for all those who were mocked and called a nerd during their younger years. LARP fans will be thrilled at the level of detail and realism that Calderone captures. This is the kind of story where it is necessary to suspend belief and just go with it, but if you do you will find yourself enjoying a light-hearted and fun read. Pure escapism.
Elloise Hopkins.
By Justin Calderone.
Dennis is a larper and he’s been a larper ever since he stood up for two of the unpopular kids at school. That decision sealed Dennis’ fate as one of the losers and lost him the protection and status having a football star brother had gained him. Dennis is still friends with those same two kids, still larping and still being mocked by his brother and everyone like him. And it’s not fair. He’s a professional success, intelligent and there’s far more to him than larping.
Dennis has reached a point where he feels trapped. Trapped by the life he is leading and trapped by the decision he made all those years ago. What ifs plague him. What if he had not saved them from the bullies? What if he had not taken up larping? What if he had listened to his brother? Perhaps the life he is living is not the one he is supposed to be living. And with that, Dennis decides that this weekend’s larping tournament will be his last. Unfortunately when crisis hits his hometown it looks as though Dennis won’t be able to turn away from larping just yet.
The book begins very much with Dennis in focus, but the roaming point of view that is used throughout is occasionally confusing, as it switches frequently mid-chapter and mid-scene. In fact there is a section in the latter part of the book where one of Dennis’ friends becomes the main focus of the story, and that means Dennis, who has been the hero of the story up to this point, takes a back seat for a considerable period, which feels slightly out of kilter with the rest of the narrative.
What is interesting is that when the main crisis of the story begins, Dennis and his friends are not immediately plunged into the centre of events, which makes for a refreshing angle on the ‘save the world’ adventure story. Much of the book is unpredictable which also works in its favour.
This is definitely a feel good book for all those who were mocked and called a nerd during their younger years. LARP fans will be thrilled at the level of detail and realism that Calderone captures. This is the kind of story where it is necessary to suspend belief and just go with it, but if you do you will find yourself enjoying a light-hearted and fun read. Pure escapism.
Elloise Hopkins.
February 14, 2013
Even tho Dennis has been LARPing (Live Action Role Playing) since high school he is ready for a change. He is tired of not having a real life, being picked on by his brother and tired of the way his friend Mark acts at these events. He agrees to one more weekend LARP adventure before he quits. However after Mark makes him mad he decides to head home early. When he gets there he finds he can't go home because rogue terrorist group of Mongolians in medieval garb and tools have took over his island home. The army can't help them and it will take Dennis and the LARP groups to help save them. They with their medieval tools and years of combat play may be the only thing to save these people.
Even tho this isn't the normal type of book I would read I enjoyed it. I had no clue about LARP or anything about it. The author does a wonderful job describing it and writing it in such a way you understand it and really get into it yourself. You see Dennis and his friends aren't losers and they are really tough when it counts. While the plot doesn't seem believable it is still good. Very original and written in such a way you get involve with helping Dennis and them save their family and friends. I liked some of the characters like Dennis and some of his friends a few like Mark I wished harm on I have to say. He really got on my nerves but I could see real people who act like him so he was a good character in that way. This story is a good one for people looking for something different something new to read.Lots of action and some personal struggle that just makes Dennis grow as a person.
Even tho this isn't the normal type of book I would read I enjoyed it. I had no clue about LARP or anything about it. The author does a wonderful job describing it and writing it in such a way you understand it and really get into it yourself. You see Dennis and his friends aren't losers and they are really tough when it counts. While the plot doesn't seem believable it is still good. Very original and written in such a way you get involve with helping Dennis and them save their family and friends. I liked some of the characters like Dennis and some of his friends a few like Mark I wished harm on I have to say. He really got on my nerves but I could see real people who act like him so he was a good character in that way. This story is a good one for people looking for something different something new to read.Lots of action and some personal struggle that just makes Dennis grow as a person.
January 22, 2013
LARP: The Battle for Verona is a Live Action Role Player's fantasy. The first third is focused on the politics of LARPing. Then, our LARPers meet an unexpected challenge. Their town, set on an island off the coast of Washington State is invaded by Mongolians. The US Army doesn't know how to fight these primitive warriors, but the LARPers are prepared. They have been battling medieval style every weekend for the last 10 years, and are excited to try out their moves for real.
Did I mention that this is a fantasy? That's worth repeating. If you are looking for a story based in reality, this is probably not the book for you. However, if you can let go, and give the LARPers a chance, it is a fun, quick read. Also, it is worth mentioning that while this book is intended for adults, it would be appropriate for high school and even middle school students who are strong readers, as it doesn't really have much violence, and there is no sexual content or strong language that I can recall. In this book, the nerds finish first, even though it took them until they had been out of high school for 10 years to win. That might be just the message that a teenager who is having a rough time in school needs to hear.
To continue reading this review, click here: http://sonotarunner.blogspot.com/2013...
Did I mention that this is a fantasy? That's worth repeating. If you are looking for a story based in reality, this is probably not the book for you. However, if you can let go, and give the LARPers a chance, it is a fun, quick read. Also, it is worth mentioning that while this book is intended for adults, it would be appropriate for high school and even middle school students who are strong readers, as it doesn't really have much violence, and there is no sexual content or strong language that I can recall. In this book, the nerds finish first, even though it took them until they had been out of high school for 10 years to win. That might be just the message that a teenager who is having a rough time in school needs to hear.
To continue reading this review, click here: http://sonotarunner.blogspot.com/2013...
February 18, 2015
This review is of the epub version, from the Library Thing Early Release list.
LARP: The Battle for Verona is a modern day adventure story. A group of young adults spend weekends enacting "battles" (choreographed and planned encounters) for "kingdoms" (groups of people) using fiberglass and foam armor, swords, and weapons -- the intent is to live the combat, with only points and not wounds to decide the winner.
Four friends in LARP travel to a regional event, and return home to their island community off the coast of Washington State to find their island occupied by invading Mongols -- backed by North Korea. The Mongols intend to return the island to a level of technology and lifestyle of the Middle Ages -- with only LARP forces to oppose them.
I mostly enjoyed reading the book, at least after the off-putting first 20 pages, but the shallow treatment of characters, the social and military inaccuracies (role and actions of US Army, construction of community, hit-or-miss randomness of Mongol actions, boats and other resources magically appearing, etc.) were annoying and distracting.
LARP: The Battle for Verona is a modern day adventure story. A group of young adults spend weekends enacting "battles" (choreographed and planned encounters) for "kingdoms" (groups of people) using fiberglass and foam armor, swords, and weapons -- the intent is to live the combat, with only points and not wounds to decide the winner.
Four friends in LARP travel to a regional event, and return home to their island community off the coast of Washington State to find their island occupied by invading Mongols -- backed by North Korea. The Mongols intend to return the island to a level of technology and lifestyle of the Middle Ages -- with only LARP forces to oppose them.
I mostly enjoyed reading the book, at least after the off-putting first 20 pages, but the shallow treatment of characters, the social and military inaccuracies (role and actions of US Army, construction of community, hit-or-miss randomness of Mongol actions, boats and other resources magically appearing, etc.) were annoying and distracting.
March 6, 2015
Short summary: LARPers, adults more or less ridiculed by the rest of society, have to rescue a small town in the United States invaded by, of all things, Mongols, as they are the only ones sort of trained in medieval battle tactics.
An interesting plot, a fast paced little story, likeable characters, all in all a nice book which I enjoyed reading. Sometimes I found it too fast paced, i.e. some more depth to the storyline would have helped making the plot less improbable, and sometimes the narration style was a tiny bit childish. Unless of course, I have missed that this was supposed to be a sort of fairytale for children?
What did really annoy me was that in the kindle version I read, some paragraphs seem to have been missing, which not only interrupted the storyline, but made me wonder if I had missed some essential part of the plot.
However, although I think the book could have been longer to give more depth to characters and developments, all in all the style, the plot and the storyline were interesting and never boring.
I quite liked it.
An interesting plot, a fast paced little story, likeable characters, all in all a nice book which I enjoyed reading. Sometimes I found it too fast paced, i.e. some more depth to the storyline would have helped making the plot less improbable, and sometimes the narration style was a tiny bit childish. Unless of course, I have missed that this was supposed to be a sort of fairytale for children?
What did really annoy me was that in the kindle version I read, some paragraphs seem to have been missing, which not only interrupted the storyline, but made me wonder if I had missed some essential part of the plot.
However, although I think the book could have been longer to give more depth to characters and developments, all in all the style, the plot and the storyline were interesting and never boring.
I quite liked it.
April 4, 2014
Pretty cool
Pretty cool
This is a well written tale. It's fun enjoyable and moves at a good pace. Now here comes the but. You kind of have to turn your brain off to fully enjoy it. A LOT of the events that occur during the book would never happen in real life. If an invasion of this nature, and by a force such as the one in the story it would be dealt with swiftly by U.S. troops. Now that being said I still liked the book. If I wanted everything realistic I wouldn't be reading fiction. I read fiction because it's fun and entertaining which is exactly what this story is. So give it a shot, don't think too hard, and enjoy the ride.
Pretty cool
This is a well written tale. It's fun enjoyable and moves at a good pace. Now here comes the but. You kind of have to turn your brain off to fully enjoy it. A LOT of the events that occur during the book would never happen in real life. If an invasion of this nature, and by a force such as the one in the story it would be dealt with swiftly by U.S. troops. Now that being said I still liked the book. If I wanted everything realistic I wouldn't be reading fiction. I read fiction because it's fun and entertaining which is exactly what this story is. So give it a shot, don't think too hard, and enjoy the ride.
March 23, 2015
This book knocks it out of the park
LARPers everywhere finally have some heroes to look up to in the realm of fiction. For years Live Action Role Players have emulated the heroes from books and movies, but in this book the LARPers themselves are the heroes. When the unthinkable happens and the small Washington island of Verona is invaded, four of the worlds most unlikely heroes rise from the ranks of LARPers to lead the fight for their homes.
LARPers everywhere finally have some heroes to look up to in the realm of fiction. For years Live Action Role Players have emulated the heroes from books and movies, but in this book the LARPers themselves are the heroes. When the unthinkable happens and the small Washington island of Verona is invaded, four of the worlds most unlikely heroes rise from the ranks of LARPers to lead the fight for their homes.
March 11, 2013
I was given a free ecopy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Okay, I've tried to get into this book. I even read a bit more to see if I could get into it, but I couldn't =( The world building wasn't good. Grown ups that act like 8 year olds anyone? It just didn't feel believable.
Maybe it was just me, but I just couldn't get past the world building.
Okay, I've tried to get into this book. I even read a bit more to see if I could get into it, but I couldn't =( The world building wasn't good. Grown ups that act like 8 year olds anyone? It just didn't feel believable.
Maybe it was just me, but I just couldn't get past the world building.
March 19, 2013
Reviewing: blog tour
September 12, 2016
Very entraining and moves along well
January 30, 2016
I loved the subject matter in this book! It was so awesome to read about LARPing and the mad skills those people have.
Read
June 5, 2016Ok
This was an ok book. I got it during a promo, and while I liked seeing all the Pittsburgh references, the story was just ok.
This was an ok book. I got it during a promo, and while I liked seeing all the Pittsburgh references, the story was just ok.
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