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The Game is Life #2
Digital Heretic
Millions on Earth are shaken by the events set in motion by Zack's final play...
Billions on Tygon watch breathlessly as the consequences of his actions ripple through both worlds.
Will his girlfriend, still inside the Game, step forward to lead the movement that he created?
Billions of lives are in jeopardy of being lost...based on the decisions made by children inside the Game.
Billions on Tygon watch breathlessly as the consequences of his actions ripple through both worlds.
Will his girlfriend, still inside the Game, step forward to lead the movement that he created?
Billions of lives are in jeopardy of being lost...based on the decisions made by children inside the Game.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2013
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1508 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
January 9, 2015
At the end of the first book in this series, The Game, I thought to myself, 'Wait a minute, this is a game within a game, isn't it?'. And sure enough, with this book, that's what it is.
Our hero, Trew dies at the end of the first book. Well, he was mostly dead, anyway. His body was only kept alive by machines. But, guess what happens in this book? Go ahead, guess. Do you think he's really dead? Or does he just wake up suddenly, as if by miracle?
You guessed it! He's alive and well. Yippie! Who the fuck cares? Jesus tapdancing christ. If you're gonna kill someone, fucking kill them, goddamnit. I fucking swear, everyone who 'dies' in this fucking book ends up just coming back, refreshed and spry as ever.
Anyway, this book is about the ever-growing conspiracy, about who can manipulate The Game. Because, there's this prophecy, or something, that when Danni dies, The Game will end. If that happens, then all the players around the world will drop dead. Really dead. Not this bullshit come-back-to-life dead, I mean real-life dead.
Okay, fine. So, pull all the players out of the goddamn game, already. What's the fucking problem? Just shut down the game, before Danni can die. Pull her out, along with everyone else. End of conflict.
But, I guess that's just too goddamn easy. Instead, most of this book is about an evil programmer who ended up becoming The Game's Lucifer. And he's systematically killing off players. Oh noes. Big fucking deal. If they die in the game, they just wake up in real life. So, why should I shed one fucking tear? It's not real death, it's not even real conflict. it's just fake make-believe computer-generated conflict.
Fuck that shit. Give me some real goddamn conflict, for fuck's sake. Give me something to actually care about. Not just this fucking intrigue, where this might be a game within a game. Or maybe there's not a game at all. Maybe there really is a God, and he's controlling the whole goddamn planet. Who the fuck knows?
This book just gave me too many questions, without enough answers. And it left on a motherfucking cliffhanger. Goddamn cocksucking authors and their fucking series. I get it, it's your job to drag us along, so we want to read the next one.
But, fuck you man. At least give me a stand-alone story, that's compelling enough in and of itself, that I actually want to read the next one. Don't just write a 300 page fucking preview of the series for fuck's sake. Because that's what this book is, in the end. Just a motherfucking preview.
Our hero, Trew dies at the end of the first book. Well, he was mostly dead, anyway. His body was only kept alive by machines. But, guess what happens in this book? Go ahead, guess. Do you think he's really dead? Or does he just wake up suddenly, as if by miracle?
You guessed it! He's alive and well. Yippie! Who the fuck cares? Jesus tapdancing christ. If you're gonna kill someone, fucking kill them, goddamnit. I fucking swear, everyone who 'dies' in this fucking book ends up just coming back, refreshed and spry as ever.
Anyway, this book is about the ever-growing conspiracy, about who can manipulate The Game. Because, there's this prophecy, or something, that when Danni dies, The Game will end. If that happens, then all the players around the world will drop dead. Really dead. Not this bullshit come-back-to-life dead, I mean real-life dead.
Okay, fine. So, pull all the players out of the goddamn game, already. What's the fucking problem? Just shut down the game, before Danni can die. Pull her out, along with everyone else. End of conflict.
But, I guess that's just too goddamn easy. Instead, most of this book is about an evil programmer who ended up becoming The Game's Lucifer. And he's systematically killing off players. Oh noes. Big fucking deal. If they die in the game, they just wake up in real life. So, why should I shed one fucking tear? It's not real death, it's not even real conflict. it's just fake make-believe computer-generated conflict.
Fuck that shit. Give me some real goddamn conflict, for fuck's sake. Give me something to actually care about. Not just this fucking intrigue, where this might be a game within a game. Or maybe there's not a game at all. Maybe there really is a God, and he's controlling the whole goddamn planet. Who the fuck knows?
This book just gave me too many questions, without enough answers. And it left on a motherfucking cliffhanger. Goddamn cocksucking authors and their fucking series. I get it, it's your job to drag us along, so we want to read the next one.
But, fuck you man. At least give me a stand-alone story, that's compelling enough in and of itself, that I actually want to read the next one. Don't just write a 300 page fucking preview of the series for fuck's sake. Because that's what this book is, in the end. Just a motherfucking preview.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2016
I'm pissed off at this book. I want to buy the next one just so I can understand WTF is going on. Not because it is a great story (it may be), but because the author has intentionally hidden so many things from the reader to get them to buy more books. I think I am taking a break from this series for now.
March 8, 2013
Picking right up after the ending of the first book in the series, the story continues to follow the plight of the players.
Many of the original players are still in the game, and there are a few new characters who add both amazing lessons and devastating challenges to their play.
I found this book to have many of the same elements as the first in the series.
I admit that the first part of the story was difficult to adjust to due to the change of players and this secondary darker element. If you too find yourself struggling with the changes, I encourage you to hang in there past the 35 percent mark as the story will get back on track once the newer elements have been added in properly.
I am continuing to recommend this series to all readers, especially those who enjoy the dystopian, young adult, metaphysical, and action adventure genres.
Many of the original players are still in the game, and there are a few new characters who add both amazing lessons and devastating challenges to their play.
I found this book to have many of the same elements as the first in the series.
I admit that the first part of the story was difficult to adjust to due to the change of players and this secondary darker element. If you too find yourself struggling with the changes, I encourage you to hang in there past the 35 percent mark as the story will get back on track once the newer elements have been added in properly.
I am continuing to recommend this series to all readers, especially those who enjoy the dystopian, young adult, metaphysical, and action adventure genres.
January 16, 2022
Notes:
Currently on Audible Plus
*Unless very bored, not moving onto book #3.
Despite good narration, the story is sinking into the sea. Plot took a more Matrix style approach with less of the fun suspense and action.
Currently on Audible Plus
*Unless very bored, not moving onto book #3.
Despite good narration, the story is sinking into the sea. Plot took a more Matrix style approach with less of the fun suspense and action.
March 26, 2014
Well the first book of the series was amazing. This is better! I was worried that this would maybe lose what had appealed to me so much in the first book ... But I was so wrong. It was so good that I couldn't put it down (literally, I read it in one day).
The story picks up right were it left off, fast paced and exciting. It turns out this world that terry introduced us to has much more to offer that I first thought (and when I say 'this world', I mean it in many ways which I think most readers will understand).
What Terry has achieved with this story fascinates me! I am completely and utterly enthralled into this series, and I can't wait to read the next! And what is even better is that I have no idea what to expect anymore ...
The story picks up right were it left off, fast paced and exciting. It turns out this world that terry introduced us to has much more to offer that I first thought (and when I say 'this world', I mean it in many ways which I think most readers will understand).
What Terry has achieved with this story fascinates me! I am completely and utterly enthralled into this series, and I can't wait to read the next! And what is even better is that I have no idea what to expect anymore ...
July 17, 2018
Great stories, just not for me.
I really wish I could get into this story. I just can't seem to connect with the characters. Honestly, I would rather be debugging code.
I really wish I could get into this story. I just can't seem to connect with the characters. Honestly, I would rather be debugging code.
November 4, 2024
**Too much happening at once...**
My thoughts are jumbled after reading this thing. I'm definitely still VERY into it, but...this entry had me feeling some kind of way about its rather messy presentation and it left me rather exhausted, if I'm being honest. This quote from the book explained things pretty well:
For some crazy reason, the author seemed VERY intent on bringing multiple subplots on board simultaneously. Each of these subplots were then competing for attention like nobody's business, bringing along with them too many new questions with very little answers while also throwing the main established story off-kilter. Now, I understand keeping things hidden for discovery in future entries. Normally I even endorse that. But in no way does that mean too much of the opposite is a good idea either. You can't just throw a bunch of storylines into the pot all at once, because then it just serves to confuse and detach the reader. Too many events of even the main storyline were left either incomplete, unanswered, ignored, or heck, even forgotten about. For example, one character suffered a distinct wound on their torso, only to be happy later on in the story that the wound on their arm healed nicely. Um. Arm? Since when?
This story was, sorry to say, just all over the place. The overall structure was shaky. The pacing was erratic. Continuity was splintered, sometimes into nonexistence. Too often I'd forget whose POV I was, as the chapters all have micro chapters that aren't necessarily the same POV from the beginning of the chapter. Too often, things just didn't mesh well together. So much of the main nucleus of the story was forced to happen in the background, including crucial events that should have stayed intact to better solidify character development. But because of everything happening at once, everything also had to be trimmed down. Moments just didn't have the impact that I felt they SHOULD have had. There was a lot more telling than showing, and that is a big pet peeve of mine. I can't stand being "left out" of the stories I read.
Despite my grumblings that resulted in me reluctantly dropping my rating from 4 to 3 stars, I'm still incredibly intrigued by the underlying premise anyway, which is why I intend to keep going. I still wanna know what happens and what direction it goes and am still craving answers. I guess in that sense, the author still did his job, albeit sloppily, to keep me invested. Still, I sincerely hope it regains its footing on sturdier ground in future entries because I don't want this state of scratching my head in confusion to be a thing of permanence.
Wanna know my commentary? Click here
My thoughts are jumbled after reading this thing. I'm definitely still VERY into it, but...this entry had me feeling some kind of way about its rather messy presentation and it left me rather exhausted, if I'm being honest. This quote from the book explained things pretty well:
"...how come every time I get one answer, three new questions seem to appear?”
For some crazy reason, the author seemed VERY intent on bringing multiple subplots on board simultaneously. Each of these subplots were then competing for attention like nobody's business, bringing along with them too many new questions with very little answers while also throwing the main established story off-kilter. Now, I understand keeping things hidden for discovery in future entries. Normally I even endorse that. But in no way does that mean too much of the opposite is a good idea either. You can't just throw a bunch of storylines into the pot all at once, because then it just serves to confuse and detach the reader. Too many events of even the main storyline were left either incomplete, unanswered, ignored, or heck, even forgotten about. For example, one character suffered a distinct wound on their torso, only to be happy later on in the story that the wound on their arm healed nicely. Um. Arm? Since when?
This story was, sorry to say, just all over the place. The overall structure was shaky. The pacing was erratic. Continuity was splintered, sometimes into nonexistence. Too often I'd forget whose POV I was, as the chapters all have micro chapters that aren't necessarily the same POV from the beginning of the chapter. Too often, things just didn't mesh well together. So much of the main nucleus of the story was forced to happen in the background, including crucial events that should have stayed intact to better solidify character development. But because of everything happening at once, everything also had to be trimmed down. Moments just didn't have the impact that I felt they SHOULD have had. There was a lot more telling than showing, and that is a big pet peeve of mine. I can't stand being "left out" of the stories I read.
Despite my grumblings that resulted in me reluctantly dropping my rating from 4 to 3 stars, I'm still incredibly intrigued by the underlying premise anyway, which is why I intend to keep going. I still wanna know what happens and what direction it goes and am still craving answers. I guess in that sense, the author still did his job, albeit sloppily, to keep me invested. Still, I sincerely hope it regains its footing on sturdier ground in future entries because I don't want this state of scratching my head in confusion to be a thing of permanence.
Wanna know my commentary? Click here
February 1, 2015
hmmmm.... Although the book still evolved at a good pace, and asked more questions as the plot was revealed, which obviously keeps us interested until the end, i can't help but to feel robbed.
Could this not have been longer? I'm hooked after the first novel, and will continue reading until the end, but I i just feel i've been taken advantage of. If you consider the price you end up paying for the entire series you expect more. My main gripe is that the formatting for the Kindle version was absolutely appalling. I couldn't go 5 pages before encounter a paragraph or page break in the middle of a sentence. This was exceptionally frustrating and really spoiled the experience. This type of issue is really unnecessary. To actually have to pay for such a poor offering is robbery. If I could demand a refund I would.
Surely you don't even require an editor to resolve this, just read the first 10 pages of your novel and you would know how badly formatted it is.
Enough of a rant. The story is still interesting, and i still want to know how its going to end. Hopefully the next book is not so disappointing.
Could this not have been longer? I'm hooked after the first novel, and will continue reading until the end, but I i just feel i've been taken advantage of. If you consider the price you end up paying for the entire series you expect more. My main gripe is that the formatting for the Kindle version was absolutely appalling. I couldn't go 5 pages before encounter a paragraph or page break in the middle of a sentence. This was exceptionally frustrating and really spoiled the experience. This type of issue is really unnecessary. To actually have to pay for such a poor offering is robbery. If I could demand a refund I would.
Surely you don't even require an editor to resolve this, just read the first 10 pages of your novel and you would know how badly formatted it is.
Enough of a rant. The story is still interesting, and i still want to know how its going to end. Hopefully the next book is not so disappointing.
July 31, 2017
When I fly in my dreams, I just think "up" to make it happen. Somehow, I'm never clued in that it's a dream because it seems like something I've always known how to do. Once Melissa realizes that Earth is just a computer simulation, she teaches herself to fly and is ready to teach others. Soonafter, a watcher back on Tygon realizes that the laws on Earth mirror the laws on Tygon and teaches himself to fly. Does that mean that Tygon is a computer simulation as well?
I think the reason I wasn't as impressed with the second book of the series as the first is that it seems to more strongly advocate the idea that reality can be shaped by our words and how strongly we believe we can do things. I have no problem with the idea of working hard to get what you want and the idea of consequences following natural and logical laws, but I do have a problem with the magical thinking philosophy of life. Of course, in this series it's a matter of taking advantage of available computer programming to do out-of-the-ordinary things, but it hints that alternative medicine and spiritual practices in the real world have more validity than logic would suggest.
The scenes with Shane and his captives reminded me of the television series The OA, but this book predates that series, so it cannot have been inspired by it.
I'm not sure if I want to go forward with reading this series or not. I'm curious about whether or not Earth is a game within a game within a game within a game and whether Trew is being set up to be a Christ figure. It seems like most readers who went beyond the first book of the series stuck with it through at least Book #4, but I'm still on the fence.
I think the reason I wasn't as impressed with the second book of the series as the first is that it seems to more strongly advocate the idea that reality can be shaped by our words and how strongly we believe we can do things. I have no problem with the idea of working hard to get what you want and the idea of consequences following natural and logical laws, but I do have a problem with the magical thinking philosophy of life. Of course, in this series it's a matter of taking advantage of available computer programming to do out-of-the-ordinary things, but it hints that alternative medicine and spiritual practices in the real world have more validity than logic would suggest.
The scenes with Shane and his captives reminded me of the television series The OA, but this book predates that series, so it cannot have been inspired by it.
I'm not sure if I want to go forward with reading this series or not. I'm curious about whether or not Earth is a game within a game within a game within a game and whether Trew is being set up to be a Christ figure. It seems like most readers who went beyond the first book of the series stuck with it through at least Book #4, but I'm still on the fence.
October 4, 2019
terry please stop trying to kill trew and danni and let them be happy...
July 10, 2017
Biggest complaint I have is the typos, they could have easily been found by one more read through. On to the next in the series.
March 12, 2021
Where the first book was almost entirely made up of exposition, the second book does a much better job of having characters actually interact with the world. I decided not to bother with the third book however, because of the problems I still have with the background of the series in general, on top of a narrative choice that annoys me, and another one that I extremely disagree with.
The issues I have with the background starts with the author continuing to simply refuse to address the problem of the game running at an extremely accelerated time rate, but somehow people outside of it are able to follow it in real time. There's also virtually no mention of how bad things are in the world pressure the game. The only description given after two books is that it's "bad." There is no exploration of the world that's left behind; of the ones who failed.
For narrative issues, I'm annoyed that the author refuses to actually kill anyone. A mass murder on the streets in the game? That's okay. They all come back to life outside of it and are perfectly stable individuals. How does that not give people nightmares? PTSD? How are we supposed to care about a person's struggles if it's all meaningless. The one legit scary item in the game is rendered ineffective because "miracles."
That issue I can live with at least, but a narrative decision that completely turned me off from the book was making smart characters take monumentally stupid decisions. I won't spoil the book, so let's take a real world scenario: you're a relatively famous YouTube personality. You have a hundred million subscribers. Someone comes along and issues a life changing amount of money for your head on a platter. Do you A.) Go into hiding and make a detailed protection plan with security specialists or B.) Keep your normal routines, and go to a random stranger's house because he looked cute and invited you over after meeting you in the store? The author decided that his character should choose the equivalent of B when up until this point they had enough of a head on their shoulders to choose A. Maybe I could overlook it once, but when this sort of decision was made a second time, I had to quit. I absolutely cannot stand for plot progression because someone made a boneheaded decision completely at odds with their personality up to that point.
The issues I have with the background starts with the author continuing to simply refuse to address the problem of the game running at an extremely accelerated time rate, but somehow people outside of it are able to follow it in real time. There's also virtually no mention of how bad things are in the world pressure the game. The only description given after two books is that it's "bad." There is no exploration of the world that's left behind; of the ones who failed.
For narrative issues, I'm annoyed that the author refuses to actually kill anyone. A mass murder on the streets in the game? That's okay. They all come back to life outside of it and are perfectly stable individuals. How does that not give people nightmares? PTSD? How are we supposed to care about a person's struggles if it's all meaningless. The one legit scary item in the game is rendered ineffective because "miracles."
That issue I can live with at least, but a narrative decision that completely turned me off from the book was making smart characters take monumentally stupid decisions. I won't spoil the book, so let's take a real world scenario: you're a relatively famous YouTube personality. You have a hundred million subscribers. Someone comes along and issues a life changing amount of money for your head on a platter. Do you A.) Go into hiding and make a detailed protection plan with security specialists or B.) Keep your normal routines, and go to a random stranger's house because he looked cute and invited you over after meeting you in the store? The author decided that his character should choose the equivalent of B when up until this point they had enough of a head on their shoulders to choose A. Maybe I could overlook it once, but when this sort of decision was made a second time, I had to quit. I absolutely cannot stand for plot progression because someone made a boneheaded decision completely at odds with their personality up to that point.
November 1, 2018
Deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole
Spoiler – Was a time when I could read a book in a series, and after many months and many books, I often find myself trying to figure stuff out when starting the next book in the series, because I don’t have clear recall of all of the first book. Comes with being 68 and counting.
I stuck with The Game (first in this series) long enough for it to hook me. With Digital Heretic, I struggled for quite a few chapters, before things clicked for me. I wish Terry Schott would do a Glossary to help readers to a smoother ride.
However, it was a very good ride, anyway. Somewhat in the vein of Tron, Inception, and Ready Player One, it takes one into deeper and deeper layers of virtual reality, where you can lose track of in which “reality” the action is taking place. Many memorable characters, clever moves and counter-moves, and a kind of religious theme which I found intriguing, but which readers with a bias towards conventional Christian theology are going to rant against.
If you do end up getting into Digital Heretic, the next book (Interlude – Brandon) takes you back to “how it all started”, provides some clarity to those “Glossary” entries I referred to, and wets your appetite for more much more of the varied worlds of Terry Schott.
Spoiler – Was a time when I could read a book in a series, and after many months and many books, I often find myself trying to figure stuff out when starting the next book in the series, because I don’t have clear recall of all of the first book. Comes with being 68 and counting.
I stuck with The Game (first in this series) long enough for it to hook me. With Digital Heretic, I struggled for quite a few chapters, before things clicked for me. I wish Terry Schott would do a Glossary to help readers to a smoother ride.
However, it was a very good ride, anyway. Somewhat in the vein of Tron, Inception, and Ready Player One, it takes one into deeper and deeper layers of virtual reality, where you can lose track of in which “reality” the action is taking place. Many memorable characters, clever moves and counter-moves, and a kind of religious theme which I found intriguing, but which readers with a bias towards conventional Christian theology are going to rant against.
If you do end up getting into Digital Heretic, the next book (Interlude – Brandon) takes you back to “how it all started”, provides some clarity to those “Glossary” entries I referred to, and wets your appetite for more much more of the varied worlds of Terry Schott.
October 23, 2017
More of the same...
A friend suggested that book 2 was better than the first; he was right, but only technically.
The drama and action is more enjoyable than the first, but the author still falls back to weird little tricks to advance the plot (character a doesn't trust b; b whispers something to a that we the readers don't get to hear; now a trusts b implicitly, for no reason whatsoever).
Reading these books is like watching Lost. Slightly interesting, ham fisting suspense to try and get you back next week, but no real story within.
Then the whole new age woo...really, aspartame is a "deadly poison" that prevents magic from working? Give me a break.
A friend suggested that book 2 was better than the first; he was right, but only technically.
The drama and action is more enjoyable than the first, but the author still falls back to weird little tricks to advance the plot (character a doesn't trust b; b whispers something to a that we the readers don't get to hear; now a trusts b implicitly, for no reason whatsoever).
Reading these books is like watching Lost. Slightly interesting, ham fisting suspense to try and get you back next week, but no real story within.
Then the whole new age woo...really, aspartame is a "deadly poison" that prevents magic from working? Give me a break.
April 17, 2014
Sequels
Perhaps the first book, The Game, blindsided me. Perhaps the uniqueness is gone. I found Digital Heretic engaging but not as philosophically stimulating as the first book. I didn't believe Carl's remorse, nor did I agree with Danielle's withdrawal after Trey's death. With this book the series morphed into entertainment rather than inspiration. Book one was so.good, I will still buy three in an attempt to regain the magic.
Perhaps the first book, The Game, blindsided me. Perhaps the uniqueness is gone. I found Digital Heretic engaging but not as philosophically stimulating as the first book. I didn't believe Carl's remorse, nor did I agree with Danielle's withdrawal after Trey's death. With this book the series morphed into entertainment rather than inspiration. Book one was so.good, I will still buy three in an attempt to regain the magic.
April 7, 2017
As interesting as the idea is, the author didn't do quite as good a job of presenting it as I feel he could have and as the idea itself deserved. The book is readable and mostly even enjoyable, but with all honesty, I kind of lost interest in the series due to all the little things that don't fit. A pity, as it had a lot of promise…
August 14, 2014
Way too short... Kinda feeling exploited by having to buy these books that need to be longer... But here I am... Buying... And reading! I must find out how this ends... That was another thing... This book ends right before the good stuff.
March 24, 2015
I LOVE this series, I gotta know what's happening next! Argh!
March 7, 2019
Great book overall and a nice addition to the series. As far as "cons", well, did get a bit "preachy" as far as the things to do in order to live a long, healthy, productive life. Kind of annoying outside of a self-help book. And DID take a shot at illuminating quantum theory with regards to making the seemingly impossible in our lives possible. Some of that I know to be true. However, this novel based such too much on faith it would seem as opposed to the mechanics of the universe in its TRUE form. Oh, well. That all was a minor annoyance. And did for the most part fit in with the characters and their development. Soon to start book 3... can only hope that Terry is mostly done with such discussion and stops trying to preach/teach and focuses FULLY on entertaining. He did do a fantastic job with that mind you. I am just feeling critical at the moment. One thing I must wonder at sort of is the potentiality of OUR world here on Earth being a sort of "game"... an existence we must persevere in order to get to a real world outside of this insanity, this society, this inhumanity most of us subsist in and some of us purely suffer through and don't know why. Especially when the notion of "God" and heaven/hell is purely bullshit in our minds. If anything, well, this existence we persist (for now) within is the REAL Hell. And there is no heaven so basically we're fucked!! BTW, once again for Lent I am giving up Lent. This is over 20 years in a row I've done such.
March 24, 2022
I actually made this account purely inspired by reading the reviews regarding this book. Maybe I am biased and have drank the Terry Schott kool-aid, but I am completely shocked by the disdain other readers expressed for the "new age" type thinking (ie: aspartame holding us down, bending laws of physics, etc). I FLEW through this entire series, am anxiously awaiting Flux and am so upset I can't track down a virtual or physical copy of the short story about the Timeless. I found Terry Schott's world to resonate with me on a visceral level and found no confusion in the messages he was trying to convey. I understand the layers of characters/worlds/etc may not be for the logical mind and they may have a harder time following in some ways, but for someone who is neurodivergent and constantly losing focus in general, these books completely have encapsulated me and changed my outlook on my own life in so many ways. I don't often review anything to be honest, but I feel Schott hasn't gotten the appreciation he's deserved for this series. I am shocked at what little internet presence it has (not even a subreddit!?) and I felt the NEED to review because of how deeply profound I've found this series. I also absolutely adore the inspiration from his child's dream that comes into play. The Game is Life series has forever changed me and anytime I go back to reread I find something deeper and more thought provoking!
January 15, 2020
Digital Heretic
No matter where you sit on the big roller coaster called life at this moment in time, try very hard to smile, and be glad you're on the ride."
Zack may have been ejected from the Game, but Alexandra is still in play and all of Tygon is on the edge of their seat to see what happens. Their movement, The Game is Life, has gained much ground, but Danni struggles with the aftermath of Trew's play ending early. Will she take the mantle and lead the movement, or will she hide in the shadows?
Digital Heretic really discusses the idea of wasting a life, or in this case "their play." Interviews with fans talking about how bored they are to watch players not living up to their potential in the Game, succumbing to the mundane and monotonous aspects of life. It really made me think about how I tend to get sucked into the monotony of my adult life, putting off things I want to experience for mundane things.
"Not afraid to try new things. Always ready to push the envelope. If we're all here just to experience things, then I am going to experience more than anyone ever has. "
Oh my this is getting so good!!!!! Going to start reading book 3 now, its getting exciting! as every book finishes and another starts!
No matter where you sit on the big roller coaster called life at this moment in time, try very hard to smile, and be glad you're on the ride."
Zack may have been ejected from the Game, but Alexandra is still in play and all of Tygon is on the edge of their seat to see what happens. Their movement, The Game is Life, has gained much ground, but Danni struggles with the aftermath of Trew's play ending early. Will she take the mantle and lead the movement, or will she hide in the shadows?
Digital Heretic really discusses the idea of wasting a life, or in this case "their play." Interviews with fans talking about how bored they are to watch players not living up to their potential in the Game, succumbing to the mundane and monotonous aspects of life. It really made me think about how I tend to get sucked into the monotony of my adult life, putting off things I want to experience for mundane things.
"Not afraid to try new things. Always ready to push the envelope. If we're all here just to experience things, then I am going to experience more than anyone ever has. "
Oh my this is getting so good!!!!! Going to start reading book 3 now, its getting exciting! as every book finishes and another starts!
November 13, 2017
It was interesting to try and choose shelves for this book. Is it fantasy, dystopian, conspiracy, religious, gamer, romance, young adult? Well I kind of think its all of the above and probably some more besides.
I am listening to the audiobook version - and to be honest, Luke Daniels could read the phone book to me and I would be ok with that. He certainly adds depth to this tale and to all the characters - and not having read the book as a 'hard copy' I cannot compare the experiences, but I tend to think that Luke Daniels narration makes if a 'better' experience? (apologies to all those ebook/hard copy book fans, I know this might be stepping on toes).
But anyway, narrator aside, I think the premise of these books, this series, is pretty freakin amazing. Living inside a game, virtual reality, a game within a game, intrigue, politics, religion, cults, assassinations.....there are some big themes explored in here, but not in a way that is particularly overt or challenging. I find the whole concept fascinating and am very much looking forward to hearing about Brandon's story in the next book.
I am listening to the audiobook version - and to be honest, Luke Daniels could read the phone book to me and I would be ok with that. He certainly adds depth to this tale and to all the characters - and not having read the book as a 'hard copy' I cannot compare the experiences, but I tend to think that Luke Daniels narration makes if a 'better' experience? (apologies to all those ebook/hard copy book fans, I know this might be stepping on toes).
But anyway, narrator aside, I think the premise of these books, this series, is pretty freakin amazing. Living inside a game, virtual reality, a game within a game, intrigue, politics, religion, cults, assassinations.....there are some big themes explored in here, but not in a way that is particularly overt or challenging. I find the whole concept fascinating and am very much looking forward to hearing about Brandon's story in the next book.
November 17, 2017
"Digital Heretic" is book number 2 of The Game is Life series. It follows the events immediately after the first book without a pause. If you've read it you know what has happened to Zack. So I won't spoil it directly.
Inside the game all is in turmoil and the repercussions will only little by little reveal themselves. Zack and the way he was disconnected from the game felt just wrong and so abrupt. Danielle is not playing as she should but her popularity has not diminished. This kinda helps her out as she does not assume control or command of the Gamer movement or religion. As she gets used to her status the rest of the Users in the game react to her as a martyr. But her popularity increases. Meanwhile in Tygon, "True" has finally arrived and is using his popularity to good use. He has really made a lot of strides when we find out the fate of Danielle. He feels cheated but starts to work so that her end will not be as predicted.
More revelations and the worlds of Tygon and the game are starting to blur. As Danielle and True put pressure on both sides. Giving up more is really not fair and this is a really fun book.
Highly recommended.
Inside the game all is in turmoil and the repercussions will only little by little reveal themselves. Zack and the way he was disconnected from the game felt just wrong and so abrupt. Danielle is not playing as she should but her popularity has not diminished. This kinda helps her out as she does not assume control or command of the Gamer movement or religion. As she gets used to her status the rest of the Users in the game react to her as a martyr. But her popularity increases. Meanwhile in Tygon, "True" has finally arrived and is using his popularity to good use. He has really made a lot of strides when we find out the fate of Danielle. He feels cheated but starts to work so that her end will not be as predicted.
More revelations and the worlds of Tygon and the game are starting to blur. As Danielle and True put pressure on both sides. Giving up more is really not fair and this is a really fun book.
Highly recommended.
February 22, 2024
I thought book 1 was a solid 4/5 or a tad more. This is less so and for I think obvious reasons. So, this story switches focus from both Danielle and Trew to just Danielle since she is the only one left in the Game. I feel like its a mistake not to involve Trew more in the story for any moments with him are mostly of him being confused and asking questions, not doing anything. Danielle is the main focus which is fine in the sense that her life is dependant on the continuation of the Game.
It feels like Trew and Danielle had a natural cohesion together in the story and now that is gone, that it didnt work as a focused narrative. It seems like Danielle is doing everything while Trew is in the background doing nothing in this book. This feels like a set up novel with introducing players or organizing those players into a specific position for the next book. I will say that if something doesn't happen in book 3 than I will drop the series. I was really happy with the union of Trew and Danielle, even how the first book ended. This one just didnt mesh
It feels like Trew and Danielle had a natural cohesion together in the story and now that is gone, that it didnt work as a focused narrative. It seems like Danielle is doing everything while Trew is in the background doing nothing in this book. This feels like a set up novel with introducing players or organizing those players into a specific position for the next book. I will say that if something doesn't happen in book 3 than I will drop the series. I was really happy with the union of Trew and Danielle, even how the first book ended. This one just didnt mesh
November 18, 2017
If you are a person who thinks deeply and enjoys the complex philosophies of life then this is the book for you. This is more than just a book that tells a story. The way the words flow and the plot line develops is very well thought out and makes you want to keep reading more. The thing I loved most about this book and the series is the level of thinking that it helps me accomplish. I feel as though this book makes one think of life after death and what there could possibly be. Time plays an important role in this book along with the number of lives we could have. We do not know what will or could happen after we die and this book challenges you to think about it and remember to have fun while you are living.
November 11, 2019
3.5 STARS. After coming off the first book I was extremely excited to dive into Book 2 in hopes they would follow a similar formula and just continue to develop it. Book 2 started off great but very quickly turned into a “task read”... I just wanted to finish. Book two was literally FLOODED with the introduction of so many new characters, scene jumping, and new story lines I felt like I was reading a screen play more than a novel. Like seriously, it felt like the writer was simply trying to write a movie than give the characters I loved time to develop. What felt thought provoking and deep from book one, soon felt gimmicky and repetitive here. I can’t say that I will read book 3. Maybe if I just need something to read.
September 8, 2021
Audiobook review
I jumped on this as soon as I finished book 1, which I loved.
I have a few mixed feelings about book 2. The underlying story and the questions I feel the author raises to make you think about your own personal life and existence are strong. This is one of my favorite things about this series so far.
The story is unfolding at a nice pace but there has been parts where I've begun to lose track a little and now that I've finished the book I'm struggling to fit a few pieces together. Perhaps that's the intention seeing as there are a number of books in the series to go?
I'll definitely be continuing with the series but I haven't got the same feeling of yearning as I did following book 1. But I'm invested in it now and need to see how things pan out!
I jumped on this as soon as I finished book 1, which I loved.
I have a few mixed feelings about book 2. The underlying story and the questions I feel the author raises to make you think about your own personal life and existence are strong. This is one of my favorite things about this series so far.
The story is unfolding at a nice pace but there has been parts where I've begun to lose track a little and now that I've finished the book I'm struggling to fit a few pieces together. Perhaps that's the intention seeing as there are a number of books in the series to go?
I'll definitely be continuing with the series but I haven't got the same feeling of yearning as I did following book 1. But I'm invested in it now and need to see how things pan out!
Read
May 27, 2022This book was super generic and I wouldn't say I liked it compared to the first one. It was entertaining but the twists and turns were very generic. After the first few chapters, it was pretty easy to predict the story, and it felt much slower than in the first book. I don't expect to read the next book in the series as I do not feel that the ending set up for another good read. I predict that because there are so many books in the series that it does not get better from here. I would recommend this book to people that really really loved the first one and to people who never quit a series. Otherwise this is not a good continuation of the series in my opinion and if you only kinda liked the first book this one is worse.
November 20, 2017
It is a good continuation of the series but there is far too much dialogue in order to make it over the three star mark. Also, the work contains a lot of repetition in words that causes issues.
Note, logically there are issues with the work. Timelines are difficult to follow for in the game approximately a year goes by for every day in the real world. If this is so, how do people view the game in real time? Not sure, but a wedding is announced and takes place in the game and advertised for days in the real word, so how did that happen?
A good content edit would have found this out to be a point to resolve.
Note, logically there are issues with the work. Timelines are difficult to follow for in the game approximately a year goes by for every day in the real world. If this is so, how do people view the game in real time? Not sure, but a wedding is announced and takes place in the game and advertised for days in the real word, so how did that happen?
A good content edit would have found this out to be a point to resolve.
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