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Reality Check
When a quantum supercomputer's "reality simulator" program causes temporary insanity in its beta-testers, Lee Green rolls up his sleeves and dives into a virtual world to debug the problem. Only he discovers that place is more real than anyone imagined. He finds alternate versions of his friends in that mad science reality, their lives and relationships very different from those in the "real" world. Quantum entanglements become romantic entanglements as he meets his love again in each new dimension. Lee must save these other lives, decide which destiny is truly his, and what he's willing to sacrifice to get there.
- GenresScience Fiction
240 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2013
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254 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 18, 2014
Eric Garrison’s Reality Check is a great fun read from start to end, blending hard science fiction, steampunk, and everyday geeks in a tale of parallel lives, computer animation and thrilling imagination. From the very first pages I feel like I’m back in college, hanging out with the wise in the common room, bemused on the edge of such fluid, fascinating, and fun conversations that I smile just to be nearby. And each page gets better. Still, what can I say without giving secrets away?
The virtual realities of this supercomputer’s imagination have test subjects babbling insanities. But Lee’s sure he can figure it out—even more so when he finds he really rather likes the story he’s landed in when wearing the device. Then things start to go quite excitingly and interestingly wrong.
Told in the convincing voice of a modern-day genius engineer, with fantastic dialog, stunning plot twists, great characters, perfectly natural cultural references, and... well... whatever else you want, I’m sure it’s there... this is the sort of novel you really wish wouldn't end. And then it does. And then, though the ending is delightfully, enjoyably fulfilling, you desperately hope there’s going to be a sequel because it’s really that good!
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to get a free ecopy. Really lucky. Really good book!
The virtual realities of this supercomputer’s imagination have test subjects babbling insanities. But Lee’s sure he can figure it out—even more so when he finds he really rather likes the story he’s landed in when wearing the device. Then things start to go quite excitingly and interestingly wrong.
Told in the convincing voice of a modern-day genius engineer, with fantastic dialog, stunning plot twists, great characters, perfectly natural cultural references, and... well... whatever else you want, I’m sure it’s there... this is the sort of novel you really wish wouldn't end. And then it does. And then, though the ending is delightfully, enjoyably fulfilling, you desperately hope there’s going to be a sequel because it’s really that good!
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to get a free ecopy. Really lucky. Really good book!
July 18, 2013
UPDATE: This book has been free the past two days, and it's free for a few more hours. Currently the #3 Sci Fi freebie on Amazon. What are you waiting for? DOWNLOAD IT NOW: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B...
A very fun read.
This one had a lot of twists and turns. More Sci Fi than steampunk, it still manages to be a bit of both.
Summary: Lee Green is a university research guy monkeying around with virtual reality. When a test subject has a weird reaction to a game simulation run by a quantum computer (called QT), Lee puts on the device and soon finds himself in a simulated steampunk "game" so real he feels like he's truly in danger--flying rocket planes, riding a zombie cyborg bird, even being seduced by the wife of a sky pirate! He's thoroughly enjoying the experience despite the risk, and is just relishing the last of his time online before his preset timer runs out...
Only instead of coming back to reality, he jumps to another reality--this time on a moon colony being attacked by spacebots. This is where the action really picks up. Not only is the world-building (moon-building?) by the author very descriptive, but the action feels more organic in the moon unit sections of the book than anywhere else. This is truly the heart of the book, and the complications Lee encounters as his moon counterpart Leah are literally astronomical.
About mid-way through the book, I thought the end was in sight, but then the plot twisted again. And again. And again. By the time it was finished, I was pretty satisfied. All-in-all it was a highly addictive read and I would recommend it to anyone in the mood for a page-turner. This is pure adventure! Enjoy it!
Likes:
I love the triad dynamic between the main character, his love interest, and his best friend. Even in the middle of life-threatening the action, these three manage to be mix drama & level-headed pragmatics as they make their many, many ways through the labyrinth of worlds their souls touch. The interactions felt legit considering they are scientists and very closely attached in each of the three (and a half) worlds their souls populate.
The humor had me laughing aloud. There was a moment when Lee quoted Captain Jean-Luc Picard in a reality where Star Trek : The Next Generation had never aired, and it was very believable. I'm pretty sure I'd have done the same thing in that situation.
The characterization was very good, all around. None of the characters felt like they did anything "weird" or too predictable, but at the same time, the kids acted like real kids, the scientists were scientific, the military were...you follow me. This could have derailed quite easily when it came to Lee/Leah/Leo. Having a man hop into a woman's body could have gone very, very wrong. Good news! It didn't. If anything would have pulled me from the story, it would have been this. Instead, I found myself marveling at the idea of moon hoppers and sympathizing with Lee as morning sickness ruined his/her perfectly good space helmet. Good stuff!
Dislikes:
There were a few loose threads, but the story ends primed for a sequel, so I hope to see what happened to Leo, Dionne, the baby, and what exactly was up with that nefarious QT in the next book. I can't help but wonder if QT had anything to do with the space scorps, but I'll just have to wait and see. My only other complaint is that the interactions between the three major players gets a little repetitive at times, but then again, dealing with three sets of three, maybe all that conversation was necessary. Regardless, it all happens in the middle of the action--it never slows the story down--so it's not really a complaint. I just add these two quibbles because I know some people won't take a review seriously if it doesn't find *some* fault with a book. Well, there ya go.
Conclusion: Reality Check was thoroughly enjoyable and I will be recommending it to anyone who asks. I can't wait to read the sequel. The book I read before this was also by Garrison, and I see a marked improvement in his storytelling between that book and this. I think Garrison has a bright future ahead of him as a novelist, and I will look forward to starting on his Road Ghosts series in the near future, as I wait for Reality Check 2!
A very fun read.
This one had a lot of twists and turns. More Sci Fi than steampunk, it still manages to be a bit of both.
Summary: Lee Green is a university research guy monkeying around with virtual reality. When a test subject has a weird reaction to a game simulation run by a quantum computer (called QT), Lee puts on the device and soon finds himself in a simulated steampunk "game" so real he feels like he's truly in danger--flying rocket planes, riding a zombie cyborg bird, even being seduced by the wife of a sky pirate! He's thoroughly enjoying the experience despite the risk, and is just relishing the last of his time online before his preset timer runs out...
Only instead of coming back to reality, he jumps to another reality--this time on a moon colony being attacked by spacebots. This is where the action really picks up. Not only is the world-building (moon-building?) by the author very descriptive, but the action feels more organic in the moon unit sections of the book than anywhere else. This is truly the heart of the book, and the complications Lee encounters as his moon counterpart Leah are literally astronomical.
About mid-way through the book, I thought the end was in sight, but then the plot twisted again. And again. And again. By the time it was finished, I was pretty satisfied. All-in-all it was a highly addictive read and I would recommend it to anyone in the mood for a page-turner. This is pure adventure! Enjoy it!
Likes:
I love the triad dynamic between the main character, his love interest, and his best friend. Even in the middle of life-threatening the action, these three manage to be mix drama & level-headed pragmatics as they make their many, many ways through the labyrinth of worlds their souls touch. The interactions felt legit considering they are scientists and very closely attached in each of the three (and a half) worlds their souls populate.
The humor had me laughing aloud. There was a moment when Lee quoted Captain Jean-Luc Picard in a reality where Star Trek : The Next Generation had never aired, and it was very believable. I'm pretty sure I'd have done the same thing in that situation.
The characterization was very good, all around. None of the characters felt like they did anything "weird" or too predictable, but at the same time, the kids acted like real kids, the scientists were scientific, the military were...you follow me. This could have derailed quite easily when it came to Lee/Leah/Leo. Having a man hop into a woman's body could have gone very, very wrong. Good news! It didn't. If anything would have pulled me from the story, it would have been this. Instead, I found myself marveling at the idea of moon hoppers and sympathizing with Lee as morning sickness ruined his/her perfectly good space helmet. Good stuff!
Dislikes:
There were a few loose threads, but the story ends primed for a sequel, so I hope to see what happened to Leo, Dionne, the baby, and what exactly was up with that nefarious QT in the next book. I can't help but wonder if QT had anything to do with the space scorps, but I'll just have to wait and see. My only other complaint is that the interactions between the three major players gets a little repetitive at times, but then again, dealing with three sets of three, maybe all that conversation was necessary. Regardless, it all happens in the middle of the action--it never slows the story down--so it's not really a complaint. I just add these two quibbles because I know some people won't take a review seriously if it doesn't find *some* fault with a book. Well, there ya go.
Conclusion: Reality Check was thoroughly enjoyable and I will be recommending it to anyone who asks. I can't wait to read the sequel. The book I read before this was also by Garrison, and I see a marked improvement in his storytelling between that book and this. I think Garrison has a bright future ahead of him as a novelist, and I will look forward to starting on his Road Ghosts series in the near future, as I wait for Reality Check 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2013
I read (and thoroughly enjoyed) Eric Garrison's "Four Till Late." So when I found out he had a science fiction book with steampunk elements, I had to read it. Really glad I did.
Reality Check is a twisty, turny, mind-bending tale that reminded me of Quantum Leap (yes, the male main character "leaps" into a female alternate-world version of himself at one point). However, instead of being played strictly for laughs or action, there are often bits of thoughtful insight into what makes us the people we are, and how we're formed by the people closest to us.
That said, there is a lot of action. The main character Lee enters what he thinks is a virtual reality simulation created by himself and his two best friends, Cecil and Dionne. However, the (possibly evil?) Quantum Turing computer, Q-T or "Cutie," that runs it has evidently "cheated" and instead of simulating other worlds, it initiates a "quantum entanglement" and players swap souls with their alternate universe counterparts.
Sound complicated? Oh, it gets even more so. If you're a person who gets frustrated because you can see all the surprises coming a mile off in any book, you'll really enjoy Reality Check. Garrison manages to work in a lot of fun sci-fi tropes and fan service references, while never breaking the fourth wall and keeping it all consistently in-keeping with the story and characters.
STUFF SOME READERS WILL LOVE:
- Zombie cyborg squirrels and ostriches.
- A steampunk alt-universe with airships, air combat and silly hats.
- Sexy times between Lee and an alt-universe version of the woman he loves.
- A grungy, mid-1980s level technology moon base alt-universe.
- A guy getting to experience firsthand the joys of morning sickness.
- Obvious setup for second installment
STUFF SOME READERS WON'T LOVE:
- Complicated plot with not a lot of time to reflect on the action.
- Sexy times between Lee and an alt-universe version of the woman he loves.
- Obvious set-up for second installment.
I really enjoyed Reality Check. I'm looking forward to the next installment, which was teased at the end, although the story did come to a reasonably settled conclusion.
Reality Check is a twisty, turny, mind-bending tale that reminded me of Quantum Leap (yes, the male main character "leaps" into a female alternate-world version of himself at one point). However, instead of being played strictly for laughs or action, there are often bits of thoughtful insight into what makes us the people we are, and how we're formed by the people closest to us.
That said, there is a lot of action. The main character Lee enters what he thinks is a virtual reality simulation created by himself and his two best friends, Cecil and Dionne. However, the (possibly evil?) Quantum Turing computer, Q-T or "Cutie," that runs it has evidently "cheated" and instead of simulating other worlds, it initiates a "quantum entanglement" and players swap souls with their alternate universe counterparts.
Sound complicated? Oh, it gets even more so. If you're a person who gets frustrated because you can see all the surprises coming a mile off in any book, you'll really enjoy Reality Check. Garrison manages to work in a lot of fun sci-fi tropes and fan service references, while never breaking the fourth wall and keeping it all consistently in-keeping with the story and characters.
STUFF SOME READERS WILL LOVE:
- Zombie cyborg squirrels and ostriches.
- A steampunk alt-universe with airships, air combat and silly hats.
- Sexy times between Lee and an alt-universe version of the woman he loves.
- A grungy, mid-1980s level technology moon base alt-universe.
- A guy getting to experience firsthand the joys of morning sickness.
- Obvious setup for second installment
STUFF SOME READERS WON'T LOVE:
- Complicated plot with not a lot of time to reflect on the action.
- Sexy times between Lee and an alt-universe version of the woman he loves.
- Obvious set-up for second installment.
I really enjoyed Reality Check. I'm looking forward to the next installment, which was teased at the end, although the story did come to a reasonably settled conclusion.
July 9, 2013
Entanglements? I am totally surprised that Eric was able to keep it all straight! I was confused (but then I usually am) but trusted that Garrison would get me where I needed to go, and that he did!
A steam punk adventure, passion, excitement, and not only one world but three? Reality Check is an unique and entertaining journey filled with twists and turns in every chapter. If you like high action and some interesting relationships, you'll love Reality Check! Looking for more from this author!
A steam punk adventure, passion, excitement, and not only one world but three? Reality Check is an unique and entertaining journey filled with twists and turns in every chapter. If you like high action and some interesting relationships, you'll love Reality Check! Looking for more from this author!
May 22, 2013
Reality Check had me hooked from the start. With unexpected twists, it is difficult to decipher reality from fantasy, which keeps the reader drawn in... An enjoyable book, all the way through.
Definitely recommended.
Definitely recommended.
September 4, 2013
Anyone who remembers VR-5 or Sliders will enjoy this book! Excellent story about Virtual Reality gone wrong. I hit Ch. 10 and could not put it down.
August 5, 2024
The Quantum-Turing computer is designed to be the greatest video game simulation ever. But what if it's not just a simulation? When Lee decides to do some testing, he finds himself flung between different worlds, trading places with his counterpart from there.
With steampunk elements, classical space sci-fi, and computers, Reality Check takes us on a journey between different sci-fi genres as we learn what is real and what isn't. But it's not all about the science; the human factor is also very important to the book.
Highly recommended reading.
With steampunk elements, classical space sci-fi, and computers, Reality Check takes us on a journey between different sci-fi genres as we learn what is real and what isn't. But it's not all about the science; the human factor is also very important to the book.
Highly recommended reading.
February 12, 2014
Reality Check: A Tale of Quantum Entanglements by Eric Garrison is a well-written, smart, and vividly imaginative Sci Fi novella. The action begins from the first sentence, when our trio of game developers, Lee, Cecil and Dionne attempt to subdue a woman who has become frantic and wild while acting as a test-player for their super-computer-run immersive reality simulation videogame. The woman has no recollection of the trio and in fact claims to be a different person than the individual who signed in for the trials.
The game which is monitored and by their super computer Q-T, (the Quantum Turing, Reality Simulator) admittedly had been experiencing some bugs. So when Lee’s curiosity regarding the problems gets the best of him and he enters the game scenario, he finds the girl of his dreams inside. Lee is none too happy about being forcibly returned to reality, nor is he pleased with the decision by his friends to halt testing of the game calling it dangerous. Undaunted, Lee schemes to get back into the game and into the arms of the woman of his dreams – but once he embarks upon that course of action, there is no turning back.
There is so much going on in Reality Check story-wise that to say anything is almost certain to be a spoiler. Suffice it to say that this is one action-packed, sci-fi, steampunk, alternate history, alternate reality romp with wonderful well-defined characters, a fantastic plot, lusty romance, some interesting gender bending, heroics and a lot of tech-savvy! The story is a winner, but the ending was a bit disappointing in its attempt to “wrap things up” a little too tidily. Even so, the story rates an OTHER SCI FI solid 14K and an enthusiastic recommendation.
http://glossi.com/PenelopeFlynn/31704...
The game which is monitored and by their super computer Q-T, (the Quantum Turing, Reality Simulator) admittedly had been experiencing some bugs. So when Lee’s curiosity regarding the problems gets the best of him and he enters the game scenario, he finds the girl of his dreams inside. Lee is none too happy about being forcibly returned to reality, nor is he pleased with the decision by his friends to halt testing of the game calling it dangerous. Undaunted, Lee schemes to get back into the game and into the arms of the woman of his dreams – but once he embarks upon that course of action, there is no turning back.
There is so much going on in Reality Check story-wise that to say anything is almost certain to be a spoiler. Suffice it to say that this is one action-packed, sci-fi, steampunk, alternate history, alternate reality romp with wonderful well-defined characters, a fantastic plot, lusty romance, some interesting gender bending, heroics and a lot of tech-savvy! The story is a winner, but the ending was a bit disappointing in its attempt to “wrap things up” a little too tidily. Even so, the story rates an OTHER SCI FI solid 14K and an enthusiastic recommendation.
http://glossi.com/PenelopeFlynn/31704...
June 15, 2013
This was a fun book to read. Probably closer to 3.5 stars, but nearer 3 than 4. Ambitious plot with multiple realities but handled nicely by the author. Lots of nods to sci-fi fan culture (Star Wars, Star Trek, etc.) which I enjoyed. My Nook copy of the book had a vexing issue with inconsistent font size and frequent switches back and forth between smaller and larger fonts - not sure what was up with that. Still very enjoyable, though, and a fairly fast-paced read for me. I'd read more by this author.
Comments at ny blog, Bibliophilopolis are at http://bibliophilica.wordpress.com/20...
Comments at ny blog, Bibliophilopolis are at http://bibliophilica.wordpress.com/20...
April 18, 2015
Altered Reality
An engineer from our universe enters another universe where the history we know has taken a different path. I liked the humor within the story.
An engineer from our universe enters another universe where the history we know has taken a different path. I liked the humor within the story.
January 2, 2018
Fun story. I enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews