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Virtual Rebel: A Sci-Fi Action Adventure
"J.Z. Pitts explodes onto the science fiction scene and hits the ground running."
- Joseph Cruz, Author of The Red Tomorrow science fiction series.
"Ava's adventurous spirit quickly earned a way into my heart and I was rooting for her to succeed in her quest." - Reedsy Discovery.
Tyrannical aliens. A rebel father. Deadly virtual worlds. One girl's choice could alter humanity's fate.
My name is Ava McNealy, and I'm addicted to The Haven, an immersive virtual reality program. Who cares if tyrannical aliens rule the Earth when there are endless digital worlds to explore, monsters to fight, and team-ups with friends.
But when my father is arrested as a rebel, everything changes. Desperate to save him from execution, I embark on a perilous journey through treacherous levels and uncharted realms within The Haven, where everything is not as it seems.
Will my audacious quest be successful? Can I unravel the secrets of The Haven in time? The fate of my father, and perhaps the course of history itself, hangs in the balance.
- Joseph Cruz, Author of The Red Tomorrow science fiction series.
"Ava's adventurous spirit quickly earned a way into my heart and I was rooting for her to succeed in her quest." - Reedsy Discovery.
Tyrannical aliens. A rebel father. Deadly virtual worlds. One girl's choice could alter humanity's fate.
My name is Ava McNealy, and I'm addicted to The Haven, an immersive virtual reality program. Who cares if tyrannical aliens rule the Earth when there are endless digital worlds to explore, monsters to fight, and team-ups with friends.
But when my father is arrested as a rebel, everything changes. Desperate to save him from execution, I embark on a perilous journey through treacherous levels and uncharted realms within The Haven, where everything is not as it seems.
Will my audacious quest be successful? Can I unravel the secrets of The Haven in time? The fate of my father, and perhaps the course of history itself, hangs in the balance.
- GenresScience Fiction
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2023
8 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 4, 2024
I received an ARC from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.
Virtual Rebel: Time To Play The Game For Real by J.Z. Pitts is such a fun and engaging new science fiction novel. I wasn't at all familiar with the author or his style, but this story hooked me right from the very beginning. This story follows Ava who lives in a world ruled by aliens. That little aspect of her day to day life doesn't bother her so much considering how much she loves the virtual reality program called The Haven. There's so much that it offers from exploration, fighting monsters, and hanging out with her friends. Even if the world doesn't look so bright outside, she always has The Haven. Then, everything changes when her dad gets arrested as a rebel and she has to do everything she can to save his life, even unravelling the secrets of The Haven itself.
It's been a little while since I've read a story where so much of it is set in a virtual reality world. The author does a great job of balancing the characters with the fast paced action and adventure aspect of the story. I was also pleasantly surprised by the physical disability representation. It's not often enough that I have the opportunity to read a genre novel featuring main character that uses a wheelchair either. The author handles this very well too. Ava's adventurous spirit quickly earned a way into my heart and I was rooting for her to succeed in her quest. My only complaint for this novel is that sometimes fairly important parts can go by a little too quickly, almost to the point where I needed to go back to reread to make sure I caught it.
Overall, I highly recommend Virtual Rebel: Time To Play The Game For Real by J.Z. Pitts for fans of Ready Player One or Armada both by Ernest Cline, Warcross by Marie Lu, and maybe even The Matrix. I think you will have a lot of fun getting to know Pitts' characters and worlds.
Virtual Rebel: Time To Play The Game For Real by J.Z. Pitts is such a fun and engaging new science fiction novel. I wasn't at all familiar with the author or his style, but this story hooked me right from the very beginning. This story follows Ava who lives in a world ruled by aliens. That little aspect of her day to day life doesn't bother her so much considering how much she loves the virtual reality program called The Haven. There's so much that it offers from exploration, fighting monsters, and hanging out with her friends. Even if the world doesn't look so bright outside, she always has The Haven. Then, everything changes when her dad gets arrested as a rebel and she has to do everything she can to save his life, even unravelling the secrets of The Haven itself.
It's been a little while since I've read a story where so much of it is set in a virtual reality world. The author does a great job of balancing the characters with the fast paced action and adventure aspect of the story. I was also pleasantly surprised by the physical disability representation. It's not often enough that I have the opportunity to read a genre novel featuring main character that uses a wheelchair either. The author handles this very well too. Ava's adventurous spirit quickly earned a way into my heart and I was rooting for her to succeed in her quest. My only complaint for this novel is that sometimes fairly important parts can go by a little too quickly, almost to the point where I needed to go back to reread to make sure I caught it.
Overall, I highly recommend Virtual Rebel: Time To Play The Game For Real by J.Z. Pitts for fans of Ready Player One or Armada both by Ernest Cline, Warcross by Marie Lu, and maybe even The Matrix. I think you will have a lot of fun getting to know Pitts' characters and worlds.
March 26, 2024
Wow, what a ride this was!
Ava is a teenager living in a world where virtual reality is supreme. Daily life consists of little else outside of the virtual realm of The Haven, where humans attend school, work, and relax while the alien race currently controlling the earth slowly strip away more of humanity’s rights, all in favor of “a better, healthier planet.” But all is not what it seems and when Ava’s father is arrested and taken away as a rebel, she decides she will do anything to bring him home.
I absolutely loved the world building in this book. There is so much detail and adventure packed into these pages that it was exhilarating, nerve wracking, and exasperating to learn, along with Ava, exactly what is really going on in the world. The book moves through moments in the virtual reality of The Haven, as well as in the real world and I loved the transitions between these times.
Ava is such a strong character with spunk, conviction in her beliefs, and faith in her father and it was inspiring to see her face each new challenge head on. She is brave and determined and I think that made for an excellent story.
This is book one of a trilogy and I am totally invested in the journey and can’t wait to read book 2.
Ava is a teenager living in a world where virtual reality is supreme. Daily life consists of little else outside of the virtual realm of The Haven, where humans attend school, work, and relax while the alien race currently controlling the earth slowly strip away more of humanity’s rights, all in favor of “a better, healthier planet.” But all is not what it seems and when Ava’s father is arrested and taken away as a rebel, she decides she will do anything to bring him home.
I absolutely loved the world building in this book. There is so much detail and adventure packed into these pages that it was exhilarating, nerve wracking, and exasperating to learn, along with Ava, exactly what is really going on in the world. The book moves through moments in the virtual reality of The Haven, as well as in the real world and I loved the transitions between these times.
Ava is such a strong character with spunk, conviction in her beliefs, and faith in her father and it was inspiring to see her face each new challenge head on. She is brave and determined and I think that made for an excellent story.
This is book one of a trilogy and I am totally invested in the journey and can’t wait to read book 2.
November 27, 2025
Pitts pits reality against imagination. (See what I did there? - I know it's bad, just read on.)
This was a rather light read for me, it was not drawn out, it was laced with plenty of fast-paced action sequences following a girl who finds her father part of a resistance that she must fight in both VR and reality against an alien force that has subjugated humanity after first saving it from certain peril. The book deals with the themes of exchanging freedom for security, and the natural result of enforced order in a world that is as mailable and infinite as a computer simulation.
I recently read Ready Player One, and I saw a lot of similarities with how the stories play out. And I absolutely loved that book which I feel is why I found myself rather conflicted with this one. Not because the book is bad in any real manner, it hits all the points one would want, underdog, unjustly treated, ostracized by society and the ruling class, epic battles, and even sea-monsters. My main contention I think was that it felt like it could have used a longer time in the developmental oven. More care and attention placed on how to really bring the reader in to the story naturally rather than jump to the exciting points.
We are brought up to speed by a number of mini info-dumps where characters talk to each other in ways they would never do if it weren't for the benefit of the reader listening in. We have the MC's father being arrested and tried on national television, but we know nothing of the accusations, crimes, process etc. We are just led to believe that the ruling class is authoritarian and can manipulate whatever public perception they choose which creates a number of points that strain belief even in the fictional setting. Because the virtual world is a large part, we see the ruling class fabricating events, putting words in the MC's mouth resulting in entertaining action sequences that are completely unnecessary considering the means and capabilities of the ruling class. While it makes for an entertaining story, I had a hard time enjoying the ride because I felt the ride was propped up on far too many supporting items that simply don't follow regarding the established world. In the end I felt the antagonist rather melodramatic and really could have used some flesh rather than just be the big bad.
The story moves along at a great pace, and certainly isn't dull. I really appreciated the relationship between the MC and her mother as I could really feel the strain and pain it caused. Some other characters were decently fleshed out making their development a natural surprise, or satisfying redemption.
I appreciated the trip, I just lament the potential that I feel was left in between the paragraphs.
★★⯨ - rounded up.
This was a rather light read for me, it was not drawn out, it was laced with plenty of fast-paced action sequences following a girl who finds her father part of a resistance that she must fight in both VR and reality against an alien force that has subjugated humanity after first saving it from certain peril. The book deals with the themes of exchanging freedom for security, and the natural result of enforced order in a world that is as mailable and infinite as a computer simulation.
I recently read Ready Player One, and I saw a lot of similarities with how the stories play out. And I absolutely loved that book which I feel is why I found myself rather conflicted with this one. Not because the book is bad in any real manner, it hits all the points one would want, underdog, unjustly treated, ostracized by society and the ruling class, epic battles, and even sea-monsters. My main contention I think was that it felt like it could have used a longer time in the developmental oven. More care and attention placed on how to really bring the reader in to the story naturally rather than jump to the exciting points.
We are brought up to speed by a number of mini info-dumps where characters talk to each other in ways they would never do if it weren't for the benefit of the reader listening in. We have the MC's father being arrested and tried on national television, but we know nothing of the accusations, crimes, process etc. We are just led to believe that the ruling class is authoritarian and can manipulate whatever public perception they choose which creates a number of points that strain belief even in the fictional setting. Because the virtual world is a large part, we see the ruling class fabricating events, putting words in the MC's mouth resulting in entertaining action sequences that are completely unnecessary considering the means and capabilities of the ruling class. While it makes for an entertaining story, I had a hard time enjoying the ride because I felt the ride was propped up on far too many supporting items that simply don't follow regarding the established world. In the end I felt the antagonist rather melodramatic and really could have used some flesh rather than just be the big bad.
The story moves along at a great pace, and certainly isn't dull. I really appreciated the relationship between the MC and her mother as I could really feel the strain and pain it caused. Some other characters were decently fleshed out making their development a natural surprise, or satisfying redemption.
I appreciated the trip, I just lament the potential that I feel was left in between the paragraphs.
★★⯨ - rounded up.
December 31, 2024
I enjoyed this! Virtual Rebel is a solid YA novel that doesn't get lost in the "game-y-ness." In this world, aliens have invaded the Earth. We immediately surrendered, though the exact details why are fuzzy. The aliens moved everyone inside domed habitations (again, we currently aren't sure why other than maybe to corral the population) and provided an advanced VR world. No one leaves their domes- the world is connected through the VR game world, where everything is done, from work to play.
This takeover is in the past, but not the distant past. It's been a decade or two is all. We follow Ava, a wheelchair bound teenage girl whose father is arrested after being accused of leading a rebellion against the alien overlords. The story that follows is a great adventure, full of action, intrigue, and an ending that satisfies while leaving you asking questions. Should the author finish the series I'd be excited to read on.
This takeover is in the past, but not the distant past. It's been a decade or two is all. We follow Ava, a wheelchair bound teenage girl whose father is arrested after being accused of leading a rebellion against the alien overlords. The story that follows is a great adventure, full of action, intrigue, and an ending that satisfies while leaving you asking questions. Should the author finish the series I'd be excited to read on.
January 19, 2025
An entertaining young adult novel, it's set in a futuristic world, which is not as utopian as it superficially appears to be.
Ava McNealy, who turns sixteen at the start of the story, has paraplegia and enjoys gaming in the virtual realm. Though her parents have conflicting political views, they're a warm and united family.
Unexpectedly, Ava's father turns out to be a rebel who is deemed dangerous enough by the authorities to warrant not only incarceration, but execution.
As Ava comes to terms with the situation, she discovers that she is unable to accept the life that she is supposed to lead and, like her father, must defy the authorities.
Ava McNealy, who turns sixteen at the start of the story, has paraplegia and enjoys gaming in the virtual realm. Though her parents have conflicting political views, they're a warm and united family.
Unexpectedly, Ava's father turns out to be a rebel who is deemed dangerous enough by the authorities to warrant not only incarceration, but execution.
As Ava comes to terms with the situation, she discovers that she is unable to accept the life that she is supposed to lead and, like her father, must defy the authorities.
May 17, 2024
The thing I loved most about this book was the general theme (and underlying themes alongside it).
The concepts of the overall story are brilliant and so fun! This virtual world is Ava's playground, and it's so fun to see the imaginative settings of The Haven. I'm not always big on strong female characters—I find them overdone and typically over-the-top—but I really like Ava. The author does a fantastic job at bringing her to life in a real and believable way.
Who doesn't love a witty smartass teenage gamer with strong convictions and an all or nothing personality?
The concepts of the overall story are brilliant and so fun! This virtual world is Ava's playground, and it's so fun to see the imaginative settings of The Haven. I'm not always big on strong female characters—I find them overdone and typically over-the-top—but I really like Ava. The author does a fantastic job at bringing her to life in a real and believable way.
Who doesn't love a witty smartass teenage gamer with strong convictions and an all or nothing personality?
September 28, 2024
This book sat on my TBR list for a few months, and I’m so glad I finally moved it to the front of the queue. It has great pace and action that keeps you turning the pages, world-building that feels at once familiar and fresh, and most importantly, a protagonist worth rooting for. I can’t wait to see where Ava’s story takes us next!
March 14, 2025
Great writing, fantastic plot, engaging story, a must read!
November 8, 2023
I really liked this book, getting to know Ava and joining her, not only in her vr adventures in the Haven, the place where impossible and imagination meet, where you can explore digital worlds, fight monsters and team up with friends, a state of the art virtual reality where everything is not as it seems, but also in her quest to save her father.
The worldbuilding is second to none, it feels so real, like you are there with Ava in the Haven. The twists and turns, the discoveries and mind blowing moments, the feels, family and friendships.... the entire book I was thinking, what would I do should something like this happen?
It's the Matrix 2.0, FPS games and magic in "real" life, and sometimes I got the feeling that part of what is happening in the Haven also happens on earth irl too... yeah, this book got to me, in a good way.
Love loved loved reading this, and most certainly will be reading the second book!
The worldbuilding is second to none, it feels so real, like you are there with Ava in the Haven. The twists and turns, the discoveries and mind blowing moments, the feels, family and friendships.... the entire book I was thinking, what would I do should something like this happen?
It's the Matrix 2.0, FPS games and magic in "real" life, and sometimes I got the feeling that part of what is happening in the Haven also happens on earth irl too... yeah, this book got to me, in a good way.
Love loved loved reading this, and most certainly will be reading the second book!
November 8, 2023
If you enjoy an action packed story with an underdog turned hero, then this book is for you!
Let me start off by saying that as someone who has never picked up a sci-fi book, I was a little intimidated with this one, BUT let me tell you, the writing in this book is VERY easy to understand for us non-adventure gamer, non sci fi book peeps (or just entering our sci fi book era, I may need anotha fix like this soon. 😝)
Let me also say, high fives to the diversity shown in this book. It’s still (sadly) very rare to find books that showcase disability representation, especially as a main character.
The plot and characters are well developed, the writing is VERY fast paced, and over all, I had a fun time! A solid 4 ⭐️ read and I’m looking forward to the next edition!
Let me start off by saying that as someone who has never picked up a sci-fi book, I was a little intimidated with this one, BUT let me tell you, the writing in this book is VERY easy to understand for us non-adventure gamer, non sci fi book peeps (or just entering our sci fi book era, I may need anotha fix like this soon. 😝)
Let me also say, high fives to the diversity shown in this book. It’s still (sadly) very rare to find books that showcase disability representation, especially as a main character.
The plot and characters are well developed, the writing is VERY fast paced, and over all, I had a fun time! A solid 4 ⭐️ read and I’m looking forward to the next edition!
August 17, 2024
I loved this book! Ava was very relatable as a main character, and I loved seeing her figure out the mystery of her dad’s arrest and who exactly the Ungulithi are. There’s also not a whole lot of physical disability representation in books, so it was refreshing to see that in this book.
All the fight scenes were really well-written, and I could picture everything perfectly. Pitts’ writing style was really enjoyable while also not being overly descriptive, which I liked.
I also can’t wait to see more of Lucas and Ji Yeon when the next book comes out. They were great supporting characters.
Definitely going to read the next book in the series when it comes out!
All the fight scenes were really well-written, and I could picture everything perfectly. Pitts’ writing style was really enjoyable while also not being overly descriptive, which I liked.
I also can’t wait to see more of Lucas and Ji Yeon when the next book comes out. They were great supporting characters.
Definitely going to read the next book in the series when it comes out!
February 17, 2024
Wow! Grips you from the first chapter! Sucks you in and you don't want to put it down. Several great twists throughout the story. First being the main character. Then some of those that you think could be friends turn out to be enemies and vice-versa. Not so far into the future to where it isn't believable . Could be happening tomorrow. Excited to see what is next. There is a sequel coming!!
April 24, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. Sometimes it's hard to find sci-fi that's interesting and easy to read but this book hit the mark! It's well imagined and well written with touches of humor woven in. The characters are likeable and you'll find yourself rooting for them as you are pulled into their world. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!
February 23, 2026
A really unique story I struggled to put down! Loved the world-building, such an expansive world articulated so clearly! A dystopian society where hope feels scary leaves an uprising feeling impossible. For anyone that's feeling down or in need of a pick-me-up, I highly recommend! A David vs. Goliath type of tale!
February 27, 2024
It was fun, exciting, hilarious, and had some great character growth! I love that the main character has a disability, you don’t see that too often in books! I’m really looking forward to the second one!!
February 17, 2025
Virtual Rebel is a well put together story, with heroes you can't help but route for. It has action and suspense, while also having strong themes on friendship, the love of family, and the human desire for liberty. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a good Sci-fi fantasy story.
September 21, 2025
5⭐️/0🌶️ While this was not my cup of tea, I can give credit to the author on his world building skills and plot twists. While this is a trilogy, I was satisfied with the ending. The gaming world was brought to life, and it made me really think about both sides of the argument:
1. They give us everything we need and even gifted us with The Haven (virtual world they spend most of their time in; school, work, fun)
2. We are prisoners who can’t leave their apartment, have no say in their life, and controlled on every level.
Makes you think about your life and the current events.
1. They give us everything we need and even gifted us with The Haven (virtual world they spend most of their time in; school, work, fun)
2. We are prisoners who can’t leave their apartment, have no say in their life, and controlled on every level.
Makes you think about your life and the current events.
June 1, 2025
J.Z. Pitts has written a very enjoyable and engaging novel set in a future where his likeable main character has to overcome considerable obstacles using her wits along with a set of skills & tools picked up from gaming. A fresh take on key sci-fi themes that touches on some big topics like the importance of free will in an insightfully fun way. I would highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews