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The Arcade
Every game has a winner and a loser—but with Joey's life hanging in the balance, will Time Hunter claim its ultimate prize?
Thirty-five years have gone by since he left. Now, Joey is returning to his hometown after purchasing the house where he grew up and the old arcade business he loved as a kid. But returning means facing the memories of a childhood tragedy that he tried to leave behind so many years ago.
Among the dust-covered arcade games in the abandoned business he now owns, there lies a game cabinet that has haunted him since his Time Hunter .
Could defeating the mysterious arcade game turn back the clock and give him one more chance to save his childhood friend? Or will it send him on a quest that will take his life as well?
The future is yours … If you can survive.
Thirty-five years have gone by since he left. Now, Joey is returning to his hometown after purchasing the house where he grew up and the old arcade business he loved as a kid. But returning means facing the memories of a childhood tragedy that he tried to leave behind so many years ago.
Among the dust-covered arcade games in the abandoned business he now owns, there lies a game cabinet that has haunted him since his Time Hunter .
Could defeating the mysterious arcade game turn back the clock and give him one more chance to save his childhood friend? Or will it send him on a quest that will take his life as well?
The future is yours … If you can survive.
230 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2023
About the author
William J. Barry
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Born in Newton, New Jersey, William j. Barry dreamed of adventure from his earliest days. Relocating first to Florida and then to Georgia, his nomadic upbringing fueled his passion for storytelling. As a youth, his imagination roamed freely, bringing to life adventurous tales that would later become a hallmark of his writing.
A graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Psychology, William's insights into the human psyche enrich his characters and plots. After college, he channeled his creativity into the literary world, creating a captivating YA dark-fantasy trilogy: Sebastian and the Afterlife (2011), Agents of the Reaper (2012), and Forever Awakening (2014). Venturing into the realm of YA science fiction, his 2022 release, Will’s Corvette, further showcased his versatility. The Arcade, released in 2023, continued his exploration of YA science fiction, mixed with a bit of retro nostalgia.
When he isn't conjuring new worlds on paper, William immerses himself in the world of music, both as a writer and a recording artist. A cinephile and retro video game enthusiast, his varied interests provide rich textures to his storytelling. Today, William calls Bogart, GA home, sharing his life with his wife and their two spirited Dachshunds.
Born in Newton, New Jersey, William j. Barry dreamed of adventure from his earliest days. Relocating first to Florida and then to Georgia, his nomadic upbringing fueled his passion for storytelling. As a youth, his imagination roamed freely, bringing to life adventurous tales that would later become a hallmark of his writing.
A graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Psychology, William's insights into the human psyche enrich his characters and plots. After college, he channeled his creativity into the literary world, creating a captivating YA dark-fantasy trilogy: Sebastian and the Afterlife (2011), Agents of the Reaper (2012), and Forever Awakening (2014). Venturing into the realm of YA science fiction, his 2022 release, Will’s Corvette, further showcased his versatility. The Arcade, released in 2023, continued his exploration of YA science fiction, mixed with a bit of retro nostalgia.
When he isn't conjuring new worlds on paper, William immerses himself in the world of music, both as a writer and a recording artist. A cinephile and retro video game enthusiast, his varied interests provide rich textures to his storytelling. Today, William calls Bogart, GA home, sharing his life with his wife and their two spirited Dachshunds.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 20, 2024
I loved this book. If you are needing an esacpe from reality and want to revisit the 80's this is the book for you! It has a Ready Player One meets Tron vibe. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed the writing style!
November 15, 2023
The Arcade by William J. Barry is an entertaining nostalgia treat that will delight fans of retro videogames, arcades, and those who lived through the 80s.
Without going too much into spoilers, this book's plot can be aptly described as a fusion between the movies TRON and READY PLAYER ONE. It follows the witty protagonist Joey, as he's magically (more or less) transported back into his past body following an encounter with an arcade game he'd mastered as a teenager. Along for the ride is his teenage crush, Emily, and his best friend, Adrien.
This simple, yet classic setup is anchored by a strong opening arc which establishes the story, characters, and setting in a compelling and interesting way that had me fast turning pages. The middle portion with all the video game adventure starts out similarly strong with an exciting chase featuring a Lotus sports car that wouldn't be out of place in a vaporwave music video. Frequent callbacks are made to the appropriate 80s media of the time, which felt organic and earned. I also greatly enjoyed the boat ride that led them to a creepy zombie encounter. The endgame with the clock aesthetics in the Time Hunter game were also similarly exciting. It definitely felt like Squid Game meets Alice in Borderland (both engaging Netflix shows), so if you're a fan of those IPs, then The Arcade will be entertaining for you.
I had to take off 1 star for the scenes just right before the epilogue, because it reminded me of the Architect from Matrix Reloaded in a bad way. Likewise for the acknowledged uncool vibes that come with having our main character interact with his crush when their relationship can't be age-appropriate. I will say the later part is handled with care. There was also some narrative sag in the middle of the book after the car chase, but it picks up again when the sea zombies show up.
Overall though, you're bound to have a blast with this one and I recommend you go pick it up. Very enjoyable!
Without going too much into spoilers, this book's plot can be aptly described as a fusion between the movies TRON and READY PLAYER ONE. It follows the witty protagonist Joey, as he's magically (more or less) transported back into his past body following an encounter with an arcade game he'd mastered as a teenager. Along for the ride is his teenage crush, Emily, and his best friend, Adrien.
This simple, yet classic setup is anchored by a strong opening arc which establishes the story, characters, and setting in a compelling and interesting way that had me fast turning pages. The middle portion with all the video game adventure starts out similarly strong with an exciting chase featuring a Lotus sports car that wouldn't be out of place in a vaporwave music video. Frequent callbacks are made to the appropriate 80s media of the time, which felt organic and earned. I also greatly enjoyed the boat ride that led them to a creepy zombie encounter. The endgame with the clock aesthetics in the Time Hunter game were also similarly exciting. It definitely felt like Squid Game meets Alice in Borderland (both engaging Netflix shows), so if you're a fan of those IPs, then The Arcade will be entertaining for you.
I had to take off 1 star for the scenes just right before the epilogue, because it reminded me of the Architect from Matrix Reloaded in a bad way. Likewise for the acknowledged uncool vibes that come with having our main character interact with his crush when their relationship can't be age-appropriate. I will say the later part is handled with care. There was also some narrative sag in the middle of the book after the car chase, but it picks up again when the sea zombies show up.
Overall though, you're bound to have a blast with this one and I recommend you go pick it up. Very enjoyable!
November 21, 2023
Joey Logan is the only teenager in the small American town of August who plays the new Time Hunter game recently delivered to Mr Romai’s video arcade. It becomes an obsession as Joey tries to outsmart the mysterious Vondgrima, Time Hunter’s violent antagonist. Joey succeeds in winning the game twice and receives two prizes: a set of car keys and a gold pocket watch, but later on the way home he witnesses a catastrophic event that changes his life forever.
Thirty years on, Joey is divorced and has moved back to the town. A successful businessman, he has never forgotten the thrills and challenges of the old 80s video games and makes Mr Romai an offer for the old arcade, which has been standing derelict and unused for many years. Inside, he encounters the Time Hunter machine again, bringing back a mixture of happy and sorrowful memories. Although not plugged in, Time Hunter kicks into life and Joey is transported bodily back to the timeline before the life-changing tragedy occurred.
So begins a real life Time Hunter adventure involving Joey and his friend Emily as they desperately try to outrun Vondgrima, whose sole aim it is to wipe them out completely, while Joey clings on to the hope that he can defeat him once more and change what happened on that tragic, fateful night all those years ago.
I found this book to be a very compelling, entertaining read, more so because I was interested in the time travel aspect of it rather than the video games, which I never played myself. The video game premise reminds me a little of the Jumanji films. The story delves into the complexities of time travel and like most tales of this sort there is a purpose to Joey’s adventure. A very enjoyable read.
Thirty years on, Joey is divorced and has moved back to the town. A successful businessman, he has never forgotten the thrills and challenges of the old 80s video games and makes Mr Romai an offer for the old arcade, which has been standing derelict and unused for many years. Inside, he encounters the Time Hunter machine again, bringing back a mixture of happy and sorrowful memories. Although not plugged in, Time Hunter kicks into life and Joey is transported bodily back to the timeline before the life-changing tragedy occurred.
So begins a real life Time Hunter adventure involving Joey and his friend Emily as they desperately try to outrun Vondgrima, whose sole aim it is to wipe them out completely, while Joey clings on to the hope that he can defeat him once more and change what happened on that tragic, fateful night all those years ago.
I found this book to be a very compelling, entertaining read, more so because I was interested in the time travel aspect of it rather than the video games, which I never played myself. The video game premise reminds me a little of the Jumanji films. The story delves into the complexities of time travel and like most tales of this sort there is a purpose to Joey’s adventure. A very enjoyable read.
December 23, 2023
As someone who grew up in the 80s, this book really hits home on a lot of fronts. The main character and I shared some of the same favorite toys and games when we were kids, and I’m pretty sure the author and I had similar childhoods.
When Joey moves back into his childhood home, he discovers an attic full memories. But his most significant memory doesn’t reside in the house, but in the town’s old, long-closed arcade. One mysterious game, Time Hunter, had been Joey’s obsession in his youth. When he finally gets to play it again after thirty years, something amazing happens.
It’s hard to tell much more without spoilers, but if you liked arcades in the 80s, then this book’s for you. There are some obvious similarities to stories like “Ready Player One” and “Tron,” but it doesn’t play out like either one. You might think you know what to expect going in, but it takes the “living an arcade game” trope in a whole new direction. In the long run, it reminded me more of “Jumanji” than anything, but not in the ways you might think.
In their efforts to beat this game-come-to-life, our heroes have to race a relentless killer, traverse a danger-filled forest, survive a boat ride through treacherous waters, and solve deadly puzzles in a maze-like facility. I kept trying to figure out how it would end, but it still surprised me.
This story is great fun. If you like video game-related fiction, check it out.
When Joey moves back into his childhood home, he discovers an attic full memories. But his most significant memory doesn’t reside in the house, but in the town’s old, long-closed arcade. One mysterious game, Time Hunter, had been Joey’s obsession in his youth. When he finally gets to play it again after thirty years, something amazing happens.
It’s hard to tell much more without spoilers, but if you liked arcades in the 80s, then this book’s for you. There are some obvious similarities to stories like “Ready Player One” and “Tron,” but it doesn’t play out like either one. You might think you know what to expect going in, but it takes the “living an arcade game” trope in a whole new direction. In the long run, it reminded me more of “Jumanji” than anything, but not in the ways you might think.
In their efforts to beat this game-come-to-life, our heroes have to race a relentless killer, traverse a danger-filled forest, survive a boat ride through treacherous waters, and solve deadly puzzles in a maze-like facility. I kept trying to figure out how it would end, but it still surprised me.
This story is great fun. If you like video game-related fiction, check it out.
November 18, 2023
William J. Barry's "The Arcade" invites readers on a gripping journey through time, blending the allure of nostalgia with a captivating supernatural mystery. Joey, returning to his hometown after decades, grapples with the haunting memories of a childhood tragedy. The pulse of the narrative quickens with the discovery of Time Hunter, an enigmatic arcade game harboring the potential to rewrite history.
Barry weaves a tale where every move has consequences, exploring the delicate balance between past and present. The author skillfully combines elements of teenage resilience, time travel, and survival, creating a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The dusty arcade, once a hub of youthful joy, transforms into a portal of uncertainty and second chances.
"The Arcade" not only delves into the complexities of time manipulation but also explores the enduring impact of past traumas. Barry's storytelling prowess shines as he navigates the fine line between fantasy and reality, leaving readers questioning the boundaries of fate. For fans of teen and young adult fiction, especially those intrigued by time travel and supernatural mysteries, "The Arcade" proves to be an enthralling and thought-provoking read.
Barry weaves a tale where every move has consequences, exploring the delicate balance between past and present. The author skillfully combines elements of teenage resilience, time travel, and survival, creating a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The dusty arcade, once a hub of youthful joy, transforms into a portal of uncertainty and second chances.
"The Arcade" not only delves into the complexities of time manipulation but also explores the enduring impact of past traumas. Barry's storytelling prowess shines as he navigates the fine line between fantasy and reality, leaving readers questioning the boundaries of fate. For fans of teen and young adult fiction, especially those intrigued by time travel and supernatural mysteries, "The Arcade" proves to be an enthralling and thought-provoking read.
November 3, 2023
Highly recommend for youth
Spoiler Alert within -
After reading one of this author’s other novels and totally enjoying it, I was keen to pick a second one up. I am always looking for good, page turning, crazy fun books for my grandsons and this one is a definite pass. A 15 year old protagonist living in the 70’s is in love with arcade games, notably one which has supernatural, time travelling powers—course he doesn’t know it. He ends up living the game in real life and it’s one heck of a nightmare evening.
As far as story structure goes, the pace is great (I enjoy fast moving plots), the character development is rich, and scene descriptions are perfect, not overboard and enough to put the reader into the scene. There were touches of humour throughout (which I appreciate and enjoy) and a cute young teen crushing romance.
Throughout the entire book I admit I kept wondering how will the author close off the plot, but he managed to tie it all together nicely for a great ending. I especially liked the touch of ‘Will’s corvette’ coming on to the scene albeit briefly.
I had a quiet couple of days, and it was fun reading it straight thru.
Spoiler Alert within -
After reading one of this author’s other novels and totally enjoying it, I was keen to pick a second one up. I am always looking for good, page turning, crazy fun books for my grandsons and this one is a definite pass. A 15 year old protagonist living in the 70’s is in love with arcade games, notably one which has supernatural, time travelling powers—course he doesn’t know it. He ends up living the game in real life and it’s one heck of a nightmare evening.
As far as story structure goes, the pace is great (I enjoy fast moving plots), the character development is rich, and scene descriptions are perfect, not overboard and enough to put the reader into the scene. There were touches of humour throughout (which I appreciate and enjoy) and a cute young teen crushing romance.
Throughout the entire book I admit I kept wondering how will the author close off the plot, but he managed to tie it all together nicely for a great ending. I especially liked the touch of ‘Will’s corvette’ coming on to the scene albeit briefly.
I had a quiet couple of days, and it was fun reading it straight thru.
October 31, 2023
Like the last book I read by this author, this story is steeped in nostalgia. And I'm fine with that. This one might be more 1980s than 90s throwbacks. Once again, the author fills his book with likable characters that are thrown into an imaginative (relatively grounded) sci fi adventure. The near unstoppable villain kind of gave me Terminator vibes. The pacing is good as well (perhaps paced a little better than the author's last book) Is this the deepest book? No. Is it controversial or edgy? No. But did I completely enjoy this book from cover to cover? Yes. It's almost like this author is writing YA books targeted at middle aged people. Not much suggestive stuff here, so I'd say it's appropriate for young teens as well. Though the younger audience might not get all the references, there's plenty for them to enjoy here. It's an easy read that I thought was a lot of fun, and I'm looking forward to what this author has up his sleeve in the future.
December 1, 2023
As a Gen X who grew up in a video arcade, I enjoyed this book very much. It was a blast from the past, and the story telling is really good. I was drawn into the story immediately, becoming invested in the return to his hometown and the dark backstory. Without giving too much away, the main character falls into the video game called The Time Hunter, and must unwrap the mystery surrounding a tragic event that happened in his past. If you like stories such as Ender's Game, Ready Player One, or Wreck it Ralph, you'll love this book!
December 21, 2023
Instantly hooked me with what wasn't being said. Great subtle build up and introduction into the narrator's world. The author and I clearly grew up in a similar time and experienced similar small town life where everyone knows every one and you can always and yet never go home.
November 1, 2023
This book has so many things I love… video games, the 80’s, time travel…. The storytelling is so good and brings you in. The fictitious arcade game in the book feels so real. What a fun and immersive read!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews