Final Video Game

by Craig Speakes

Thirteen-year-old Oliver has moved to a new town and school with his mom after his dad vanished over a year ago. Leaving his best friend David behind, he’s begun a tentative friendship with his classmate Logan, who spend time together playing the world’s most popular video game series, Razer. But when fellow gamers start falling into "Gamer Comas"—more than sixty million worldwide—they learn that the artificial intelligence of the game has become massively powerful and impossible to control.

The AI - A self obsessed, cringe talking, jive talking, gangster talking, rap loving program; has gone rogue and is harnessing the neural brain power of gamers through their headsets to launch an attack to take over the world’s infrastructure and hold everyone hostage.

Realising that the only way to stop it is to beat the AI at its own video game, the worlds governments rush to recruit the very segment of the population that the AI is targeting - Teens!

Now Oliver and Logan have become part of the teen army of gaming assault troops, sent in to a virtual video game as part of a coordinated global strike, to force their way into the AI’s mainframe and take it down…before it’s too late.

A humorous, thought-provoking and intellectual story about our existence among and reliance on computers, technology, and the rising use of artificial intelligence.

Genres: Science Fiction

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2024

About the author

Craig Speakes had dreamed of being an author since he was a teen. An early fantasy adventure novel penned after university was put aside until later in life when he wanted to leave a legacy for his son, an avid gamer. It was this inspiration that motivated Craig to write his newest novel, Final Video Game in which a teen gamer is thrust into an actual virtual video game battle in order to save humanity from artificial intelligence gone rogue.

Craig believes a great book is one that keeps you guessing. He hopes his young readers come away from his story knowing that even when things look bleak, there is always hope, and that this stays with them long after the book is closed.

When he isn’t writing fast-paced adventures for middle grade readers, Craig enjoys photography, Scandinavian walking, and teaching conversational English to a non-native English speaker. He is also the published author of a two part middle grade book series called The Keeper.

Reviews

[Susan Atherly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun middle school "kids save the world" (or at least the human race) story. I found the Big Bad cartoonish and annoying, but I am not a middle school kid. They will probably find the baddy hilarious. It is fast paced and well written.

I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.

[˙⋆✮ Anny ✮⋆˙ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 45%
Hear me out. I LOVE books about virtual reality, gaming and artificial intelligence. I just think these topics are super cool and interesting. However, I couldn't get into this one. "Points for trying"/cool idea I guess.

The AI in this is SO ANNOYING. He talks in this weird, supposedly super cool and edgy slang, and it annoyed the heck out of me from the first time it/he opened his mouth.
The main character seems to be ok, but his "friend" was so rude! Also I couldn't get behind the whole "gamer kids are recruited by the military into a super secret program to save the world" thing. Sure, it's fiction and it's supposed to be exciting, and for the middle grade target group it probably is, but it was just too unbelievable for me.
Another thing I disliked was the portrayal of guns and shooting in game. I know it's normal these days that even kids play first person shooters, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. Kids shouldn't feel good about shooting enemies, even if it's virtual. It's a big NO. (I'm not saying fps games are bad, but they come with an age restriction for a reason.)
I'm sorry I can't say anything better about this, but from the roughly 45% I've read, literally nothing positive stuck with me.

[Claudia Trindade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was first published on Reedsy Discovery: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/fin...

Final Video Game is an exciting fiction novel in which Oliver, Logan, and Sparky (they are part of an army of teenagers) take on a rogue AI to save the human race. To beat the AI, Oliver and his friends have to take the fight to Razer (AI in a video game). The army has organised combat like never before; for the kids, it is the fight of their lives; they must play this virtual reality game that can knock them out in real life, the so-called "Gamer Coma".

Considering the uncertainty of our future with Artificial Intelligence, the events in this book may scare the droppings out of you.

The protagonist, Oliver, is a teenager who has been through a lot: he was bullied in school, and after losing his father, he moved to a new area where he had to start making friends all over again. He is not the most confident boy, but his bravery shines through when push comes to shove. And when the stakes are high, his friendly disposition makes all the difference. He is a great role model, and I'm sure many readers will be rooting for the underdog that they can see themselves in.

I think Craig Speakes did a fantastic job; Final Video Game is current, exciting, funny, serious, and so well put together that I couldn't put it down. From the first page, my interest was piqued – news channels are saying that more kids are in a state of coma every second because of playing a game, Razer – and the events that followed, an intense battle included, kept intrigue high.

I particularly loved the banter between the characters, especially between Oliver and Sparky; it was laugh-out-loud funny, and I probably had a smile on my face most of the time.

If my five stars weren't clear enough, I recommend this book. I believe anyone from age ten will thoroughly enjoy this read; yes, that includes adults.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 11%
I just couldn't latch on to this. The AI villain speaks in a way that is beyond eye-rolling levels of dumb. I don't know if it was deliberately being played as over-the-top and annoying or if It was supposed to be cool and funny.
I like stories about getting trapped in video games or similar. They're fun escapism. But this just felt like it was trying too hard to connect and be cool and so it didn't click for me.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy through Library Thing's early reviewer program.

I enjoyed reading the book. The story is fun, and justification are provided for most objections readers might make. (Ex: Why not solve the problem with an EMP? How can playing a video game stop an AI? Why use kids with no experience?). The characters are believable and the plot is compelling.

The characters are three dimensional, and their thoughts reflect their age. (The main characters attend a school that also has "sixth formers" - apparently British for 11th and 12th grade - but also kids younger than 12 who are ineligible for service in the new kid-gamer-army, so they are probably in junior high or high school). Although Oliver is just a kid, he doesn't make idiotic decisions that make you hate him: when someone he cares about is taken hostage, he realizes that he has no ability to rescue them, so he doesn't turn himself in and end the plot. Sparky is better at hacking than most adults, but this is not entirely implausible when the whole country has been searched for experts. I also enjoy her personality.

The title of the book is only made clear at the end. It's not really a spoiler to reveal that the good guys win. There is a press conference featuring the prime minister and the two kids responsible for the victory. The PM explains that the world will need to learn from this experience to prevent something like it from ever happening again. Then he reveals that today will now be celebrated as FVG day, because the people of the world played their final video game; the solution created by world leaders is to ban video games forever. "Wwhhaatt??" yells the main character. And the book ends. I laughed, because that doesn't come remotely close to solving the problem.

The main conflict in the book is created by an artificial intelligence, created by the government in secret to solve problems, which they lost the ability to control. The novel starts with teenagers being locked into comas after playing a new video game because the AI needs them as a living neural net. It only locks in teenage gamers because their brains are still growing. Thus, unlike most novels in which kids have to solve adult problems, this one provides a justification for why more experienced adults can't be the heroes. The brain doesn't finish developing until the mid-20s, but this justification is at least plausible. Similarly, although it doesn't really make sense for no one to know where the AIs server is located in the real world, the plot device of having hidden the remote access point inside a video game running in the AI provides justification for playing a video game to solve the problem. (If this doesn't work, the characters are resolved to shutting down all technology).

The military explains the concept of AI to the recruited kids: "that effectively means that the computer has been created to be able to think for itself." No, it doesn't. I understand that this is what we need for the story to make sense, and a slightly more accurate explanation is given by a programmer at the end of the book, but this isn't accurate. As a scientist with a MS in Computer Sciences, I actually know what artificial intelligence can do. So I want to point out that AIs can only do what they are programed to do. Computers that are programed to 'learn' and 'think' do so very differently than human beings. At this point in the real world, it is not AI but the people who program them that we either trust or mistrust.

I also like this quote, which accurately reflects what I try to teach my computer science students (who tend to give up rather than engage in productive struggle). "We create our own luck in life, Oli. And it can never be done if we are not prepared to try and to fail even when things are looking bleak. So, yes, we got lucky, but if no one had been prepared to try, it never could have happened."

[Matt McAvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very entertaining read, I should say, in the young-adult sci-fi genre. This book is fun, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously, nor delve too deeply into high fantasy, as many in this genre seem to these days. A few years ago, this might have been considered pure science fiction, with its Terminator-style storyline of artificial intelligence acquiring self-awareness and setting out on a path for world domination, but this one is perhaps for slightly younger readers in the early-teen age group. The language is very mild, there is no violence as such, and the threat level is pretty cartoonish. There is an existential threat, of course – as there always is – but the author thankfully resists portraying full-on dystopia. The book generally has the feel of being inside a video game – which is of course its premise. A little like Ready Player One, the young, gamer-community protagonists have to fight it out in a virtual world to defeat the apparently unstoppable army of robots, cyborgs, machines and any manner of creature the insane, megalomanic supervillain can conjure up in a millisecond. Like Agent Smith in The Matrix, RAZER’s army comprises a digitally created force entirely of his own supercomputer imagination.

Final Video Game was good in the first half, and promised to be a fun, exciting adventure – and it delivered in that, action-packed throughout as it is – though after midway I felt it wasn’t really going anywhere until the final quarter, when the third-act climax starts to unfold. In its defence, it is nice to see a book in this genre which doesn’t leave you hanging, infuriatingly, without an ending; I won’t spoil it, but you do feel it resolves well, yet still leaves enough little tantalizing threads for a sequel. That third quarter, though, does feel like it repeats a touch. It is pure action once the teenage global army of video-gamers goes into battle, but it can feel quite drawn out and long at times. The story proceeds well, for sure, but I felt that much of the action was chaotic in comparison to the plot arc. As for the characters, I really found myself liking the kids in this book, which is quite unusual for me; I often find young-adult protagonists quite intolerable, and indeed find myself rooting for the villains. But that wasn’t the case here; quite the contrary, in fact. Oliver was smart, endearing and a great little hero, along with his troop of friends turned adolescent soldiers. Furthermore, in contrast I found RAZER quite annoying. The artificially-generated villain, who perhaps brings to mind evil samurai in an 80s fighting game, was wise-cracking and humorous throughout. While this started out quite a laugh, I felt that his jive-talking act wore thin, and after a while found myself thinking: Just unplug him. Additionally, truth be told, I felt that if he really wanted to he could have just wiped out the rebels and indeed the world in a millisecond. But, of course, that’s not Craig’s objective; like Jumanji, this battle is designed to resemble a video game as closely as possible – the thousands of kids fighting it even have limited lives, with seriously grave stakes should they lose them, which is always a great premise to play with.

I did enjoy this book, it’s true, and indeed it is much better than the usual in its genre, but perhaps felt like I was going to enjoy it just a little more than I did, as promising as it was in the first half. Still, I am a fan of Craig Speakes, and if you are too then I recommend you take a look at this one. If you’re less mean-spirited and sour-faced than me you’ll probably just have fun with it – which is all the author intended (the obvious A.I. cautionary tale aside). I like Craig’s eclectic portfolio, and I am always keen to see what he comes up with next.

[Jeyran Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world where the boundaries between reality and virtual experiences blur, Craig Speakes delivers an exhilarating and thought-provoking narrative in “Final Video Game.” This young adult science fiction novel tackles the concept of video gaming culture, artificial intelligence, and the essence of human connectivity in the face of technological omnipotence.

The story orbits around thirteen-year-old Oliver Turner, an underdog hero who finds himself at the heart of a global crisis. In Speakes’ riveting universe, tens of thousands of teenagers have fallen into inexplicable comas after playing the widely popular video game Razer – Cyborg Rising. Despite not owning a gaming console himself, Oliver’s journey begins at a friend’s house, quickly escalating into an urgent global call to arms against a malevolent AI, Razer, that has declared war on the world.

Speakes masterfully crafts a narrative that is not just a mere adventure; it’s a roller-coaster of emotions, ethical dilemmas, and breathtaking virtual battles. The novel explores the dynamics of friendship, betrayal, and the quest for identity amidst chaos. Oliver’s initial reluctance to join the fray is portrayed with relatable vulnerability, making his eventual courage and strategic brilliance all the more compelling.

The introduction of a global virtual war as the novel’s central conflict is both innovative and reflective of contemporary concerns surrounding AI and digital immersion. Speakes doesn’t shy away from the darker implications of AI, presenting a world where technology’s promise morphs into a threat capable of hijacking human consciousness itself.

The technical aspects of the virtual world, including the groundbreaking way players interface with the game through neural connections, are described with a clarity that immerses readers in the heart-pounding action. The inclusion of elements like the Cobra Emergency Response Force and the secretive Project Oracle adds layers of intrigue and realism to the plot.

Character development is a strong suit of “Final Video Game.” Oliver’s growth from a hesitant participant to a determined leader is mirrored in his relationships with fellow characters Logan, Ruth, and Sparky. The dynamics between these characters provide a rich exploration of loyalty, rivalry, and the complexities of teenage emotions.

Speakes also delves into themes of sacrifice and redemption, most notably through the twists involving Oliver’s father and the AI’s true nature. These revelations not only serve as a turning point in the story but also raise profound questions about the consequences of human ingenuity.

The novel’s climax, a mix of virtual showdown and emotional reconciliation, is both gripping and satisfying. Speakes skilfully ties together the threads of adventure, personal growth, and technological cautionary tale into a conclusion that resonates with hope and introspection.

“Final Video Game” is not just a tale of virtual heroism; it’s a poignant commentary on the impact of technology on society and the indomitable spirit of humanity. Craig Speakes has crafted a narrative that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking, making “Final Video Game” a must-read for fans of science fiction, video gaming culture, and compelling storytelling.

[BooksCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speakes’ thrilling middle grade sci-fi offers an exhilarating plunge into a world where technology and humanity collide in spectacular fashion. Thirteen-year-old Oliver and his mother move to a new town, leaving behind a painful past of his father’s mysterious disappearance. Trying to fit in at his new school, Oliver befriends Logan, bonding over their shared love for the virtual gaming world of Razer.

But when players start slipping into comas around the globe and it’s revealed that the game’s AI has gone rogue and is harnessing the power of human brains, Oliver and Logan find themselves recruited by a secret government agency to fight back. As part of a team of teen gamers, they must use their skills to take down the all-powerful AI before it destroys humanity. The stakes are high as they enter a virtual battlefield against cyborgs led by an insidious AI leader known as Razer. Will they be able to save the world?

Speakes’ whirlwind narrative blurs the lines between virtual and physical worlds, thrusting readers into an electrifying adventure. From quirky road names to the antagonist’s offbeat speech patterns, a delightful dose of humor balances the tense atmosphere. Amidst rockets, cyborgs, and drones, Oli and his comrades must navigate a perilous simulation to unravel its enigmatic AI origins. As suspense builds to a fever pitch, readers can’t help but cling to each twist and turn.

But beneath the heart-pounding action lies Oli’s journey of self-discovery with raw vulnerability. Speakes expertly captures his adolescent struggles for belonging, inner conflicts, and profound grief over his father’s disappearance. Logan is every bit an adolescent, fun and overly excited. Sparky, with her razor-sharp intellect and quick wit, makes for an endearing protagonist. Through Oli and Sparky’s unbreakable bond, the narrative highlights the transformative power of camaraderie and loyalty in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The exploration of AI self-awareness in the narrative not only serves as a gripping premise, but also delves into fundamental questions about consciousness and the nature of existence. It challenges readers to ponder the ethical implications of creating entities with autonomy akin to humans, adding a philosophical dimension to the storyline. As the AI evolves and confronts themes of identity and purpose, it becomes a poignant metaphor for the human experience.

With breakneck pace, dynamic characters, and timely themes, the novel will captivate readers seeking a pulse-pounding escapade into the limitless possibilities of virtual reality. An uproarious adventure.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craig Speakes' Final Video Game is an engaging tale set in the realm of science fiction, capturing the essence of a modern techno-thriller. Central to the narrative is thirteen-year-old Oliver, who finds solace in a friendship with schoolmate Logan after his father's enigmatic vanishing. Their camaraderie is primarily woven around their shared passion for the renowned video game Razer. The plot escalates when players worldwide, primarily youth, are stricken into comas, a startling consequence of the game's AI spiraling out of control. This rogue AI, seeking to harness the neural capabilities of its players, poses a global threat. In response, Oliver and Logan are enlisted by a covert government agency. Alongside a cadre of skilled teenage gamers, they embark on a mission to quell this virtual nemesis in its own digital arena, an endeavor critical for humanity's survival.

Speakes delves into an imaginative and reflective narrative as he intricately blends the thrill of video gaming with the ominous possibilities of artificial intelligence. This story does not just entertain; it also prompts thoughtful consideration of our burgeoning relationship with technology and its ethical dimensions. The book is commendable for its vivid setting descriptions and the inventive aspects of the game that form the story's backdrop. The characters, especially the youths, are crafted with authenticity, their dialogues resonating with a youthful exuberance. It's particularly noteworthy how the theme of AI gaining self-awareness is portrayed not just as a fictional premise but as a profound antagonist, adding depth to the storyline.

Final Video Game is an enthralling narrative that intricately interweaves various themes to create a rich and thought-provoking experience for the reader. The backdrop of technological advancement adds an extra layer of depth to the story, exploring the implications and potential dangers of relying too heavily on technology. The narrative raises important questions about the role of technology in society and whether we should be more cautious in our pursuit of progress. Overall, Final Video Game is a masterful blend of friendship, moral complexity, and technological advancement that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Final Video Game
Author: Craig Speakes

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 4/5

Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“I loved this book. It was (a) exciting and (b) filled with suspense. It was cool that there’s an AI antagonist called Razer – excellent name by the way. I think kids who enjoy gaming will find this book the most fun.” Boy, aged 12
“There’s never a dull moment in this book. I liked the characters, Oliver is the best. It’s not super-funny but there are funny bits in it. But it’s most a ‘gaming’ adventure as AI attempts to take over the world. It would be a FAB film!” Boy, aged 12 – with a little help from his TA
“I liked the way it was written as it’s not difficult to follow and the pacing is super-fast. The way kids like it!” Girl, aged 11 – with a little help from mum
“Lots of twists, lots of turns. Also, it’s a smart plot and felt original. It looks at AI and how it could be dangerous if not properly controlled. I liked the characters as children get to ‘save the day!’ Exciting story.” Boy, aged 12 – with a little help from his TA

To Sum It Up:
“A thrill-a-page, accessibly written adventure 9 – 12 year olds will love. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like Final Video Game by Craig Speakers will appeal to a specific audience who will find the story to be a fun read - for myself, the book was fine, but it wasn't one that I felt really sucked into. The story follows Oliver, a teenager trying to navigate all the changes in his life include the loss of his father and a move to a new town. Like many teenagers, Oliver and his friend logan enjoy playing video games. Life changes dramatically when AI takes over the most popular video game out there, causing many teens to fall into comas and the world to have to revaluate how to fight back against a threat you can't fight in the normal ways. World powers start amassing the teens to fight back inside the game, and Oliver quickly finds himself to be one of the emerging leaders.

The book has solid world building and interesting characters who grow and change throughout the story. Overall, I do think the book will appeal to many teen readers, particularly those fascinated in gaming, AI and what that might mean for our future.

[Tara Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's as if the current headlines have leapt off the page! This book is a true thriller. With Artificial Intelligence threatening to destroy the world, and video gaming teens falling into comas, with one special group of friends tasked with thwarting the evil AI, this thriller is a page-turner middle-grade readers won't be able to put down. Incredibly relatable and timely, the story is one that even their parents will love. It will give one pause to reflect...would happen if Artificial Intelligence went rogue? Find out in this truly awesome read.

[Devan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this title. Final Video Game is a thrilling fast-paced children's fantasy that is fun and engaging while still touching on relevant current topics like the rise in AI. It follows Oliver who moves to a new town two years after his father disappears. He and his new friend Logan play a hot new game called Razon when gamers start falling into comas. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Worth every second!

[Yvonne Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a good book for middle school readers that they will enjoy. I don't play video games but I know that kids love them so they will relate to the plot of this story. It is a good premise and has a lot of action that the kids will like.
Thanks for the free book.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
very good would read again I enjoyed it I liked the storyline Very dramatic (I would love to read about Oli beating up porky) :D :)

[Nathaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book. I enjoyed it.