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Space Games
The cameras are on and the gloves are off in this battle of the sexes in space.
Say hello to Robin and Joe—contestants in 2034’s “Space Games,” a high-stakes reality TV show from Hollywood producer Sheldon J. Zimmer that is set aboard next-generation space station, ISS 2. The winner takes home a multimillion-dollar jackpot and a chance at stardom, while the loser faces the ultimate in public humiliation. Only former NASA astronaut Vince, acting as the station’s commander and the games’ sole referee, can separate sexy spitfire and martial artist, Robin Miller, from her brutal opponent, “Big Joe” O’Donnell, as the pair compete inside the cramped zero-g environs. Watched by millions of people back on Earth, the reality show rapidly degenerates into a deadly spectacle.
Space Games is a compelling story and a biting satire about reality those who make and participate in it – and those who watch it.
Say hello to Robin and Joe—contestants in 2034’s “Space Games,” a high-stakes reality TV show from Hollywood producer Sheldon J. Zimmer that is set aboard next-generation space station, ISS 2. The winner takes home a multimillion-dollar jackpot and a chance at stardom, while the loser faces the ultimate in public humiliation. Only former NASA astronaut Vince, acting as the station’s commander and the games’ sole referee, can separate sexy spitfire and martial artist, Robin Miller, from her brutal opponent, “Big Joe” O’Donnell, as the pair compete inside the cramped zero-g environs. Watched by millions of people back on Earth, the reality show rapidly degenerates into a deadly spectacle.
Space Games is a compelling story and a biting satire about reality those who make and participate in it – and those who watch it.
ebook
First published May 14, 2013
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48 people want to read
About the author
Dean Lombardo
12 books16 followersDean Lombardo is the author of the western novel, "The Barco Clan," the science fiction thriller "Byproduct," as well as the scifi-horror novel "Vespa," the middle-grade lit novel "Donkey Sense," and other novels. A native of Norwalk, Connecticut, he lives in northern Virginia with his family, two dogs and a cat.
Visit Dean's website at:
http://www.deanlombardo.com/
Visit Dean's website at:
http://www.deanlombardo.com/
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 22, 2013
Fantastic! Couldn't put it down.
In the not-so-distant future reality shows are propelled into new heights; to space, in fact.
And though the two contestants are slightly insane—handpicked by the also a little insane producer—the show is quite realistic and I wouldn’t be surprised if this kind of show would be made in the future.
Space Games is a battle of the sexes, and it illustrates the darker side of the media and television, it even shows how a lot of people actually would react to it in a very believable way.
It had great visual descriptions, I could really see the inside of the space station and almost feel the weightlessness and disorientation the characters felt.
In the not-so-distant future reality shows are propelled into new heights; to space, in fact.
And though the two contestants are slightly insane—handpicked by the also a little insane producer—the show is quite realistic and I wouldn’t be surprised if this kind of show would be made in the future.
Space Games is a battle of the sexes, and it illustrates the darker side of the media and television, it even shows how a lot of people actually would react to it in a very believable way.
It had great visual descriptions, I could really see the inside of the space station and almost feel the weightlessness and disorientation the characters felt.
June 14, 2013
Space Games lives up to the hype. It is a brutal free for all, a fast paced, violent and yet a satirical look at human nature and the nature of reality television gone too far. The two main protagonists, feisty Robin and tough Joe, go head to head in an ultimate battle of the sexes show, which quickly descends into chaos. Morality blurs and hard hitting questions start being asked: how far should one go for television? For fame/infamy? Money? To prove a point?
The funny thing is, Robin and Joe don’t really ask these questions. They’re more interested is getting one up on each other. But as a reader, you do. The MC’s aren’t the most loveable characters, redeeming qualities are thin on the ground, but that, I think, might be part of the fun of Space Games. It’s keeps you wondering what God-awful thing they are going to do to each other next… And the ballsy ending – it is as brutal in its ending as it is in its beginning. Very well written, entertaining, and asks a few uncomfortable questions about our sometimes voyeuristic natures. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
The funny thing is, Robin and Joe don’t really ask these questions. They’re more interested is getting one up on each other. But as a reader, you do. The MC’s aren’t the most loveable characters, redeeming qualities are thin on the ground, but that, I think, might be part of the fun of Space Games. It’s keeps you wondering what God-awful thing they are going to do to each other next… And the ballsy ending – it is as brutal in its ending as it is in its beginning. Very well written, entertaining, and asks a few uncomfortable questions about our sometimes voyeuristic natures. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
July 19, 2014
The battle between the sexes has a long and glorious history in sci-fi. From move "classics" such as "Queen of Outer Space" on to the 90's New Outer Limits' episode "Lithia" and Norman Spinrad's forgotten but still worth reading novel "A World Apart," boys and girls have been arguing, fighting, and getting on each other's nerves for decades. It's a conflict meme that never goes out of date. Only the style of the clash changes.
For example, "Queen of Outer Space," the greatest movie Zsa Zsa Gabor ever made, has a ringy dingy, "girls just want to have fun" vibe to it that leaves you remembering your first prom date. (Though the movie does have a darker side. The male lead, Eric Flemming, who would later star for years alongside Clint Eastwood in the TV series "Rawhide," is thought to have thrown himself to Amazonian piranhas while filming in South America. One would think that after spending a couple of weeks on set with Zsa Zsa Garbor, this manner of demise would have had a certain "been there, done that" feel, but we musn't question fate.)
The Outer Limits' "Lithia" possesses a more dystopian atmosphere and drives home the lesson that women can be cold indeed. Spinrad's novel reaches back to that 70's Cold War zeitgeist, when capitalism and communism wrestled for world supremacy under the shadow of two forests of ICBMs and asks both genders "can't we all just get along?"
Space Games answers that query with a resounding "no." The novel's feel is a blend of UFC meets Survivor meets Rollerball and no one gets along with anyone.
Now, before going any further, I feel it only fair to warn you. Games is one of the most violent and vicious books I've read in years, just this side of action porn. If you tend to tear up while rewatching "Notting Hill" for the tenth time and think "The Notebook" one of the greatest films ever made, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. It will depress your life. On the other hand, if you're up for some sly, hard- nosed, insightful social satire, you will enjoy Space Games. And once you pick it up, you won't put it down until the last blood splatter has been launched and the last bone has been crunched. (Both occur frequently in the book.)
Read the rest of the review at: http://www.rule-set.com/blog/category...
For example, "Queen of Outer Space," the greatest movie Zsa Zsa Gabor ever made, has a ringy dingy, "girls just want to have fun" vibe to it that leaves you remembering your first prom date. (Though the movie does have a darker side. The male lead, Eric Flemming, who would later star for years alongside Clint Eastwood in the TV series "Rawhide," is thought to have thrown himself to Amazonian piranhas while filming in South America. One would think that after spending a couple of weeks on set with Zsa Zsa Garbor, this manner of demise would have had a certain "been there, done that" feel, but we musn't question fate.)
The Outer Limits' "Lithia" possesses a more dystopian atmosphere and drives home the lesson that women can be cold indeed. Spinrad's novel reaches back to that 70's Cold War zeitgeist, when capitalism and communism wrestled for world supremacy under the shadow of two forests of ICBMs and asks both genders "can't we all just get along?"
Space Games answers that query with a resounding "no." The novel's feel is a blend of UFC meets Survivor meets Rollerball and no one gets along with anyone.
Now, before going any further, I feel it only fair to warn you. Games is one of the most violent and vicious books I've read in years, just this side of action porn. If you tend to tear up while rewatching "Notting Hill" for the tenth time and think "The Notebook" one of the greatest films ever made, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. It will depress your life. On the other hand, if you're up for some sly, hard- nosed, insightful social satire, you will enjoy Space Games. And once you pick it up, you won't put it down until the last blood splatter has been launched and the last bone has been crunched. (Both occur frequently in the book.)
Read the rest of the review at: http://www.rule-set.com/blog/category...
December 5, 2013
Reality TV is digital consumerism with the dubious claim of real life entertainment. For those who can't, won't, or just don't know how to break away from a mundane existence, this socially acceptable voyeurism provides a safe dose of danger and excitement. While it may not be addictive it still seems that, like a drug, each dose must become stronger if it is to sustain the thrill.
Such potent programming has become the norm in the year 2034 when producer Sheldon Zimmer decides to stage the ultimate battle of the sexes, in outer space. While he makes some pretence at staying within safety guidelines, Zimmer doesn't want to just push the envelope, he aims to rip right through it and does so with as little regard for the contestants as would an emperor at a coliseum.
Space Games, by Dean Lombardo, takes a satirical swipe at society's craving to see it's soul stripped bare, and scores a direct hit with its portrayal of viewers who subscribe to Internet feeds for the most personal of details. The moral anchor of the story is Morty, Zimmer's assistant, and Morty's attempts to keep the show from getting out of hand make it apparent that he is the closest thing Zimmer has to a conscience. The contestants, hulking Joe O'Donnell and spitfire Robin Miller, crank out the venom from the start and with only an aging astronaut for a chaperone their clashes soon become bloody and vindictive. While some may feel that Lombardo goes over the top with these scenes, I'm fairly certain that fans of pro-wrestling or mixed martial arts cage fights will eat them up.
Lombardo's writing style is clean. His descriptions and dialogue sweep easily past the eye making Space Games a fairly quick read. The science is inventive in places and accurate enough, and the characters stay true to form throughout the story. For those who like sci-fi pulp fiction from the fifties and sixties, where men are macho and women are wild, this will almost feel like a nostalgic read about a future we can all see coming. As a page-turner that keeps you guessing who the ultimate winner will be, and at what cost, Space Games comes highly recommended.
Such potent programming has become the norm in the year 2034 when producer Sheldon Zimmer decides to stage the ultimate battle of the sexes, in outer space. While he makes some pretence at staying within safety guidelines, Zimmer doesn't want to just push the envelope, he aims to rip right through it and does so with as little regard for the contestants as would an emperor at a coliseum.
Space Games, by Dean Lombardo, takes a satirical swipe at society's craving to see it's soul stripped bare, and scores a direct hit with its portrayal of viewers who subscribe to Internet feeds for the most personal of details. The moral anchor of the story is Morty, Zimmer's assistant, and Morty's attempts to keep the show from getting out of hand make it apparent that he is the closest thing Zimmer has to a conscience. The contestants, hulking Joe O'Donnell and spitfire Robin Miller, crank out the venom from the start and with only an aging astronaut for a chaperone their clashes soon become bloody and vindictive. While some may feel that Lombardo goes over the top with these scenes, I'm fairly certain that fans of pro-wrestling or mixed martial arts cage fights will eat them up.
Lombardo's writing style is clean. His descriptions and dialogue sweep easily past the eye making Space Games a fairly quick read. The science is inventive in places and accurate enough, and the characters stay true to form throughout the story. For those who like sci-fi pulp fiction from the fifties and sixties, where men are macho and women are wild, this will almost feel like a nostalgic read about a future we can all see coming. As a page-turner that keeps you guessing who the ultimate winner will be, and at what cost, Space Games comes highly recommended.
August 29, 2013
SPACE GAMES Review
I had a great time reading SPACE GAMES by Dean Lombardo. It’s the first book I’ve read by this author, but I’m sure it’s not the last. It’s about a tournament between a man and a woman taking place in space, where they have to beat each other in a series of events in order to get a 3-million-dollar prize.
This book shows in a vivid way that greed and lust for money and fame outshine sanity and morality. The world-building, the characters, the writing – everything is so realistic, so natural and detailed it’s like you are watching a fast-paced movie. The book is very intense so once I started reading it I couldn’t stop. There’s a lot of violence and cussing, but they just couldn’t be helped, and I didn’t mind them as much as I do in other books.
The fast pace, the events the main characters took part in, the cast of characters introduced by the author made SPACE GAMES an engrossing read. Totally recommended to those who love a well-written, well-structured novel with a message.
I loved the way the author showed what impact TV and the Internet have on most people. And, by the way, while reading about the games I groaned in displeasure when a commercial was coming up. I’d definitely love to see it as a movie some time soon.
I had a great time reading SPACE GAMES by Dean Lombardo. It’s the first book I’ve read by this author, but I’m sure it’s not the last. It’s about a tournament between a man and a woman taking place in space, where they have to beat each other in a series of events in order to get a 3-million-dollar prize.
This book shows in a vivid way that greed and lust for money and fame outshine sanity and morality. The world-building, the characters, the writing – everything is so realistic, so natural and detailed it’s like you are watching a fast-paced movie. The book is very intense so once I started reading it I couldn’t stop. There’s a lot of violence and cussing, but they just couldn’t be helped, and I didn’t mind them as much as I do in other books.
The fast pace, the events the main characters took part in, the cast of characters introduced by the author made SPACE GAMES an engrossing read. Totally recommended to those who love a well-written, well-structured novel with a message.
I loved the way the author showed what impact TV and the Internet have on most people. And, by the way, while reading about the games I groaned in displeasure when a commercial was coming up. I’d definitely love to see it as a movie some time soon.
November 18, 2014
Space Games is certainly a story for the mature reader. With its brutal take on reality TV it will easily offend some readers. However, if you're not offended by an unrestrained level of honesty and realism then this is most certainly worth a read.
Not being so easily put off by mature content I can say I did enjoy this story. I enjoyed it because it's not superficial or patronizing, but very clear and to the point in its message. Space Games has a realistic take on what reality TV could look like in the future while addressing the problems with current reality TV. It also conveys well the issues surrounding marketing and manipulation of the masses.
The story has fast paced action and through the plot and characters it addresses the bigger subject matters. Its one weakness to me was the characters as I did not really attach to them much. The couple of times I did, it was only because it is natural for any good person to sympathise for a character when they experience certain brutalities. That aside Space Games is a great look at a possible future and has a certain refreshing integrity because it does not hold back when conveying its themes.
Not being so easily put off by mature content I can say I did enjoy this story. I enjoyed it because it's not superficial or patronizing, but very clear and to the point in its message. Space Games has a realistic take on what reality TV could look like in the future while addressing the problems with current reality TV. It also conveys well the issues surrounding marketing and manipulation of the masses.
The story has fast paced action and through the plot and characters it addresses the bigger subject matters. Its one weakness to me was the characters as I did not really attach to them much. The couple of times I did, it was only because it is natural for any good person to sympathise for a character when they experience certain brutalities. That aside Space Games is a great look at a possible future and has a certain refreshing integrity because it does not hold back when conveying its themes.
May 16, 2013
A sleekly modern rendition of pulp sci-fi, Space Games is fast-paced, straightforward read that leaves you wanting to know what happens next. This book is easy to fly through, full of excitement and action. The realistic dialogue, tight writing, and quick action all make for great entertainment.
The characters and action in Space Games, which is written almost cinematically, pop from the page. It’s easy to "see" what’s going on and "hear" the characters' distinctive voices. The pacing is spot-on, creating an exciting reading experience that snowballs into a tense page-turner as an ill-conceived reality show goes to hell. Space Games isn't for the faint of heart, and Lombardo, who is also known as a horror writer, isn’t afraid to take risks. I think that's one of the book's strengths: it fiercely barrels through the events in a merciless, unapologetic fashion.
The characters and action in Space Games, which is written almost cinematically, pop from the page. It’s easy to "see" what’s going on and "hear" the characters' distinctive voices. The pacing is spot-on, creating an exciting reading experience that snowballs into a tense page-turner as an ill-conceived reality show goes to hell. Space Games isn't for the faint of heart, and Lombardo, who is also known as a horror writer, isn’t afraid to take risks. I think that's one of the book's strengths: it fiercely barrels through the events in a merciless, unapologetic fashion.
January 8, 2014
This book is a well written, fast paced pulp fiction involving reality television taken too far. Set in the not so distant future, two contestants vie for a multi-million prize for the winner of various athletic, luck and skill based games set in the international space station.
This book explores what could happen when two self centered ego maniacs are able to go at each other when placed in a venue away from traditional law and order. How far can the contestants go before an amoral producer decides enough is enough?
I enjoyed the book. It is for mature audiences and contains violence and sex scenes.
This book explores what could happen when two self centered ego maniacs are able to go at each other when placed in a venue away from traditional law and order. How far can the contestants go before an amoral producer decides enough is enough?
I enjoyed the book. It is for mature audiences and contains violence and sex scenes.
June 13, 2013
For the sake of full disclosure, I will state that this book is published by my own publisher.
That being said, I really enjoyed it, in a slightly uncomfortable way.
I have often said that when I read a book, I seek to fall in love with at least one of the characters. Well, I don't think that's meant to happen with this book. Seriously. If you fall in love with anyone, well... hmmm... I'll look at you funny. Maybe Morty, or Vince... they're OK. But of the main characters, there is no one here worthy of your love. And that's fine. I think that's the point.
I thought the concept of these two contestants was really interesting. As for a battle of the sexes, well, that made me a little uncomfortable from the get-go. There's no doubting that, everything being equal, a man is physically superior to a woman (just going by muscle strength here), so the idea of them competing fairly was difficult to accept. However, I think it was dealt with really well. Robin sure is feisty, so it was believable when she did manage to come out on top (that may or may not be a pun at some points in the story... my lips are sealed).
I admit I spent a good chunk of the book trying to like both Robin and Joe... but they're both pretty dispicable in their own way. I managed to find some semblance of sympathy for Joe along the way, but there are some things that are simply unforgivable -- especially when they're premeditated!
I loved all the detail that went into describing the low-gravity (zero gravity, as was often the case) setting -- it was really neat and had me pondering just how much research Dean Lombardo had done when (or before) writing this thing. Really nice little bits and pieces here and there that even had me wondering if he had first-hand experience!
Pulp doesn't usually feature in my chosen genres, but this was without a doubt a good read, if not always fun (although, fun for much of it!). A great way to look back on ourselves and "our" love of cheap entertainment (I'm going to exclude myself, as I have a tendency to avoid reality TV since the very first Big Brother - just doesn't interest me). Greed has a lot to answer for.
Happy reading!
That being said, I really enjoyed it, in a slightly uncomfortable way.
I have often said that when I read a book, I seek to fall in love with at least one of the characters. Well, I don't think that's meant to happen with this book. Seriously. If you fall in love with anyone, well... hmmm... I'll look at you funny. Maybe Morty, or Vince... they're OK. But of the main characters, there is no one here worthy of your love. And that's fine. I think that's the point.
I thought the concept of these two contestants was really interesting. As for a battle of the sexes, well, that made me a little uncomfortable from the get-go. There's no doubting that, everything being equal, a man is physically superior to a woman (just going by muscle strength here), so the idea of them competing fairly was difficult to accept. However, I think it was dealt with really well. Robin sure is feisty, so it was believable when she did manage to come out on top (that may or may not be a pun at some points in the story... my lips are sealed).
I admit I spent a good chunk of the book trying to like both Robin and Joe... but they're both pretty dispicable in their own way. I managed to find some semblance of sympathy for Joe along the way, but there are some things that are simply unforgivable -- especially when they're premeditated!
I loved all the detail that went into describing the low-gravity (zero gravity, as was often the case) setting -- it was really neat and had me pondering just how much research Dean Lombardo had done when (or before) writing this thing. Really nice little bits and pieces here and there that even had me wondering if he had first-hand experience!
Pulp doesn't usually feature in my chosen genres, but this was without a doubt a good read, if not always fun (although, fun for much of it!). A great way to look back on ourselves and "our" love of cheap entertainment (I'm going to exclude myself, as I have a tendency to avoid reality TV since the very first Big Brother - just doesn't interest me). Greed has a lot to answer for.
Happy reading!
September 24, 2014
I first came across this book on Authonomy, in fact it was one of the very first stories I looked at on the site. Because of that it took me a while to get around to reading it in it's published form as I never read books more than once and, having read the first few chapters in their "raw" form, it took a while to for me to get stuck back in. It was a delay I shouldn't have made.
Dean's work was always well written but Space Games is now a polished gem of brutal satire and scathing comment. The story is harsh and uncompromising, clever and cruel. It's a cliche but once I'd started reading I couldn't put it down. I was reading the kindle version on my iPhone and my eyes were saying stop, but my interest in the story would give them no respite.
There's a bitterness to the story, and with no traditional hero or villain the characters all have their flaws. Flaws which become magnified under the glare of the cameras and watching public.
Oddly enough it was a relatively small character I liked the most, and could empathise with. The fan who let his obsession get the better of him was a nice touch. A different element to the tale which helped break the story up and give it a different dimension.
This isn't my usual reading matter, but it's well worth the five stars I've given it. Space Games comes highly recommended, and once you've read it I suggest you also check out Mr. Lombardo's Crichtonesque "Vespa".
Dean's work was always well written but Space Games is now a polished gem of brutal satire and scathing comment. The story is harsh and uncompromising, clever and cruel. It's a cliche but once I'd started reading I couldn't put it down. I was reading the kindle version on my iPhone and my eyes were saying stop, but my interest in the story would give them no respite.
There's a bitterness to the story, and with no traditional hero or villain the characters all have their flaws. Flaws which become magnified under the glare of the cameras and watching public.
Oddly enough it was a relatively small character I liked the most, and could empathise with. The fan who let his obsession get the better of him was a nice touch. A different element to the tale which helped break the story up and give it a different dimension.
This isn't my usual reading matter, but it's well worth the five stars I've given it. Space Games comes highly recommended, and once you've read it I suggest you also check out Mr. Lombardo's Crichtonesque "Vespa".
June 25, 2013
Pick up "Space Games" and you will become addicted. Mr. Lombardo has created characters and a conflict that give a chilling insight to the loftiest and the basest of human interactions. "Space Games" is the title of a one-on-one competition, a reality television program set within the confines of a space station in Earth orbit. In it, a man and woman battle for a multi-million dollar prize in a best-of-seven tournament. A series of no-holds-barred matches that not only test the limits of physical prowess, but also the sportsmanship, even the very humanity, of the contestants. An amoral sociopath, twisted by her violent past, versus a misogynist with nothing but contempt for her gender. The chemistry is potent and the bad blood of the combatants is exacerbated, encouraged by the greed of the show’s producer and the impotence of his staff. The effect on the viewing audience is only second to the horror that results from the collapse of civilized barriers in the minds and deeds of the players. You won’t be able to look away. You’ll never be able to think of reality television in the same way. Read and see for yourself.
May 28, 2013
At first glance Space Games seems to be a fast paced pulp fiction novel with nods to "Running Man" and "War of the Roses", but look deeper under the surface and you'll find a lot more. Space Games explores the questions "How low can we go?" and "How far is too far?" when it comes to the all mighty boob tube. It also explores themes like internet addiction and gender roles. So this might sound like Space Games is a little preachy, but far from it. This book is a great ride from start to finish. But be warned it isn't for the faint of heart. There is more than a little ultra-violence in here, but it is well placed. If you're looking for a great summertime read, then look no futher than Space Games.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews