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The Reality Code: Trapped In VR
It’s just innocent fun.
That’s what twelve-year-old Icarus ‘Icky’ Somers reminded himself as he hacked a high-tech VR machine designed to help therapy patients confront their deepest fears. In the immersive virtual worlds he created for himself, Icky was king, star athlete, superhero, or whatever else he wanted to be.
Just innocent fun he thought... until a critical error locked him inside the fear simulations program.
With no one to turn to, Icky’s sister and two best friends dive into the virtual world to rescue him. Each new simulation will plunge them deeper into a new, terrifying challenge, pushing their bravery and friendship to the limit. Can they navigate through massive sharks, towering heights, crushing claustrophobia and personal loss to rescue Icky? Or will the fear simulator forever trap them all as well?
That’s what twelve-year-old Icarus ‘Icky’ Somers reminded himself as he hacked a high-tech VR machine designed to help therapy patients confront their deepest fears. In the immersive virtual worlds he created for himself, Icky was king, star athlete, superhero, or whatever else he wanted to be.
Just innocent fun he thought... until a critical error locked him inside the fear simulations program.
With no one to turn to, Icky’s sister and two best friends dive into the virtual world to rescue him. Each new simulation will plunge them deeper into a new, terrifying challenge, pushing their bravery and friendship to the limit. Can they navigate through massive sharks, towering heights, crushing claustrophobia and personal loss to rescue Icky? Or will the fear simulator forever trap them all as well?
124 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2024
6 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 22, 2024
What worked:
Many books have been written about characters visiting fantasy worlds and this book ventures into virtual reality. Icky is an expert coder and he decides to add an “expansion pack” to the virtual reality program his father uses with his patients. Icky is the target of the class bully so he escapes into the virtual world he’s created. The author adds a couple of twists to make things more interesting. Before starting, Icky ignores an error message about his code and his program allows others to join him. This results in several characters entering the father’s fear experience without a clear way of getting out. Saving Icky becomes the conflict rather than Icky being the main character and hero. Icky’s grief following his mother’s death is a major factor.
The father’s program is designed to help patients overcome their fears so that becomes the main topic in the plot. Icky’s two best friends and his sister enter the virtual world to save him but they must overcome their greatest fears first. These phobias involve sharks, heights, and closed spaces which will be common connections for readers. The characters are allowed to help each other navigate their fears but each individual is forced to pass one final challenge alone before they can help Icky. Some of the trials can kill the virtual characters and allow them to repeatedly face their debilitating terrors. The chapters alternately focus on each character which allows readers to fully experience their panic.
What didn’t work as well:
The plot doesn’t fully develop the characters as it highlights their experiences in virtual reality. This helps the story move at a steady, action-filled pace but readers aren’t able to fully connect with the characters.
The final verdict:
The clever venture into a virtual world combines modern technology with universal emotional issues. Addressing each character’s biggest fear divides the book into four unique adventures but Icky’s situation will be much different from what readers expect. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.
Many books have been written about characters visiting fantasy worlds and this book ventures into virtual reality. Icky is an expert coder and he decides to add an “expansion pack” to the virtual reality program his father uses with his patients. Icky is the target of the class bully so he escapes into the virtual world he’s created. The author adds a couple of twists to make things more interesting. Before starting, Icky ignores an error message about his code and his program allows others to join him. This results in several characters entering the father’s fear experience without a clear way of getting out. Saving Icky becomes the conflict rather than Icky being the main character and hero. Icky’s grief following his mother’s death is a major factor.
The father’s program is designed to help patients overcome their fears so that becomes the main topic in the plot. Icky’s two best friends and his sister enter the virtual world to save him but they must overcome their greatest fears first. These phobias involve sharks, heights, and closed spaces which will be common connections for readers. The characters are allowed to help each other navigate their fears but each individual is forced to pass one final challenge alone before they can help Icky. Some of the trials can kill the virtual characters and allow them to repeatedly face their debilitating terrors. The chapters alternately focus on each character which allows readers to fully experience their panic.
What didn’t work as well:
The plot doesn’t fully develop the characters as it highlights their experiences in virtual reality. This helps the story move at a steady, action-filled pace but readers aren’t able to fully connect with the characters.
The final verdict:
The clever venture into a virtual world combines modern technology with universal emotional issues. Addressing each character’s biggest fear divides the book into four unique adventures but Icky’s situation will be much different from what readers expect. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.
September 10, 2024
Overall, this was a fun middle grade adventure full of thrills, friendship, and conquering your fears. There is one heart-aching moment that's both beautiful and bittersweet at the same time, that brought tears to my eyes. Icky is smart, but real life has really started to beat him down, especially over the last year. When his need for escape gets too big, we get to see just how powerful the bonds of family and friendship can be, and how they can help you achieve things you never dreamed you could. The characters felt real, and their interactions natural. Fern did a great job with the descriptions, really dropping you into the story, and getting your heart racing. Perfect for middle graders who love adventure and electronics.
October 7, 2024
Icky gets trapped in a VR game and his sister Taylor as well as his friends Jackson and Connor have to go in to save him. There is a catch, they have to face their greatest fear to be able to get to Icky's game. Do they end up conquering their fears and saving Icky or are they all forever doomed to be trapped in a VR game with no way out....you will have to read the book to find out.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews