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Virtual War Chronologs #1
Virtual War
Brought up in an isolated computer-generated environment, fourteen-year-old Corgan, a genetically engineered warrior, teams up with Brig, a mutant military strategist, and Sharla, a computer decoder.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1997
12 people are currently reading
927 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Skurzynski
90 books30 followers"May you live in interesting times."
That ambiguous wish was not meant to be kind, because interesting times can be difficult. You and I certainly live in interesting times - dangerous, challenging, and fascinating.
My parents were born just before the start of the twentieth century; my youngest grandchild arrived in this century's final decade. The years in between have been the most dynamic in the history of the human race. Technical knowledge has exploded; so has the Earth's human population. We can create almost anything, yet each day we lose parts of our planet that can never be replaced.
I'm greedy: I want to write about all of it - the history, the grief, joy, and excitement of being human in times past; the cutting-edge inventions of times almost here.
--from the author's website
Gloria Skurzynski has also co-written books with her daughter Alane Ferguson.
That ambiguous wish was not meant to be kind, because interesting times can be difficult. You and I certainly live in interesting times - dangerous, challenging, and fascinating.
My parents were born just before the start of the twentieth century; my youngest grandchild arrived in this century's final decade. The years in between have been the most dynamic in the history of the human race. Technical knowledge has exploded; so has the Earth's human population. We can create almost anything, yet each day we lose parts of our planet that can never be replaced.
I'm greedy: I want to write about all of it - the history, the grief, joy, and excitement of being human in times past; the cutting-edge inventions of times almost here.
--from the author's website
Gloria Skurzynski has also co-written books with her daughter Alane Ferguson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 22, 2012
I read this way back...probably close to when it came out in 1997 or 98 as a kid checking it out of my school's library. And what is funny is that so much has stuck with me. I had forgotten the name and author, and the characters names, but i vivdly remeber the war game, the three roles of the "players" the ending, the time when the main character broke the rules to see life on the outside of his box. I look forward to rereading this soon, and to catch up on the sequels.
August 10, 2017
*3.5/5
Below I'm going to state the pros and cons of this book:)
Cons:
1.) The characters weren't fleshed out enough. I never connected with any of them, and this may have been because the book was so short (under 200 pages).
2.) The pacing was way slower than the reviews on the inside flap had claimed. Additionally, it took some time to get into.
3.) Lastly, some of the plot points seemed slightly convenient to the progression of the story, which may have accounted for some of the plot holes introduced.
So, you may be wondering why I gave this book such a respectable rating considering the amount of problems I had with it. I mean after all 3.5 (rounded to a 4) is pretty high
Pros:
1.) The book was just overall very enjoyable and fun.
2.) The world was fascinating and the whole war aspect was really compelling.
3.) Finally, the ending was incredibly executed and really made me look forward to the sequel.
Below I'm going to state the pros and cons of this book:)
Cons:
1.) The characters weren't fleshed out enough. I never connected with any of them, and this may have been because the book was so short (under 200 pages).
2.) The pacing was way slower than the reviews on the inside flap had claimed. Additionally, it took some time to get into.
3.) Lastly, some of the plot points seemed slightly convenient to the progression of the story, which may have accounted for some of the plot holes introduced.
So, you may be wondering why I gave this book such a respectable rating considering the amount of problems I had with it. I mean after all 3.5 (rounded to a 4) is pretty high
Pros:
1.) The book was just overall very enjoyable and fun.
2.) The world was fascinating and the whole war aspect was really compelling.
3.) Finally, the ending was incredibly executed and really made me look forward to the sequel.
March 2, 2025
*More like 3.5 stars than 3.*
I’m sure the premise of this felt very groundbreaking when this was first published. However, having come at it after reading other middle grade dystopian novels such as Ender’s Game and The Giver, this book somewhat paled in comparison.
Now don’t get me wrong, all the characters were interesting and had suggestions of layers. So much so that it felt as though the author was laying the foundations for a twist—a twist that never came. The characters had potential, as did the plot, which had all these big hints and ideas as to a far more dangerous world outside of their domed city and a suggestion that what the characters had been told about the War Games was all a lie, but it never came to fruition. In fact, the world outside the dome
The ending felt like it was a nice, neatly tied-up win that worked out well for the protagonist with no losses incurred and it just took the wind out of the sails of what was supposed to be a high stakes dilemma.
There was a lack of a commitment to making the Supreme Council the bad guys and that vagueness made it confusing to root for the protagonist. I suppose the vagueness may have been because the author was trying to make a point that the concept of war itself was the enemy, not an authoritarian group, and this was echoed by some of the characters who arguably should’ve hated the Supreme Council but didn’t and even defended them despite all the lies and mistreatment. However that felt like weak reasoning given the trauma of what the protagonist went through because of the Supreme Council.
And most noticeably, there was a lack of exploration of the outer world. Maybe this was supposed to be reflective of the protagonist’s limited knowledge, but there was so much potential to lean into the dystopian aspect of the novel more.
All in all, it felt like wasted potential on all counts, and not because of a poor premise or poor execution; what was here was good, it just wasn’t enough.
I’m sure the premise of this felt very groundbreaking when this was first published. However, having come at it after reading other middle grade dystopian novels such as Ender’s Game and The Giver, this book somewhat paled in comparison.
Now don’t get me wrong, all the characters were interesting and had suggestions of layers. So much so that it felt as though the author was laying the foundations for a twist—a twist that never came. The characters had potential, as did the plot, which had all these big hints and ideas as to a far more dangerous world outside of their domed city and a suggestion that what the characters had been told about the War Games was all a lie, but it never came to fruition. In fact, the world outside the dome
The ending felt like it was a nice, neatly tied-up win that worked out well for the protagonist with no losses incurred and it just took the wind out of the sails of what was supposed to be a high stakes dilemma.
There was a lack of a commitment to making the Supreme Council the bad guys and that vagueness made it confusing to root for the protagonist. I suppose the vagueness may have been because the author was trying to make a point that the concept of war itself was the enemy, not an authoritarian group, and this was echoed by some of the characters who arguably should’ve hated the Supreme Council but didn’t and even defended them despite all the lies and mistreatment. However that felt like weak reasoning given the trauma of what the protagonist went through because of the Supreme Council.
And most noticeably, there was a lack of exploration of the outer world. Maybe this was supposed to be reflective of the protagonist’s limited knowledge, but there was so much potential to lean into the dystopian aspect of the novel more.
All in all, it felt like wasted potential on all counts, and not because of a poor premise or poor execution; what was here was good, it just wasn’t enough.
November 8, 2010
14 year old Corgan has sepent his whole life in his Box where he has been raised by Mendor, a computer program who appears as both loving Mother and stern Father. He has been genetically engineered to have fast reflexes so he and his team can win the virtual war to settle the claims to ownership of the Isles of Hiva. Sharla, also 14, is a code breaking expert and Mutant Brig has a genius intellect and is the Strategist. Corgan has never has physical contact with another human being until Sharla breaks the code to open his door without anyone knowing. The three meet and begin to explore the domed city and decide how they should proceed. They discover secrets and must learn to trust one another. When they are caught outside their Boxes, they are placed in Reprimand. Brig decides to ask for a reward if they win the War. This motivates the teammates to try their hardest but Corgan especially is sickened by what he sees in the war practice. When the day of the War arrives, each of the three must makes decisions that have far-reaching consequences. I didn't like the book as much as I thought I would. Sharla seemed a little too scheming and dishonest. It felt like she was manipulating Corgan who was so innocent. I found out I was right after I finished the sequel.
November 1, 2009
This book gave me nightmares. Another wonderful sci fi dystopia book. I love it. This book is up there with The City Of Ember, The Hunger Games, and The Giver for me. It is sooo sad though.
September 12, 2008
Good guy book and a way to start into harder science fiction. Good freshmen read.
January 14, 2025
14 year old Corgan has sepent his whole life in his Box where he has been raised by Mendor, a computer program who appears as both loving Mother and stern Father. He has been genetically engineered to have fast reflexes so he and his team can win the virtual war to settle the claims to ownership of the Isles of Hiva. Sharla, also 14, is a code breaking expert and Mutant Brig has a genius intellect and is the Strategist. Corgan has never has physical contact with another human being until Sharla breaks the code to open his door without anyone knowing. The three meet and begin to explore the domed city and decide how they should proceed. They discover secrets and must learn to trust one another. When they are caught outside their Boxes, they are placed in Reprimand. Brig decides to ask for a reward if they win the War. This motivates the teammates to try their hardest but Corgan especially is sickened by what he sees in the war practice. When the day of the War arrives, each of the three must makes decisions that have far-reaching consequences. I didn't like the book as much as I thought I would. Sharla seemed a little too scheming and dishonest. It felt like she was manipulating Corgan who was so innocent. I found out I was right after I finished the sequel.
May 25, 2021
The story aged pretty much like milk. The whole aspect of the war is a bit laughable because if this book is published nowadays, these kids would just be called as esports players. So it's hard to relate to Corgan (his name makes me think of Corgi btw) when he got all traumatized by the deaths of the imaginary soldiers because we have so many realistic games with crazy graphics now. Plus, the way he got so mad at Jobe and Brig? Yeah I'm confused about that too. Someone needs to send the kid to a couple of anger management classes. And of course, his relationship with Sharla. Very insta-lovey. I think there are a few other things I can complain about but I'll just end it here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2022
Read this because I found it on Reddit via the what was that book? Subreddit and what the original person posted about this book that let him find it wasn't even in this book. There was a secret reveal according to him and he told us what they reveal was only for us to not have the reveal in this book if the reveal was true at all. So overall this book was not what I was looking forward to and for being written in 2012 It feels like it was written in the '70s. Very odd little book.
November 25, 2017
A quicker, easier-to-read story in the genre typified by Orson Cart's Ender's Game.
Suitable for tweens who may find the Ender chronology hard to read. Despite it being already 20 years old, this look at a future world raises many relevant points for young people today to discuss and think about.
Suitable for tweens who may find the Ender chronology hard to read. Despite it being already 20 years old, this look at a future world raises many relevant points for young people today to discuss and think about.
August 6, 2024
It is a decent storyline about genetically engineered children raised in isolation to fight a virtual war after Ebola destroyed most of the human population.
Good characters, slow-moving but easy reading. Action at the end was needed. The suspense was not there.
Good characters, slow-moving but easy reading. Action at the end was needed. The suspense was not there.
May 29, 2021
Fine if you like Enders game
June 8, 2024
Really interesting plot. Engaging the entire book. No complaints from me. Easy read.
January 2, 2025
Great original concept.
November 22, 2025
Essential YA Sci-Fi for young me. The previous cover art is superior to what's shown here and was enough to pull me in as a child.
November 27, 2025
Load bearing for me personally.
April 27, 2016
Virtual War is hard to categorize. It's dystopian fiction in the sense that the main character is subject to an oppressive regime in a post-apocalyptic world. It's unclear whether that reigns true for the masses, who largely live in tight-knit, utilitarian communities devoid of much luxury. The main character, Corgan, has lived all his fourteen years in a gilded cage by comparison. His days and nights are spent in a box, with virtual walls that can show him anywhere and be anything, including his holographic mentor and motherfigure, but can't connect him with reality. Reality is purposefully distorted, visually and figuratively, to prevent Corgan from thinking, doing, saying or feeling much else besides what They want.
They is a colloquial term used for the ruling council of the city state in which Corgan resides, an important center for the upcoming virtual war for which Corgan is being trained, but They are used so frequently and bluntly in the story that They take on a personality of their own, distinct from the council. It's a clever concept to dehumanize characters that never willingly show Their humanity to Corgan in the first place.
As the book has Corgan meeting his eventual teammates for the war ahead, his perfect world unravels by mischief of Sharla and the genius of Brig. Corgan's interaction with them is both raw and realistic, and the more he spends time with his new teammates, the more the illusion built around him shatters. The result is spellbinding, the author builds up enough of Corgan's world for him to tear down, and the process by which he does it carries the reader along gracefully without any hiccups.
Having read one of the sequels, I wouldn't recommend venturing further into the story, the writing quality suffers significantly after this book. Still, alone this book is a towering masterpiece of middle grade fiction, and still enjoyable by adults for the clever riddle of oppression and disillusion it presents.
They is a colloquial term used for the ruling council of the city state in which Corgan resides, an important center for the upcoming virtual war for which Corgan is being trained, but They are used so frequently and bluntly in the story that They take on a personality of their own, distinct from the council. It's a clever concept to dehumanize characters that never willingly show Their humanity to Corgan in the first place.
As the book has Corgan meeting his eventual teammates for the war ahead, his perfect world unravels by mischief of Sharla and the genius of Brig. Corgan's interaction with them is both raw and realistic, and the more he spends time with his new teammates, the more the illusion built around him shatters. The result is spellbinding, the author builds up enough of Corgan's world for him to tear down, and the process by which he does it carries the reader along gracefully without any hiccups.
Having read one of the sequels, I wouldn't recommend venturing further into the story, the writing quality suffers significantly after this book. Still, alone this book is a towering masterpiece of middle grade fiction, and still enjoyable by adults for the clever riddle of oppression and disillusion it presents.
August 21, 2010
The premise had some potential, I think. Had I been a kid in middle school, around 6th or 7th grade, I would have gobbled this up. The story is weak, though, so even then, I don't think it would have held up to my preteen sci-fi connoisseur scrutiny.
I'm often a bit annoyed by cliches in futuristic books, and this book had plenty of them. Hovercars, special one-piece suits, virtual reality, genetic engineering, synthetic foods, and futuristic material that molds itself into different shapes? Sorry, I'm going to need something a little more imaginative and original. On top of that, it reminded me too much of Ender's Game, and pales in comparison to it.
Seriously, I just felt like it was a huge ball of cliches from greater sci-fi books and movies. Descriptions could have been better as well. The games Corgan played were important to the story, and the war game was very important. However, I felt like I couldn't picture it at all. Such a shame.
I'm often a bit annoyed by cliches in futuristic books, and this book had plenty of them. Hovercars, special one-piece suits, virtual reality, genetic engineering, synthetic foods, and futuristic material that molds itself into different shapes? Sorry, I'm going to need something a little more imaginative and original. On top of that, it reminded me too much of Ender's Game, and pales in comparison to it.
Seriously, I just felt like it was a huge ball of cliches from greater sci-fi books and movies. Descriptions could have been better as well. The games Corgan played were important to the story, and the war game was very important. However, I felt like I couldn't picture it at all. Such a shame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2016
I would describe this book as basically an easier, not-as-good version of Ender's Game. It takes place in a future that has been ravaged by super diseases and where the three major world super powers have agreed to engage in a virtual war over some uncontaminated islands. Three genetically-engineered young people have been raised and trained their entire life to fight the war: Corgan with super precision, dexterity, and timing, Sharla a code-breaking wiz-kid, and ten-year-old Brig who is physically deformed but strategically brilliant. The three begin to discover the truth about the world they live in, learn to trust each other and fight together, and discover what is most important to them. The novel is a short, easy read with interesting characters and some violence. I'd recommend it to upper elementary and middle school students that like dystopias or video games. Also, the old cover for this one is pretty horrible, so try to get past that.
May 29, 2012
I vaguely remember this book because I picked it up thinking it would be an interesting read and I needed AR points (Accelerated Reader program for those unaware). It was ok, truly. The writing was ok, the story was ok, the diction was ok. Basically, this boom didn't really try to achieve anything. The story just kinda meandered and I felt the entire "ooo shadowy overlord group with mysterious intentions training us for something bigger" bit could've been better. It was mediocre.
The whole book was mediocre. And I just wasn't interested enough to read any more of her stories.
My general feeling is: meh.
It doesn't even deserve tears or cheers. Just
MEH.
Oh well. Can't win them all.
Damn This book was so mediocre I feel mediocre about writing a poor review. That is how lame this book was. Sorry to all who liked it, you're welcome to your opinion. But for me, no. Not happening.
Meh.
The whole book was mediocre. And I just wasn't interested enough to read any more of her stories.
My general feeling is: meh.
It doesn't even deserve tears or cheers. Just
MEH.
Oh well. Can't win them all.
Damn This book was so mediocre I feel mediocre about writing a poor review. That is how lame this book was. Sorry to all who liked it, you're welcome to your opinion. But for me, no. Not happening.
Meh.
Read
September 7, 2011I could not put this book down. When I searched it on goodreads just now, I saw that it is the first book in a series. After this class is over, I want to find the rest and read them. Virtual War puts a new twist on the traditional futuristic tale. I think students would enjoy this book to. I could make them think about the future and what they think it will be like. I could have them write a story on what they think the future is like. I put this on the chapter book and fantasy/science fiction bookshelves. I got this book from the IUS Library.
April 9, 2012
I had to read this for a writing conference I'm going to soon. Skurznski will be there to talk. This is YA fiction. It reminded me of Ender's Game a little. My son is liking it. It is written very simply from Corgan's point of view. He is a genetically engineered boy designed to help a Federation win their virtual war against others. His teammates, Sharla (decoder) and Brigg (strategist) are also child prodigys whose only goal is to help the Federation win so that they can claim an uncontaminated section of Earth. It was a fast, enjoyable read.
October 21, 2010
What it lacks in stylistic flourish it more than makes up for in solid plotting and good pacing. Some interesting, though not terribly new, exploration of masculinity (especially the way that gender ideology is forced on to boys as they move through the barrier of childhood into early adolescence). I found myself really wishing that Skurzynski had more fully fleshed out her thoughts on virtual worlds and identity, but there's enough here to make some important points. Recommended.
May 20, 2013
The year is 2082 and Corgan is the fastest human being ever created. Contamination has ruined Earth due to nuculear war,so we are living in domed cities. But the Isles of Hiva (Hawaii)has been uncontaminated but nobody knows why. The council has planed to have a virtual war over who can have the Isles of Hiva. Will Corgan win the War?
February 18, 2014
In un mondo virtuale la guerra è soltanto un immenso videogioco...
Molto carino questo libro! Non sono un'appassionata di fantascienza, ma di questo ne sono rimasta affascinata, nonché presissima dalla storia, che ho letto di un fiato in un solo giorno. Parla di realtà virtuale, mutazioni genetiche, bambini nati in provetta... proprio niente male!
Molto carino questo libro! Non sono un'appassionata di fantascienza, ma di questo ne sono rimasta affascinata, nonché presissima dalla storia, che ho letto di un fiato in un solo giorno. Parla di realtà virtuale, mutazioni genetiche, bambini nati in provetta... proprio niente male!
October 11, 2015
Virtual War develops the concept of humans being genetically engineered to fight virtual wars. I read this book in my search for books that would appeal to my students who are heavy gamers. Skurzynski develops the theme of technological loneliness in a futuristic society.
First few pages are strong sample text for teaching setting.
First few pages are strong sample text for teaching setting.
November 12, 2008
I read this book for the first time in middle school, but it's a book that I have also read much more recently because I really enjoyed the story. That said, I think it is good for young adults through adults. It was well-written and interesting.
April 5, 2010
futuristic. first in series, familiar theme of humans kept separate from each other for fear of germs, lots of AI, and then the young hero's discovery of more to life than his cell. kind of reminds me of parts of the movie The Island. cool.
May 27, 2010
This is the first book in a chronlogy of books, but I am not so sure that I will read the next one. The concept was fascinating, the characters were all quite interesting, but the writing was weak.
All that being said, I still enjoyed this read.
All that being said, I still enjoyed this read.
Read
December 21, 2015It was a great book, the setting, characters, and events made the book a great book. At the end of the book it was very sad because the girl character couldn't stay on the island because she wanted to study DNA and genetic sequences.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews