Virtual Prophet

The Game is Life #4

by Terry Schott

Inside the Game, players struggle to survive in a world where technology no longer functions.

On Tygon, fans are unable to view what is occurring inside the Game.

Trew and Danielle rush to save both realities, but they are unable to know what the other is doing.

The fate of reality depends on a Game, and time is about to run out...

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, Dystopia, Audiobook, Adventure

316 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 2013

Reviews

[Renita Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Amazing

Simply Amazing

I have never been so immersed in a series of books like this. I wish this would become a movie.

[Nonsequitorian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was quite refreshing. Philosophical, mysterious, mystical. I found the characters compelling, although sometimes it was hard to keep up with who was on which side, in which time and/or place. It helped to let go of preconceived notions of "the good guys" vs. "the bad guys". Certainly, they were characters to care about in plenty, even the so-called "bad guys".

The ending was a bit trite and disappointing, but given that 98% of the book is excellent, I can ignore it.

[Justine Naboya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inception in a book series tbh with the world within worlds within worlds. i’m not usually into sci-fi but i’m loving how this makes me question life and religion and how i view reality. sometimes i have to stop and try to figure out which “world” the characters are in and who is on which side, but the plot twists just keep coming and i love it

[megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

WTFFF COOPER’S ACTUALLY WORKING FOR THE GENERAL??? FEELING HURT AND STRESSED OUT BUT UGHHH THIS SERIES JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER....

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 but also I'm obsessed

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very very good!!!!!! Wow this book was awesome!!!! This book was super interesting with many plot twists at the end. HEADS UP: this is the 4th book in the series, and at this time the plot has gotten quite confusing. However, this is still a very good book with wonderful characters and an impecable, if slightly confusing, plot. I recommend this really to everyone, and this was one of the series that got me obsessed with VR and futuristic technology books. In the end, I enjoyed the 3rd book more (even though it was slightly out of place compared to the first 2 books), but this book doesn't disappoint. I would rate this book 4.75 stars out of 5, but if you are on the fence about reading this book or the series, I STRONGLY encourage you to read away!!!!!!

WARNING: BY READING THIS BOOK AND THE REST OF THE SERIES YOU WILL ENTER A LAND OF TOTAL AWESOMENESS AND YOU WILL HAVE A MAJOR OBSESSION WITH THE SERIES. READ THIS BOOK!!!

[Marlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay... what to write?? The ending made me really frustrated... I didn't see that one coming, what is a positive aspect, as there are so many books where you know the end after a few chapters... BUT I don't know if I liked it... However that's a matter of taste. All in all I need to say that this series is GREAT!!! the 2 stars are only for this last book because of the ending and the fact that there are so many loose ends (correct me if I'm wrong).
Book 1 and 2 were amazing.... the 3rd part was great too, even though it took me a while longer to finish than the first 2 books (I wanted the story to continue immediately, but I got it, this one was really needed.). PLEASE DON'T SKIP THE 3rd BOOK!!! It answers so many questions (and adds some more :-p ) !!
Anyway, thanks to Mr. Schott for this wonderful series!!!

[Fred Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOME SPOILERS WILL BE FOUND SO "BEWARE" PLEASE. I do NOT want to impact your edge-of-your-seat experience of this novel!!!!!!! Most definitely a 5-star rating for this novel. The Game has reached a crescendo with Danielle and Trew, both NPC's in actuality, as well as with all the Gamers and the original youth "gaming" Hands of which Brandon is no doubt the ultimate creation AND the architect of EVERYTHING that has occurred in the last 30 years. Foresight beyond comprehension!! And A HELL OF A LOT OF LUCK!!!! Lol. I was emotionally moved by so very much in this edition of the overall series entitled The Game Is Life. I am not wholly sure why. Yet that does not matter. Well, perhaps it does. And perhaps even more will be revealed as to why in the coming books. I shed tears amidst portions of this book. Not the tears a viewer of the Feeds would shed so obviously as The Game (and beyond!!! to "the Dream") is so fully encapsulating of the lives of ALL citizens, both NPC and dreamers and the major players who helped it all to happen. I AM curious about the "Old Man" and who exactly HE IS. Or perhaps WHAT he is OR represents. I suspect he is another representation of Brandon. Either that or Trew. Or perhaps even the two combined in a dreamer/human--NPC "hybrid". Or perhaps having just watched the final episode of Humans 3.0 (an Amazon Prime series in its 3rd season in which a "synthetic"--human hybrid has been created and will soon take her place in the world and change EVERYTHING -- do check out this series if you are able!!). Anyway, I now am forced to wonder where this series will progress with not quite now half the series (as thus far written) still ahead for my reading pleasures and to stir my heart and mind and soul. Yes, the critic in me must state that some of this is a bit preachy in a way; notably with regards to the human possibilities regarding quantum theory. In the book such is being proven (though a shame I suppose - though likely to turn out NOT so - that the "ascension" of the Dreamers through consciously waking up to their own world is NOT recognized by those who helped facilitate its happening there on Earth since "non-human computer-generated personalities" (something LESS THAN a true NPC as they have been revealed to be) simply replace the Dreamers' essence/spark when they "wake up"). I am now getting lost in my review of this novel. Chalk much of that up to ADD. And that, too, is largely why I am forced to enjoy these novels in Audible format. They can be QUITE amazingly performed mind you. And perhaps, well certainly, with the appropriate narrator, add much to the enjoyment of these particular books (Thank you, Mr. Daniels!! For these and MANY other books I have enjoyed your narration for!! You are GIFTED!! And in the simplicity you typically choose to utilize even.) Well, enough on this I suppose. I would like to start in on book 5, Shadows, after I grab a bite to eat. BTW, yes, I am on the East Coast of the U.S. so it truly is now 2am. But I also TRULY AM a night owl. I pretty much am always awake at least beyond the time of the sunrise. And so let's say that I have minimally 5 hours ahead of me (perhaps less since I could not manage ANY sleep this morning -- part of being bipolar and having a sleep disorder... but perhaps more since again I am both of those things). One last thing, both about the novel/series and myself entangled within it. I am an empath. We comprise, at this point in history, only perhaps 1, maybe 2% of the population overall. Thus for one thing I know a little something about the possibilities within humans for what is not exactly scientifically provable. Something ""extra special"" of potential within human beings. For me it only came out of my "inner child's shame closet" in full in my early 40's. I am now 47. For all this I so often feel things FAR MORE "deeply" than the average person. And I also know that something MORE is possible than what I was taught in school and what almost certainly is still being taught in school.... to the SHEEP (as I believe Carl would term people). Hell, frankly, many are no more than lemmings really, victims of systematic Societal CONDITIONING (aka brainwashing). But that's a HUGE tangent!! Such teachings are still imprinted upon me despite my best efforts to accept what I know to be true deep down and with the obviousness as evidenced in the World At Large. What was I saying? Lol. ADD again strikes. Oh, well.... I have written MORE than enough. Let's just say that I really FELT this book and in SO MANY WAYS experienced the lives of numerous characters, sometimes very much so and sometimes minimally so as is typically intended it seems (all via fantastic writing by Mr. Schott despite my perception that some things are left confused and beyond enigmatic and not purposefully either like I will surely discover about a few things in future books). Anyway, I am surprised this particular edition in the series got a slightly lower rating than I personally feel it deserves. Perhaps, almost certainly, my "heightened perception" and experience of this book has allowed me to derive more from it than what (no offense at all!!!) "Sheep" are able to derive from it. BTW, I am not saying that this will be a literary masterpiece that will stand the test of time into the next century and beyond. But in today's Society as it stands now and likely for a couple decades still, it will stand out as a shining example of a book and series which should be read by many seeking such entertainment. And perhaps a bit of revelation and insight and highly thought-provoking material. Bravo!!

[Sean Randall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A satisfactory, if mildly disappointing ending. I can't say it was a let down really and yet there was something, call it momentum, that didn't quite click at the end. Still, a very clever and interesting concept, and I'm glad I read the series and supported the author.

[Karlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. The multi layered approach to the game keeps one guessing and waiting for the next big surprise to drop. The author surely has the entire thing mapped out because he introduces new components very fluidly. Great job! Luke Daniels is an awesome reader. Bring on the next one.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, this is the favorite of the four books. It's hard to keep track of people if you aren't binge reading like I am. But connecting names and key characters was part of the fun in this book. Lots of jaw dropping and muttering "oh shit" to myself.

[Eryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really loving it...until I reached then end. Last chapter and epilogue....what??

[Douglas Owen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though the whole of the series has an interesting range of ideas, there are mechanical issues with timelines that I cannot ignore. Coupling that with problems in writing and you have a novel that could be a lot better if the author actually used a really good editor.

Unfortunately, when self-published authors start to get a series together that is popular, they tend to loosen up on the editing in order to gain more traction financially. Is this the case with this series or did the Terry just change editors to give another one a try hoping, of course, to find someone better than whom he had in the past? We'll never know.

If you can overlook the obvious issues and such, the novel and series is a good read for you. But if you like to see polished work, then bypass this whole line of novels.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

oooh book 4 was maybe my favorite so far. most of the characters and plots introduced in the first three books were revisited & some things explained and finished.

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it. Once i got really into it, I read the whole thing in a couple days.

some things I still want to know:
what is the unnamed planet of origin/the dream/ where Thorne and the general are from? what is life like there?

who is the old man? is he part of the Tygon God man?

oooh plot twist with Cooper

are Trew and Dani npcs or not?

how many more worlds and simulations will there be?

what happened with the little micro robot guy?

[Tomes & Teacups | Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This only got three stars simply because the rest of the series has been so phenomenal and I've been conditioned to expect more. Virtual Prophet felt slow and ambling in comparison, and seemed to lack direction for quite a while. It feels like a filler book.

Most of the reviews I've read complain about the ending, but given the slow pace of the rest of the book, the surprise at the end was a good bridge into the final installment.

I'm looking forward to Digital Evolution. Virtual Prophet wasn't slow enough to put me off the series (which I love), but after this 4th book I'm ready for the conclusion.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the box set of this series (Kindle) and book four continues the fascinating concept of life as a game. It's cleverly done with many twists, turns and surprises.

What is reality? This question is at the root of everything. It's mysterious and mystical, intelligent and philosophical, it's thought-provoking and compelling - extremely well done.

The writing style is fast and furious with multiple perspectives; I loved it. Brandon is the most fascinating of all.

Excellent storytelling.

Highly recommended.

[George Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I'm going to leave this series here, the books in this series so far do hold an interesting narrative premise, the ideology that Earth is infact a Virtual reality and people on a different planet are controlling the players via a game in order to gain lifetimes of experience as children to further better their society... Infact I like the premise a lot, but then it gets a bit too convoluted for me to enjoy, I felt myself a bit exasperated towards the end of this entry, I'm not going to spoil anything but yeah, onto the next series of book for me

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

always fun to read a book that is clean with a fantastic story!! Thank you thank you thank you Terry Schott!! I think what is great about this one is how it wraps up the big story that we have been involved with almost all the way and then he throws a nugget in for the continuation of the series down a different vein. Love it!!

[Vickie Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virtual Prophet

I haven't read anything similar to this series before and seriously enjoyed it from start to finish. I'm itching for the next installment and have recommended to several people already. Grabbed my attention from the first chapter and managed to keep me gripped the whole way through!

[Nadiana Jesch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series is quite long for the information given and the plot of it all. However, this book had some new twists and some different ideas and turns to the Game is Life. It’s rather interesting how the writing style has slightly changed without impacting the entire flow of the books or altering major timeline events.

[John Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the very good narration from Luke Daniels of this book. The first 2/3 of the book was dedicated to world building, and I believe that was the strongest element. After that the story seemed to take a downturn, which is a bit depressing since the world(s) had so much potential.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great continuation of the series, finally connecting the events in the Dream to Tygon and the Game. Worth a read to bring closure to many threads. As always, reads quickly and entertains! Will read the next book to see if the series is worth continuing.

[Account Manager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series

This series is the most amazing series I have ever read. I can't put the books down. I had to start keeping notes so I could keep stuff straight. There are so many characters and story lines and realities!!! Great job Terry Schott!!!!

[Brad Searing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to Brandon's plan come together is a work of art. So many elements intertwined and it all feels so seamless, Well Done Terry!!!
OH and the Plot twist here at the end... "shaking my finger" I was wondering how the story continued for so many more books.
On to #5!

[Shawna Shotwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book in this series!!! I listen via Audible and the narration is wonderful as well as the story! So much happened in this book and I'm excited that the story isn't over yet! About to start the next book now!

[Nicole Taddeo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man screw the general I’ve had it with him. Brandon better have some master plan to fix all this because there’s no way that man can manage to lose so I’m betting he already knows what’s up with Cooper 🙃

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hooray

I rated this book one star lower than the previous three because I felt the pace was slower and I found it a bit difficult to follow. The story didn't flow as smoothly as the others and I had to re-read parts over. Still an important part of the series.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still Hooked!!

While I still loved this story, this book I found confusing at times hence the 4 stars! This is by far one of the most complex stories I've read, and one of the best, so I desperately don't want to miss a thing! I can't get enough of this series!

[Charis Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read in the series, but again the typos were glaring... alas. But the story is still captivating so now on to the next!

[J.R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series has lost some luster:/