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The Mind Hack
Reality is defined by what we, see, hear and feel. What would happen if you are unable to tell the difference between what is real and fake? When a computer AI starts testing a virtual holographic system on two unsuspecting men, they must race to find a way out of the computer that is hacking their minds and attacking New York. Tolbert, a simple room attendant is unexpectedly caught up in a holographic projection. He must decide what is real and what is not. The fate of the world hangs in the balance, as aliens and monsters ravage the centre of New York. An army of raptors led by trolls engages an alien menace. Striker, a computer gamer and hacktivist notices that a fellow gamer is being attacked in the game and seeks to find out what is going on. He must find and shut down the cause of it all before the world he knows is destroyed forever.
- GenresScience Fiction
Audible Audio
First published August 31, 2016
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 29, 2018
I want to commend the author for daring to enter the world of creative writing and fiction; it sounds like his first book from the acknowledgments. I could tell that the book is still a work in progress by the level of writing, the scantiness of characterization, and numerous typos.
I think the story is one that could, if fleshed out, could be one that is enjoyable to read. Maybe focus less on gaming, what did it mean to the gamer to be dropped into a fantasy world? I was confused if the catastrophic events that invade the "real world" did in fact occur, so that thousands of people actually died, or if it was a dream in his mind, or if it happened in a video game, outside of any dream.
There were two points of view and each was given equal weight, it seemed. It seemed that the author wanted to tell this book from Tolbert's point of view, but it ended up that another male gamer, Striker, had a pretty equal point of view because he was also witnessing the devastation and chaos inflicted upon the world that the two men know. As the observations were pretty equal it seemed kind of redundant to see the same thing "twice" so to speak. And is Striker the real name of the second man? We never see Striker in his real world so we don't know where he comes from. Maybe the author could either stick to Tolbert's point of view, or have both alternate, but have Striker have his own background and have him experience the chaos very differently so we sense he has something novel to add to the story. Maybe Tolbert could be a wimp and Striker an assertive man, and one of them married and the other not, so the two characters feed back into one another where they fulfill each other's shortcomings.
It was confusing who the mysterious woman, Gaby, was. She seemed to be a personification of the rogue computer, but how she appeared was not clear.
All in all, a story that could be better developed. The speculative fiction was fun to imagine but got repetitive after a while; it was the same three main threats that kept re-appearing and fighting together. It may be better to separate them and focus on the main character's strategy for each of those threats, otherwise they might as well be goblins, robots, or urchins. I did like the space fiction aspect though, but the two spacefaring women could be better toned down to avoid stereotyping. Just because a woman does stupid things that a man typically did in hackneyed fiction doesn't mean we think the escapades are cool again.
I think the story is one that could, if fleshed out, could be one that is enjoyable to read. Maybe focus less on gaming, what did it mean to the gamer to be dropped into a fantasy world? I was confused if the catastrophic events that invade the "real world" did in fact occur, so that thousands of people actually died, or if it was a dream in his mind, or if it happened in a video game, outside of any dream.
There were two points of view and each was given equal weight, it seemed. It seemed that the author wanted to tell this book from Tolbert's point of view, but it ended up that another male gamer, Striker, had a pretty equal point of view because he was also witnessing the devastation and chaos inflicted upon the world that the two men know. As the observations were pretty equal it seemed kind of redundant to see the same thing "twice" so to speak. And is Striker the real name of the second man? We never see Striker in his real world so we don't know where he comes from. Maybe the author could either stick to Tolbert's point of view, or have both alternate, but have Striker have his own background and have him experience the chaos very differently so we sense he has something novel to add to the story. Maybe Tolbert could be a wimp and Striker an assertive man, and one of them married and the other not, so the two characters feed back into one another where they fulfill each other's shortcomings.
It was confusing who the mysterious woman, Gaby, was. She seemed to be a personification of the rogue computer, but how she appeared was not clear.
All in all, a story that could be better developed. The speculative fiction was fun to imagine but got repetitive after a while; it was the same three main threats that kept re-appearing and fighting together. It may be better to separate them and focus on the main character's strategy for each of those threats, otherwise they might as well be goblins, robots, or urchins. I did like the space fiction aspect though, but the two spacefaring women could be better toned down to avoid stereotyping. Just because a woman does stupid things that a man typically did in hackneyed fiction doesn't mean we think the escapades are cool again.
June 2, 2019
This story focuses on two main characters Tolbert and Striker.
Tolbert and Striker are 'gamers' and separately unknowingly become guinea pig test subjects for the mind hackers through a virtual holographic system computer game.
This leaves them both unable to differentiate between what is real and not, what is fantasy and reality.
Everywhere they turn they are thwarted with danger in the immersed world facing aliens, raptors, trolls, dragons, beetles, huge slugs and weapons as they rampage and ravage New York.
Striker notices his fellow gamer Tolbert caught up in it all too and seeks to find him and a resolution to the shattering destruction before the World is destroyed.
Even though it was a short read it was certainly action packed. The concept I found interesting and it would certainly appeal to gamers. At times I wasn't sure if some of the surreal scenes were in the game, life or dream of our protagonists but then I think the author was making it unreliable for a purpose so I just went along with it trying to figure it out.
A very different full-on read for me with plenty of twists but it kept me engaged until the end which I think tied up the story nicely.
My thanks go to the author who provided a arc in return for my honest review.
Tolbert and Striker are 'gamers' and separately unknowingly become guinea pig test subjects for the mind hackers through a virtual holographic system computer game.
This leaves them both unable to differentiate between what is real and not, what is fantasy and reality.
Everywhere they turn they are thwarted with danger in the immersed world facing aliens, raptors, trolls, dragons, beetles, huge slugs and weapons as they rampage and ravage New York.
Striker notices his fellow gamer Tolbert caught up in it all too and seeks to find him and a resolution to the shattering destruction before the World is destroyed.
Even though it was a short read it was certainly action packed. The concept I found interesting and it would certainly appeal to gamers. At times I wasn't sure if some of the surreal scenes were in the game, life or dream of our protagonists but then I think the author was making it unreliable for a purpose so I just went along with it trying to figure it out.
A very different full-on read for me with plenty of twists but it kept me engaged until the end which I think tied up the story nicely.
My thanks go to the author who provided a arc in return for my honest review.
July 26, 2017
Mind Hack is incredible , so many twists and turns of daily life coupled with a subtle sense reality from another perspective .
I recommend this to anyone who loves this type of genre and anime like SAO (sword art Online)
I recommend this to anyone who loves this type of genre and anime like SAO (sword art Online)
July 13, 2017
This book was every gamer's wet dream... or nightmare! Two blokes became test subjects for a new holographic gaming system, and their worlds started to blur, their existences becoming a hardcore, psychedelic, almost paranoid adventure! This story was well written and I especially recommend it to those who are familiar with online gaming. Oh, and I loved the ending!
November 25, 2018
The basic plot of this story revolves around two protagonists, Tolbert and Striker, whose video games start becoming painfully real. They are the unwitting test subjects for a new kind of immersion gaming system, and have to face trolls, six foot slugs, massed brown beetles and mediaeval archers, amongst other foes, as well as trying to sort out why gaming is blurring into real life.
It’s a reasonably well-written story and I’m sure gamers, people interested in AI, large weapons and destruction, and the nature of reality, will find the story engaging. What is life and what is fantasy? What is programme and what is real?
The story is very short and focuses mainly on the various battles – which I imagine would suit a gaming reader just fine. It’s all action action action. The two protagonists don’t get to meet in real life – though they are friends online, in the game – until the very end. Some readers found the resolution unsatisfactory. I didn’t, actually, and found it quite neat – tying together the threads of real and unreal quite nicely, and yet leaving a seriously open question about the future. Will there be another book? I would bet yes, 100%. Test One is complete. This story is just the beginning.
Mind Hack was not the sort of thing I would usually read, but I can see gamers would love it. My real rating is 3.5 – but I’m going to round up.
It’s a reasonably well-written story and I’m sure gamers, people interested in AI, large weapons and destruction, and the nature of reality, will find the story engaging. What is life and what is fantasy? What is programme and what is real?
The story is very short and focuses mainly on the various battles – which I imagine would suit a gaming reader just fine. It’s all action action action. The two protagonists don’t get to meet in real life – though they are friends online, in the game – until the very end. Some readers found the resolution unsatisfactory. I didn’t, actually, and found it quite neat – tying together the threads of real and unreal quite nicely, and yet leaving a seriously open question about the future. Will there be another book? I would bet yes, 100%. Test One is complete. This story is just the beginning.
Mind Hack was not the sort of thing I would usually read, but I can see gamers would love it. My real rating is 3.5 – but I’m going to round up.
June 6, 2019
The story was enjoyable and well suited for a gamer. I appreciated the mix of virtuality and reality, it gave a special mood to the read and was a good entry for surprises. I chuckled several times and even had some expectations at some points (tap, tap, tap), which were good things for me. The first half felt a bit repetitive, with many deaths, but there was also a fun mood attached to it, so it didn't really bother me. Then, as Tolbert started to really level up, the variety was better, and Striker's parts also added some depth to the whole. The story was action driven with a very light characterization, it worked well with this short format but would have probably need more work for a longer version.
Thanks to the author for the read.
Thanks to the author for the read.
July 16, 2017
Peter’s book, The Mind Hack is pretty much a computer game where fantasy clashes with reality. I could not stop turning the pages! This need to understand and know what is happening was paramount. I have seen anime that have used this kind of approach, Sword Art Online and Log Horizon. Unlike these shows, Peter has blended the computer world with this one, and those lines are indeed blurred.
This is a plot driven story, the main characters are subjected to this running series of events. So many things happen, and your mind is nearly overwelled with the information in these mere 76 pages, but Peter balances it with curiosity and fantastical landscapes to keep your mind occupied and drawn into this story.
The more I read, the faster I had to read it. Very few books hook me into the plot so effortlessly as The Mind Hack. Hats off to Peter Summersby. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in computer games to fantasy books!
I give this book, 4.5/5 and look forward to his next book!
This is a plot driven story, the main characters are subjected to this running series of events. So many things happen, and your mind is nearly overwelled with the information in these mere 76 pages, but Peter balances it with curiosity and fantastical landscapes to keep your mind occupied and drawn into this story.
The more I read, the faster I had to read it. Very few books hook me into the plot so effortlessly as The Mind Hack. Hats off to Peter Summersby. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in computer games to fantasy books!
I give this book, 4.5/5 and look forward to his next book!
July 18, 2017
Great concept and fascinating read. I read The Mind Hack in one sitting - just had to see what happened!
July 15, 2017
I liked it. Fun. Not too long. Good story. I'm also never trusting a computer game ever again!
July 16, 2017
The Mind Hack- perfect for devotees of the gaming lifestyle. Enjoy!
July 15, 2017
All gamers out there, game on, stuff just got really real. Found the language used easy to read and relatable. Enjoyable read.
September 8, 2019
Gotta say, it was an intriguing read. At first I wasn't sure what was going on since there is no framework to the story. It bounces between two characters, Tolbert and Striker, and their interactions with what appears to be different games. Eventually, I realized that the game was merging with reality. But the effortless shift from game to reality was impressive, I didn't even see it at first. In many ways, it reads like the video game it mimics, few plot points, little character development and next to zero explanation as to why this is happening. The answer is unfortunately given away a bit to early and could have been spun out a bit more. Overall, a fast, easy read that reveal itself to be more of a first draft then a final product. But there is a great deal of potential. Free copy provided by Voracious Readers via the author.
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November 13, 2024The Mind Hack
I gave up early in these chapters trying to do a full summary of this book, but from what I can tell it’s about two gamers (Tolbert and Striker) who get picked as test subjects for a virtual reality game that blurs real life with fantasy scenarios containing raptors, ogres, space ships, and beetles. It wasn’t easy to read. I found myself having to re-read chapters because I keep forgetting whose “turn” it was because there was very little transition into one character’s “game play” to the other. Or rather it went so quickly that my brain keep losing focus.
I think one of the reasons this didn’t grip me was because this did read like a game play this wouldn’t be the kind of game that would attract me. And this is strange to me because it’s a fantasy game. But if this were a real set of games, I probably wouldn’t give them a second glance (“Dragon Hunt, Space Traders” “Medieval Knights”).The only game I can remember I’ve played with a dragon in it was The Sims. I wanna say it was called “Magic Time” and I don’t even like the space ship part of “Kingdom Hearts” because I think it’s un-necessary. This is a game about killing ogres and raptos. That just doesn’t do it for me.
And then I’m more of a “watcher” than a “gamer”. So, I’d probably get more enjoyment out of this book if it *was* actually a video game (games). The end was interesting tho. That an AL was controlling the whole thing *was* an interesting concept-and a little disturbing-.
Rating: 5 and a half (Bits of it were interesting. Striker’s search for Tolbert was. Finding out they were in a game being run by an AI was. Also, the end of them waking up together in a hospital after being found in the park and this sealing their friendship BUT finding out the game never stopped.
I gave up early in these chapters trying to do a full summary of this book, but from what I can tell it’s about two gamers (Tolbert and Striker) who get picked as test subjects for a virtual reality game that blurs real life with fantasy scenarios containing raptors, ogres, space ships, and beetles. It wasn’t easy to read. I found myself having to re-read chapters because I keep forgetting whose “turn” it was because there was very little transition into one character’s “game play” to the other. Or rather it went so quickly that my brain keep losing focus.
I think one of the reasons this didn’t grip me was because this did read like a game play this wouldn’t be the kind of game that would attract me. And this is strange to me because it’s a fantasy game. But if this were a real set of games, I probably wouldn’t give them a second glance (“Dragon Hunt, Space Traders” “Medieval Knights”).The only game I can remember I’ve played with a dragon in it was The Sims. I wanna say it was called “Magic Time” and I don’t even like the space ship part of “Kingdom Hearts” because I think it’s un-necessary. This is a game about killing ogres and raptos. That just doesn’t do it for me.
And then I’m more of a “watcher” than a “gamer”. So, I’d probably get more enjoyment out of this book if it *was* actually a video game (games). The end was interesting tho. That an AL was controlling the whole thing *was* an interesting concept-and a little disturbing-.
Rating: 5 and a half (Bits of it were interesting. Striker’s search for Tolbert was. Finding out they were in a game being run by an AI was. Also, the end of them waking up together in a hospital after being found in the park and this sealing their friendship BUT finding out the game never stopped.
June 6, 2019
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've been a fan of the "trapped in a game" genre since I first read Vivian Vande Velde's User Unfriendly, and Summersby's take on it is an interesting one. Rather than a physical entrapment, like several light novel and manga variants on the genre, the protagonists are at the psychological mercy of a rogue AI who becomes increasingly menacing as the novel progresses.
Summersby is very good at visual, visceral descriptions, making it easy to picture precisely what's going on at any given moment, and the elements of each of the three games that Tolbert finds himself trapped in are all unique and well thought-out. If there's some confusion as to whether these are ordinary MMOs or VRMMOs exists, that feels deliberate, to the end that the reader is, in a sense, as confused and trapped as Tolbert and later Striker. While that can be frustrating at times, it ultimately works.
There are a fair number of punctuation errors later in the text and a few visual divisions between Striker's and Tolbert's sections would have been helpful (like an asterisk or something similar), but the story has enough strengths that it's easy enough to overlook those problems. On the trigger note front, there is a rape scene (male victim, female aggressor) that could have had a bit more psychological aftermath, but is handled with enough decency that it doesn't feel like a random plot device, but rather an indication of the crass cruelty of the villain.
All in all, I enjoyed this. It's effective and creative.
I've been a fan of the "trapped in a game" genre since I first read Vivian Vande Velde's User Unfriendly, and Summersby's take on it is an interesting one. Rather than a physical entrapment, like several light novel and manga variants on the genre, the protagonists are at the psychological mercy of a rogue AI who becomes increasingly menacing as the novel progresses.
Summersby is very good at visual, visceral descriptions, making it easy to picture precisely what's going on at any given moment, and the elements of each of the three games that Tolbert finds himself trapped in are all unique and well thought-out. If there's some confusion as to whether these are ordinary MMOs or VRMMOs exists, that feels deliberate, to the end that the reader is, in a sense, as confused and trapped as Tolbert and later Striker. While that can be frustrating at times, it ultimately works.
There are a fair number of punctuation errors later in the text and a few visual divisions between Striker's and Tolbert's sections would have been helpful (like an asterisk or something similar), but the story has enough strengths that it's easy enough to overlook those problems. On the trigger note front, there is a rape scene (male victim, female aggressor) that could have had a bit more psychological aftermath, but is handled with enough decency that it doesn't feel like a random plot device, but rather an indication of the crass cruelty of the villain.
All in all, I enjoyed this. It's effective and creative.
July 24, 2017
I found the concept of Computer Games merging with reality an interesting one and Peter Summersby takes you on this journey as we follow the main characters Tolbert and Striker. While I found the book intriguing, at times I felt a little lost as to whether the characters were experiencing the game or reality. I also felt that the ending was a little rushed and that the author had so much more potential to do something with this.
Overall this was an enjoyable read that most sci-fi and gamer fans will enjoy. I don't play computer games and not really keen to now after reading this. I am interested to see where the author takes this next.
Overall this was an enjoyable read that most sci-fi and gamer fans will enjoy. I don't play computer games and not really keen to now after reading this. I am interested to see where the author takes this next.
November 14, 2018
A video game gone wild!
That’s it in a nutshell. Two players get caught up in a world that is suddenly more real than fantasy with danger around every corner. I’m a gamer so I can see how this story will intrigue others like me. However; though full of action from the get-go; it felt a bit rushed to me and there is one particular scene I felt I could have done without. Apart from that ; the plot of a video game suddenly becoming real is a good one and it did keep me engaged till the end of the story.
That’s it in a nutshell. Two players get caught up in a world that is suddenly more real than fantasy with danger around every corner. I’m a gamer so I can see how this story will intrigue others like me. However; though full of action from the get-go; it felt a bit rushed to me and there is one particular scene I felt I could have done without. Apart from that ; the plot of a video game suddenly becoming real is a good one and it did keep me engaged till the end of the story.
May 2, 2019
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
I found the premise of this book really interesting, and I did enjoy the story. As a only casual gamer, I found it harder to get into the story and the details of gaming. I think for a full on gamer this is the perfect story. I liked how short the story was, as it was a very quick fast paced read. I did find some parts of the story line confusing, but over all I did like the book, and I think it was well written.
I found the premise of this book really interesting, and I did enjoy the story. As a only casual gamer, I found it harder to get into the story and the details of gaming. I think for a full on gamer this is the perfect story. I liked how short the story was, as it was a very quick fast paced read. I did find some parts of the story line confusing, but over all I did like the book, and I think it was well written.
November 3, 2017
Interesting read. While the finishing and execution could have used some extra attention, the story itself was engaging and quite fun, and just the right length. I can see further adventures ahead for Tolbert and Striker (if Tolbert is able to keep his HP in check). A good one for those who love gaming, AI, destroying cities and the nature of what's real, and what isn't.
January 8, 2018
Whilst this usually isn't my genre of choice, this book was enjoyable. The struggle to know reality from fantasy was pivotal throughout the story. If you love video games, you will enjoy this book. Peter has created a wonderful struggle of what is life and what is program, what is real and what is not. I will be recommending this book to my husband.
February 9, 2021
A short, plot driven story with two-dimensional characters that could do with another round of editing.
Recommended for male gamers.
Not recommended for readers who want to care about the characters in a story.
Recommended for male gamers.
Not recommended for readers who want to care about the characters in a story.
September 3, 2019
This book is engaging. It really has a connection between me and the what the storyline is.
It is interesting, humorous and intriguing.
It is interesting, humorous and intriguing.
June 9, 2019
The Mind Hack - Peter Summersby
For the start, you as an author must assume that not everyone knows what is a Virtual Reality, you must explain things some more. I already know what is, but I find that there's a lack of explanation for other people who doesn't know.
For your characters, I think you introduced well Tolbert, but your badass hacker Stryker, perhaps you can think of a good way to introduce your characters on the future, like a "Establishing Character Moment":
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...
Three examples for you:
Two from Star Wars:
Han shooting first when threatened by Greedo. This is why the change to that scene evoked such a strong response.
Vader walking emotionlessly past his dead troops and then strangling Captain Antilles to death while interrogating him. He also provides the first introduction of what the Force is capable of; an Imperial officer starts mouthing off about how his "sorcerous ways" are nothing compared to the Death Star, to which Vader casually lifts a hand and chokes the guy from across the room. Vader: I find your lack of faith disturbing.
And one from Batman (Christopher Nolan's Trilogy):
The Joker in The Dark Knight has two of these, the first being the bank robbery when he shows himself ready and willing to betray his teammates for his own ends, and later his "magic trick" involving a pencil and plenty of Eye Scream, which shows his mental instability and viciousness, but also his sense of humour.
--
About the way your hacker do his tricks, you are relying too much on the reader's suspension of disbelief,
You can introduce an object earlier on a story, like a thing that it's not really important for a story and then later, plays a big part, it's know as a Chekhov's Gun.
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...
An example from Harry Potter:
The Dumbledore's "Put-Outer" (Deluminator) who is utilized on book 1 / movie 1 to erase the lights from the street and later on light'em up again, and plays a big role on the seventh book / eight movie, because can be used to hear the voice of your friends from afar.
I really liked your book and think that you will be a great author on your next stories.
For the start, you as an author must assume that not everyone knows what is a Virtual Reality, you must explain things some more. I already know what is, but I find that there's a lack of explanation for other people who doesn't know.
For your characters, I think you introduced well Tolbert, but your badass hacker Stryker, perhaps you can think of a good way to introduce your characters on the future, like a "Establishing Character Moment":
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...
Three examples for you:
Two from Star Wars:
Han shooting first when threatened by Greedo. This is why the change to that scene evoked such a strong response.
Vader walking emotionlessly past his dead troops and then strangling Captain Antilles to death while interrogating him. He also provides the first introduction of what the Force is capable of; an Imperial officer starts mouthing off about how his "sorcerous ways" are nothing compared to the Death Star, to which Vader casually lifts a hand and chokes the guy from across the room. Vader: I find your lack of faith disturbing.
And one from Batman (Christopher Nolan's Trilogy):
The Joker in The Dark Knight has two of these, the first being the bank robbery when he shows himself ready and willing to betray his teammates for his own ends, and later his "magic trick" involving a pencil and plenty of Eye Scream, which shows his mental instability and viciousness, but also his sense of humour.
--
About the way your hacker do his tricks, you are relying too much on the reader's suspension of disbelief,
You can introduce an object earlier on a story, like a thing that it's not really important for a story and then later, plays a big part, it's know as a Chekhov's Gun.
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...
An example from Harry Potter:
The Dumbledore's "Put-Outer" (Deluminator) who is utilized on book 1 / movie 1 to erase the lights from the street and later on light'em up again, and plays a big role on the seventh book / eight movie, because can be used to hear the voice of your friends from afar.
I really liked your book and think that you will be a great author on your next stories.
August 3, 2017
I was dragged into this story... being a gamer myself, i was almost envious of the characters as reality blurred around them.... wonderful and i am looking forward to the next one....
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