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The Game is Life #6
Digital Evolution
Ten years have passed on Tygon since the Virtual Prophet woke the Dreamers.
Games of life and death continue and the stakes for winning — or losing — promise to affect the inhabitants across three realities.
Games of life and death continue and the stakes for winning — or losing — promise to affect the inhabitants across three realities.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 16, 2015
3.5 stars
I've been pretty obsessed with this series. I finished the first four books in a couple of days each but this last one I couldn't get into and just devour. First of all, there's so many worlds at this point that it's hard to always know where you are. Second, all the characters keep moving around so really if you knew them in Earth or Tygon or the Dream, that doesn't mean that's where you'll find them in this book. I often found myself going back and being like, oh ok, this character is here and these characters are there as well. It was a bit messy and I was getting whiplash.
If you expected resolution with this one... think again... I mean either it's all "over" or everything was left unresolved... The ending leaves the answer to that very open ended.
Now, of course if there are more of these books, I will surely be reading them, mostly for answers, but this was by far my least favorite of the series.
I've been pretty obsessed with this series. I finished the first four books in a couple of days each but this last one I couldn't get into and just devour. First of all, there's so many worlds at this point that it's hard to always know where you are. Second, all the characters keep moving around so really if you knew them in Earth or Tygon or the Dream, that doesn't mean that's where you'll find them in this book. I often found myself going back and being like, oh ok, this character is here and these characters are there as well. It was a bit messy and I was getting whiplash.
If you expected resolution with this one... think again... I mean either it's all "over" or everything was left unresolved... The ending leaves the answer to that very open ended.
Now, of course if there are more of these books, I will surely be reading them, mostly for answers, but this was by far my least favorite of the series.
June 8, 2025
And the plot thickens... the way the blurbs of these books read, you could almost be forgiven for thinking that they were not connected. Well don't be fooled, all of the old cast of characters are back with a vengeance in here...and then the book just ends, so prepare yourself for another cliffhanger and more unanswered questions. Also, you shuld be prepared to be confused alot in this book, one reality, two, three??
Not sure how the author will resolve all these before the series ends. But looking forward to next couple of books to see how it goes. I had no expectations of this series, and now I think I am addicted. So so clever.
Not sure how the author will resolve all these before the series ends. But looking forward to next couple of books to see how it goes. I had no expectations of this series, and now I think I am addicted. So so clever.
July 17, 2015
I have enjoyed the series up until now, but the author is giving us too much of a good thing. This series is in desperate need of closure. It's kind of like the Friday the 13th movie series. The first few were good, but after that they became predictable and started pumping a franchise for more money. It's like an uncle who comes to Thanksgiving dinner to tell you he is homeless, and just needs to stay until Christmas so he can quit drinking and get his shit together. If INTERLUDE-COOPER, or whatever the title of the next book is, isn't the final book in the series, I am done.
Keeping up with multiple characters who sometimes have different names across five "realities" is taxing, and the time issue seems like an authors easy way out when he doesn't want to write details. Just skip forward a few decades and forget about it.
Also, what happened to Wesley? We haven't seen him since INTERLUDE-BRANDON. Did he get a new name and I missed it, or does the author want us to forget about him until the last book where he will magically come in and save the day?
Last thing, the author is not good at writing action sequences. [Any time a knife comes out, someone gets stabbed in the eye.] Because of this, every time a character gets in a bind, a new character is introduced to save the day. This new character is always from a level of reality we have never heard of, and possesses new magical powers that were not possible until they showed up. This produces a never ending string of deus ex machinas. It's predictable, and plays into the convoluted plot arc spread across mass realities and time. It's tough to keep all of this straight sometimes.
Terry Schott, end this soon. These books are going downhill.
Keeping up with multiple characters who sometimes have different names across five "realities" is taxing, and the time issue seems like an authors easy way out when he doesn't want to write details. Just skip forward a few decades and forget about it.
Also, what happened to Wesley? We haven't seen him since INTERLUDE-BRANDON. Did he get a new name and I missed it, or does the author want us to forget about him until the last book where he will magically come in and save the day?
Last thing, the author is not good at writing action sequences. [Any time a knife comes out, someone gets stabbed in the eye.] Because of this, every time a character gets in a bind, a new character is introduced to save the day. This new character is always from a level of reality we have never heard of, and possesses new magical powers that were not possible until they showed up. This produces a never ending string of deus ex machinas. It's predictable, and plays into the convoluted plot arc spread across mass realities and time. It's tough to keep all of this straight sometimes.
Terry Schott, end this soon. These books are going downhill.
March 27, 2015
It could be a result of reading the series back to back but I found the fifth book of the game is life to drag on. I was hoping to find an ending but there is more to come, still.
if you've enjoyed the series so far, you should continue reading but if after Virtual Prophet you were close to being done with the series, Digital Evolution may not save it for you.
if you've enjoyed the series so far, you should continue reading but if after Virtual Prophet you were close to being done with the series, Digital Evolution may not save it for you.
November 5, 2019
not much was happening and then suddenly EVERYTHING was happening......
June 10, 2021
Terry Schott does it again
Another winner with this book as the exciting adventure continues. The only reference I could see from the previous book was the character of Dawn Thorne. You will find yourself binge reading and pushing everything else to the wayside. I just can't wait to continue.
Another winner with this book as the exciting adventure continues. The only reference I could see from the previous book was the character of Dawn Thorne. You will find yourself binge reading and pushing everything else to the wayside. I just can't wait to continue.
March 27, 2018
1. The Game, ★★★★★Each of us is alone and all together, both at the same time. Our greatest strengths emerge from our most difficult moments of weakness. This is the way of the universe, and you are blessed to experience it."
2. Digital Heretic, ★★★★★
3. Interlude-Brandon, ★★★★★
4. Virtual Prophet, ★★★★
5. Shadows, ★★★★
6. Digital Evolution, ★★★
I'll be honest: this wasn't my favorite book in the series. While the detour from Trew in Shadows at this point still hasn't paid dividends for the overall story (other than a glimmer of familiarity with Dawn), it at least was a fast-paced and engaging story. Unfortunately, I found Digital Evolution to be slow, cumbersome, and at times boring - which is interesting considering that Schott has introduced at least four distinct storylines in this book. Digital Evolution has a lot of the elements that I love from the series: philosophy, religion, interconnected storylines that peel back like an onion. Quotes that resonate with me deeply and make me think. I feel like this book is a victim of its own ambition and trying to incorporate too much of a great thing. The result is a poorly paced book with most of the "action" in the last 10% that feels like cumbersome exposition for later books. The pacing of this book is particularly jarring considering that it is the sixth book in the series and none of the prior books were paced in this way.
I was disappointed that there were so many threads introduced into the tapestry but none of them had any semblance of a resolution...and on top of that we are left with a giant cliffhanger. Speaking of the cliffhanger, it doesn't make sense.
I will continue on with the series because I do think things will tie together, but in reading the synopsis for Cyber I am a bit disappointed that we are transitioning to yet another companion piece in yet another world. I'll read as the author intends based on my conversation with him recently, but I am more than a little apprehensive to, yet again, leave a cliffhanger on Tygon/the Dream for a companion tale.
Original 2015 review 3 stars, no review was written
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August 15, 2015
I really enjoyed the series until this book. I think that the author has dragged this story out well past its prime. What began as an original and thought-provoking series has deteriorated to an inconsistent and convoluted tale that seems to lack focus or purpose. The characters are no longer well-developed. They switch personalities and sides at the whim of the author with little to no explanation or motivation. (Spoiler Alert) For example, Cooper, who has been shown as one of the most clever and competent allies of Brandon and Trew is suddenly potentially traitorous and so stupid that he doesn't realize destroying The Dream will automatically destroy its attached simulations of Tygon and The Game even though Thorn and Brandon addressed exactly that situation in an earlier book?
Characters are introduced that don't make sense, so many new characters that it is hard to keep them straight. (Spoiler Alert). There's the red bottle cap man (apparently many of them!) and the sing song voice man. Who are they and why are they in the story? And they apparently intervene at will and can bend the laws of physics to suit them and their desires, so why so many issues? Why not just stop the game and help the various realities out without all this drama!?
(Spoiler Alert) Also, what is up with The General and Brad and The President? The General has changed personality so many times, the reader is getting whiplash. Is he good, bad, conflicted, nuanced shades of gray? All I know, is he goes from a power hungry villain to a reformed guy who's repented for his sins every few chapters. Is Thorn a brilliant strategist or an idiot? Why trust the General and ask him to lead in one book, only to plot against him and distrust him in the next?! Make up your mind, Thorn! After all, Thorn is the one who invited him back to power! When did Brad decide he wanted to rule the world and why would the President start taking orders from him? None of these plot lines make any decent sense. It's frustrating to read.
There are far too many layers and characters at this point to maintain a cohesive story and the initial characters that the reader grew to love in the first few books have become very flat and one dimensional. It almost feels like the author dialed this book in. A huge disappointment. I definitely recommend books 1-4, but the author should have wrapped it up neatly and stopped there.
Characters are introduced that don't make sense, so many new characters that it is hard to keep them straight. (Spoiler Alert). There's the red bottle cap man (apparently many of them!) and the sing song voice man. Who are they and why are they in the story? And they apparently intervene at will and can bend the laws of physics to suit them and their desires, so why so many issues? Why not just stop the game and help the various realities out without all this drama!?
(Spoiler Alert) Also, what is up with The General and Brad and The President? The General has changed personality so many times, the reader is getting whiplash. Is he good, bad, conflicted, nuanced shades of gray? All I know, is he goes from a power hungry villain to a reformed guy who's repented for his sins every few chapters. Is Thorn a brilliant strategist or an idiot? Why trust the General and ask him to lead in one book, only to plot against him and distrust him in the next?! Make up your mind, Thorn! After all, Thorn is the one who invited him back to power! When did Brad decide he wanted to rule the world and why would the President start taking orders from him? None of these plot lines make any decent sense. It's frustrating to read.
There are far too many layers and characters at this point to maintain a cohesive story and the initial characters that the reader grew to love in the first few books have become very flat and one dimensional. It almost feels like the author dialed this book in. A huge disappointment. I definitely recommend books 1-4, but the author should have wrapped it up neatly and stopped there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2019
Not as "beaming" a 5-star review as books 3 & 4. However, still worth it. Perhaps I am still lagged from the let-down of book 5. PLUS, almost nothing ended up being mentioned in this book 6 of book 5 to make that one have been a remotely inclusive book in the series. Dawn got a brief cameo. And of course Sam Thorn is as big as ever. This book had, I suppose, more of those confusing moments regarding timeline and such which have plagued the entire series. It is the kind of thing which tends to be nice to have adequately "explained"; though which one never expects such for in many novels. Especially one so complex as this in these idiosyncratic ways of an indefinable space-time jumble. The more some of that comes together the further more things are added which make the confusion even greater. But so long as you can take all that in stride it is a very enjoyable book and series overall. I DO hope more is resolved as to such when this series eventually comes to a conclusion. I am now becoming curious as to when that might be. Seems this could go on nearly as long as the author would like it to. Lol. Anyway, I finished this one late last night (aka early this morning in night owl thinking) and will most likely start book 7 very shortly. Believe it is the shortest of them all.
July 23, 2016
Virtual Evolution is basically the start of a new story line for the Game of Life series. I would say that Book 1-4 follows the main plot with the central conflict. That was 100% resolved in Book 4, in my humble opinion so I feel like this is a beginning of something new.
To be honest, I enjoyed the book. It has all of Terry Schott's creative story telling and page turning suspense. A lot is happening very quickly, and all our favorite characters are back fighting new battles, meeting new people and rebuilding the worlds. The only reason the book lost a star is because I feel like this entire book is a set up for more. Needless to say, the book ended in a huge cliffhanger...
Will any of this matter in the grand scheme of things? How many more worlds are there in this universe? I'm sure all of those questions will be answered in future books.
To be honest, I enjoyed the book. It has all of Terry Schott's creative story telling and page turning suspense. A lot is happening very quickly, and all our favorite characters are back fighting new battles, meeting new people and rebuilding the worlds. The only reason the book lost a star is because I feel like this entire book is a set up for more. Needless to say, the book ended in a huge cliffhanger...
Will any of this matter in the grand scheme of things? How many more worlds are there in this universe? I'm sure all of those questions will be answered in future books.
February 29, 2016
I had to interrupt my reading for a few days, which proved to be a big mistake: I got lost completely. Tygon, Earth, the Dream - what is true, what is simulation Who is who? Why, where, how? However, I am not sure, whether the author still knows, either. That's probably, why he decided to not even bother with an end. However, after 5 sequels + 1 prequel it would be nice to see a kind of conclusion. Otherwise it only rattles on and on, reminding me of "free association", as an analyst would call it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2017
In for a penny...
Since I have started the series I might as well finish it. Vested time, you understand.
If I'd known the editing got worse as the story went on then I would not have invested my time. Tense issues, grammar problems, and a book based mostly on dialogue. Probably about 85% of the novel is dialogue, so if you're into that sort of thing this one is for you. But if you like well paced books with plot or highly character driven, then stay away.
Not impressed, but then again most self-published work is turning out to be such.
Since I have started the series I might as well finish it. Vested time, you understand.
If I'd known the editing got worse as the story went on then I would not have invested my time. Tense issues, grammar problems, and a book based mostly on dialogue. Probably about 85% of the novel is dialogue, so if you're into that sort of thing this one is for you. But if you like well paced books with plot or highly character driven, then stay away.
Not impressed, but then again most self-published work is turning out to be such.
October 17, 2015
3.5 stars. I wish I hadn't waited so long after reading the start of this series to read this one. It was still really good, but I kept forgetting stuff from the earlier ones and it would take me a bit to realize who someone was. The whole series is so confusing anyways, but still really enjoyable.
I didn't like the end though. HUGE cliffhanger and I didn't realize there would be more. Definitely will be watching for more, if there are any.
I didn't like the end though. HUGE cliffhanger and I didn't realize there would be more. Definitely will be watching for more, if there are any.
June 10, 2021
A bit jumbled
I loved the first 5 books in this series but this one was difficult for me to get through. There were several different realities and every time a new chapter started, I wasn’t sure where I was. By the time I would settle into the scene, a new chapter would start and we would be in a different reality. I still love this series and will keep reading but I did not particular enjoy this book.
I loved the first 5 books in this series but this one was difficult for me to get through. There were several different realities and every time a new chapter started, I wasn’t sure where I was. By the time I would settle into the scene, a new chapter would start and we would be in a different reality. I still love this series and will keep reading but I did not particular enjoy this book.
February 21, 2017
Pretty good...I guess. I really loved the previous books in the series, but this one was a little different. It moved from way to many perspectives (in my opinion) which made it seem a little slow. However, I like the plot up until the ending. I will spoil ending, but I personally did not like it and feel that the series is going to go even more downhill from here.
November 6, 2021
This one in many ways seems to ignore the previous novel which I still haven't figured out just how it fits into things. The story continues to surprise me and I am delighted to report that I still don't know where this is all heading. Lovely. The plot is rich and complex. The characters are realistic and believable. Excellent.
April 29, 2015
I don't like where the author is taking this story. I am likely to read the next one because this one has finished with too many questions which need answering... if the next one doesn't clarify things significantly, I'm not sure I'll follow on with the series...
April 11, 2022
Audiobook review
Like many others I am constantly struggling to work out how this story is going. All the timelines are so confusing! Just when I think I've got it, another curveball is thrown.
And I love it!
Fantastic narration again by Luke Daniels. That guy is super talented!
Like many others I am constantly struggling to work out how this story is going. All the timelines are so confusing! Just when I think I've got it, another curveball is thrown.
And I love it!
Fantastic narration again by Luke Daniels. That guy is super talented!
October 31, 2021
The author admitted that he writes this series without an outline, just off the cuff, and it SHOWS
February 1, 2024
**Great continuation to the main storyline**
If only I didn't accidentally skip it, though. I dunno how it happened, how I went straight to book numbers 7 and 8 without realizing I completely overlooked #6, but alas, such was the case. While I'm glad to have realized I had missed an entry before digging in any deeper to an already confusing story, I'm still kinda bummed I didn't figure it out sooner. Because now that I've gone back to read it, it feels more like a prequel that's been spoiled by what I already know.
*sigh* Oh well.
At any rate, despite my aforementioned blunder giving this entry a "prequel" feel to it, I was still satisfied that the story more or less picked up where the main storyline left off in book #4. Things were still a little confusing, but strangely, the confusing things were starting to make a weird kind of sense in their own way. I think I have the characters themselves to thank for that, which fortunately have become a bit more open in explaining things in the moment rather than leaving the up in the air like in previous entries.
I didn't really have significant complaints, nothing beyond what I've always complained about anyway. Just an overall sense of difficulty keeping up with all the branches of complexities sprouting out from the main story. There were splendid revelations, shocking events, and a proper amount of tension to keep me wanting more. I loved the way it ended, though it makes me that much feistier since I already know where that ended up taking the main story in book #8 (which confused the HELL outta me since I didn't have this entry's info). I do feel a slight hankering to go ahead and reread book #8 again now that I have THIS one's information in my brain, but I'm too anxious to finish the series. I'm simply too desperate to see how it all goes down in the end.
Click here for my random highlights and commentary.
If only I didn't accidentally skip it, though. I dunno how it happened, how I went straight to book numbers 7 and 8 without realizing I completely overlooked #6, but alas, such was the case. While I'm glad to have realized I had missed an entry before digging in any deeper to an already confusing story, I'm still kinda bummed I didn't figure it out sooner. Because now that I've gone back to read it, it feels more like a prequel that's been spoiled by what I already know.
*sigh* Oh well.
At any rate, despite my aforementioned blunder giving this entry a "prequel" feel to it, I was still satisfied that the story more or less picked up where the main storyline left off in book #4. Things were still a little confusing, but strangely, the confusing things were starting to make a weird kind of sense in their own way. I think I have the characters themselves to thank for that, which fortunately have become a bit more open in explaining things in the moment rather than leaving the up in the air like in previous entries.
I didn't really have significant complaints, nothing beyond what I've always complained about anyway. Just an overall sense of difficulty keeping up with all the branches of complexities sprouting out from the main story. There were splendid revelations, shocking events, and a proper amount of tension to keep me wanting more. I loved the way it ended, though it makes me that much feistier since I already know where that ended up taking the main story in book #8 (which confused the HELL outta me since I didn't have this entry's info). I do feel a slight hankering to go ahead and reread book #8 again now that I have THIS one's information in my brain, but I'm too anxious to finish the series. I'm simply too desperate to see how it all goes down in the end.
Click here for my random highlights and commentary.
July 17, 2022
#6 in the series and my least favorite so far. if I hadn’t liked most of the other books so much, I’d give up on the series.
+1 star because I stayed interested and finished the book in just a couple of days
+1 star because I like these worlds and many of the people. (Tho this book didn’t have many Timeless Angel/Devil scenes and they are my favorite bunch.)
-1 star because a bunch of stuff slipped thru editing (examples: coffee house scene; cooper somehow not knowing that would happen)
-1 star because characters are having personality changes and motivations that don’t make sense with the previous books (example: allowing /not allowing their daughter to play The Game)
-1 star because, as others have said, it felt like this book was all just to introduce new things and not much happened until 85%. And then the next book does not seem to directly follow up on this one.
+1 star because I stayed interested and finished the book in just a couple of days
+1 star because I like these worlds and many of the people. (Tho this book didn’t have many Timeless Angel/Devil scenes and they are my favorite bunch.)
-1 star because a bunch of stuff slipped thru editing (examples: coffee house scene; cooper somehow not knowing that would happen)
-1 star because characters are having personality changes and motivations that don’t make sense with the previous books (example: allowing /not allowing their daughter to play The Game)
-1 star because, as others have said, it felt like this book was all just to introduce new things and not much happened until 85%. And then the next book does not seem to directly follow up on this one.
April 16, 2018
Absolutely Love This Series
I choose this rating as I have fallen in love with this series, I love the complex characters, the settings just everything. I'm not a spoiler fan so I don't write them in my reviews, I have read plenty of fiction and can honestly say I haven't enjoyed a series as much since the House of Night. These books have nothing in common with that particularly series except the ability to make me read the next one and the next one. These books are for anyone who enjoys a bloody good story, great characters and experiencing a whole new world.
I choose this rating as I have fallen in love with this series, I love the complex characters, the settings just everything. I'm not a spoiler fan so I don't write them in my reviews, I have read plenty of fiction and can honestly say I haven't enjoyed a series as much since the House of Night. These books have nothing in common with that particularly series except the ability to make me read the next one and the next one. These books are for anyone who enjoys a bloody good story, great characters and experiencing a whole new world.
September 28, 2021
Fantastic!
I have the omnibus edition of this series and book six was fantastic - as is the rest so far. It's fascinating and intriguing, intelligent and thought-provoking, philosophical and a brilliant story.
The multitude of characters is teeming with interest, each fitting into the story perfectly. It's the story itself I love, however, because the concept is mind-blowing and mysterious, while the characters enhance its importance.
I don't give spoilers, so I will just say - read it!
Highly recommended.
I have the omnibus edition of this series and book six was fantastic - as is the rest so far. It's fascinating and intriguing, intelligent and thought-provoking, philosophical and a brilliant story.
The multitude of characters is teeming with interest, each fitting into the story perfectly. It's the story itself I love, however, because the concept is mind-blowing and mysterious, while the characters enhance its importance.
I don't give spoilers, so I will just say - read it!
Highly recommended.
October 30, 2018
Read!
I have read/listen to all the books so far. They are addicting and hard to put down. The are twists in the plots that I never seen coming. If you like sci-fi, then you really should read this series.
I have read/listen to all the books so far. They are addicting and hard to put down. The are twists in the plots that I never seen coming. If you like sci-fi, then you really should read this series.
June 14, 2020
Scifi at it's best
Great writing with surpises at every turn. One of my favorite series. Although not the best book in the series it still was amazing. I recommend reading the whole series.
Great writing with surpises at every turn. One of my favorite series. Although not the best book in the series it still was amazing. I recommend reading the whole series.
January 25, 2021
Another layer added to a never ending cycld
No spoilers.
Just want to keep going. Every twist and turn and name drop opens another door to another book.
Worth every second and penny.
No spoilers.
Just want to keep going. Every twist and turn and name drop opens another door to another book.
Worth every second and penny.
September 19, 2021
Wow!
Although I'm confused about several things, I still can't stop reading..... That's telling you this is one incredible series!!! I really enjoy the characters, and am continually surprised by the twists and turns! Love it!
Although I'm confused about several things, I still can't stop reading..... That's telling you this is one incredible series!!! I really enjoy the characters, and am continually surprised by the twists and turns! Love it!
January 4, 2018
The whole book is a long and a little boring preparation for the final chapter.
June 27, 2017
Good not as much as the first.
June 18, 2019
So entertaining
The fun surprises and entertainment never stops!!
I would recommend this series to any reader who enjoys a stimulating read
The fun surprises and entertainment never stops!!
I would recommend this series to any reader who enjoys a stimulating read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews