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Virtual Kombat #1
Gamer
Life for a street kid is tough. When Scott gets the chance to become a Virtual Kombat gamer, he knows its his ticket out of the grime, cold and horror. But the game is real, the danger is deadly, and the consequences are final.
98 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2010
15 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Chris Bradford
94 books927 followersChris Bradford is the bestselling author of the Young Samurai, Bodyguard and Soul Series.
Chris is renowned for his inspiring author events and ‘method writing’ style. For his award-winning Young Samurai series, he trained in samurai swordmanship, karate, ninjutsu and earned his black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu.
For his BODYGUARD series, Chris embarked on an intensive close protection course to become a qualified professional bodyguard.
And for the Soul Prophecy trilogy, Chris travelled extensively to experience first-hand the cultures featured in the story – from living with the Shona people in Zimbabwe, to trekking the Inca trail, to meditating in a Buddhist temple amid the mountains of Japan.
His books have been published in more than 25 languages and been nominated for 30+ book awards, winning among others the Northern Ireland Book Award 2011, the Hampshire Book Award 2014 and the Brilliant Book Award 2014. Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior was deemed one of Puffin’s 70 Best Ever Books, alongside Treasure Island and Robin Hood.
To discover more about Chris or book an author visit: www.chrisbradford.co.uk
Chris is renowned for his inspiring author events and ‘method writing’ style. For his award-winning Young Samurai series, he trained in samurai swordmanship, karate, ninjutsu and earned his black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu.
For his BODYGUARD series, Chris embarked on an intensive close protection course to become a qualified professional bodyguard.
And for the Soul Prophecy trilogy, Chris travelled extensively to experience first-hand the cultures featured in the story – from living with the Shona people in Zimbabwe, to trekking the Inca trail, to meditating in a Buddhist temple amid the mountains of Japan.
His books have been published in more than 25 languages and been nominated for 30+ book awards, winning among others the Northern Ireland Book Award 2011, the Hampshire Book Award 2014 and the Brilliant Book Award 2014. Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior was deemed one of Puffin’s 70 Best Ever Books, alongside Treasure Island and Robin Hood.
To discover more about Chris or book an author visit: www.chrisbradford.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 1, 2019
Yet another fantastic dyslexia-friendly book from Barrington Stoke which I am excited to add to our library. The story follows Scott, a street kid in a dystopian future where most children have lots their parents in an outbreak of a deadly virus that only affected those over a certain age. Now, many children roam the streets while adults live in a hermetically-sealed world to protect them from the virus or other illnesses.
As people become more isolated in real life, living in the virtual world becomes more popular, particularly VK (Virtual Kombat) where anyone can choose an avatar and fight with people across the world. It has become a massive spectator sport, with lots of real money and fame tied up in virtual success. Getting chosen as one of the VK gamers can be a way off the streets for many kids, with a select few every month given access to the gaming school where they are provided food, board and medical care while training to be VK fighters.
Scott's life on the streets is pretty grim with little food and the constant threat of being hurt by larger gangs or other kids with weapons. Joining the VK academy represents a way out...or at least that's what he thinks at first. After he joins and begins fighting he begins to notice a few strange things that don't add up and begins to question just how much of VK's image is true and how much is covering up something darker.
This was an enjoyable dystopia, although at times details are skimmed over because of the short length of the story. The violence is descriptive and pervasive, meaning that this should probably be aimed at older children than the reading age (12+ rather than 8+). The ending is inconclusive and somewhat of a cliffhanger so it would be good to have Book 2 ready for any eager readers!
As people become more isolated in real life, living in the virtual world becomes more popular, particularly VK (Virtual Kombat) where anyone can choose an avatar and fight with people across the world. It has become a massive spectator sport, with lots of real money and fame tied up in virtual success. Getting chosen as one of the VK gamers can be a way off the streets for many kids, with a select few every month given access to the gaming school where they are provided food, board and medical care while training to be VK fighters.
Scott's life on the streets is pretty grim with little food and the constant threat of being hurt by larger gangs or other kids with weapons. Joining the VK academy represents a way out...or at least that's what he thinks at first. After he joins and begins fighting he begins to notice a few strange things that don't add up and begins to question just how much of VK's image is true and how much is covering up something darker.
This was an enjoyable dystopia, although at times details are skimmed over because of the short length of the story. The violence is descriptive and pervasive, meaning that this should probably be aimed at older children than the reading age (12+ rather than 8+). The ending is inconclusive and somewhat of a cliffhanger so it would be good to have Book 2 ready for any eager readers!
November 26, 2022
2.5 Sterne
Die Idee fand ich nicht schlecht, aber es war mir viel zu kurz und übereilt umgesetzt. Ich war auch nicht der größte Fan der Brutalität. Diese passte zwar zum Buch, meiner Meinung nach aber nicht zur Zielgruppe.
Zwischen den Kapiteln sind teilweise riesige Zeitsprünge, die mich jedes Mal aus dem Geschehen rausgerissen haben. Die Charaktere fand ich gut, aber auch hier hätte ein bisschen mehr Tiefe nicht geschadet. Eine aktive Weiterentwicklung war durch die Zeitsprünge nicht gegeben.
Der Schreibstil hat mir gut gefallen und ich habe durchaus Lust, mehr von Chris Bradford zu lesen. Als Jugendthriller ist das Buch nicht schlecht und bietet mit dem Hintergrund der Straßenkinder auch interessante und kritische Ansätze. Ich würde es aber frühestens ab 12 empfehlen, da die Beschreibungen der Kämpfe teilweise ziemlich heftig und auch blutig sind.
Die Idee fand ich nicht schlecht, aber es war mir viel zu kurz und übereilt umgesetzt. Ich war auch nicht der größte Fan der Brutalität. Diese passte zwar zum Buch, meiner Meinung nach aber nicht zur Zielgruppe.
Zwischen den Kapiteln sind teilweise riesige Zeitsprünge, die mich jedes Mal aus dem Geschehen rausgerissen haben. Die Charaktere fand ich gut, aber auch hier hätte ein bisschen mehr Tiefe nicht geschadet. Eine aktive Weiterentwicklung war durch die Zeitsprünge nicht gegeben.
Der Schreibstil hat mir gut gefallen und ich habe durchaus Lust, mehr von Chris Bradford zu lesen. Als Jugendthriller ist das Buch nicht schlecht und bietet mit dem Hintergrund der Straßenkinder auch interessante und kritische Ansätze. Ich würde es aber frühestens ab 12 empfehlen, da die Beschreibungen der Kämpfe teilweise ziemlich heftig und auch blutig sind.
December 27, 2025
Ik had niet zulke hoge verwachtingen van dit boek, maar het was beter dan ik dacht! Veel (game) actie vanaf het begin, maar het verhaal heeft ook nog wel een andere inhoud die interessant is om over te praten in de klas. Tegen het einde vond ik het wel wat snel gaan allemaal en had er voor mijn gevoel veel meer in gezeten. Een boek voor de niet-lezer die van veel actie houdt (met grote letters), maar met toch iets meer diepgang dan het doorsnee game-verhaal.
Zou hem overigens pas aanraden vanaf groep 7, of misschien zelfs groep 8 vanwege het vele geweld. Het las ook wel een beetje als een YA boek.
Zou hem overigens pas aanraden vanaf groep 7, of misschien zelfs groep 8 vanwege het vele geweld. Het las ook wel een beetje als een YA boek.
March 18, 2024
Very quick read that is especially suitable for younger kids.
The storyline in itself and the concepts are leaning towards Ready Player One.
The storyline in itself and the concepts are leaning towards Ready Player One.
August 14, 2021
A very good short Matrix style story. My only issue with the story is that it is too short. However growing up as a dyslexic person. I wish there were more book like this one out there when I was growing up. I would love to read an adult version of this story or even a sequel. I think this is a great book to get boys reading. Who would not love a story about becoming you super martial art character in a game and fighting other. However as you might expect the game has a dark secret.
The world has endured a plague that has killed millions however children were spared the effects. Many now live on the streets fighting to survive. There only escape seem to be proving themselves in virtual combat/kombat. However is the game their salvation or another curse. Great use of martial arts and computer technology. My boys and me really enjoy Chris Bradford's work. I just want more.
The world has endured a plague that has killed millions however children were spared the effects. Many now live on the streets fighting to survive. There only escape seem to be proving themselves in virtual combat/kombat. However is the game their salvation or another curse. Great use of martial arts and computer technology. My boys and me really enjoy Chris Bradford's work. I just want more.
Read
June 5, 2021I first read 'Virtual Kombat' years ago, when it was published by Puffin in about 2010.
It made me realize what a great author Chris Bradford is, because the story was exciting, suspenseful, fast-paced and highly appealing to teens who love their virtual worlds and want to immerse themselves in them.
Now the story has been republished by Barrington Stoke and has expanded - it is the 'Virtual Kombat' series, and the 3 books take the story up a notch each time.
There are so many features that make this series enjoyable and easy to read. The writing style is punchy. There's a great mix of short sentences, longer sentences, and not too much detail. The action speaks for itself, but we feel for main character Scott and the intense and savage world he finds himself in.
In 2030, most adults had been wiped out by a virus that did not affect children - with the result that homeless orphans, crime and chaos abound. IT & business tycoon Vince Power creates a virtual world, where people can stay inside and lose themselves in the game Virtual Kombat. He recruits and saves desperate street kids, like Scott, so they can have the glory of competing and going up the levels in this addictive, violent game. But Scott makes some terrible discoveries along the way and has to fight to stay alive....
It made me realize what a great author Chris Bradford is, because the story was exciting, suspenseful, fast-paced and highly appealing to teens who love their virtual worlds and want to immerse themselves in them.
Now the story has been republished by Barrington Stoke and has expanded - it is the 'Virtual Kombat' series, and the 3 books take the story up a notch each time.
There are so many features that make this series enjoyable and easy to read. The writing style is punchy. There's a great mix of short sentences, longer sentences, and not too much detail. The action speaks for itself, but we feel for main character Scott and the intense and savage world he finds himself in.
In 2030, most adults had been wiped out by a virus that did not affect children - with the result that homeless orphans, crime and chaos abound. IT & business tycoon Vince Power creates a virtual world, where people can stay inside and lose themselves in the game Virtual Kombat. He recruits and saves desperate street kids, like Scott, so they can have the glory of competing and going up the levels in this addictive, violent game. But Scott makes some terrible discoveries along the way and has to fight to stay alive....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2024
My favorite character was Scott because he was kind and helpful and could withstand falling so he was strong!
What surprised me was that his friend died because she was a main character.
I would not have changed the ending because I like how they put a cliff hanger in when he jumped from a building at the end.
What surprised me was that his friend died because she was a main character.
I would not have changed the ending because I like how they put a cliff hanger in when he jumped from a building at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2018
This is the best book i have ever read with the action of getting pulled into a game by a machine and more this really is a amazing book i recommend this book to people who likes adventure and a little bit of injuries and if you read maybe DEATH
March 14, 2024
What a fun and quick read!
As always Chris Bradford writes entertaining fight scenes.
Obviously the depth of the story and the character developement are limited by the length but it's good for what it is and I'm actually kinda interested in reading the next one in this series...
As always Chris Bradford writes entertaining fight scenes.
Obviously the depth of the story and the character developement are limited by the length but it's good for what it is and I'm actually kinda interested in reading the next one in this series...
May 25, 2024
Despite being a book aimed at younger audiences, I found myself hooked from the first page. The despair, the action, the friendship between Scott and Kate, it was all very intriguing and I demolished this book in one sitting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2025
My daughter read this and wanted me to read it as well. It was a quick read, and although it reminded me of other stories, it was different enough for me to finish it.
Note: The text is large snd spaced out to help people with dyslexia.
Note: The text is large snd spaced out to help people with dyslexia.
November 6, 2017
I think gamer is about a little boy and his friend was in a game
January 1, 2024
Dyslexia-friendly is my jam! Love this for our students!
January 21, 2025
I read this book as part of a kids book club and actually enjoyed it! Great cliffhangers for each chapter. An easy read for a pre teen.
April 22, 2025
Echt tof boek voor al die kinderen die niet van lezen houden. Het is spannend vanaf het begin, en leest heerlijk vlot door.
May 13, 2025
WAUW, wat lekker spannend! Ik wil zeker meer!
August 10, 2024
Die Story ist gut, aber sehr übereilt (ist ja auch nur ein kurzes Buch). Die Idee hat das Potenzial länger ausgearbeitet zu werden.
December 27, 2021
I’m still at home reading my way through my brothers bookshelves and this was a quick read - just not really special, but nothing too bad as well? Worth a read if one’s looking for some quick action.
January 8, 2024
E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus
After a widespread virus killed a huge portion of the adult population in 2030, many children were left orphans and are living on the violent streets. One of these is Scott, who is struggling but still a good person. When he sees the violent Stck and Juice beating up twins Tammy and Tommy and stealing their food, he steps in. This angers the two, and brings Scott into the sights of Shark, the head of the Bleeders gang, who threatens to "blaze" him with a dangerous pulse blade weapon. Luckily, a Virtual Kombat playing pod comes to the street. Society has broken down, and people have turned to online gaming to channel their anger and despair. Vince Powers, the founder of Virtual Kombat, recruits young players from the streets, offering them a place in his Orphans Home to those who are particularly talented. Shark scores a seat, but Scott does not... until Tommy hails him and gives him the seat he has grabbed. Scott manages to do well, but Shark does not win a place, angering him further. The rules of the Orphans Home are simple; be respectful stay in the home, and go to bed on time, and children are provided with three meals a day, clothing, and safe beds to sleep in. There are analysts who watch the children play the game, but Scott is surprised that the players feel pain; it is explained that the hoodies they wear deliver electrical impulses that simulate the feelings but don't injure the participants. Scott meets fellow gamers Kat-Ana (Kate) and Ginger Ninja, who teach him about Trigger Time, the state during which the brain is thinking faster than the game, allowing players to not feel the effects as strongly. When Shark shows up, Scott knows he is in danger, but is there a greater danger from the founder of the company, Vince Powers? There are two more books in this series, Virus and Cyborg.
Strengths: This was nonstop excitement, whether surviving on the streets, playing the video games, or fighting against the evil people who run Virtual Kombat. The setting is described quickly but effectively, and Scott is an engaging character who won me over right away when he saved the twin's food despite the peril to himself. This is a quick read (136 pages), and has a dyslexia-friendly font.
Weaknesses: If this had just been published, I would have thought "Too soon!" about the pandemic killing everyone, but since Bradford had this idea in 2012... I guess we're lucky? It's not as well written as his Bodyguard series, but I'm sure there were strictures on vocabulary and text complexity that he had to consider. The cover will make this an instant success with middle school students.
What I really think: Students who want the virtual gaming adventure of Dao's Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena, Zhao's Last Gamer Standing, or Ross' Game Over but are not quite ready for longer books will appreciate the fast-paced dystopian gaming adventure that is Virtual Kombat.
After a widespread virus killed a huge portion of the adult population in 2030, many children were left orphans and are living on the violent streets. One of these is Scott, who is struggling but still a good person. When he sees the violent Stck and Juice beating up twins Tammy and Tommy and stealing their food, he steps in. This angers the two, and brings Scott into the sights of Shark, the head of the Bleeders gang, who threatens to "blaze" him with a dangerous pulse blade weapon. Luckily, a Virtual Kombat playing pod comes to the street. Society has broken down, and people have turned to online gaming to channel their anger and despair. Vince Powers, the founder of Virtual Kombat, recruits young players from the streets, offering them a place in his Orphans Home to those who are particularly talented. Shark scores a seat, but Scott does not... until Tommy hails him and gives him the seat he has grabbed. Scott manages to do well, but Shark does not win a place, angering him further. The rules of the Orphans Home are simple; be respectful stay in the home, and go to bed on time, and children are provided with three meals a day, clothing, and safe beds to sleep in. There are analysts who watch the children play the game, but Scott is surprised that the players feel pain; it is explained that the hoodies they wear deliver electrical impulses that simulate the feelings but don't injure the participants. Scott meets fellow gamers Kat-Ana (Kate) and Ginger Ninja, who teach him about Trigger Time, the state during which the brain is thinking faster than the game, allowing players to not feel the effects as strongly. When Shark shows up, Scott knows he is in danger, but is there a greater danger from the founder of the company, Vince Powers? There are two more books in this series, Virus and Cyborg.
Strengths: This was nonstop excitement, whether surviving on the streets, playing the video games, or fighting against the evil people who run Virtual Kombat. The setting is described quickly but effectively, and Scott is an engaging character who won me over right away when he saved the twin's food despite the peril to himself. This is a quick read (136 pages), and has a dyslexia-friendly font.
Weaknesses: If this had just been published, I would have thought "Too soon!" about the pandemic killing everyone, but since Bradford had this idea in 2012... I guess we're lucky? It's not as well written as his Bodyguard series, but I'm sure there were strictures on vocabulary and text complexity that he had to consider. The cover will make this an instant success with middle school students.
What I really think: Students who want the virtual gaming adventure of Dao's Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena, Zhao's Last Gamer Standing, or Ross' Game Over but are not quite ready for longer books will appreciate the fast-paced dystopian gaming adventure that is Virtual Kombat.
January 11, 2019
Exciting story set in the future when gaming has become a focal point for society and being chosen by the VK corporation is the only way out of poverty for kids. The actions of the corporation are certainly not altruistic however and there is a very sinister side to this gaming world. Great for reluctant readers, dyslexics or anyone that enjoys a fast paced story that keeps you reading avidly.
October 13, 2013
Again this is another book I have to read for book day at work. But at only 100 pages I knew it would be a quick one. Not only is it that short it is designed to be dyslexic friendly so the writing is fairly big and well spaced, meaning I read the whole thing in just over 30 minutes.
I'm never really sure what to expect from short stories, it doesn't give you much chance to get to know the characters or the world, it's a bit like reading on fast forward. But this one wasn't bad.
Set in the future after a disease that wiped out a lot of adults, there are hundreds of kids living on the streets, their one chance at a better life is to qualify as a game tester. They must prove themselves as a contender on 'virtual kombat' to win a place in an orphanage and work as a game tester.
Scott used to do martial arts with his dad before everything went wrong so he has a high chance of getting in, if he can just be in the right place at the right time.
As I say, this is very short and I could sort of see where it was going, but it would be a great book for boys struggling to get into books. It does it's job well and has an interesting enough story to engage readers. However the ending really annoyed me, it just doesn't finish.
It just ends on a -'well that's what been going on, I don't know what I'll do about it, but for now I'll go on the run, be warned.' but there is no actual conclusion. I'm a very prolific reader and I felt cheated, if I had been a reader who had struggled through that I would have felt sorely cheated, a hundred pages read and no ending? come on.
Maybe they will release a part two, who knows.
But for what it was, it was done well.
I'm never really sure what to expect from short stories, it doesn't give you much chance to get to know the characters or the world, it's a bit like reading on fast forward. But this one wasn't bad.
Set in the future after a disease that wiped out a lot of adults, there are hundreds of kids living on the streets, their one chance at a better life is to qualify as a game tester. They must prove themselves as a contender on 'virtual kombat' to win a place in an orphanage and work as a game tester.
Scott used to do martial arts with his dad before everything went wrong so he has a high chance of getting in, if he can just be in the right place at the right time.
As I say, this is very short and I could sort of see where it was going, but it would be a great book for boys struggling to get into books. It does it's job well and has an interesting enough story to engage readers. However the ending really annoyed me, it just doesn't finish.
It just ends on a -'well that's what been going on, I don't know what I'll do about it, but for now I'll go on the run, be warned.' but there is no actual conclusion. I'm a very prolific reader and I felt cheated, if I had been a reader who had struggled through that I would have felt sorely cheated, a hundred pages read and no ending? come on.
Maybe they will release a part two, who knows.
But for what it was, it was done well.
September 7, 2016
Neljä tähteä tälle huisin jännälle englanninkieliselle "dyslexia-friendly"-romaanille. Tulevaisuudessa aikuiset hylkäävät lapsia kaduille leviävän sairauden pelossa. Lapset joutuvat selviytymään kuka mitenkin. Scott saa mahdollisuuden päästä pois kadulta osallistumalla katulapsille järjestettävään Virtual Kombat -peliin. Pelifirman taistelupeli on kaikkien suurinta sirkushuvia ja sen pääpeli pauhaakin jatkuvalla syötöllä kaikista tuuteista. Katupelin voittanut pääsee pelifirman omistajan perustamaan lastenkotiin, saa ruokaa ja pääsee harjoittelemaan ja ehkä pelaamaan pääpelin paikasta. Pääpelissä on huima rahapalkinto voittajalle.
Scott voittaa pelin ja pääsee hienoon lastenkotiin. Siellä hän löytää muutaman ystävän, mutta kohtaa myös vihamiehiä. Hyvin pian Scott huomaa, että Virtual Kombat onkin paljon todellisempi peli, kuin mitä aluksi olisi luullut...
Kirjan loppu jää hieman roikkumaan, mikä voi jakaa lukijoiden mielipiteitä. Itse pidin siitäkin.
Taisteluja! Jännitystä! Vihollisia! Ystäviä! Täpäriä pelastumisia! 97 sivua!
Scott voittaa pelin ja pääsee hienoon lastenkotiin. Siellä hän löytää muutaman ystävän, mutta kohtaa myös vihamiehiä. Hyvin pian Scott huomaa, että Virtual Kombat onkin paljon todellisempi peli, kuin mitä aluksi olisi luullut...
Kirjan loppu jää hieman roikkumaan, mikä voi jakaa lukijoiden mielipiteitä. Itse pidin siitäkin.
Taisteluja! Jännitystä! Vihollisia! Ystäviä! Täpäriä pelastumisia! 97 sivua!
September 15, 2016
2.5☆
I don't know if that's a fair rating and I will explain why shortly.
I basically went through the author's books and asked my library to put this one on hold for me. Having just read the first two bodyguard books, I was expecting something thicker and with a smaller font. What I got was something about a cm thick with HUGE writing. Okay. A kids' book then, sort of an intro to the more mature series...
Then I read it and thought, "hang on, this seems a bit violent for a kids' book". It also was lacking in character development, world building...miscellaneous other literary features...
It wasn't until I saw the sticker on the back of the book identifying it as "dyslexia friendly" that I understood the contrast between this book and Bradford's others.
So for me, it was not a very good book and I only give it 2.5☆. But for someone who wants some action and adventure but has trouble with reading, then it might be worth 3.5 or 4☆
I don't know if that's a fair rating and I will explain why shortly.
I basically went through the author's books and asked my library to put this one on hold for me. Having just read the first two bodyguard books, I was expecting something thicker and with a smaller font. What I got was something about a cm thick with HUGE writing. Okay. A kids' book then, sort of an intro to the more mature series...
Then I read it and thought, "hang on, this seems a bit violent for a kids' book". It also was lacking in character development, world building...miscellaneous other literary features...
It wasn't until I saw the sticker on the back of the book identifying it as "dyslexia friendly" that I understood the contrast between this book and Bradford's others.
So for me, it was not a very good book and I only give it 2.5☆. But for someone who wants some action and adventure but has trouble with reading, then it might be worth 3.5 or 4☆
February 12, 2013
This isn't the 4 stars I would give to a book up for the Newbery award - but it deserves 4 stars for it's type. This is a Hunger Games readalike for the reluctant reader with high interest level but low reading age or ability (it also reminded me a bit of the HIVE series from Mark Walden). There is some violence/killing/death so most suitable for 10+ with reading age of 8+. I love the way this book looks exactly like a normal book with a fab lenticular cover that will appeal to kids and not look like a remedial reader. Boys with normal reading levels will enjoy this as a quick read - it is pretty exciting. I will be buying more from Barrington Stoke - bravo!
March 3, 2015
This book tells the story of Scott, a homeless teen trying to survive in a dystopian future. His is a world where the masses are pacified by virtual gaming and teens like Scott play a vital role in maintaining and developing those games.
This short novella is designed to attract reluctant readers and there's enough action there to do the job. The plot has some neat, if slightly predictable, twists although the ending was a little abrupt – the last chapter either needs to be expanded or deleted since it sets up and fails to answer too many questions which leaves the reader feeling cheated. Overall though, this isn't a bad read, or a bad introduction to science fiction.
This short novella is designed to attract reluctant readers and there's enough action there to do the job. The plot has some neat, if slightly predictable, twists although the ending was a little abrupt – the last chapter either needs to be expanded or deleted since it sets up and fails to answer too many questions which leaves the reader feeling cheated. Overall though, this isn't a bad read, or a bad introduction to science fiction.
January 17, 2015
Gamer by Chris Bradford – Science Fiction/ Dystopia – Barrington Stoke Teen – 7th grade and up for readers- very violent, good fight sequences but many deaths as well. I read this one aloud as a joint book between my son and I, he loved the print which is specifically dyslexia friendly with good spacing between the lines and clear font style. We agreed that he could handle the book but it was upsetting for the concept and storyline.
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April 1, 2016Virtual Combat by Chris Bradford. Easy to read and fast paced. Feral children are the survivors of a virus pandemic which wiped out many adults. Vince Power, the creator of Virtual Kombat computer games, which have now taken on celebrity status world-wide, is their saviour... or is he...? Young Scott discovers that once he lives under Vince Power's patronage, the computer games he must trial are lethal.....
February 3, 2024
A kids dystopian novel similar to Hunger Games but geared towards younger readers with less graphic violence. The ending was lacking a bit as if the trilogy was written as a single book and they just chopped it up to make it shorter but overall middle grades readers will relate to the main characters.
February 17, 2019
This book was way to short. The characters were not fully developed yet due to this fact. I really enjoyed the premise of a virtual reality world where you can feel pain and/or pleasure. A very quick and enjoyable read.
March 4, 2021
This book was very different from what I have ever read before it was like a book about the future and what the technology could be in the future. I loved this book, every night I alway wanted to keep reading it really sucked me in. I recommend this to anyone how wants to read an adventurous book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews