Cyber

The Game is Life #7

by Terry Schott

The Game is Life - Book 7 Deceived by a trusted colleague, Loredana Cyber, heir to the world’s largest entertainment company, walks away from big business and vows never to return. When a young programmer on the verge of perfecting an incredible new technology comes to her for help, she must decide; remain anonymous, or return to an arena that betrayed her. Also available in The Game is Life 1- The Game 2- Digital Heretic 3- Interlude-Brandon 4- Virtual Prophet 5- Shadows 6- Digital Evolution 7- Cyber 8- Fragmented

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

275 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2016

Reviews

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting addition to this series, seemingly not related to the others in the series, and then BAM, the dots are connected and you are hearing yet another thread, another back story. Talk about the long game people.

I am not sure how the author has kept all these realities and other realities and realities within realities clear in his head...it certainly takes a while to sort them out in mine. In fact - not sure that I actually am juggling all the balls in the air on this series.?? Its funny though, this series is not a hard read at all - flows really well, even with all the crazy concepts being bandied about.

A great read - looking forward to book 8.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read all The Game Is Life books to date and this book felt like an awkward advertisement to the rest of the books. Certainly my least liked book to date. I'll keep on with the series but if you're not super thriller by the premise I'd say you're probably fine to skip this one.

[Fred Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a decent book. I only give it 4 stars for its essential lack of TRUE relevance to The Game Is Life series. Once again as with Shadows, though that was not nearly as good a potential stand-alone novel and TRULY did NOT add anything to the series. This one adds something; albeit nothing TRULY significant in my estimation. But 4 stars is nothing to scoff at. That is without a doubt a favorable review. My expectations are just so elevated with this series, or perhaps moreso set with regards to continued character and world development and the plot as a whole. These diversions NEED to be at least somewhat focused on the series. Either that or NOT be included as part of the series but as an off-shoot or side novel outside of the series itself. Perhaps this and other things I have noticed are due to, as noted by one reviewer not so kindly, poor editing. Aka the lack of a TRUE editor. Not the author "policing himself" with the assistance of friends or some Patreon readership who literally knows nothing about the process in kind. Oh, well, I gave 4 stars. That is still quite positive!!!

[Kurtis Mcdowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a great read and page turner, it kept my attention from the moment I opened the cover.
The book lays out a believable world, one that may not be too far off, a world of consoles and games, and gamers. It takes the heiress Loredana Cyber, who upon coming of age after her fathers untimely death is unable to convince the board of directors she is fit to run the multi-billion dollar Amusement company and is forced to walk away. Our heroin then goes on to give the company she was supposed to run, a run for their money in a new and uncharted market. The book is well thought out and thought provoking; It makes the reader stop and wonder should this technology ever come to pass in our world would it have the same effect? An easy read not too deep in technology, that is sure to please the fans of "The Game". Now where can I get my hands on a Magma console and a ticket?

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet another side story, with only a bit of background context for the main storyline of this series. If this was one of the earlier books, most readers would stop reading the series, I think. However, being book 8, and nearing the end, the book is an “ok” filler. The conclusion of this series better be great!!

[John Raynor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suck at writing reviews. All I can say is that this book is another excellent addition to my favorite book series. Please keep them coming Mr. Schott.

[Kal ★ Reader Voracious · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. The Game, ★★★★★
2. Digital Heretic, ★★★★★
3. Interlude-Brandon, ★★★★★
4. Virtual Prophet, ★★★★
5. Shadows, ★★★★
6. Digital Evolution, ★★★
7. Cyber, ★★★★

"It is likely that the small group will continue to prosper even as this system dies. This is not the first time a grand shift has occurred."


Cyber is another companion story to the Game is Life series, and was an enjoyable diversion from the main storyline on Tygon. We have a new cast of characters in a new world, but this book ties in nicely with the non-Tygon storylines and what was introduced in the Shadows in a hilariously meta fashion. Everything is connected, and the Cooper we saw (slightly aged) makes an appearance in this storyline - was what he averted something that will correct his wrongs? Or is it something unrelated?

A good number of things regarding the greater picture of the world came into focus with this installment, and it definitely sets the stage for Fragmented. The two companion books definitely provide what is likely necessary backstory for future installments of the series. Another world has been introduced, motivations introduced in Shadows were given more context, and I can see these plotlines being a main focus.

This is getting intricately complex, but Schott has proven that he has the talent to weave a compelling, thought provoking interconnected story universe. The pacing for this book is great and in line with the rest of the series, barring book 6. I am hoping that was a one-off fluke, but I am starting to feel like things may continue to get more complicated as the series progresses with little to know resolution. I feel like the first four books in the series had a good balance of introducing new elements to keep things moving forward with resolving some of the many plots introduced.

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[Douglas Owen · Rating 2 out of 5]

It could be better - a lot better.

Terry Schott is running off the success of the first novel, but the problem is not the story, which is entertaining, but the editing and content.

Before I continue, there will be a few spoilers here that could affect your read. These will be clearly marked so you can just skip over them.

First, like most of Terry's recent works, there are a lot of editing issue that could be addressed easily. The fact that they are still in the finished work screams shortcut to publishing, which is what most self-published authors are doing now. Please, make sure you read reviews and see if the author actually had proper editing done on their title. If no, I strongly suggest skipping it for an author who actually cares about their craft and gets editing done to address errors in the mechanics of writing along with repetition. In one paragraph containing three sentences a key word is repeated four times. This should not happen.

--------------SPOILER-------------

One thing I found disruptive in the read of this story is the abrupt ending. One minute we're looking at an issue with a fraction getting out of an isolated area of the digital world and then the next an unexpected, and not planned, announcement of who did what. And instead of pulling the pieces together in a logical form, the work jumps to the end time of the story, missing out any explanation of how we got there. One minute the original displaced are free and the next no "live" gamer is in the virtual world. What happened? I was very shocked at that jump for it left too many questions.

------------END SPOILER------------

I'll be continuing with the Fractured - book 8 in The Game is Life because I purchased the set, but after this I'll not continue with the series. I will also mark the author, Terry Schott, as one to be careful when buying due to his lack of proper editing on the work.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I have the omnibus edition of this series and book seven is - wow! It's fantastic storytelling and twists the mind into wondering what will happen next. It's so cleverly done, while we keep in mind the previous clues and experiences in the series.

I don't give spoilers, but will say that this series is one of the best I have ever read. Great characters, concepts and writing make this a compelling story.

I loved it!

Highly recommended.

[Carl Hakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a word - RIVETING

I've read every book in The Game is Life Series, one after another. I was not able to put them down. I'd finish one book and immediately start the next one. I've not been so totally engrossed in any book like this in ages. It's easy to see how the people chose to stay in their realities. Trying to wait patiently for the next book to come out

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in business

Well we are back at five stars again. Another terrific story. This appears to be more of a companion story to the series but no complaints from me. I see now where the Shadows book ties in and am amazed how the author continues to pull these great stories out of his head. On to the next.

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven books in and I still am struggling to make sense of where this series is going (or has even been). And I love it!

Yet another fast paced, engaging virtual reality themed story which has some subtle (or not so subtle) nods to certain parallels in our own world.

[Cory St. Esprit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a typical Schott book - always leaves you wanting more and with more questions than answers.

[Vickie Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyber

This book just all rest in the series awesome read the author know what he doing I have 2 more this series x I'm completely done

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Standard

Enjoyed what this ment and pressing forward.

The trope is getting kinda slippery thou.

I'm hoping for a Conclusion, but it was good.

[Jacqueline Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I now know how that one book fits in. This series is odd. But I'm still enjoying it a lot.

[Kirk Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry Schott has become my favorite author

[DeLayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

JFC. I think my brain is melting

[Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is going crazyyyyy

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what's real anymore.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Didn't allow me to be as mad as I wanted to be.**

And to that I say: Dammit.

On the one hand, I'm still wholly ticked off that this series is ( STILL! ) too frequently disrupting its own flow by giving me what feels to be an excess of the following:

1). Entry after entry of prequels at the WRONG time. I mean, I guess these are prequels? Or are they companion stories? I swear, sometimes it feels like they're BOTH. This could be so easily solved if Terry Schott would give me some date ranges preceding all his chapters so I can truly know for sure.

2). Way, WAY too many simultaneous storylines that continue to make things incredibly difficult to keep up with. Just when I have a grasp on literally ANYTHING, the story veers off course yet again into wildly new directions and screws with all my carefully crafted understanding. I mean come ON! Can't I get some time to actually digest what you've fed before you try shoving new foods in my face?!

Annnd yet, on the other hand, I simply can't get enough of how deep this rabbit whole is actually going. How in the world Terry Schott is keeping all these things straight is BEYOND me. I can't help but be entranced by all the chaos, anger-inducing as it may be:

1). This entry may be a prequel/companion story (I mean...whatever), but it was actually one of THE simplest entries to comprehend in this entire series, though that's probably because it's practically a miniaturized version of the overall premise of this entire series (which is why I'm wondering of its significance in the long run). Still, I was invested rather quickly and couldn't help loving it.

2) I found the writing itself to be significantly more improved than it has been in entries past. Though this is my first-time meeting some of these characters, I found myself growing affection for them WAY early on, which was strange. Their interactions and dialogues felt authentic, and their personalities were extremely likable. I found myself caring rather quickly for their fates.

So yeah. While I wanted to be mad that I'm still derailed and left hanging from the main storyline of this series (ugh, is there even "main" anymore, though?), I found myself incapable of maintaining anger when this entry was as enjoyable as it ended up being. Fortunately, it does eventually connect to the main series in its own way. However, much like the other "outside" entries of this series, I wonder if there is an even bigger impact to come that I'm not seeing yet.

I am very much still in the Game, but omg, will my head ever stop spinning?

Click here to follow my commentary as I try to stay afloat.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

​The 7th book in the game is life series isn’t technically part of the series, and the author points that out right up front. However we are still encouraged to read this story as there are guaranteed to be some overlaps and twists as all the books come together. This story, set in the game is life universe, stars Loredana Cyber as she is getting ready to take over the company business. However not everyone wants her in charge and she will find that out early on.

In the aftermath of her not so good board meeting, she befriends a computer geek named Ivan. Ivan has been working on a secret project to create - you guessed it - virtual reality. While Loredana and Ivan work to make his VR a reality, others will do anything to stop her from succeeding. Where will this all end up? And how will it relate to the other books? You will have to read on to see!

I wouldn't say this book is entirely surprising, after reading the previous 6 books I could kind of guess where things were going as it went on. Overall though, I thought it was a good read and it's almost a stand-alone book. You don't necessarily NEED to know about the Game is Life books in order to follow the story of Loredana since she is a new character with a new story, however it definitely helps to have all the other books in your back pocket as there are references to other characters.

Overall I liked this addition to the series, it gives us a break from the "Game is Life" and introduces us to some new people and concepts. I immediately started book 8 after finishing this because now I simply must know how all the books go together. I am sad to be reaching the end of this series though and it wouldn't be out of the question for me to read it ALL again so I can really see how everything fits together. I might even need to make a character map to see who links with who. Enjoy!

[bubblegumpopper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addictive. He writes a mean book. I wish I was a little more fresh on the Game is Life series though...was this world the original world that the Game of Life worlds are now encompassed within?

2020 audiobook reread: Okay, I get a little confuzzled around this part. I'm still a little unclear on how this all ties together...so is the overall series focused on the bottle cap people and each of the little subsections focus on one "bottle cap world", this one being a new bottle cap on a new "glove-bearer" person, Loredana? (just like how....Digital Evolution? was about Cooper becoming a glove-bearer?) I really need a wiki for this series. I should have started one when I started the reread, but I forgot just how complex/confusing it got by this point.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of "The Game Is Life" this is a must read. Another great book from Terry. While I did receive an advanced reader's copy, I am not being paid for this review. If you enjoy Science Fiction/Fantasy, gaming, virtual reality, or just want to try something different, then you won't be disappointed. It's difficult to say much without spoilers. It's a really fun read with lots of twists and turns. Yet again, the author left me with wanting more! AGHHHHH! Seriously, I absolutely LOVED IT! Another great read Mr. Schott, but please don't make us wait long for the next one! I'm addicted, and didn't even need any tape to get me there either LOL.

[Elsie Bertram · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, just wow

If you've found your way here and haven't yet read The Game then make that a MUST DO!That book sets the scene for this amazing series of books and this one just adds another lot of jaw dropping reading. This book and all the other books in this series get 5stars every time as the quality of story, characters, interlinking with each other is AMAZING. you will want to re-read them all again, that's how good the author is. Highly recommended to you.

[Nakiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading, I found the referrals to the other books kind of annoying and seemed like a "plug" to go read all of the other ones. However, as I continued reading, it started to make a lot more sense. It still seems a little weird - hence 4 stars instead of 5 - but I still very much enjoyed the book. Finished it in less than a day! Can't wait for the next one!

[Derek Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another big jump in the story, but honestly it just made it more compelling this time. The desire to know more just jumped up to.. Maybe when I finished the 2nd book. I really like this series and am thankful for how clean and just thought provoking it is.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Terry

I love that this is a stand alone book but related to his other books. Fun reading, great story, enjoyable

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way the connections worked and the story wove into the series... Gosh darn it, Terry Schott, you are a true genius.

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

Compared to the main series, this book was rather poor. Things that are rather fantastical are left unexplained, and it's a case of history repeating itself over and over.
I'm happy to have read it as I imagine it will have impact on Fragmented, but I do not rate it as a standalone book unlike many of the others.