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Welcome to the Apocalypse #1
Pandora
“Players, welcome to the apocalypse…”
Kelly Lawrence is a grieving widow. Jack Minnow is a website designer. Reis Anderson is the son of a senator. Each of these players has their own reasons for signing up to The Apocalypse Games, a state of the art virtual game designed to entertain doomsday preppers, gamers, and cosplayers.
Altogether, over 100 people enter NASA designed simulation pods and hook up to the mainframe computer with one goal: survive 24 hours of an apocalypse. Instead of game over at the end, they’re plugged straight into a new game. Then another. It’s clear the computer has malfunctioned. What’s not clear is why.
With no communication to or from the outside operators, they can only fight endless battles and hope they’re rescued before it’s too late. While they can’t die inside the game, they can die if the pods break down while they’re still hooked up.
This game of survival just got real.
Kelly Lawrence is a grieving widow. Jack Minnow is a website designer. Reis Anderson is the son of a senator. Each of these players has their own reasons for signing up to The Apocalypse Games, a state of the art virtual game designed to entertain doomsday preppers, gamers, and cosplayers.
Altogether, over 100 people enter NASA designed simulation pods and hook up to the mainframe computer with one goal: survive 24 hours of an apocalypse. Instead of game over at the end, they’re plugged straight into a new game. Then another. It’s clear the computer has malfunctioned. What’s not clear is why.
With no communication to or from the outside operators, they can only fight endless battles and hope they’re rescued before it’s too late. While they can’t die inside the game, they can die if the pods break down while they’re still hooked up.
This game of survival just got real.
- GenresScience FictionDystopia
ebook
First published November 21, 2016
12 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Richardson
29 books356 followersD L Richardson is the author of "The Apocalypse Games" series. She had also written supernatural thrillers and YA paranormal standalone books.
She is currently working on finishing her next sci-fi series "Earth Quarantined: 197 Years After."
When she's not writing, she is gardening, renovating the house, reading, or playing the piano and guitar.
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If you liked this book, your recommendation is the best way for others to discover this title.
She is currently working on finishing her next sci-fi series "Earth Quarantined: 197 Years After."
When she's not writing, she is gardening, renovating the house, reading, or playing the piano and guitar.
VISIT MY AMAZON PAGE
https://www.amazon.com/D-L-Richardson...
VISIT MY FACEBOOK PAGE
https://www.facebook.com/DLRichardson...
VISIT MY TWITTER PAGE
http://twitter.com/#!/DLRichardson1
CHECK MY BLOG:
http://dlrichardsonwrites.blogspot.com
Join the VIP list for updates on books and exclusive VIP member giveaways. Details on the author website.
If you liked this book, your recommendation is the best way for others to discover this title.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 29, 2018
Players hook up to a new virtual reality world where you have to survive an apocalyptic event for 24hrs, after which time, you come out of your pod and return to the real world. But that's not what happens to three friends. When Jack, Kelly and Reis hook into the game, they complete their first day but are then immediately transported to another situation. It's not till it keeps happening that they realise that something isn't right! They will have to hope someone outside will save them before it's too late.
I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this! It was a unique LitRPG book. I've read a few and while they deal with a virtual world it's not like this one. In Pandora, the players are put into apocalyptic situations like zombies, aliens, end of the world things, and are told to put together a bug out bag and reach safety. I loved seeing all the different places they were sent to and loved experiencing them with the characters. Even though you know it's not real and you can't die, it's hard to not react when a dangerous situation presents itself!!
I liked the characters too. Kelly's husband worked on the game, and upon his death, she decided to have a look and see what it was all about. Plus she hopes to see something of her husband in the game. My heart went out to Kelly!! She doesn't really want to take part, but the game wont let her sit on the sidelines. Jack and Reis were also awesome characters. They were all well written and developed.
I think I loved the sense of urgency created by the characters the most. That's what kept me reading quickly. They know that they can't survive long hooked up to the game without experiencing some serious complications, so as you're reading, you are feeling the need to figure things out and the sense that things are coming to a head soon. You're heart is pounding along with the characters!!
In all, this was a great read. It's unique and exciting and I'm looking forward to the next one. I can't wait to see where the author takes the story.
I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this! It was a unique LitRPG book. I've read a few and while they deal with a virtual world it's not like this one. In Pandora, the players are put into apocalyptic situations like zombies, aliens, end of the world things, and are told to put together a bug out bag and reach safety. I loved seeing all the different places they were sent to and loved experiencing them with the characters. Even though you know it's not real and you can't die, it's hard to not react when a dangerous situation presents itself!!
I liked the characters too. Kelly's husband worked on the game, and upon his death, she decided to have a look and see what it was all about. Plus she hopes to see something of her husband in the game. My heart went out to Kelly!! She doesn't really want to take part, but the game wont let her sit on the sidelines. Jack and Reis were also awesome characters. They were all well written and developed.
I think I loved the sense of urgency created by the characters the most. That's what kept me reading quickly. They know that they can't survive long hooked up to the game without experiencing some serious complications, so as you're reading, you are feeling the need to figure things out and the sense that things are coming to a head soon. You're heart is pounding along with the characters!!
In all, this was a great read. It's unique and exciting and I'm looking forward to the next one. I can't wait to see where the author takes the story.
June 8, 2018
Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for letting me review the book for an honest review. I loved the book it was fast read and when the premise of the book is being thrown in the middle of an apocalypse for 24 hours you know you can't go wrong. The character build up is nice and you can see the connections and the relationships build and fit perfectly. I think the book was a little short because I would have loved to have had some more chapters to build up more of the supporting characters. My only complaint is that to me the book was short and maybe that is just me and maybe that is the way for the author to leave you wanting more which if she did it because of that then it worked. So I don't put spoilers in my review but trust me this book is worth a read and I will say this if you start it then I say to you Welcome to the Apocalypse I just had to say it, you will get that joke later on.
July 29, 2017
Review: WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE by D. L. Richardson
A subtle sense of humor, a speedy thriller with tons of unexpected moments, a frisson of anxiety over control by a computer, and really intense characterizations of individuals who can't help eliciting readers' empathy and understanding, weave together into a roller coaster of suspense leavened with romance, friendship, family bonds, as well as grief and unrequited longing. From page one on, you'll be thinking "what next, what happens now," and living vicariously through the characters, cheering them on. Thankfully, this is first of a series; I can't wait for more.
A subtle sense of humor, a speedy thriller with tons of unexpected moments, a frisson of anxiety over control by a computer, and really intense characterizations of individuals who can't help eliciting readers' empathy and understanding, weave together into a roller coaster of suspense leavened with romance, friendship, family bonds, as well as grief and unrequited longing. From page one on, you'll be thinking "what next, what happens now," and living vicariously through the characters, cheering them on. Thankfully, this is first of a series; I can't wait for more.
December 23, 2016
Kelly Lawrence (Jack’s sister, nee Minnow) was a grieving widow over her deceased husband Matt Lawrence.
With Matt’s help Jack Minnow (21, Kelly’s brother, website designer), Kelly & Reis Anderson (Jewel/Stafford’s son) along with Max Winterdom (creator) had designed/implemented The Apocalypse Games (art virtual reality game).
100 people signed up to play the game.
3 of the Command Leader (CL) characters are: Jack Minnow, Stephanie Gey (CA. blonde) & Jonas Barrett.
Simulated Military & Recreational Training (SMART) was designed also for the players who encounter zombie apocalypse.
The mainframe & offices are housed in the CyberNexis building.
What horrible news did FBI SA Ash Brogen (player) tell Reis?
What did CL Jonas Barrett, & CL Stephanie Gey tell all the players?
What does Pandora want?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Apocalyptic book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Apocalyptic movie, animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. It started out with a bang but fizzled out. To be continued. That said I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Smashwords Edition; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
With Matt’s help Jack Minnow (21, Kelly’s brother, website designer), Kelly & Reis Anderson (Jewel/Stafford’s son) along with Max Winterdom (creator) had designed/implemented The Apocalypse Games (art virtual reality game).
100 people signed up to play the game.
3 of the Command Leader (CL) characters are: Jack Minnow, Stephanie Gey (CA. blonde) & Jonas Barrett.
Simulated Military & Recreational Training (SMART) was designed also for the players who encounter zombie apocalypse.
The mainframe & offices are housed in the CyberNexis building.
What horrible news did FBI SA Ash Brogen (player) tell Reis?
What did CL Jonas Barrett, & CL Stephanie Gey tell all the players?
What does Pandora want?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Apocalyptic book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Apocalyptic movie, animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. It started out with a bang but fizzled out. To be continued. That said I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Smashwords Edition; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
March 30, 2017
Science fiction on Virtual Hyperdrive.
Welcome to the Apocalypse is a fast-paced, sci-fi/fantasy adventure that pulls you in from the opening and refuses to let you out until the very last chapter with the author craftily leaving you only partially satisfied and craving more.
One hundred players enter a total immersion virtual reality game designed to award each player a realistic glimpse of not just one apocalyptic future, but many. From Vampires to Zombies, and from Bio-toxins to an alien invasion, DL Richardson has taken the apocalyptic sci-fi sub-genre to another level. A high-octane, energy charged one with some really neat twists.
The action is constant, the creativity laudable and the characters are thoroughly believable making this a very enjoyable read.
My only criticism, one that was washed away after a second reading, was based on a personal interest. As a writer and avid reader of Sci-Fi, I’m always looking for buried meanings, philosophical statements, subtle metaphors, and thoughtful warnings. Especially in this genre of fiction.
I didn’t find one the first time through but did on my second. To avoid dropping a spoiler here in my review, I’ll just include what I feel to be a very significant, well-written, extract.
“I thought the premise of the game was ‘kill or be killed’,” he said. “But it’s not. You can’t pick and choose which rules you obey and which ones you ignore. When it all goes to hell, the thing that gets you through the chaos is order.”
‘Welcome to the Apocalypse’ is an imaginative wild ride and I will definitely be looking forward to the next installment in this series.
T. E. Mark
Welcome to the Apocalypse is a fast-paced, sci-fi/fantasy adventure that pulls you in from the opening and refuses to let you out until the very last chapter with the author craftily leaving you only partially satisfied and craving more.
One hundred players enter a total immersion virtual reality game designed to award each player a realistic glimpse of not just one apocalyptic future, but many. From Vampires to Zombies, and from Bio-toxins to an alien invasion, DL Richardson has taken the apocalyptic sci-fi sub-genre to another level. A high-octane, energy charged one with some really neat twists.
The action is constant, the creativity laudable and the characters are thoroughly believable making this a very enjoyable read.
My only criticism, one that was washed away after a second reading, was based on a personal interest. As a writer and avid reader of Sci-Fi, I’m always looking for buried meanings, philosophical statements, subtle metaphors, and thoughtful warnings. Especially in this genre of fiction.
I didn’t find one the first time through but did on my second. To avoid dropping a spoiler here in my review, I’ll just include what I feel to be a very significant, well-written, extract.
“I thought the premise of the game was ‘kill or be killed’,” he said. “But it’s not. You can’t pick and choose which rules you obey and which ones you ignore. When it all goes to hell, the thing that gets you through the chaos is order.”
‘Welcome to the Apocalypse’ is an imaginative wild ride and I will definitely be looking forward to the next installment in this series.
T. E. Mark
October 13, 2018
Quite a bit ago, I got Pandora by D. L. Richardson. I got this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This book was published on November 21st, 2017. I got this book through a Kindle EBook and I apologize to the author/publisher that gave this to me because I am guilty of requesting too many books at once.
This book follows two siblings, Kelly and Jack, and Jack's friend Reis. Kelly was recently widowed and decides to do the thing her husband had been working on prior to his passing. The Apocalypse Games. This is a VR game, on steroids. It lasts twenty-four hours with each and every movement of yours is reflected in the game. This isn't your average Vive or Oculus, it is The Apocolypse Games. But when the Apocalypse doesn't ever end, everyone starts to wonder if they will ever get out.
This book was pretty well written. It was definitely entertaining to read. At some parts, I did get really confused though, but I kept reading and it clicked. Overall, the book was really good and I definitely will finish the rest of the series, which is already out. The series is called Welcome to the Apocalypse and I definitely think the series is worth reading, especially if everything else is as good as this first one.
This book follows two siblings, Kelly and Jack, and Jack's friend Reis. Kelly was recently widowed and decides to do the thing her husband had been working on prior to his passing. The Apocalypse Games. This is a VR game, on steroids. It lasts twenty-four hours with each and every movement of yours is reflected in the game. This isn't your average Vive or Oculus, it is The Apocolypse Games. But when the Apocalypse doesn't ever end, everyone starts to wonder if they will ever get out.
This book was pretty well written. It was definitely entertaining to read. At some parts, I did get really confused though, but I kept reading and it clicked. Overall, the book was really good and I definitely will finish the rest of the series, which is already out. The series is called Welcome to the Apocalypse and I definitely think the series is worth reading, especially if everything else is as good as this first one.
June 30, 2018
I loved Welcome to the Apocalypse (Pandora #1)! This takes modern day and gives it a post apocalyptic spin/experience albeit the "players" opting to experience a 24 hour time frame of survival. Jack, Kelly and Reis are the main characters we follow throughout the book. D.L. Richardson does a great job of offering up a realistic look at getting into virtual reality and how to "survive ". Throughout the book, as the main characters change to different apocalypses, the commander leaders are there to give a brief background of what apocalypse they are in, and recommended items to gather before heading to supposed safe zones. I am looking forward to reading the 2nd book in the series to see what happens to Kelly and if shes able to go home or find the others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2018
Firstly, I would like to thank NetGalley, BookGoSocial and D L Richardson for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of Welcome To The Apocalypse.
This is the first book in a series. I loved the storyline which was well thought out and the central characters. I found I was holding my breath at times. Will definitely be reading more from this author.
Can't wait for the next installment.
This is the first book in a series. I loved the storyline which was well thought out and the central characters. I found I was holding my breath at times. Will definitely be reading more from this author.
Can't wait for the next installment.
June 14, 2018
I'm exhausted after reading this roller coaster of a novel. I kept finding myself holding my breath at time. Love the main three characters, I could emphasize and sympathize with them. Can't wait until I buy the next in the series.
This is an honest review of a book given to me from the publisher.
This is an honest review of a book given to me from the publisher.
June 1, 2018
Really enjoyed this book, if you're a fan of apocalyptic fiction then this is definitely the book for you, there is not just one apocalypse but multiple scenarios! Jack, his sister Kelly and their friend Reis are taking part in a virtual reality game, the rules are clear, no one will be harmed...but then it all starts going wrong
August 27, 2021
Wow this book is exhausting to read because you feel part of the story.
This book is extremely well written and really does make you real trapped in a virtual world. The author really has studied apocalyptic scenario in all situations some you would expect and some with a lot of humour. This book is really about the survival of the mind and dealing with pain and guilt. Well worth a read.
This book is extremely well written and really does make you real trapped in a virtual world. The author really has studied apocalyptic scenario in all situations some you would expect and some with a lot of humour. This book is really about the survival of the mind and dealing with pain and guilt. Well worth a read.
February 5, 2017
"Welcome to the Apocalypse" is one of those tales I normally avoid because there seem to be so many of them. But it has much more than that, something most movies and books of this genre is missing: It holds a deeper history for its characters, giving them motivation that drives them deeper.
The premise is based around three main characters who have been together since adolescence: Kelly, a grieving widdow; Jack, her brother and a website designer; and Reis the son of a senator. They each sign up for the game together for their own reasons. The game consists of a devilish Virtual Reality simulation played from inside NASA-designed simulation pods hooked up to a mainfraim. The game is simple: survive 24 hours of an apocalypse. The catch is that when they reach the end of the game, it throws them into another apocalypse, then another, and another, until it's apparent there is a huge problem! A computer malfunction! Will they die inside the pods, unable to communicate their dilemma to the outside world?
When I first started reading the first game, I thought, "Not another zombie book". But I was pleasantly surprised as DL Richardson did that with more class than any other apocalyptic story I have experienced. Yes, there were zombies, vampires, alien invasions, and much more, but she also delved into the human psyche and provided a deeper analysis through her main characters.
As they passed from one scenario to another, it became clear that the story deals with an Inception-like concept that will have you questioning your own reality. DL Richardson shows how much she has researched different apocalyptic situations that would blow the most hard-core survivalist away, and just when you think she's covered every single kind... she brings another out from the magic box!
But that's not all! Just when you think there is a resolution to the issue, and there is, the final twist tells us there is even more to Welcome To The Apocalypse than steak knives!
What is it?
You'll have to read it to find out! And when you do, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
The premise is based around three main characters who have been together since adolescence: Kelly, a grieving widdow; Jack, her brother and a website designer; and Reis the son of a senator. They each sign up for the game together for their own reasons. The game consists of a devilish Virtual Reality simulation played from inside NASA-designed simulation pods hooked up to a mainfraim. The game is simple: survive 24 hours of an apocalypse. The catch is that when they reach the end of the game, it throws them into another apocalypse, then another, and another, until it's apparent there is a huge problem! A computer malfunction! Will they die inside the pods, unable to communicate their dilemma to the outside world?
When I first started reading the first game, I thought, "Not another zombie book". But I was pleasantly surprised as DL Richardson did that with more class than any other apocalyptic story I have experienced. Yes, there were zombies, vampires, alien invasions, and much more, but she also delved into the human psyche and provided a deeper analysis through her main characters.
As they passed from one scenario to another, it became clear that the story deals with an Inception-like concept that will have you questioning your own reality. DL Richardson shows how much she has researched different apocalyptic situations that would blow the most hard-core survivalist away, and just when you think she's covered every single kind... she brings another out from the magic box!
But that's not all! Just when you think there is a resolution to the issue, and there is, the final twist tells us there is even more to Welcome To The Apocalypse than steak knives!
What is it?
You'll have to read it to find out! And when you do, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
February 14, 2017
Welcome to the apocalypse by D L Richardson is a sci-fi and fantasy and general fiction (adult) read.
Players, welcome to the apocalypse…”
Kelly Lawrence is a grieving widow. Jack Minnow is a website designer. Reis Anderson is the son of a senator. Each of these players has their own reasons for signing up to The Apocalypse Games, a state of the art virtual game designed to entertain doomsday preppers, gamers, and cosplayers.
Fantastic read with brilliant characters. I loved the story. Highly recommended. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
Players, welcome to the apocalypse…”
Kelly Lawrence is a grieving widow. Jack Minnow is a website designer. Reis Anderson is the son of a senator. Each of these players has their own reasons for signing up to The Apocalypse Games, a state of the art virtual game designed to entertain doomsday preppers, gamers, and cosplayers.
Fantastic read with brilliant characters. I loved the story. Highly recommended. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
July 31, 2017
The first few chapters were slow-going and were mainly focussed on Kelly's grieving of her husband's death. It would have been better if there were more world-building because throughout the book, there were times where I couldn't imagine the scenes and hence the story did not flow well. The big picture just wasn't there. And the mechanics behind the game was confusing and hard to understand.
For the chatacters, the backstory of Kelly was concrete and I like the protective nature of Jack.
Overall, the book was enjoyable but there can still be some improvements ☺☺
For the chatacters, the backstory of Kelly was concrete and I like the protective nature of Jack.
Overall, the book was enjoyable but there can still be some improvements ☺☺
December 9, 2016
Interesting concept - stuck in a virtual reality game.
The book felt long, although it was pretty full of action.
Didn't really like the ending - it was pretty abrupt. if not for the page outlining book 2, book 1 would have felt incomplete. At least with the outline, I got the answers I felt were missing.
The book felt long, although it was pretty full of action.
Didn't really like the ending - it was pretty abrupt. if not for the page outlining book 2, book 1 would have felt incomplete. At least with the outline, I got the answers I felt were missing.
March 1, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book wasnt really for me. Normally I love apocalypse books but I found it very hard to get into this one. Kelly irritated me from the very beginning so as the book went on it just got worse. I liked the idea of the story but for some reason it just didnt work for me.
This book wasnt really for me. Normally I love apocalypse books but I found it very hard to get into this one. Kelly irritated me from the very beginning so as the book went on it just got worse. I liked the idea of the story but for some reason it just didnt work for me.
June 21, 2018
The Apocalypse Games were designed to create a realistic apocalypse scenario for anyone who can pay the hefty $5,000 entry fee. These games allow a player to be plugged into a cyber mainframe and escape reality for 24 hours of the pure Apocalypse mayhem of their choosing. The options range by difficulty level and experience. You can opt for a zombie end or vampire, disease, alien, supply shortage Apocalypse, anything your heart desires. That is if the computer runs smoothly.
Kelly Lawrence is a grieving widow whose husband helped create this online mayhem. Kelly has decided to enter the launch of the game for one reason: to see her husband, who she believes is hidden somewhere in the game, she just has to virtually die to see him.
Jack Minnow, Kelly's brother, entered the game to look out for Kelly and to be his superhero self in sticky situations. Little does he know the game will test him more ways than his ability to save his loved ones.
Reis Anderson is the son of a senator and the best friend to Jack. He also came along to look after Kelly, who he believes doesn't belong here. He also wants to test out the lengths this game will go to challenge its players. He will soon find out.
These three entered as a team, expecting 24 hours of vampire fueled madness, instead. The game malfunctions and keeps its new players trapped inside scenario after scenario. Locked inside a hell no one thought imaginable. It's now their mission to get out, because while you can't die in the game, you certainly can suffer and real, physical death can come if the pod that is sustaining you breaks down. They become desperate to stay alive until they are rescued from their CGI prison.
-------------------------
This book starts out slow and was difficult to get into at first. This book is lush with the opportunity to build a world and to see the world truly from the eyes of the players. There was an attempt to build that world but ultimately it felt lackluster. I understand that there wasn't much time to build a world, characters, and move a story along, but the beginning of this book felt like no attempt was made to bring me into this vampire infested world, a world I imagine a lot of us would love to visualize in our heads.
Another issue that prevented me from getting into this book, in the beginning, was the characters themselves. Kelly's obsession with her husband was heartbreaking and the author did a fantastic job at portraying true grief. However, after about 1/3 of the way through the book, it's hard not to become frustrated by her and her feeble attempts to die without success. Don't get me wrong, I feel like it accurately portrayed a grieving widow's response to life without her love, but it did nothing to move the plot along and hindered the ability to see Kelly as her own character. Reis was also a problematic character for me, but only in the beginning. He was obsessed with Kelly's lack of experience and kept repeating the fact that she didn't belong in the game and that he would have to protect her every second of every day. He didn't at all. And then there is Jack, Kelly's older brother. He has a superhero complex the entire time throughout the book, however, he was a genuinely good character. I don't have much to say about him other than I actually liked his character and he did help move the story plot along.
Because of the reasons listed above, I actually almost didn't finish this book, but on a whim, I decided to try again and was so glad I did. The second half of this book really starts to draw all the little pieces together and form a much more cohesive story. It almost felt like the author got into a groove and found the niche that I was waiting for. The storyline started to feel like it had a purpose and plot was beginning more and more evident. The challenges the characters faced in the beginning were still there: how far is too far and at what point do you say you won't do something to survive? But the characters seemed to be able to navigate them a little bit better than in the beginning.
The computer itself, who the characters name Pandora, malfunctioning leads to a lot of twists and turns and a lot of evolving of non-player characters and scenarios. It was almost Westworld in nature with how the system started to evolve and learn and make things nearly impossible to get through without "dying" and going to a death dream. Having the author lay out those scenarios to give the reader a look into what could happen and those small reminders that they were in fact trapped inside their "pods", the area where they were kept alive for the duration of the game, meant I was sucked in and sold completely on this new world that has a possibility of existing in the near future. The cautionary tale aspect of this book makes it feel very much like Jurassic Park or Westworld in the fact that it shows what could and, possibly would, go wrong with an invention like this. It, also, makes me very curious as to how the author will continue this adventure in the upcoming books.
While this book is by no means a favorite of mine, I actually enjoyed the second half of the book and I look forward to reading the other two books in this riveting series. So while the beginning wasn't great at all, I thoroughly enjoyed the second half, which leaves me with a dilemma on how to rate this book. Overall, I think I'll give it a 3.5/5 the second half of the story and how the story made me feel earns it a higher rating than the first half of the book deserves but I can't help but have a soft spot for this book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are solely mine.
July 19, 2017
It took me a while to get into this book, but once I did, I was hooked. I almost gave up, but I'm glad I didn't.
Everyone knows the story of Pandora: She opens a box and unleashes all the evils of mankind into the world. She thinks she's finished, but there's a knock from the box. Doing the knocking is Hope, which helps people to overcome and triumph over evil.
The story is about a new virtual reality game: The Apocalypse Games. Probably everyone that reads post-apocalyptic fictions wonders if he/she would be able to survive. This game gives people the opportunity to find out.
For $5,000, each player is connected to a pod that connects to a virtual reality simulation of an apocalypse. The players have one day to survive or be killed and then the game is over. Along with 100 players connected to the games, there are numerous NPCs--Non-Player Combatants--that are computer-generated. The players may or may not be able to determine who is real and who is not.
The story centers on three of the players: Jack and Kelly, brother and sister, and one of their good friends, Reis. All three of them go into the game for different reasons and all three have secrets they have never revealed to other people. None of them realize what the game has in store for them.
The three players enter their chosen scenario--vampires--and live out their day; however, instead of waking up, they are taken to another apocalypse. They don't know why this happens and this soon becomes the central mystery of the book. Instead of waking up in their pods, they are taken from one apocalypse to another, and they have no idea why.
When players are killed in the game, they experience "death dreams". The strongest emotional moments of the book happen in the death dreams, as each person is confronted with their fears, regrets, missed opportunities, and other emotional baggage they are carrying inside them. These are the most intense scenes of the book. Reading them left me exhausted from the impact.
The players start to wonder if they'll ever get out. They also worry about their bodies trapped in the virtual reality pods because they know each day they are in the simulation is one more day their bodies will deteriorate. At times, the line is blurred between apocalypse and the buried secrets of the players. That is confusing to both the players and to the readers and adds to the feeling of being trapped, either in the game or in a bad situation in life that can seem like an apocalypse.
Sometimes the players want to give up, but they know that to give up means death in the game and they no longer know if death in the game is as innocent as they were led to believe. Of course, at these moments, hope rears its head, and they continue on.
The ending is ambiguous. It has to be. Are they able to get out of the game? Did the game malfunction because of an actual apocalypse or disaster? What world will they face when they wake up the next time--real or simulation--and will they be able to tell the difference?
I was intrigued and moved by the book, and I recommend it to fans of post-apocalyptic fiction and mysteries/thrillers. The book has plenty of both.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
Everyone knows the story of Pandora: She opens a box and unleashes all the evils of mankind into the world. She thinks she's finished, but there's a knock from the box. Doing the knocking is Hope, which helps people to overcome and triumph over evil.
The story is about a new virtual reality game: The Apocalypse Games. Probably everyone that reads post-apocalyptic fictions wonders if he/she would be able to survive. This game gives people the opportunity to find out.
For $5,000, each player is connected to a pod that connects to a virtual reality simulation of an apocalypse. The players have one day to survive or be killed and then the game is over. Along with 100 players connected to the games, there are numerous NPCs--Non-Player Combatants--that are computer-generated. The players may or may not be able to determine who is real and who is not.
The story centers on three of the players: Jack and Kelly, brother and sister, and one of their good friends, Reis. All three of them go into the game for different reasons and all three have secrets they have never revealed to other people. None of them realize what the game has in store for them.
The three players enter their chosen scenario--vampires--and live out their day; however, instead of waking up, they are taken to another apocalypse. They don't know why this happens and this soon becomes the central mystery of the book. Instead of waking up in their pods, they are taken from one apocalypse to another, and they have no idea why.
When players are killed in the game, they experience "death dreams". The strongest emotional moments of the book happen in the death dreams, as each person is confronted with their fears, regrets, missed opportunities, and other emotional baggage they are carrying inside them. These are the most intense scenes of the book. Reading them left me exhausted from the impact.
The players start to wonder if they'll ever get out. They also worry about their bodies trapped in the virtual reality pods because they know each day they are in the simulation is one more day their bodies will deteriorate. At times, the line is blurred between apocalypse and the buried secrets of the players. That is confusing to both the players and to the readers and adds to the feeling of being trapped, either in the game or in a bad situation in life that can seem like an apocalypse.
Sometimes the players want to give up, but they know that to give up means death in the game and they no longer know if death in the game is as innocent as they were led to believe. Of course, at these moments, hope rears its head, and they continue on.
The ending is ambiguous. It has to be. Are they able to get out of the game? Did the game malfunction because of an actual apocalypse or disaster? What world will they face when they wake up the next time--real or simulation--and will they be able to tell the difference?
I was intrigued and moved by the book, and I recommend it to fans of post-apocalyptic fiction and mysteries/thrillers. The book has plenty of both.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
July 7, 2018
This is an original take on the normally formulaic post-apocalyptic genre, mixing elements of sci-fi, horror, and action into an entertaining thriller.
It's the start of a trilogy, but luckily the next two are already out so I won't need to wait too long to find out what happens next.
Three friends, poor little rich boy Reis, and siblings Jack and Kelly, all in their late 20s and living in San Diego, volunteer to try the Apocalypse Games, a fully immersive virtual reality game, where players are ensconced in a life support pod, and enter the end of the world scenario of their choosing for 24 hours of fight or flight to help ensure humanity's survival, safe in the knowledge that they can't die in the game. Each of them has a private reason for wanting to escape reality for a while, and each is battling some trauma from their past. Then they find themselves moving on to one scenario after another, trapped in the game, and unsure what has happened, and what or who they can trust...
This was a great idea - and would make a fantastic TV series, as the protagonists face all the classic PA scenarios - from zombies and vampires to killer kids and killer clowns. I liked that our heroes are all flawed and pretty unskilled, often surviving more by luck than anything else. I would've preferred it if all the female characters hadn't been either feeble and histrionic or scheming and manipulative, but the males aren't all that strong or smart either, although they do all want to do the right thing, even when they know it's not real. Each scenario gave advice on items that would be needed for an escape kit, which was a great way of including some real survival tips into the story. (I live in a city on a major fault line so we are well drilled in earthquake preparedness, but wouldn't cope so well with a zombie apocalypse as no one here has guns or machetes!)
Overall this was enjoyable and well written, if you like action type thrillers with a difference, and I look forward to reading about what happens next - it does end on rather a cliffhanger!
Many thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
It's the start of a trilogy, but luckily the next two are already out so I won't need to wait too long to find out what happens next.
Three friends, poor little rich boy Reis, and siblings Jack and Kelly, all in their late 20s and living in San Diego, volunteer to try the Apocalypse Games, a fully immersive virtual reality game, where players are ensconced in a life support pod, and enter the end of the world scenario of their choosing for 24 hours of fight or flight to help ensure humanity's survival, safe in the knowledge that they can't die in the game. Each of them has a private reason for wanting to escape reality for a while, and each is battling some trauma from their past. Then they find themselves moving on to one scenario after another, trapped in the game, and unsure what has happened, and what or who they can trust...
This was a great idea - and would make a fantastic TV series, as the protagonists face all the classic PA scenarios - from zombies and vampires to killer kids and killer clowns. I liked that our heroes are all flawed and pretty unskilled, often surviving more by luck than anything else. I would've preferred it if all the female characters hadn't been either feeble and histrionic or scheming and manipulative, but the males aren't all that strong or smart either, although they do all want to do the right thing, even when they know it's not real. Each scenario gave advice on items that would be needed for an escape kit, which was a great way of including some real survival tips into the story. (I live in a city on a major fault line so we are well drilled in earthquake preparedness, but wouldn't cope so well with a zombie apocalypse as no one here has guns or machetes!)
Overall this was enjoyable and well written, if you like action type thrillers with a difference, and I look forward to reading about what happens next - it does end on rather a cliffhanger!
Many thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2017
Three friends (since their teens) pay to participate in the grand opening of the next generation of virtual reality games called “The Apocalypse Game.” Players pay $5,000 each to be enclosed in a glass pod, interface with the gaming system to try and outlast an apocalyptic scenario of their choosing. Those that perish during the game wait out the rest of the 24-hour session in a “death dream” – a pleasant interlude tailored for the player while the clock runs down.
Of course, something goes terribly wrong and when Jack, Kelly, and Reis successfully survive the first game, they are sent into a second scenario. At first, players think they’ve been rewarded for their initial successes, but as they keep continuing into new games and the scenarios keep getting more bizarre, it becomes apparent they are trapped inside the system while their physical bodies deteriorate inside their glass pods.
The author touches on many different end-of-the-world game scenarios and it is very entertaining. The main characters all have interesting back stories that slowly come to light as the games unfold. Kelly, the young, grieving widow, looking to reunite with the spirit of her game programmer husband. Jack who is there to watch out for his sister (Kelly) and scope out the Apocalypse Game for his adventure tour company, undergoes some real soul-searching and revelations. Reis, Jack’s partner in the adventure tour company is, and always has been, in love with Kelly. Interesting NPCs (non-player combatants) and other players pop up throughout the various games, a few of whom I really became attached to. The story ends well but somewhat abruptly leaving several loose ends and questions. Only one of the three main characters (I won’t say whom) is featured in the ending and we have no idea what has become of the other two, let alone the rest of the players. Significant looks and pauses between others in this scene lead me to believe there was way more going on in the world than just a malfunctioning game though. I look forward to reading book 2 to resolve the cliffhangers.
Of course, something goes terribly wrong and when Jack, Kelly, and Reis successfully survive the first game, they are sent into a second scenario. At first, players think they’ve been rewarded for their initial successes, but as they keep continuing into new games and the scenarios keep getting more bizarre, it becomes apparent they are trapped inside the system while their physical bodies deteriorate inside their glass pods.
The author touches on many different end-of-the-world game scenarios and it is very entertaining. The main characters all have interesting back stories that slowly come to light as the games unfold. Kelly, the young, grieving widow, looking to reunite with the spirit of her game programmer husband. Jack who is there to watch out for his sister (Kelly) and scope out the Apocalypse Game for his adventure tour company, undergoes some real soul-searching and revelations. Reis, Jack’s partner in the adventure tour company is, and always has been, in love with Kelly. Interesting NPCs (non-player combatants) and other players pop up throughout the various games, a few of whom I really became attached to. The story ends well but somewhat abruptly leaving several loose ends and questions. Only one of the three main characters (I won’t say whom) is featured in the ending and we have no idea what has become of the other two, let alone the rest of the players. Significant looks and pauses between others in this scene lead me to believe there was way more going on in the world than just a malfunctioning game though. I look forward to reading book 2 to resolve the cliffhangers.
November 25, 2017
I received a free copy of this book through Library thing's Early Reviewers program.
The synopsis is what drew me to this book. It reminded me of Ready Player One, but with more of a serious tone to it. But I had a hard time getting through this one.
People signed up a for 24 hour virtual reality apocalypse simulation, but something goes wrong and the game places the players into another simulation, then another. The problem with this is that the players' bodies are in a sleep state while their minds are fully immersed in the apocalypse scenarios. To the reader it seems like an endless scenario. No real option for ending the cycle is available and it all felt purposeless. There is a lot of action but i didn't find it particularly riveting. After all, it's all virtual. No one can really die.
The characters are flat and uninteresting. Kelly, approaching the one year anniversary of her husband's death, is kind of annoying. Reis is a rich kid who has a secret crush on Kelly. Jack, Kelly's brother, has the most interesting storyline.
There were several discussions amongst the characters about retaining their humanity in the face of life and death decisions, but it didn't feel connected enough to the story to be a central theme. I just never ft a real sense of direction from this story.
The synopsis is what drew me to this book. It reminded me of Ready Player One, but with more of a serious tone to it. But I had a hard time getting through this one.
People signed up a for 24 hour virtual reality apocalypse simulation, but something goes wrong and the game places the players into another simulation, then another. The problem with this is that the players' bodies are in a sleep state while their minds are fully immersed in the apocalypse scenarios. To the reader it seems like an endless scenario. No real option for ending the cycle is available and it all felt purposeless. There is a lot of action but i didn't find it particularly riveting. After all, it's all virtual. No one can really die.
The characters are flat and uninteresting. Kelly, approaching the one year anniversary of her husband's death, is kind of annoying. Reis is a rich kid who has a secret crush on Kelly. Jack, Kelly's brother, has the most interesting storyline.
There were several discussions amongst the characters about retaining their humanity in the face of life and death decisions, but it didn't feel connected enough to the story to be a central theme. I just never ft a real sense of direction from this story.
August 3, 2017
Kelly Lawrence is a grieving widow. Jack Minnow is a website designer. Reis Anderson is the son of a senator. Each of these players has their own reasons for signing up to The Apocalypse Games, a state of the art virtual game. The players were suppose to be "hooked" into the game for 24 hrs to see if they can survive their Apocalypse scene. However, something goes terribly wrong as at the end of the 24 hrs, the players have started another doomsday scenario, then another and another all the while their physical bodies are slowly deteriorating. It is a fast paced story which was highly enjoyable to read! The characters are relatable and their history comes to light during the games. At the end of the book, only one of the main players is mentioned. What happens to the other two, as well as the rest of the players in the game? I'm excited to see what happens in the next book!! If you like sci-fi, virtual reality, and adventure you would love this book!
I received this book from the author for an honest review in the Goodreads group Shut Up & Read.
I received this book from the author for an honest review in the Goodreads group Shut Up & Read.
June 8, 2018
Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for letting me review the book for an honest review. I loved the book it was fast read and when the premise of the book is being thrown in the middle of an apocalypse for 24 hours you know you can't go wrong. The character build up is nice and you can see the connections and the relationships build and fit perfectly. I think the book was a little short because I would have loved to have had some more chapters to build up more of the supporting characters. My only complaint is that to me the book was short and maybe that is just me and maybe that is the way for the author to leave you wanting more which if she did it because of that then it worked. So I don't put spoilers in my review but trust me this book is worth a read and I will say this if you start it then I say to you Welcome to the Apocalypse I just had to say it, you will get that joke later on.
September 1, 2017
Welcome to the Apocolypse by D.L. Richardson
Reviewed by Angi
Im not usually an Apocolypse genre person. This intriqued me with the game angle. I thought the VR was a very unique turn for the genre. This was a very well written story. I've read some of the reviews that said there was too much emotion. I completely disagree. This emotion shows the depth of the characters. I personally find that many books in this genre over look the emotions and do not build strong characters I can relate to.
This is an adveturous and emotional ride. Its extremely fast past. I think if you pay close enough attention you will find some hidden message in this story!
Give it a chance, it is a bit slow to start I almost didnt continue but wow I am glad I did once the pace kicks up it realy kicks up!
Reviewed by Angi
Im not usually an Apocolypse genre person. This intriqued me with the game angle. I thought the VR was a very unique turn for the genre. This was a very well written story. I've read some of the reviews that said there was too much emotion. I completely disagree. This emotion shows the depth of the characters. I personally find that many books in this genre over look the emotions and do not build strong characters I can relate to.
This is an adveturous and emotional ride. Its extremely fast past. I think if you pay close enough attention you will find some hidden message in this story!
Give it a chance, it is a bit slow to start I almost didnt continue but wow I am glad I did once the pace kicks up it realy kicks up!
June 26, 2021
I got to page 105 and couldn't continue. An interesting concept but I felt (much like the characters) that I was going around in circles. One star taken off for all the spelling/grammar errors and typos.
May 21, 2018
I received a free copy of Welcome to the Apocalypse (Book One-Pandora) by D.L. Richardson in exchange for an honest review. This book tracks three players who enter a virtual reality apocalypse game as a team. They are scheduled to play one game, a vampire apocalypse, and then disengage. When the vampire apocalypse scenario ends, the game doesn’t. Instead, the team is immediately dropped into another game with a different apocalypse scenario, and another, and another. It’s an exhausting cycle of fighting and running. When each of the team is killed in the game, they are then subjected to death dreams that are no less stressful than the main game. The players are all aware things are not going as programmed; moreover, they all know the life pods are only set up to sustain their bodies for three days. Can they escape the game before they die for real?
This was an action-packed story that also managed to explore the team’s personalities and problems.
#WelcomeToTheApocalypse(pandora1) #NetGalley
This was an action-packed story that also managed to explore the team’s personalities and problems.
#WelcomeToTheApocalypse(pandora1) #NetGalley
September 28, 2017
A fast paced race through all your nightmares, 'Welcome to the Apocalypse/Pandora' will get you shivering.
If virtual gaming is your world, then jump in but don't let those NAD's manipulate you...
Loved the characters and their stories, Deb, and can't wait to learn about their next journey.
If virtual gaming is your world, then jump in but don't let those NAD's manipulate you...
Loved the characters and their stories, Deb, and can't wait to learn about their next journey.
July 8, 2018
A new reality game has been invented but this game is different. When you play this game, you are in a pod with neural connectors that gives the player the feeling that they are in the apocalyptic world actually fighting for survival. There are many different apocalyptic scenarios to choose. One hundred people have entered this game. The focus is on three people. Kelly is a grieving widow, Jack is her overprotective brother and Reis their friend. The three of them have chosen the vampire scenario. When they finish this game, they are automatically put into another scenario, then another. They don’t understand why except perhaps they did so well in the game, they were rewarded with another game? Or is it for a different reason?
I liked the theme of the novel but did not care for the emphasis on Kelly and her grieving thoughts as it took away what I think could had been put to better use. It is still an exciting story due to the imagination of the author. However some of the scenes could have had more detail to the novel than was given. I found some of the sentences not part of a complete sentence or why it was in the novel. With the popularity of reality games and survival games I think the author has started what could be a popular series. It was a good experience overall and am glad I had the opportunity to read it.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
I liked the theme of the novel but did not care for the emphasis on Kelly and her grieving thoughts as it took away what I think could had been put to better use. It is still an exciting story due to the imagination of the author. However some of the scenes could have had more detail to the novel than was given. I found some of the sentences not part of a complete sentence or why it was in the novel. With the popularity of reality games and survival games I think the author has started what could be a popular series. It was a good experience overall and am glad I had the opportunity to read it.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
November 21, 2016
This is a full on ride into the depths of hell and back again.
I picked this up as a part of the Kindle Scout campaign, unfortunately it wasn’t selected, but I was lucky enough to score an ARC to give an honest review. I had been really interested in the couple of chapters that had been on KS, they had been interesting, given me a peek at the characters, and a rather interesting premise to this story.
The basic storyline is 3 friends go along to this new virtual reality gaming world, were you are plugged into ‘pods’ and hooked up to a simulator that gives you a very realistic simulation. You ‘see’, ‘feel’, ‘hear’ things within these pods through special sensors that you are attached to. You are basically hooked up to a life support machine within side this pod that can keep you going for 3 days feeding you fluids and nutrients and dealing with bodily waste for that time. Although after 3 days, your body would have started to atrophy.
The simulation though, is mind blowing, so utterly immersive and realistic that it costs $5000 for this short day long trial run to be the first to try it out and report back on how fantastic their new machines are.
So come in, select the Apocalypse of your choice to join in on, saddle up, and ‘Welcome to the Apocalypse….’
The players can choose from multiple different apocalypse scenarios, vampires, nuclear wasteland, zombies… The list goes on, but I won't spoil all the fun. There are some that push the boundaries of human decency, but I guess that is the point.
And that is where this story gets really interesting. The Author could have just made this a feast of apocalyptic killing, filling the book with every possible scenario that you can think of to give some readers the thrill of reading about all sorts of obscene blood and gore. But instead, she has gone for a bit more of a psychological profile of the 3 main characters, Jack, Kelly and Reis, and through their interactions with the scenarios, let us explore their relationships, and their personal lives. Kelly is coming to grips with the one year anniversary of the loss of the love her life. He created the game and she is looking for any sign of him in there, will she find it? Jack has joined her to support her, but he has a dark tragic secret of his own from his past. Will he be able to face his own demons and survive to help his Sister?
Reis, the perfect poster playboy with all his money and good looks, (who joined Jack as a friend to help out), is actually nothing of the sort. The game will also reveal all of his inner secrets, and Reis may well be in the deepest trouble of all.
Will he be able to endure Pandora’s torments?
There are several sub-characters as well that help bring this story to life. All of the characters have been very well written, bringing a depth to the novel and making it a fascinating read.
This was a really interesting book on multiple levels, from the various Apocalyptic scenarios described, to the individual Characters and their stories, right up until the end, and what happens, leaving you wanting to read the next one NOW!
Can’t wait to read it and find out what happens. This is what reading is all about, fun, interesting and amusement.
I picked this up as a part of the Kindle Scout campaign, unfortunately it wasn’t selected, but I was lucky enough to score an ARC to give an honest review. I had been really interested in the couple of chapters that had been on KS, they had been interesting, given me a peek at the characters, and a rather interesting premise to this story.
The basic storyline is 3 friends go along to this new virtual reality gaming world, were you are plugged into ‘pods’ and hooked up to a simulator that gives you a very realistic simulation. You ‘see’, ‘feel’, ‘hear’ things within these pods through special sensors that you are attached to. You are basically hooked up to a life support machine within side this pod that can keep you going for 3 days feeding you fluids and nutrients and dealing with bodily waste for that time. Although after 3 days, your body would have started to atrophy.
The simulation though, is mind blowing, so utterly immersive and realistic that it costs $5000 for this short day long trial run to be the first to try it out and report back on how fantastic their new machines are.
So come in, select the Apocalypse of your choice to join in on, saddle up, and ‘Welcome to the Apocalypse….’
The players can choose from multiple different apocalypse scenarios, vampires, nuclear wasteland, zombies… The list goes on, but I won't spoil all the fun. There are some that push the boundaries of human decency, but I guess that is the point.
And that is where this story gets really interesting. The Author could have just made this a feast of apocalyptic killing, filling the book with every possible scenario that you can think of to give some readers the thrill of reading about all sorts of obscene blood and gore. But instead, she has gone for a bit more of a psychological profile of the 3 main characters, Jack, Kelly and Reis, and through their interactions with the scenarios, let us explore their relationships, and their personal lives. Kelly is coming to grips with the one year anniversary of the loss of the love her life. He created the game and she is looking for any sign of him in there, will she find it? Jack has joined her to support her, but he has a dark tragic secret of his own from his past. Will he be able to face his own demons and survive to help his Sister?
Reis, the perfect poster playboy with all his money and good looks, (who joined Jack as a friend to help out), is actually nothing of the sort. The game will also reveal all of his inner secrets, and Reis may well be in the deepest trouble of all.
Will he be able to endure Pandora’s torments?
There are several sub-characters as well that help bring this story to life. All of the characters have been very well written, bringing a depth to the novel and making it a fascinating read.
This was a really interesting book on multiple levels, from the various Apocalyptic scenarios described, to the individual Characters and their stories, right up until the end, and what happens, leaving you wanting to read the next one NOW!
Can’t wait to read it and find out what happens. This is what reading is all about, fun, interesting and amusement.
May 26, 2021
EDITORIAL REVIEW
Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite
It is supposed to be just an internet game, a tantalizing game you finish and feel like you have just come out from another world, only it turns out to be more than a game. It turns out to be a very dangerous experience for all the players. Instead of being a fun game, it soon becomes a game of survival.
Welcome to the Apocalypse – Pandora by D.L. Richardson is a riveting blend of science fiction and fantasy, a story about the joys and perils of virtual games. Readers are introduced to compelling characters, including Jack Minnow, a website designer; a widow, Kelly Lawrence; and the son of a senator, Reis Anderson. The players are hooked up to the mainframe computer and they must survive twenty-four hours. Although this is a virtual game, meaning they can’t possibly get killed, things change when they are immediately plugged in for the next game without any “game over.” They know something is wrong and they only hope someone can come in to help. If the pods break down, they might die. Question is: how long can they continue playing before someone comes to the rescue?
Welcome to the Apocalypse – Pandora is an exciting read, an engaging thriller for fans of video games and apocalyptic literature. I loved the pace and the sense of urgency the characters experience from the moment they know their lives could be in danger. D.L. Richardson comes across as internet savvy and the reader has no doubt that she’s done her research for this story, one that is utterly captivating with numerous twists and surprises. The suspense is biting and the reader can feel the pulse of the characters. From the very first to the last page, the story is emotionally charged, the action intense, and the conflict driving the plot forward. This is a very interesting read and highly recommended.
Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite
It is supposed to be just an internet game, a tantalizing game you finish and feel like you have just come out from another world, only it turns out to be more than a game. It turns out to be a very dangerous experience for all the players. Instead of being a fun game, it soon becomes a game of survival.
Welcome to the Apocalypse – Pandora by D.L. Richardson is a riveting blend of science fiction and fantasy, a story about the joys and perils of virtual games. Readers are introduced to compelling characters, including Jack Minnow, a website designer; a widow, Kelly Lawrence; and the son of a senator, Reis Anderson. The players are hooked up to the mainframe computer and they must survive twenty-four hours. Although this is a virtual game, meaning they can’t possibly get killed, things change when they are immediately plugged in for the next game without any “game over.” They know something is wrong and they only hope someone can come in to help. If the pods break down, they might die. Question is: how long can they continue playing before someone comes to the rescue?
Welcome to the Apocalypse – Pandora is an exciting read, an engaging thriller for fans of video games and apocalyptic literature. I loved the pace and the sense of urgency the characters experience from the moment they know their lives could be in danger. D.L. Richardson comes across as internet savvy and the reader has no doubt that she’s done her research for this story, one that is utterly captivating with numerous twists and surprises. The suspense is biting and the reader can feel the pulse of the characters. From the very first to the last page, the story is emotionally charged, the action intense, and the conflict driving the plot forward. This is a very interesting read and highly recommended.
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