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Игри на смърт
Тя е там, в леглото. Първото, което забелязвам, е лицето й. Толкова е съвършено, че ми се струва малко вероятно да съществува в истинския свят. Бялата й кожа е безупречна, чертите й – идеално симетрични, устните й - червени, влажни и плътни, се разтварят при всяка нейна въздишка, но аз съм запленен от очите й. Те са в син нюанс, какъвто никога не съм виждал, осеяни са със златни и кристални точици и са толкова проницателни, че сякаш през неговите очи стигат до моите и ме молят за нещо, което не мога да определя. Като че ли са уловили диалектиката на всяка човешка емоция – любов и омраза, екстаз и ужас, утеха и ревност – и са събрали в един-единствен поглед, който може да изравни със земята цели градове. Поразен съм.
Добре дошли в сайта „На живо”! Тук можете да пресъздадете и да изживеете най-съкровените си мечти и най-потайните си фантазии. Искате да изкачите Еверест, да присъствате на концерт на „Ролинг Стоунс”, да изживеете зашеметяваща любовна история? Готово! Можете да имате всичко, и то докато си седите на креслото у дома. Нещо повече – докато се наслаждавате на виртуалните си фантазии, ще се освободите от задръжките, налагани от нормите на обществото.
Запознайте се с Ник Колдуел – гений в областта на компютърните технологии, който е принуден да се откаже от следването си в Масачузетския технологичен институт – няма как, налага му се да работи, за да издържа болната си майка. Помощта от някогашния му състудент Том идва тъкмо навреме – благодарение на него Ник е назначен в „На живо” – компания, предлагаща на пристрастените към социалните медии неописуеми онлайн изживявания. А работата му е тайно да наблюдава сцените, създадени от потребителите, но не самоцелно, а за внедряване на нови технологии. Работа като работа, докато една нощ той не попада на сцена с участието на синеоко момиче, което накрая е убито от мъжа, представящ се под псевдонима Дьо Сад. Ник е обсебен от младата жена и не може да се отърси от спомена за нея, макар да знае, че случилото се е въображаемо.
Въображаемо е до момента, в който се появява информация за убита млада жена, която поразително прилича на момичето от фантазията на Дьо Сад. Измислицата се превръща в жестока реалност. Убийствата продължават и от Бостънската полиция започват разследване, в което неохотно включват Ник и приятелката му Ивет – умела хакерка. Само че при виртуалната реалност нищо не е, каквото изглежда, и събитията започват да стават зловещи…
Добре дошли в сайта „На живо”! Тук можете да пресъздадете и да изживеете най-съкровените си мечти и най-потайните си фантазии. Искате да изкачите Еверест, да присъствате на концерт на „Ролинг Стоунс”, да изживеете зашеметяваща любовна история? Готово! Можете да имате всичко, и то докато си седите на креслото у дома. Нещо повече – докато се наслаждавате на виртуалните си фантазии, ще се освободите от задръжките, налагани от нормите на обществото.
Запознайте се с Ник Колдуел – гений в областта на компютърните технологии, който е принуден да се откаже от следването си в Масачузетския технологичен институт – няма как, налага му се да работи, за да издържа болната си майка. Помощта от някогашния му състудент Том идва тъкмо навреме – благодарение на него Ник е назначен в „На живо” – компания, предлагаща на пристрастените към социалните медии неописуеми онлайн изживявания. А работата му е тайно да наблюдава сцените, създадени от потребителите, но не самоцелно, а за внедряване на нови технологии. Работа като работа, докато една нощ той не попада на сцена с участието на синеоко момиче, което накрая е убито от мъжа, представящ се под псевдонима Дьо Сад. Ник е обсебен от младата жена и не може да се отърси от спомена за нея, макар да знае, че случилото се е въображаемо.
Въображаемо е до момента, в който се появява информация за убита млада жена, която поразително прилича на момичето от фантазията на Дьо Сад. Измислицата се превръща в жестока реалност. Убийствата продължават и от Бостънската полиция започват разследване, в което неохотно включват Ник и приятелката му Ивет – умела хакерка. Само че при виртуалната реалност нищо не е, каквото изглежда, и събитията започват да стават зловещи…
376 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2014
11 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
David Hosp
15 books71 followersDavid Hosp is a trial lawyer who spends a portion of his time working pro bono on behalf of wrongly convicted individuals. He lives with his wife and family in Boston.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 24, 2016
Tapping into areas some may consider taboo, Hosp pens a one-off that will keep readers squirming. While living in a Boston suburb, Nick Caldwell has found his niche working for NextLife, a company that offers the complete online smorgasbord for any social media addict. Buried within the site is Lifescenes, something that not only differentiates it from its competitors, but also allows users to shed their inhibitions. In LifeScenes, users can enter a virtual reality and live out their every fantasy, no matter its construct. As avatars roam freely at the whim of each user, Nick heads up the 'GhostWalking' aspect of LifeScenes, a group of people who invisibly penetrate into these fantasies as they play out to determine what tweaks might make the system run more smoothly or what new technologies might be integrated to better the personal experience. While working one night, he trips upon a user who is involved in a bondage scenario which pushes past the simple aspect of control and into the domain of murder. He cannot shake the scene before him, even though it is fictionalised. When one of his employees, Yvette, reports a similar experience on a GhostWalk, they compare notes and realise it is the same user, De Sade. When a murder parallels the fantasy Yvette witnessed, down to the fact that the murdered woman bears a striking resemblance to the killed avatar, she and Nick take notice. Approaching the authorities, Nick tries to sell the case, but without being able to penetrate the strong encryption on NextLife, there is little than can be done. When another woman is murdered, Boston Police make an interesting connection. Things get even more interesting as Nick joins the investigation and is threatened unless he backs off. Yvette works her back channels and may have found a way to piece together some of De Sade's fantasies to a company computer. As a suspect emerges, another murder derails all the work that's been done, but it is a matter of time before more bondage killings occur. However, when dealing with virtual reality, nothing is quite as it seems and the case takes an ominous twist. Hosp offers readers a thrilling look into the darker aspects of personal fantasies that only a 21st century Marquis de Sade could love. A must-read for those who need something to keep them up (reading) well into the night.
As with many of his previous novels, David Hosp pulls readers in with a great set of characters that interact effectively and a backdrop in Boston that never fails to impress. Nick's backstory alone offers up much for the reader, as though his lifelong association with Charlestown should be the subject of a collection of stories all their own. However, within Nick's development lies two areas of the novel on which Hosp pontificates, if only a in subtle way. First, sadomasochistic behaviour has a long history and is not something to be shunned or hidden away in the darkest parts of the human psyche, for its balance of control and domination appears in all aspects of life. Hosp explores this through a brief glimpse into the life of the Marquis de Sade, as well as some of the descriptors used to bring some of the LifeScenes into vivid reality, as well as offering a developed character who leads a somewhat placid life outside the domain. Secondly, virtual reality, fictitious as it may seem on the surface, has a way of pulling the individual into it and creating a reality that is, perhaps, more natural for some than the life they live. Mixing the two allows those who harbour secret fantasies about domination to play them out in the privacy of their own home while still enjoying the thrill. Hosp utilises these premises to fuel this book, though he injects a wonderful crime thriller to bind it all together. The end result is a darker but still highly entertaining novel that captivates the reader. There is so much to enjoy and to be disturbed about within the story, should the reader wish to interpret things in that way. Hosp goes so far as to use climactic moments (pardon the pun) to spin anti-climax in the story. Brilliant use of his research and written in such a way that the reader can almost feel themselves within the story, a literary virtual reality if you will.
Kudos, Mr. Hosp for another great novel. You impress me in new ways each time I sit down to read your work.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
As with many of his previous novels, David Hosp pulls readers in with a great set of characters that interact effectively and a backdrop in Boston that never fails to impress. Nick's backstory alone offers up much for the reader, as though his lifelong association with Charlestown should be the subject of a collection of stories all their own. However, within Nick's development lies two areas of the novel on which Hosp pontificates, if only a in subtle way. First, sadomasochistic behaviour has a long history and is not something to be shunned or hidden away in the darkest parts of the human psyche, for its balance of control and domination appears in all aspects of life. Hosp explores this through a brief glimpse into the life of the Marquis de Sade, as well as some of the descriptors used to bring some of the LifeScenes into vivid reality, as well as offering a developed character who leads a somewhat placid life outside the domain. Secondly, virtual reality, fictitious as it may seem on the surface, has a way of pulling the individual into it and creating a reality that is, perhaps, more natural for some than the life they live. Mixing the two allows those who harbour secret fantasies about domination to play them out in the privacy of their own home while still enjoying the thrill. Hosp utilises these premises to fuel this book, though he injects a wonderful crime thriller to bind it all together. The end result is a darker but still highly entertaining novel that captivates the reader. There is so much to enjoy and to be disturbed about within the story, should the reader wish to interpret things in that way. Hosp goes so far as to use climactic moments (pardon the pun) to spin anti-climax in the story. Brilliant use of his research and written in such a way that the reader can almost feel themselves within the story, a literary virtual reality if you will.
Kudos, Mr. Hosp for another great novel. You impress me in new ways each time I sit down to read your work.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 28, 2014
Okay, so I spent a while with this book being carried around in my bag wanting to read it but not really being in the mood to start it. Today, though, I finally did and 4.5 hours later I'm done.
Damn, that was an enjoyable 4.5 hours.
From the first page to the last this book flows like a river. The plot has a good place and the writing is easy on the brain, although it does bring up very interesting points about morality, privacy and who we have become as individuals and a society in the internet age.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something a bit meaty and well written that explores the darker facets of the human nature.
I, myself, will be hunting down the rest of David Hosp's novels and not letting them languish in my bag next time.
Damn, that was an enjoyable 4.5 hours.
From the first page to the last this book flows like a river. The plot has a good place and the writing is easy on the brain, although it does bring up very interesting points about morality, privacy and who we have become as individuals and a society in the internet age.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something a bit meaty and well written that explores the darker facets of the human nature.
I, myself, will be hunting down the rest of David Hosp's novels and not letting them languish in my bag next time.
March 3, 2016
Quite an interesting story concept, although I think that the storyline is a bit hardcore for young teens and perhaps some adults as well. But it depends; if you like David Hosp's style of writing and a somewhat different kind of story from the norm, this may be the book you will go for. I do finish reading the whole book, though I would prefer a slightly different kind of storyline. Hence, the 3 star ratings.
January 10, 2020
This book surprised me. I didnt know it was going to be this good!
Why is it not a bestseller?, is what puzzles me.
Why is it not a bestseller?, is what puzzles me.
September 16, 2021
David Hosp provides a fun horror/mystery that has many twists and turns. The protagonist, Nick Caldwell, has many layers that slowly becomes stripped away and is revealed to the reader, but this is also where a small issue lies—even though a few things are hidden to the reader, a lot of the earlier sections of the book changes context and seems out of place. His friendship with a co-worker, for example, gets pointed out far too late in the book and completely changes the way how the reader interprets them. It's very strange to change and morph such a connection three-quarters through the book, yet with all that happens throughout the story, it would've been hard to add this context in earlier.
There is minor details like this that jump out, but only if you're being super picky. If not, then you'll be surprised with the crime twists that happen, especially towards the end. There's also a dash of surrealism, which most readers would relate to it via The Matrix meets WoW, and converging the digital world with the real world is a fun perspective that Nick Caldwell creates and reveals.
Overall, Game of Death is a fun read. It doesn't feel like a game, but it does have layers that fill out the characters over time. The plot feels complete and the way how emotion is captured really makes the reading a little more immersive than what is usually found. I thoroughly enjoyed it—even though I nitpicked over a few things—and I'd definitely recommend it for someone who's into crime noir/scifi.
There is minor details like this that jump out, but only if you're being super picky. If not, then you'll be surprised with the crime twists that happen, especially towards the end. There's also a dash of surrealism, which most readers would relate to it via The Matrix meets WoW, and converging the digital world with the real world is a fun perspective that Nick Caldwell creates and reveals.
Overall, Game of Death is a fun read. It doesn't feel like a game, but it does have layers that fill out the characters over time. The plot feels complete and the way how emotion is captured really makes the reading a little more immersive than what is usually found. I thoroughly enjoyed it—even though I nitpicked over a few things—and I'd definitely recommend it for someone who's into crime noir/scifi.
March 20, 2017
Interesting concept of a virtual social network and a serial killer who is practicing his crimes within this network before trying them out in real life. I liked the characters, and thought this was well written. There was a natural end point in the story but then it went on a bit longer and although I doubted if this was right, it did end the story better this way.
First time reading this author, enjoyed the book.
First time reading this author, enjoyed the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2017
That's one haunting cover. This is my first time reading David Hosp as well.
I was skeptical about the book in the beginning as things were a little confusing and the pace was not as exciting as I hoped. However it does pick up into the book and does not let go till the end. What was unexpected was that Nick and Yvette were more than friends. I was not expecting that and did not find it necessary.
This is a thriller and a murder mystery so there is tons of suspense and as the reader I was at the edge of my seat. Which is good. The surprises and revelations hit the reader hard. I find that this book explores the darker side of human nature not just through the killer's point of view but the other characters as well. The company itself was a contradiction and it was very interesting to explore that. The plot constantly surprised me, just when I thought that this was the only surprise WHAM! there is another revelation that totally shakes the story to it's core and causes a huge 180.
However this book may be disturbing to some because it has coarse language, violence, implied rape, BDSM and bondage. Many of the scenes are also very graphic.
Nick came off as someone who was very confused when it comes to women. The romance, actually it was not romance, did not do much for the plot other than act as an extension. I could have done without him and Yvette though. While I can sympathize on how he came from not such a great background, has a great friend in Yvette and is loyal. The sex scenes were boring and did not cause me to be excited. I found myself not liking him. Initially while I was reading him seemed likable but after finishing the book I do not think I like him very much. I understand how his relationships with Kendra and Yvette fueled the story line but did not see the point of taking things so far.
But I have to say the plot kept me glued to the pages, I simply could not put this book down. This is probably one of the few books that I have been so captivated by in a while. I would recommend this if you love a good mystery with a great pace and storyline.
I was skeptical about the book in the beginning as things were a little confusing and the pace was not as exciting as I hoped. However it does pick up into the book and does not let go till the end. What was unexpected was that Nick and Yvette were more than friends. I was not expecting that and did not find it necessary.
This is a thriller and a murder mystery so there is tons of suspense and as the reader I was at the edge of my seat. Which is good. The surprises and revelations hit the reader hard. I find that this book explores the darker side of human nature not just through the killer's point of view but the other characters as well. The company itself was a contradiction and it was very interesting to explore that. The plot constantly surprised me, just when I thought that this was the only surprise WHAM! there is another revelation that totally shakes the story to it's core and causes a huge 180.
However this book may be disturbing to some because it has coarse language, violence, implied rape, BDSM and bondage. Many of the scenes are also very graphic.
Nick came off as someone who was very confused when it comes to women. The romance, actually it was not romance, did not do much for the plot other than act as an extension. I could have done without him and Yvette though. While I can sympathize on how he came from not such a great background, has a great friend in Yvette and is loyal. The sex scenes were boring and did not cause me to be excited. I found myself not liking him. Initially while I was reading him seemed likable but after finishing the book I do not think I like him very much. I understand how his relationships with Kendra and Yvette fueled the story line but did not see the point of taking things so far.
But I have to say the plot kept me glued to the pages, I simply could not put this book down. This is probably one of the few books that I have been so captivated by in a while. I would recommend this if you love a good mystery with a great pace and storyline.
January 8, 2023
I enjoyed the concept and had the book JUST stuck to the concept, it would have been great. But it didn’t.
The main character gets to have his cake and eat it and it’s so uncomfortably obviously written by a man, all those posts you see about how bad men write women? Yeah, David Hosp is a prime example. There’s literally a page and a half where the MC is obviously staring at the cleavage of his female best friend/coworker but she doesn’t mind because she’s so totally cool with being objectified. She’s a prime example of the pixie dream girl and there’s also a page and a half where he just goes on about how she gorges this huge burger but she’s still so in shape because she either starves herself or eats everything in site and she’s so tech smart etc etc you guys know exactly what kind of character this is and then the entire “love story”, is you can call it that, between them just feels so awkwardly wedged in there and it was totally unnecessary.
There was so much potential and it was hung from the gallows by the male gaze.
The main character gets to have his cake and eat it and it’s so uncomfortably obviously written by a man, all those posts you see about how bad men write women? Yeah, David Hosp is a prime example. There’s literally a page and a half where the MC is obviously staring at the cleavage of his female best friend/coworker but she doesn’t mind because she’s so totally cool with being objectified. She’s a prime example of the pixie dream girl and there’s also a page and a half where he just goes on about how she gorges this huge burger but she’s still so in shape because she either starves herself or eats everything in site and she’s so tech smart etc etc you guys know exactly what kind of character this is and then the entire “love story”, is you can call it that, between them just feels so awkwardly wedged in there and it was totally unnecessary.
There was so much potential and it was hung from the gallows by the male gaze.
June 24, 2016
Clearly the most gritty and hard edged of the several Hosp books I've read. Moving away from his more traditional noir style that focused on atmosphere and character development in the midst of a crime story, here he ventures into the world of technology, artificial reality and online porn. In so doing, he may be leaving behind some of his established readers. Set once again in Boston but now there's only passing reference to the intriguing shady roughneck underworld of Charlestown in the old days, with its charming local tough guys and their own code of honor. His protagonist here, Nick Caldwell the usual somewhat conflicted "good soldier" although he lacks much of the appeal of guys like Scott Finn in "Among Thieves" and "next of Kin". And his obligatory "girl Friday" Yvette, his tough-old-broad Ma have their own appeal, so Hosp is covering all the usual bases. Plenty of suspense and plot twists to hold the attention of murder mystery fans who enjoy a page-turner.
June 12, 2016
I was intrigued by the whole premise and all that. The first few chapters got me hooked and K couldn't stop reading. However, it started to lose me halfway when things are getting predictable and sounding like coming from some TV shows.
August 6, 2014
Enjoyed this technological thriller. Recommended to thriller lovers.
December 17, 2015
Best Hosp to date - hope he keeps writing.
January 26, 2016
a good enjoyable read once I got into in
July 15, 2016
Well it was okay, clever idea with internet and dark fantasy, feels very right in time. BUT didn`t like the way he wrote about women.
February 5, 2016
I could not finish this book, lost interest.
Read
September 30, 2018Excellent read. Good twists
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews