بازی گردان

by Tim Bowler, معصومه رستم‌زاد (Translator)

بله، درست است. قسمت‌های دوم و سوم را قبول دارم، حرفی نیست، اما قسمت اول؟ با ما حرف بزن و زنده بمان؟ احمق که نیستم. می‌دانم اگر با این آدم‌ها تماس بگیرم چه اتفاقی می‌افتد. بنابراین زنگ زدن فایده ندارد. فقط آن‌ها را نزدیک‌تر می‌کند، همین حالا هم نزدیک‌اند. نزدیکی آن‌ها را حس می‌کنم. سرم را به زور از زیر پتو و ملافه بیرون می‌آورم و توی اتاق تاریک به اطراف نگاه می‌کنم.

Genres: Young Adult, Crime

229 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2015

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Tim Bowler is one of the UK’s most compelling and original writers for teenagers. He was born in Leigh-on-Sea and after studying Swedish at University he worked in forestry, the timber trade, teaching and translating before becoming a full-time writer. He lives with his wife in a small village in Devon and his workroom is an old stone outhouse known to friends as ‘Tim’s Bolthole’.

Tim has written twenty books and won fifteen awards, including the prestigious Carnegie Medal for River Boy. His most recent novel is the gripping Bloodchild and his provocative Blade series is being hailed as a groundbreaking work of fiction. He has been described by the Sunday Telegraph as ‘the master of the psychological thriller’ and by the Independent as ‘one of the truly individual voices in British teenage fiction’.

Reviews

[Michelle (Fluttering Butterflies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Game Changer by Tim Bowler to be a really interesting read. I wasn't quite sure what to make of it at times but there's so much emotion in it that I couldn't help but be pulled into the story and into this main character's head. Game Changer is the first book by Tim Bowler that I have read but I'm sure it won't be the last as I'm fairly intrigued.

Game Changer is a fairly short read, it didn't take me very long to read it and that's helped along by the fact that it feels quite fast-paced and tense throughout. The only time the pace slowed down slightly was towards the end but by that point I really needed a bit of a breather.

Our main character in this story, Mikey, deals with a rather serious phobia of open spaces. And because of this, his family and especially his younger sister, Meggie, are always really aware of him and are keen to support him and help him when things get tough. Throughout the narrative, Mikey makes all kinds of comments in which he feels like he should be treated in a more negative way because of his fears and the way in which his life (and thus his family's life) is changed because of them. But I really loved that Mikey has the people in his life that he does. His parents, his teachers, his friends. But especially Meggie.

The relationship between Mikey and his sister Meggie is really at the heart of this story and it is this relationship as well as Mikey witnessing something terrible that are the game changers in this novel. Because right from the start, we get this feeling that Mikey is more anxious than normal. His fears and his coping mechanisms for his fears (hiding in a wardrobe) are amped way up and everyone is worried about him. There's a touch of the unreliable narrator at play with Mikey as we don't really learn what he's seen for things to have changed in his life until quite far into the story and at times I was thinking that Mikey had lost touch with reality and let his fear take over.

And Mikey's fear is felt in every single page. I felt Mikey's tension and worry and fear throughout this book, right from the very first page. It felt all-consuming and suffocating and like something insurmountable. And for all of Mikey's self-deprecation, I really believed all along that this boy is nothing but brave to feel what he does and still carry on with his mostly normal life even without his added courage when facing up to other scary things.

Game Changer was an incredibly interesting book. I didn't quite know what to expect when I first started reading it and it still surprised me. This is a very tense thriller with an incredibly unusual hero and a great brother-sister relationship and I'm really glad that I read it.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Tim Bowler many years ago when he was giving a lecture at my uni. I was ashamed to say that I had never heard of him and that was despite the fact that I consider myself to be quite a bookworm. He was funny and very kind. From that moment I decided that I had to get hold of one of his books. The other day I was at the library and found this book written by him. I knew it wasn't one of his most famous ones but I decided to give it a go anyways. I am really glad I did. From the first moment I was hooked and found it hard to put down. Tim has a way of describing things so you feel everything the person is feeling. I would recommend this to anyone. I need to read more of his books.

[Leanne Keenoo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too weird for me.
Very short read which I was glad of as the characters got on my nerves.
Michael is 15 with what appears to be agoraphobia/ panic attacks.
He witnesses a crime and then is threatened by a gang but I wasn't sure until half say through whether these things were in his head.
He has a creepily close relationship with his younger sister that just didn't ring true for me.
Can't say I loved it

[ashie washie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok... Not terrible, but not fantastic either. Found it pretty cliched, the storyline otherwise bland if not for Mikey's phobia. The action, at some points, unnecessary, and the constant suspense was not captivating but actually pretty annoying. Halfway through I was just like "tell me why in the world these people are texting him already!"

So yeah, nothing special. Great for some light reading when you're bored, I guess.

[Natallia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read this book for book club. This is a contemporary style book. My general thoughts on the book was that it was ok, just personally it is not my kind of book. I found the writing a little too simple for my personal interest. I got confused about the age of the main boy in the story.

[Wilde Sky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing - weak / weird story + clunky writing.

[Senne Claes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Game changer a strange book. It takes a long time before the story
really starts. Until the middle of the book, the storyline is about Mikey, a 15 -
years-old boy, who is afraid of going outside and going into public places and
had several panic attacks. But when Mikey encounters a gang and sees
something he shouldn’t have seen, the story becomes exciting. He overcomes
his fear and goes outside for a confrontation with the gang. The relationship
with his 13 years old sister Meggie was also a bit too close/creepy.
Tim Bowler has done a great job in expressing the emotions of the main
characters. He has an excellent way of describing things, so you feel everything
the characters are feeling.
It’s also a realistic story because it gives insight into the life of people who
struggle with mental health. Mikey really feels guilty about the problems he
causes. It also shows the importance of a good support from family and
friends.
Game changer is a short book and it’s easy to read so it’s an excellent book for
people who don’t enjoy reading.
I can’t say I really loved this book due to the slow start of the story.

[Bev · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is so action packed that you can't help but read it in one sitting (it helps that it's a short book) and Mikey's agoraphobia and panic attacks seem authentic from what I've can tell as a non-sufferer. I found the story really confusing though and once I finally found out what Mikey had actually witnessed the rest of the book felt rushed. Also the brother/ sister relationship was somehow... off. I get that's she was worried about him but no teenager is that close to their sibling! They seemed almost creepily close. It's an enjoyable enough read though if you're looking for something quick.

[Jacob Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game Changer is a book about a kid named Mikey and his sister Meggie. Mikey was going to a public place, and he saw this alley way and he encountered a gang who had killed someone. The gang had saw him and he ran away. The gang kidnapped him and his sister and beat them up and took them places and wanted to hide the bodies and they tried to kill them. I rated this book 5 stars because this book is intriguing and has bunch of twist and turns.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seemed like a night runner No2, with some interesting differences.

[Phoebe Rush · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this, I loved the dynamic between Mikey and Meggie!

[junie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,15 ⭐️

[Rachel Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Game Changer is a high tension read right from the start. Bowler does a great job conveying the main character's fear/anxiety, and the way it cripples his everyday life. The combination of his ongoing issues and a 'game changing' incident mean the reader is kept guessing for a while as the tension rises. There is some violence and real danger, so while the book isn't particularly challenging I would recommend it for ages 12/13+.

I received a free ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn’t read any Tim Bowler before Game Changer, and I have to admit that this was clearly an error on my part. Somehow, he just wasn’t on my radar. One thing’s for sure, though – he is now! Game Changer is an amazingly powerful book. Few Young Adult authors I’ve encountered can portray raw emotion without overdoing it, or resorting to platitudes, hysteria, or sentimentality. It’s achieved here, however, and in a cool, considered, matter-of-fact way that makes it all the more powerful because it rings true. We feel Mikey’s anguish at being “different”, his resignation to the fact that he can’t change things easily, his love for Meggie and his parents, and his disappointment that he can’t be the person they would like him to be. They’re all difficult emotions to write, and it’s testament to the quality and economy of Tim’s writing that they’re so keenly felt here.

The storyline itself is confrontational, and perfectly captures the Zeitgeist of contemporary inner-city life. Gangs are part of growing up now for many teenagers; whether they are in them, avoiding them, or being persecuted by them. Mikey’s character throws disability into the mix, making an already complex situation (having witnessed a crime committed by a gang, thus becoming a danger to them and therefore a target) more complex. Mikey is already persecuted at school for being “weird”, and it’s just another thing about him that the gang can exploit. The fact that standing up to the gang means that Mikey goes a long way towards overcoming his fears – and becoming “normal” – is an interesting twist. That he would now be more respected at school for his bravery in spite of his differences is yet another. The final twist – that of Meggie’s fate – is completely unexpected and yet also understandable. This truly is a masterfully woven tale.

Gripping, and at times violent and visceral – it’s an unflinching portrait of the realities of life for one troubled teen. If you’ve not read any Tim Bowler before, I can wholeheartedly recommend Game Changer as an excellent starting point. If you’re familiar, this latest book is more than worth a read. I’ll certainly be seeking out more Tim Bowler in the future!

Visit my blog for more reviews: http://scheherazadereads.blogspot.co.uk/

[Sid Nuncius · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good, thoughtful and gripping book for young adults. It is pretty dark and bleak, but well done and I read it pretty well in a single sitting.

The story is told by Mikey, an intelligent, articulate 15-year-old who suffers from a form of acute anxiety, including a type of agoraphobia and insecurity bordering on paranoia, which makes his life, and the lives of his parents and sister, a real struggle. He witnesses something terrible (we don't find out what until over half-way through the book) and the perpetrators are now pursuing him. His narrative voice is very well done, and we get a thoughtful, compassionate view of Mikey's problems, how hard things are for him and how terrible he feels about how his condition makes his family's life so tough, too. The writing is involving and convincing, with very believable characters and dialogue.

The story itself is no children's adventure with mild peril but no real threat - it's a grim and frightening tale in which genuinely dreadful things happen. It's a dark, threatening tale, which mirrors the terror Mikey experiences about much of everyday life and although there is real warmth in his family's love a redemptive note at the end, it most certainly isn't a book where everyone learns a little Life Lesson and emerges largely unscathed as a happier, better person. It's a tough story in many ways and will genuinely frighten some young people, but will enthral others and treats them with respect as mature readers.

Personally I found the unremitting darkness and grimness a little overpowering, and I could have done with a slight leaven of humour, for example. Nonetheless, it's very well done and many will enjoy it very much. Recommended.

[Meredith Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find this and other reviews on my blog: Mezzalily's Teen Book Reviews

"I'm trying to pretend yesterday didn't happen. Trouble is, they won't let me."

Game Changer is about Mickey who is frightened of open spaces and the outside world. Mickey is determined to overcome his fear with his sister by his side. So going to a noisy, public place shouldn't be as much of a problem with Meggie there. However, things go terribly wrong when Mickey encounters a gang trying to hide a terrible secret.

This was a nice, quick read from Tim Bowler about how Mickey's life becomes affected by a gang and how his mental health issues make this harder for him to cope with. I thought that the issue of Mickey not being able to go outside was handled really well throughout the whole of the book. It was also nice to have the novel narrated from Mickey's point of view to be able to see how he struggled with everyday tasks.

I feel that the relationship between Mickey and Meggie was the main focus of the book and how they help each other overcome obstacles. This worked well however I would have liked the main focus to have been on what was the gang was going to do to make it that little bit more darker.

I didn't like how we had to wait until almost the end of the book to find out what Mickey had seen the gang do. I felt that it made the first part of the book drag a bit. However, once we did find out what had happened the pace picked up and it became an enjoyable read. I particularly enjoyed some of the action scenes and felt they were the best in the book especially because of the way Mickey narrated them.

[Owen Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having surprisingly not heard of Tim Bowler before, I was drawn to this book mainly by it's cover. It's something a bit different, something with a twist and something that'll give my emotions a run for their money and it certainly didn't dissapoint. Despite being a quick read, it was a very fast paced book, everything happened in succession and everything was moving along. I managed to finish it in a couple of hours, reading a little bit here and then. Although at times I did find it a little bit repetitive with the constant barrage of text messages from the gang, constantly telling him to ring or to meet them, but after finishing the book, I definitely think that helped to add to the sense of urgency which was established. The ending was really very good, I wasn't at all sure how it was going to play out but it was really all I could've hoped for. I loved the relationship between Michael and Meggie, it was really truly heartwarming, if only sibling relationships were so easy in real life! His problems, were different too, being afraid of the light isn't something you hear of every day, but it's completely believable.

Overall the book was a fast-paced and energetic read full of suspense that makes you want to keep on reading. TIm Bowler is an author I'll be watching carefully!

* I recieved a free e-mobi copy of this prior to release, thankyou to Tim Bowler and his publishers for the opportunity. *

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straightaway, I was drawn right into the story. You're thrown into the midst of things and I love that in a book. You spend the entire book unravelling and discovering what happened to Mikey on that fateful night. As well as being a thrill-ride, it's an emotional read. As someone who suffers from anxiety, I can partially relate to how Mikey reacts to certain things. Fair enough, my anxiety isn't a phobia or anywhere near as intense, but I could relate to him right from the start, and that made the whole book a particularly likeable one for me. The descriptions of how he felt were very accurate, not to mention that they took you into his head, so you too felt what he felt. It also explored fear, love and bravery is a very interesting way. My only slight criticism was that it was a bit too similar to Night Runner. But that is only a very small issue.

Overall I enjoyed reading this. I actually finished it in about 2 hours hahaha I am quite a fast reader and a bookaholic too, so getting through books quickly isn't abnormal for me. But with Game Changer, I NEEDED to keep reading; I NEEDED to know what had happened and what was going to happen. I kept telling myself that I'd read 10 more pages, but that soon turned into 100 pages, and then the whole book.

[Rhian Ivory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game Changer is not my first Tim Bowler novel so I came to it with quite high expectations and happily they were met in the first few pages.
Mikey is an unusual character who feels authentic and appealing. I found myself easily visualising his surroundings, his bedroom and his comfort zone - the wardrobe. Tim Bowler's writing is incredibly filmic, I could picture all the different places in Mikey's world in my mind.
Mikey's anxieties are ones that most readers will be able to relate to even if they haven't experienced them. By the end of the novel I found myself coming to understand why Mikey acts in the way he does. Through the immediacy of his writing, Tim Bowler allows the reader to put themselves in Mikey's shoes and see his world up close and personal.
The storyline encourages the reader to develop their skills of empathy and patience, much like Mikey's sister Meggie. I adored Meggie, she was such a strong and true character and as the stakes are raised higher and higher Mikey's reliance on Meggie is placed in real peril.
I didn't know how the story would resolve itself and I can't say anymore because of spoilers but I can say I'd definitely recommend this fastly paced, tightly plotted novel with two wonderful protagonists who felt very real.

[Sally Flint · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Tim Bowler, but I will definitely read some more. A relatively short book, but quite powerful; it really packs a punch in relatively few words. The plot line is, I think, a bit far fetched, but most definitely action packed, but what is really effective is the family circumstance in which the action is placed. The main character, Mikey has a fear of pretty much everything and finds all aspects of regular life a struggle, light particularly affects him badly and his preferred place is sitting reading in his wardrobe, He relies heavily on his sister Meggie who is wise beyond her years. His family are understanding and accepting but feel the strain. Perhaps it is for this reason that he keeps from them the knowledge of something he'd seen that he really would rather have not done. The conclusion is romantic, but resolved quickly, though a twist at the end pulls the reader back to what really matters. I think this is a great boo for 12 or 13 year olds, it has enough action to keep the reader interested but at the same time explores some very important social and mental issues.

[Sue Murdoch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Game Changer pulled me in straight away, immediately I cared about Mikey who seems to carry a burden of mental health problems. In fact the mystery for a significant part of the story, for me anyway, was wondering if Mikey's situation was a deeper, delusional mental health problem, but I don't want to share those thoughts and spoil it for others. Suffice to say that there were enough clues and counter clues to keep me reading. The description of the dock side was chilling, the safety of the wardrobe stood in sharp contrast to the bright light and loud noise Mikey cannot deal with, creating understanding of his fears. An aspect I found more difficult to engage with was the relationship between Mikey and his younger sister Meggie; she is 13, he is 15. Meggie is so caring, all the time - one very special young sister at a time in sibling's lives when that relationship can be very antagonistic. However, the fact that Mikey's family were so supportive was heart warming and balanced the dark thriller which drives the story.)

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tim Bowler certainly knows how to write a thriller that fills you with a sense of creeping fear! With Game Changer, he perfectly crafts the character of Mikey, an agoraphobic adolescent who thinks that some unnamed people are out to get him. Typical paranoia? Not quite, as the people in question really do want him. The book explores the feelings of the mentally ill teenager to great effect; if you immerse yourself in this novel you’ll begin to get a sense of how Mikey is feeling, how he trusts the dark and hates the light. His little sister Meggie is his saviour – always kind, always caring (too caring? I sometimes wondered if their relationship was too close to be realistic). When the unknown figures that have been following him make contact and put Meggie in danger, the game changes and Mikey is forced to push through his fears to face his assailants. Another fast-paced, psychological page-turner from Mr Bowler, who is never afraid to delve into the violent side of teenage life.

[Juliet Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about Michael (Mikey) who has a fear of open-spaces and is constantly being checked up on by his mother and father, and most of all his younger 13 year old sister Meggie. His mother and father really worry about him and Mikey feels that he is a burden to them and a waste of space.One day while out trying to get over his fear he sees a gang doing something they really shouldn't be. The gang sees him watching them and slowly they plant themselves into his life and turn it upside down.

I really liked the fast pace action of this book, and although it was short there was always something to keep you reading. I feel like Tim Bowler grasped the concept of someone with open-space fear very well and depicted their emotions and thoughts really well. I also really liked the ending and how it brought Mikey's whole family closer.

[Craig Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest offering from Tim is a good, if relatively short, read. I don't want to give too much away - I hate spoilers - but if you're agoraphobic and like being scared, this is the book for you! Nicely gritty towards the end as the protagonist is challenged to face his fears. One observation - often teenage stories written to illustrate the confronting of issues are resolved by everything turning out rosy in the garden at the end, fears conquered etc.... This is only partly true here, and more accurately reflects the real world. Well done, Tim.

[Kathy202 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent new novel by this award winning author for YA age group. Although it does end OK for the hero there are times when the reader is not sure, and good storytelling manages to bring a strong plot together with good character development in a short novel. It should have younger teens gripped from the start.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping, short read for teens, Mikey is a troubled boy with phobias that are taking over his life. He relies on his younger sister to keep him calm and when something happens to her it gives him the strength to overcome his fears in order to help her. Increasing sense of menace through the book culminates in scary events. Quite hard hitting, but sensitively handled.

[Paula Martín · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I first started it I thought it was going to be an interesting book, but, in the end, it has been predictable and it hasn't surprised me.
I recommend this book if you are bored because it's really easy to read.

[Toughnandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very engaging book by the esteemed Tim Bowler. I have never felt bored reading one of his books and this one did not disappoint. I was constantly kept on toes with excitement, but the climax lacked interest.