Load Custom Character

by Tyler R. Lee

Life as a teenager is never easy. This is especially true for Peter Robinson, a boy of 16 just trying to survive high school. This is made all the more difficult with constant bullying, discouraging parents, and no friends. One day, after a particularly rough time at school, Peter finds a mysterious package on his doorstep. Inside is an Emerser, the most advanced virtual reality system in the world, along with a copy of the best selling game Our World. Thrilled at the prospect of finally diving into the game he's always dreamed of playing, Peter doesn't hesitate to plug in. Once inside, the game gives Peter everything he's always freedom, friends, strength, and a sense of acceptance. For a brief moment, he is happy. However, sometimes paradise can turn to perdition. One day while inside Our World, the millions of players discover that they are trapped inside with no escape other than to defeat the creator of the game itself. All this with one new, horrible if you die in the game, you die in real life. Peter and his companions can either live in fear of their virtual prison, or fight back and risk death as they struggle to escape.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2019

Reviews

[Shannon Rohrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars, rounded to 4.

Load Custom Character is an interesting, imaginative, and pulse-pounding read. It reads like a love letter to so many games and anime series, reminding me of quite a few and made me wonder if some of the obscure references I caught were for ones I've enjoyed, or others of the same genre.

It was incredibly detailed, focused strongly on the characters and their relationships/growth, and had a fair balance of suspense, fantasy, humour, and drama incorporated into it.

I did find that there were a fair number of typos alongside some unnecessary exposition, which sometimes pulled me out of the story--hence why I didn't feel I could give it a full four stars.

That said, it was a fun read that tackled some very real issues, and one I enjoyed the concept of immensely.

[Sean Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun read. Reminded me a bit of SAO and Ready Player One at the start, but definitely became its own thing as the story progressed. I guess this is a genre in itself?

Either way, this was excellent, super imaginative and chockfull of over-the-top gaming references. The characters were great, because they grew as the story progressed, and none of them felt particularly OP at any point-the stakes were intense.

Highly recommended.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written! Though this idea has been done many times, Tyler has created a unique, captivating story. I didn't want to put it down. I laughed... I teared up... I would definitely recommend this book to any reader who loves video games!