What do you think?
Rate this book
Virtual Insanity
Four friends celebrate a stag weekend at Virtual Insanity, a cutting-edge virtual reality company.
Built on a disused military research facility, the futuristic headsets scan existing landscapes and re-imagines them with post-apocalyptic environments.
They battle zombies, overcome obstacles, and fight to stay alive.
But when one member of the team falls off the grid, he uncovers a secret even the game’s designers aren’t aware of.
Built on a disused military research facility, the futuristic headsets scan existing landscapes and re-imagines them with post-apocalyptic environments.
They battle zombies, overcome obstacles, and fight to stay alive.
But when one member of the team falls off the grid, he uncovers a secret even the game’s designers aren’t aware of.
62 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2019
99 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 15, 2019
Virtual reality is all the rage these days despite the lack of appropriate technology. I mean, there is tech in place, but it’s yet to get to the same level as your imagination. Unless it’s fiction and then it’s totally on the level. And the four friends in this novella set off on an epic stag party to one such a facility, all four being huge zombie fans, they book a weekend in a former army compound that specializes in merging CGI and virtual reality with practical effects for the most immersive zombie killing experience ever. Fun will be had for all and some will have too much fun, because when realities bleed together, strange and dangerous things may occur. In fact, one might go virtually insane (buh dum dum) trying to get out. But puns aside, this was a surprisingly entertaining story. Surprisingly, because I’ve never heard of the author and downloaded this for free on a whim to pass some time and it turned out pretty well written, professionally edited and lots of fun with a nice twist in the end. Actually not the direction I figured the story was going in, but still, very nice. So yeah, genre fans and especially zombie fans should appreciate this. It certainly proved to be a very fun diversion for about 40 minutes one evening, read in the dark for maximum effect. Recommended.
February 27, 2021
"Four friends celebrate a stag weekend at Virtual Insanity, a cutting-edge virtual reality company.
They battle zombies, overcome obstacles, and fight to stay alive.
But when one member of the team falls off the grid, he uncovers a secret even the game’s designers aren’t aware of."
"Virtual Insanity" by Charlie Dalton is a fast, action packed short story that will entertain you from the start to the quick finish.
Tying in the story with the real life technology of VR (virtual reality) games gives the story a feel for being real and not so impossible.
The characters (4 childhood friends) come across as authentic, enhanced by the dialog which is very real.
The plot is believable and well written, solid characters and a surprise ending make this an enjoyable read.
They battle zombies, overcome obstacles, and fight to stay alive.
But when one member of the team falls off the grid, he uncovers a secret even the game’s designers aren’t aware of."
"Virtual Insanity" by Charlie Dalton is a fast, action packed short story that will entertain you from the start to the quick finish.
Tying in the story with the real life technology of VR (virtual reality) games gives the story a feel for being real and not so impossible.
The characters (4 childhood friends) come across as authentic, enhanced by the dialog which is very real.
The plot is believable and well written, solid characters and a surprise ending make this an enjoyable read.
December 24, 2019
Wow, this book sucked. Poorly written with stilted, clunky dialogue and an ending that was just ridiculous. At least it was short. And free.
January 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this short story. The authors writing style is so fresh and riveting. Though it's short, it still packs a punch and holds your attention from start to finish. My only gripe is the ending, I was desperate for answers about what Georgie found! But nevertheless, it's a worthy 4 star read.
July 5, 2019
A fantastic read.
A fantastic short read. I would love to have read more. I liked the story and the characters. I hope there is more to come. 5*.
A fantastic short read. I would love to have read more. I liked the story and the characters. I hope there is more to come. 5*.
August 2, 2020
Pat, Jack, Ron and Georgie are having a different kind of stag event for Ron, who is marrying soon. Instead of a night on the town, they are trying out a new virtual reality zombie event. The technology is advanced and they are all impressed by what they are shown when they arrive. Everything through the headsets look real-the landscapes, the weapons and the zombies. The men can't wait to get started on the game and their first zombie encounters leave them tired and excited by the realism. Pat and Ron decide to create a diversion and draw the zombies away to let Jack and Georgie enter the building and find the 'cure' in the lab that means they win the game. This is when things go a little wrong.
I can't say anything else without spoiling the book but I enjoyed this short zombie novella. I'm not a tech person but I actually found the descriptions of the virtual reality technology interesting, and it sounds like the kind of thing that lots of people would enjoy playing. There was realism in Georgie struggling to stop wasting bullets as he tried to shoot the zombies rather than everyone being instantly accurate. I liked the overall set up of the story and the satisfying ending. Yes I was able to predict the couple of twists in the plot but that never stopped it being an enjoyable read. This was my first Charlie Dalton read and I look forward to reading more by the author.
3.5 stars.
I can't say anything else without spoiling the book but I enjoyed this short zombie novella. I'm not a tech person but I actually found the descriptions of the virtual reality technology interesting, and it sounds like the kind of thing that lots of people would enjoy playing. There was realism in Georgie struggling to stop wasting bullets as he tried to shoot the zombies rather than everyone being instantly accurate. I liked the overall set up of the story and the satisfying ending. Yes I was able to predict the couple of twists in the plot but that never stopped it being an enjoyable read. This was my first Charlie Dalton read and I look forward to reading more by the author.
3.5 stars.
September 1, 2020
When four lifelong friends go on a stag weekend in Scotland, they find themselves unprepared for the shocks that await them at the Virtual Insanity virtual reality experience.
Having booked themselves in for a survival course against high resolution, bloodthirsty zombies, the friends are tasked with finding a cure for the virus. But staggering between them and the precious remedy are multitudes of the undead, a huge amount of adrenaline and their own delicate friendships. Not everything will survive.
Another cracker from Charlie Dalton, I really enjoyed this short story. The relationships between the characters were very well-observed. I liked the dialogue and the story in general. Reading it, I felt like it should be a film with Danny Dyer.
A great story and (much as I don’t usually mention it) a gorgeous cover. Bloody brilliant. I just wanted it to be longer.
Having booked themselves in for a survival course against high resolution, bloodthirsty zombies, the friends are tasked with finding a cure for the virus. But staggering between them and the precious remedy are multitudes of the undead, a huge amount of adrenaline and their own delicate friendships. Not everything will survive.
Another cracker from Charlie Dalton, I really enjoyed this short story. The relationships between the characters were very well-observed. I liked the dialogue and the story in general. Reading it, I felt like it should be a film with Danny Dyer.
A great story and (much as I don’t usually mention it) a gorgeous cover. Bloody brilliant. I just wanted it to be longer.
July 5, 2020
How neat would it be to fight zombies in a virtual setting? Well, when a group of friends decides that is how they will spend the weekend nothing could possibly go wrong right? As this short story unfolds we get to see just how creative this company is and what happens when the player uncovers something. This is just a short quick zombie story not very graphic or in-depth. If you are looking for something to pass the time then this would be it.
April 23, 2024
Entertaining Novella
Four friends come together to experience a new virtual reality experience but one of them “falls out” of the game with shocking results.
I saw no grammatical errors, the writing and dialogue were tight, and the characterization was excellent.
The result was an entertaining work that in my imagination made the experience of reading just as real as the game world the four friends found themselves.
Four friends come together to experience a new virtual reality experience but one of them “falls out” of the game with shocking results.
I saw no grammatical errors, the writing and dialogue were tight, and the characterization was excellent.
The result was an entertaining work that in my imagination made the experience of reading just as real as the game world the four friends found themselves.
January 5, 2020
This is the last of Charlie Dalton's novellas. I thoroughly enjoy his writing and look forward to reading his full lengths novels soon. This story wasn't quite as enjoyable as the others as I felt it didn't quite explore its full potential. However, it still had some great moments and ended with the classic Dalton cliffhanger I have come to expect.
December 18, 2025
Four friends celebrate a weekend at Virtual Insanity, a cutting-edge virtual reality company.
Built on a disused military research facility, the futuristic headsets scan existing landscapes and re-imagines them with post-apocalyptic environments.
They battle zombies, overcome obstacles, and fight to stay alive.
But the game has unintended real life consequences
Built on a disused military research facility, the futuristic headsets scan existing landscapes and re-imagines them with post-apocalyptic environments.
They battle zombies, overcome obstacles, and fight to stay alive.
But the game has unintended real life consequences
January 2, 2020
Glad it was a short read
This really was a build up to nowhere, and I'm sorry I took the bait. The premise was good and started out strong but the ending didn't match the story. I would recommend that if you're searching for a short story, please pass by this one.
This really was a build up to nowhere, and I'm sorry I took the bait. The premise was good and started out strong but the ending didn't match the story. I would recommend that if you're searching for a short story, please pass by this one.
April 2, 2020
I rate this 2.5/5
There is a Total Recall vibe to this short story, only with zombies thrown in. I enjoy science fiction, but the dialogue grated on me. He said, she said after every bit of dialogue made it feel stilted.
There is a Total Recall vibe to this short story, only with zombies thrown in. I enjoy science fiction, but the dialogue grated on me. He said, she said after every bit of dialogue made it feel stilted.
August 21, 2020
Brief tale strange mix of reality and fantasy revolving around revenge among close freiinds
Well written and developed appropriate tension. Interesting theme in relation to advanced in gaming although short.
Not the ending U expected
Well written and developed appropriate tension. Interesting theme in relation to advanced in gaming although short.
Not the ending U expected
January 11, 2020
Eerie and Awesome highly recommend reading!
June 5, 2020
I did like this short story! Good ideas & nice attention to detail, good twist at the end! I will look for more by this author!
July 20, 2020
Awesome book
Well for a short story this was a very fun read and quite enjoyable to boot...made me want to check out zombie hotel...loved the ending
Well for a short story this was a very fun read and quite enjoyable to boot...made me want to check out zombie hotel...loved the ending
August 21, 2021
Scary and worrisome…
Could virtual reality (VR) ever develop the ability to become permanent reality?
This tale might make you consider the possibility…
Could virtual reality (VR) ever develop the ability to become permanent reality?
This tale might make you consider the possibility…
May 11, 2023
Very entertaining short story.
July 1, 2019
Originally posted on the book blog Creature From the Book Lagoon.
* I recieved a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
"Four friends celebrate a stag weekend at Virtual Insanity, a cutting-edge virtual reality company.
Built on a disused military research facility, the futuristic headsets scan existing landscapes and re-imagines them with post-apocalyptic environments. They battle zombies, overcome obstacles, and fight to stay alive. But when one member of the team falls off the grid, he uncovers a secret even the game’s designers aren’t aware of."
Charlie has put out several bite sized novellas lately that have been a true blast to read. Virtual Insanity was no different. And just like with the other novellas, I wished that this one had been a full length book! It was just too much fun to say good bye so soon! You could easily read this in one sitting. One or two hours, tops. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
If you are thinking this will be just a typical zombie plot, you are very much mistaken. I can’t say too much, though, I don’t want to spoil the surprise. I will say this, the VR game sounds so epic! It successfully gets you adrenaline pumping as you put yourself in the shoes of the characters playing the game. there is also plenty of anticipation as you wait to see what goes wrong. You know it’s coming… you just don’t know what or when it will be! They are playing in an abandoned military facility. That is never, EVER a good thing!!
This was super entertaining. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by this author so far. Charlie Dalton is a name I’m definitely going to keep my eye on.
* I recieved a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
"Four friends celebrate a stag weekend at Virtual Insanity, a cutting-edge virtual reality company.
Built on a disused military research facility, the futuristic headsets scan existing landscapes and re-imagines them with post-apocalyptic environments. They battle zombies, overcome obstacles, and fight to stay alive. But when one member of the team falls off the grid, he uncovers a secret even the game’s designers aren’t aware of."
Charlie has put out several bite sized novellas lately that have been a true blast to read. Virtual Insanity was no different. And just like with the other novellas, I wished that this one had been a full length book! It was just too much fun to say good bye so soon! You could easily read this in one sitting. One or two hours, tops. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
If you are thinking this will be just a typical zombie plot, you are very much mistaken. I can’t say too much, though, I don’t want to spoil the surprise. I will say this, the VR game sounds so epic! It successfully gets you adrenaline pumping as you put yourself in the shoes of the characters playing the game. there is also plenty of anticipation as you wait to see what goes wrong. You know it’s coming… you just don’t know what or when it will be! They are playing in an abandoned military facility. That is never, EVER a good thing!!
This was super entertaining. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by this author so far. Charlie Dalton is a name I’m definitely going to keep my eye on.
July 2, 2019
When one of their group of four best friends since primary school decides to get married, Georgie arranges the ultimate stag weekend at a new, high-tech, virtual reality game resort. But when the four friends arrive, doubts about the facility arise – the location is remote and the former military facilities grim and bare bones. However, when the resort staff demonstrates the equipment the four will be using for their adventure, the guys are all back on board and ready for play: the graphics are unbelievably real and the computer interface flawless.
The next morning when they begin their “mission” they are amazed by how real things seem and they successfully complete the first level of the game. But as they forge ahead, the scenario gets trickier and trickier, and the group splits up in order to accomplish a particularly tough task. And we all know … don’t split up…
Virtual Insanity is another great short story by author Charlie Dalton. Mixed in with an interesting plot, the characters are great, and the comraderie among the old friends is a lot of fun. As I read I felt more like I was watching a movie. It was very entertaining and I read it in one sitting. I highly recommend this one!
July 16, 2019
A group of young men go away for a few days on a stag party to an isolated hotel which is offering the experience of an immersive real life game experience called Virtual Insanity to its guests. The guys were all being very brash about this and saying they were looking forward to experiencing this game which instead of the usual quests had attacks by zombies! However once the put their headsets on things take a turn which they had no control over, and there is no out of this! Suddenly they have no idea what is real and what is not. Another short but very gripping horror story with a vicious punch to the stomach, enjoy if you love horror stories.
July 8, 2019
Was given a complimentary copy by author in exchange for an honest review.
Another brilliant 5 star novella by an author who’s fast becoming one of my favourites. Gripping read that you can devour in one afternoon but characters and places are well written so you feel that you’re gaming along with them.
Four school friends embark on a gaming stag weekend that is like no other. Virtual reality headsets make the zombie game come alive and with “real” weapons they kill their way through to complete their mission.
Ultimate reality zombie game
Another brilliant 5 star novella by an author who’s fast becoming one of my favourites. Gripping read that you can devour in one afternoon but characters and places are well written so you feel that you’re gaming along with them.
Four school friends embark on a gaming stag weekend that is like no other. Virtual reality headsets make the zombie game come alive and with “real” weapons they kill their way through to complete their mission.
Ultimate reality zombie game
July 15, 2019
Is it a computer game that is so realistic that it turns one of the group of friends that are out for a bachelor weekend into a zombie, or is it just bad luck that one of them gets infected by the zombie virus when he accidentally stumbles upon an old defunct military bunker? An enjoyable quick read; the characters with all their issues are very believable.
June 24, 2019
Not your typical zombie story
This short story was great! I really liked how a virtual video game was incorporated into the mix. And the end was just as good. Definitely loving these short stories from this author.
This short story was great! I really liked how a virtual video game was incorporated into the mix. And the end was just as good. Definitely loving these short stories from this author.
July 6, 2019
Virtual Insanity
If you like techno thrillers... if you like books that leave you thinking “What if...?” If you like gaming and zombies... you’ll LOVE this book! Spellbinding with a “Gotcha!” surprise ending. Loved it!
If you like techno thrillers... if you like books that leave you thinking “What if...?” If you like gaming and zombies... you’ll LOVE this book! Spellbinding with a “Gotcha!” surprise ending. Loved it!
June 25, 2019
A very interesting take on Zombies and the ending is what really makes the book good
August 13, 2019
The story was okay, but it had an open ending that was anti-climactic and kind of confusing.
August 25, 2019
Enjoy this book
This book really kept my interest. Didn't want to put it down. Can't believe the ending wasn't what I was expecting.
This book really kept my interest. Didn't want to put it down. Can't believe the ending wasn't what I was expecting.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews