Players

by D.W. Harvey

All the world's a stage.

And anyone can be programmed to be a player.

Kristine Russel doesn't know her life is a construct of HRP's neural technology.

When a chance encounter stirs up questions, Kristine discovers her life isn't what she thought.

Now she must reconcile her present and past identities.

To gain her freedom, she'll risk everything.

19 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2020

About the author

DW Harvey's writing career has taken an atypical route. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, she received her Electrical Engineering degree and went into Information Technology.

But her love of myth, legend, and folklore remained. It is anchored by the first book she remembers reading, Aesop’s Fables, and other influential tales like The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Dante’s Inferno, and Greek Mythology.

She began telling stories using her Fisher Price toy sets . . . knights on horseback, daring princesses, and evil doers to be fought. Her interests in the supernatural and paranormal brought her back to storytelling as an adult, when during walks with her dog, a story unfolded, and she began writing. She enjoys exploring the worlds that may be hidden beneath the veil of what’s visible.

DW Harvey has penned numerous short stories and is currently working on her first novel. She has served on the Board of the Southern California Writer’s Association and is an organizer in the Long Beach Writer’s Critique Group.

She lives in Orange County, California with her husband and dog. In her spare time, she enjoys walks in the park, sewing, and watching movies.

Reviews

[Brennan Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thrilling look into a dystopian future.

During a chance encounter, Kristine Russel is accosted by someone who claims to be her sister. This starts a roller coaster ride where Kristine discovers her life isn't what she believes it to be.

Great plot and pacing. Kristine is a strong woman who you will root for!

[A K Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!

Leaves you on edge of your seat wanting more
Incredible book by incredible author
Don't believe me? :) Should check it out to find out!

[Cathleen Maza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this entertaining piece of short fiction about a future where software can be downloaded into the brains of human subjects. The problem, of course, is that these humans are regular people yanked from their own lives to become what are known as "Players". As the title implies, the people pulling the strings have little regard for the humanity inside their projects. Very interesting premise and well plotted for a smooth short story presentation.

[Bibiana Krall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Players by D.W. Harvey was a short and engaging read.

The inciting incident involving a mistaken identity takes the reader down a rabbit hole of lies and deceit.

It certainly asks the important question as to how technology will be used in the future to escape reality and/or to control others. This is something I think about a lot and always wonder if I experienced something like what happens in the story, would I stay calm long enough to find the truth...

I don't do spoilers, but I enjoy books and short stories that bring me in and allow me to "walk" with the MC. If you enjoy dystopian, science fiction, futurism and tech you would enjoy reading this story.

[Barbara Daniels Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if?

What if? This is the question the reader will surely ask as he or she reads this intriguing short story. One never knows what does lurk in the experiments of men and Ms. Harvey lays out an intriguing thought drama to ponder. An enjoyable read.

[J.]

Short story introduces characters, setting, and the author's sci fi universe. It's possibly the first salvo in either a series or a longer novel, but while there's an ending, there's not a true ending. Well written and engaging story. Yes, I'd read more.