Status Updates From Fun Times at the Bloodbath

Slice & dice, chop & lop! Bloody and fun so far!

Wow, quick wrap-up, kind of telegraphed from the introduction of the cheat code concept that it was going to be a rushed, oversimplified ending. Still, a little surprising.

These last frenetic chapters bear a strong resemblance to some of the best of Max Brooks' brilliant World War Z, though Strand doesn't pull off the collapse of civilization quite as elegantly. It gets a little confusing jumping around to so many different locations, households and characters, many of whom you've only just encountered for the first time. The cheat code concept is effective, but a little facile

Some of the characters describe their motivations in such a way that it's transparently story-writing commentary. It's meta and subtle and totally brilliant.

I don't compare any other books to EW Doc Parris' Walrustech series, but this book is good enough that it's in the same conversation.

The big reveal is so well done. Not just convincing but stylish and inventive. The book would've been good if it had just been entertaining with no explanation behind the lore, but this is high quality writing.

This is starting to feel a lot like Breaking Bad.

The shifts in a character's mindset through dialogue here is flawless. Every line is an evolution of addiction behavior and obsession.

A Resident Advisor in a freshman dorm...now here's a worthy victim!

The psychological transformation of the players is probably the strength or at least the foundation of this book--possibly the most disturbing part is when some of the logic starts to make sense. A lot of this is superficial thrills and surprises and humor, but this book could be a pretty good addiction allegory.

The way Strand builds tension is masterful. Breaking up the scenes of characters playing the game is necessary just so we can catch our breath, then when we return to that part of the plot, it's this magical combination of dread and glee. Great balance of gore and story so far.

These chapters just keep getting more intense. Quite an achievement. And, thankfully, Strand always stops short of splatterpunk territory.

There are a lot of stories about people being literally or figuratively sucked into video games, but this is such a great variation on that theme. Introducing the idea of different choices affecting the outcome in this very unique game is logical, but brilliant in terms of entertainment value. Even if that plot thread doesn't go anywhere, just well done.

The dialogue in this book is so authentically uncivilized, it almost reminds me of Adam Howe, but it's light years ahead in terms of writing. Brutal compared to some of the more delicate, elegant prose I read, but kind of awesome. Not to mention hilarious.

Strand is sustaining the consistent humor and compulsive page-turning qualities that I've enjoyed so much about his short stories in this novel. Addictive, fun reading.

While I've never read one of his novels, Strand's shorts have been among my favorites for years. He may not be Shakespeare, but over almost any other author, I envy his ability to bring the reader into the story within a few sentences. The flow, the mood and the voice seem to coalesce within a single paragraph, every time. The little video game graphics between chapters are cool. Great opening.