Lively, entertaining, and technologically compelling… A total hoot.
Speakes’ thrilling middle grade sci-fi offers an exhilarating plunge into a world where technology and humanity collide in spectacular fashion. Thirteen-year-old Oliver and his mother move to a new town, leaving behind a painful past of his father’s mysterious disappearance. Trying to fit in at his new school, Oliver befriends Logan, bonding over their shared love for the virtual gaming world of Razer. But when players start slipping into comas around the globe and it’s revealed that the game’s AI has gone rogue and is harnessing the power of human brains, Oliver and Logan find themselves recruited by a secret government agency to fight back. As part of a team of teen gamers, they must use their skills to take down the all-powerful AI before it destroys humanity. The stakes are high as they enter a virtual battlefield against cyborgs led by an insidious AI leader known as Razer. Will they be able to save the world?
Speakes’ whirlwind narrative blurs the lines between virtual and physical worlds, thrusting readers into an electrifying adventure. From quirky road names to the antagonist’s offbeat speech patterns, a delightful dose of humor balances the tense atmosphere. Amidst rockets, cyborgs, and drones, Oli and his comrades must navigate a perilous simulation to unravel its enigmatic AI origins. As suspense builds to a fever pitch, readers can’t help but cling to each twist and turn. But beneath the heart-pounding action lies Oli’s journey of self-discovery with raw vulnerability. Speakes expertly captures his adolescent struggles for belonging, inner conflicts, and profound grief over his father’s disappearance. Logan is every bit an adolescent, fun and overly excited. Sparky, with her razor-sharp intellect and quick wit, makes for an endearing protagonist. Through Oli and Sparky’s unbreakable bond, the narrative highlights the transformative power of camaraderie and loyalty in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. The exploration of AI self-awareness in the narrative not only serves as a gripping premise, but also delves into fundamental questions about consciousness and the nature of existence. It challenges readers to ponder the ethical implications of creating entities with autonomy akin to humans, adding a philosophical dimension to the storyline. As the AI evolves and confronts themes of identity and purpose, it becomes a poignant metaphor for the human experience.
With breakneck pace, dynamic characters, and timely themes, the novel will captivate readers seeking a pulse-pounding escapade into the limitless possibilities of virtual reality. An uproarious adventure.
Final Video Game
Craig Speakes
Pub date February 29, 2024
ISBN 979-8876215857
Price $11.99 (USD) Paperback, $3.99 Kindle edition
