Nova Project #1

A teen gamer plays for his life.Miguel Anderson is dying. And so is Earth. In this dystopian future the planet is coming undone, and society distracts itself with virtual-reality games. Winning these games earns players rewards, and Miguel is saving up for a new heart to replace his own malfunctioning one. His favorite game is "Chimera." When its maker announces a new game and seeks out beta testers, Miguel is chosen to work with a team to conquer the game's 12 levels. Trevayne milks the VR scenes for all they're worth, crafting elaborate action sequences and a dread-filled mood. Some of it works, but the trouble with setting most of a book in a computer is the constant reminder that none of the threats are real; the attempt to posit the idea that death in a game leads to real-life death doesn't really get traction. The second half of the novel pivots into a conspiracy thriller when Miguel becomes aware he and his teammates are being manipulated by the godlike game makers, which ratchets up the tension nicely. The novel is overlong, losing its way in the middle, which is essentially just about a person playing a video game, but the final chapters and explosive finale even things out. Race is not mentioned, but naming conventions that mix ethnicities suggest a fairly blended society. An overlong but reasonably effective dystopian thriller. (Science fiction. 14-17) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 1, 2016

Gr 9 Up-Miguel Anderson spends all his free time playing Chimera, a virtual reality game, just like everyone else in his dying world, a futuristic Earth. But whereas others are playing for fun, fame, or prizes, Miguel is trying to save his life. He is in need of a biometric heart and the only way to get one is to earn it through the game. When the mysterious Gamerunners announce a team-based competition to test a new version of Chimera, Miguel knows this is his chance. As the protagonist and his team progress through the new Chimera, they start to uncover the sinister truth behind it. First in a duology, this fast-paced story keeps readers guessing until the end. Although answers to most questions are slowly unraveled, a fantasy twist leaves the narrative far from complete. While readers looking for a straight science fiction novel may be let down by the ending, others might find that this differentiates it from other, similar stories. The portrayal of the game is complex and inventive, but the secondary characters don't have this same level of depth. Names and minor physical descriptions imply a racially diverse cast, but any sense of culture seems to be a thing of the past. Relationships all feel underdeveloped. VERDICT A suitable choice for sci-fi/fantasy readers looking for an action-packed story.-Jenna Friebel, Oak Park Public Library, IL

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