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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
The God Game by Danny Tobey (released 1/7)
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Thank you to SMP for the free ebook!
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I’m going to start by saying this book had an intriguing premise. Not totally new, but if we’ll executed, could be great. And while I think DT executes certain parts well, others not so much. This book was 500 pages. Longest game ever. Also, there were so many characters and all had their own storylines. By the end I truly didn’t care about any of them. I think if this was 100 pages less, i would feel differently. But to me this needed some more editing.
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I feel many people will enjoy this book just fine. It just was a bit much for me.
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Thank you to SMP for the free ebook!
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I’m going to start by saying this book had an intriguing premise. Not totally new, but if we’ll executed, could be great. And while I think DT executes certain parts well, others not so much. This book was 500 pages. Longest game ever. Also, there were so many characters and all had their own storylines. By the end I truly didn’t care about any of them. I think if this was 100 pages less, i would feel differently. But to me this needed some more editing.
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I feel many people will enjoy this book just fine. It just was a bit much for me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The God Game by Danny Tobey was one of my most highly anticipated January releases. While it didn't quite deliver to my expectations, it was still a good entertaining story with short chapters which keep the story moving right along. I liked getting to see just how far the developments of AI have come as well, but the rules of the world aren't quite clear enough for me as a whole. The author's brand of horror in terms of the AI worked for me (even though I've seen far too many horror movies to fall for a lot of the schemes). I think my primary issue was with the cast of characters. I wasn't all that interested in them at any point in the novel, but I was quite interested in figuring out the end game. You know when the G.O.D. Game straight up tells you that it thinks "killing feels good" right from the outset that that would be a big, old red flag. If you enjoyed Nerve, I have a feeling you may also like this novel.
The God Game by Danny Tobey was one of my most highly anticipated January releases. While it didn't quite deliver to my expectations, it was still a good entertaining story with short chapters which keep the story moving right along. I liked getting to see just how far the developments of AI have come as well, but the rules of the world aren't quite clear enough for me as a whole. The author's brand of horror in terms of the AI worked for me (even though I've seen far too many horror movies to fall for a lot of the schemes). I think my primary issue was with the cast of characters. I wasn't all that interested in them at any point in the novel, but I was quite interested in figuring out the end game. You know when the G.O.D. Game straight up tells you that it thinks "killing feels good" right from the outset that that would be a big, old red flag. If you enjoyed Nerve, I have a feeling you may also like this novel.
I hadn't heard anything about this book when my wife picked it up at the bookstore (pre-pandemic..). It sounded interesting, and she kept wanting to talk to me about it! Once I got into it, I understood why. This fast-paced book engages your mind and spirit. I found myself wondering what I'd do in such a situation, and feeling a bit of a sense of dread.
Also! The author's background in AI made the tech aspects of the story actually plausible. The application of augmented reality seemed realistic, unlike a lot of tech-dystopia scenarios on film and in books where you feel like the author and editors dropped in 'cutting-edge tech' without really understanding them.
Also! The author's background in AI made the tech aspects of the story actually plausible. The application of augmented reality seemed realistic, unlike a lot of tech-dystopia scenarios on film and in books where you feel like the author and editors dropped in 'cutting-edge tech' without really understanding them.
**Thank you St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for a honest review!!**
I can summarize this book in 2 words: F*ucked up. You just are thrown straight into it, starting with 2 friends: Charlie and Peter. Charlie is your typical "good guy" character and Peter is the opposite aka a lost hope.
Peter presents the game to Charlie after discovering in on the dark web=problem #1. Problem #2: Charlie is so infatuated with Peter that he's convinced to give the game a try (via incognito mode on his laptop). Which leads me to *drumroll* problem #3: Peter suggesting they tell the God game to go f*ck itself. Game or not, that is the most foolish thing they could do. Which is exactly what Peter does before Charlie has a chance to stop him.
I think around the next day Charlie gets a text from an anonymous # saying: hey, it's your daddy God. Your mom says hi (his mom is dead btw). I've got a job for you. Which is the beginning of his world turning upside down.
Honestly I gave up on Charlie's character early on, bored of his character. *There's a 5+ POV* Other characters we follow I liked/resonated with (all tech-savvy in a group: The Vindicators): Kenny and Vanhi. Alex character started out as an odd character that turns disturbed.
Overall, I know this book will not be for everyone, it's a disturbing and dark book. I would be 100% surprised if someone did not get offended/ triggered (maybe both) by something in this book.
**WARNING OF: abuse, racism, violence, demonic rituals, use of word: r*tar (will not write remaining letters) to describe someone, derogatory symbolism, disturbing scenes/characters, use of drugs & suicide
I can summarize this book in 2 words: F*ucked up. You just are thrown straight into it, starting with 2 friends: Charlie and Peter. Charlie is your typical "good guy" character and Peter is the opposite aka a lost hope.
Peter presents the game to Charlie after discovering in on the dark web=problem #1. Problem #2: Charlie is so infatuated with Peter that he's convinced to give the game a try (via incognito mode on his laptop). Which leads me to *drumroll* problem #3: Peter suggesting they tell the God game to go f*ck itself. Game or not, that is the most foolish thing they could do. Which is exactly what Peter does before Charlie has a chance to stop him.
I think around the next day Charlie gets a text from an anonymous # saying: hey, it's your daddy God. Your mom says hi (his mom is dead btw). I've got a job for you. Which is the beginning of his world turning upside down.
Honestly I gave up on Charlie's character early on, bored of his character. *There's a 5+ POV* Other characters we follow I liked/resonated with (all tech-savvy in a group: The Vindicators): Kenny and Vanhi. Alex character started out as an odd character that turns disturbed.
Overall, I know this book will not be for everyone, it's a disturbing and dark book. I would be 100% surprised if someone did not get offended/ triggered (maybe both) by something in this book.
**WARNING OF: abuse, racism, violence, demonic rituals, use of word: r*tar (will not write remaining letters) to describe someone, derogatory symbolism, disturbing scenes/characters, use of drugs & suicide
4/5 ⭐️
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
As many other people have said, this book felt like an episode of the show Black Mirror and it was actually terrifying. It was intense and twisted and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it. I have to say, I flew through it because it was just so addicting and I had to know what was going to happen to the characters and how the game would manipulate them.
This book is about an AI which thinks itself to literally be a God. As such, it invites our group of characters to play with it and either give them Goldz or Blaxx according to whether their actions pleases it or not. The only twist? If you win, you live, if you lose, you die. That sounds straight up dystopian and I was into it. What kept me captivated mostly was the constant feeling of being threatened and watched by this crazy AI acting just like Big Brother. It knows all, it sees all.
I do have to emphasize though that this book has really twisted themes as you can imagine with an almost sentient AI. I will not go too much into details because that would be spoilery but be warned. Nonetheless, I highly encourage you to read it if you're a fan of Black Mirror and this kind of show.
My Bookstagram
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
"It was exhausting, making everyone think you didn't care."
As many other people have said, this book felt like an episode of the show Black Mirror and it was actually terrifying. It was intense and twisted and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it. I have to say, I flew through it because it was just so addicting and I had to know what was going to happen to the characters and how the game would manipulate them.
This book is about an AI which thinks itself to literally be a God. As such, it invites our group of characters to play with it and either give them Goldz or Blaxx according to whether their actions pleases it or not. The only twist? If you win, you live, if you lose, you die. That sounds straight up dystopian and I was into it. What kept me captivated mostly was the constant feeling of being threatened and watched by this crazy AI acting just like Big Brother. It knows all, it sees all.
I do have to emphasize though that this book has really twisted themes as you can imagine with an almost sentient AI. I will not go too much into details because that would be spoilery but be warned. Nonetheless, I highly encourage you to read it if you're a fan of Black Mirror and this kind of show.
My Bookstagram
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
It took me a long time to decide on the rating for this book. This is one of the most unusual books I've read and I'm not sure why. My thoughts:
It is definitely thrilling and kept me turning the pages, late into the night.
It made me uncomfortable and I think that's both a pro and con.
Kinda think the author has some major beefs with religion, maybe even trauma.
However that's part of what makes it good, it makes you think, may even make you angry.
That's also a negative, though, because it seems a little juvenile at times, in its thinking.
The technical stuff is TECHNICAL. I skimmed a lot of that, but tech buffs will probably love it.
Such a great insight into the depths of people.
But also, so predictable on occasion. Maybe people are predictable.
Definitely some twists, though.
Chaos.
History.
Action.
Sadness.
Hope.
The references to Trump aren't many but they are a little eyeroll-y. Like, seemed afterthought-ish.
And yet.
Great characters. Well developed. Very unique.
It is definitely thrilling and kept me turning the pages, late into the night.
It made me uncomfortable and I think that's both a pro and con.
Kinda think the author has some major beefs with religion, maybe even trauma.
However that's part of what makes it good, it makes you think, may even make you angry.
That's also a negative, though, because it seems a little juvenile at times, in its thinking.
The technical stuff is TECHNICAL. I skimmed a lot of that, but tech buffs will probably love it.
Such a great insight into the depths of people.
But also, so predictable on occasion. Maybe people are predictable.
Definitely some twists, though.
Chaos.
History.
Action.
Sadness.
Hope.
The references to Trump aren't many but they are a little eyeroll-y. Like, seemed afterthought-ish.
And yet.
Great characters. Well developed. Very unique.
The God Game is a story that brings the fun of gaming with the good and bad side of A.I.
With the increase in games like Pokemon Go and Wizards Unite, the book feels like there could be people playing the G.O.D game now, and none of us would know. The way the technology overlapped reality in the book was one of my favourite elements. Even if certain aspects of the technology made me want to cover all the microphones and camera on my tech devices.
The characters in The God Game is a mix of people that we would or do know from school. The leading character Charlie has given up at school after the death of his mother. Throughout the story, Charlie deals with the moral quandary of what he is willing to do to get the best opportunity. Is getting a leg up in life worth the downfall of someone else. I enjoyed the fact that Charlie and his friends battle with the decision they make when they no the price.
Another element of the book that I felt was well done was showing each of the Vindicators (The name of Charlie friendship group) are dealing with there own issue, some dealing with different aspects of mental health. But the one thing they are all dealing with the pressure wither from home, school or society.
I did find it hard to like all the characters but that might have something to do with me being a goody two shoes at school.
Overall the book is fastpaced, with an interesting and thought-provoking plot. It's easy to read with some great surprises.
My rating for The Good Game is 4 out of 5.
Thank you to Gollancz and Netgalley for providing me with an E-book copy of The God Game for a fair and honest review.
With the increase in games like Pokemon Go and Wizards Unite, the book feels like there could be people playing the G.O.D game now, and none of us would know. The way the technology overlapped reality in the book was one of my favourite elements. Even if certain aspects of the technology made me want to cover all the microphones and camera on my tech devices.
The characters in The God Game is a mix of people that we would or do know from school. The leading character Charlie has given up at school after the death of his mother. Throughout the story, Charlie deals with the moral quandary of what he is willing to do to get the best opportunity. Is getting a leg up in life worth the downfall of someone else. I enjoyed the fact that Charlie and his friends battle with the decision they make when they no the price.
Another element of the book that I felt was well done was showing each of the Vindicators (The name of Charlie friendship group) are dealing with there own issue, some dealing with different aspects of mental health. But the one thing they are all dealing with the pressure wither from home, school or society.
I did find it hard to like all the characters but that might have something to do with me being a goody two shoes at school.
Overall the book is fastpaced, with an interesting and thought-provoking plot. It's easy to read with some great surprises.
My rating for The Good Game is 4 out of 5.
Thank you to Gollancz and Netgalley for providing me with an E-book copy of The God Game for a fair and honest review.
This book was given as an ARC - in no way that does that affect my rating as this is a fair and honest review.
Really interesting concept of a book! Enjoyed the characters and although ~450 pgs it didn’t drag or feel like a struggle to get through. Definitely recommend to 16-18 year olds but I still enjoyed it as someone who is 26. Comes out on 1/7/2020!
Really interesting concept of a book! Enjoyed the characters and although ~450 pgs it didn’t drag or feel like a struggle to get through. Definitely recommend to 16-18 year olds but I still enjoyed it as someone who is 26. Comes out on 1/7/2020!
I know I start 99.9% of my reviews off like this, but the blurb caught my attention. I have read plenty of books that use gaming a part of their main plotline. I have also read plenty of books where a game is using people for its agenda. So, what was different about this blurb that caught my eye? It was the shiver of suspense that I got from reading it. I needed to know what the GOD game was and how it was played. I will say that this book did deliver on that shiver of suspense, and it added a massive dollop of thriller also.
The God Game’s plotline is super fast. The whole book takes place within a couple of weeks of Charlie and Peter starting the game. It was so fast that I did end up having to reread some chapters because I missed things. Usually, I would be annoyed by that. But in this case, I wasn’t.
The plot for The God Game centers around Charlie and his group of coding friends, “The Vindicators.” Charlie and Peter discover The G.O.D. Game on the dark web. Charlie initially didn’t want to play the game, but Peter talked him into doing it. The G.O.D. Game is augmented reality and to play, The Vindicators got special glasses to play. The game was fun at first. Well, if you call breaking into the school and painting bloody pentagrams first. Since this was a morality based game, each good action was rewarded to Goldz or different prizes. But, each adverse action was rewarded with Blaxx. Get enough Blaxx and terrible things happen. The Vindicators soon find out that there is no getting out of The G.O.D. Game. But Charlie isn’t deterred. He and his friends (well minus Peter) are determined to quit the game. Even if that means someone dies.
There is so much that I want to say about this book. But doing so will end up with me giving away major spoilers. And it’s driving me nuts!! I will say that the author did a fantastic job of keeping me glued to my Kindle. I started reading this at breakfast (after dropping my six-year-old at school), and I was finished by 11 am. It was that good.
The God Game’s plotline is super fast. The whole book takes place within a couple of weeks of Charlie and Peter starting the game. It was so fast that I did end up having to reread some chapters because I missed things. Usually, I would be annoyed by that. But in this case, I wasn’t.
The plot for The God Game centers around Charlie and his group of coding friends, “The Vindicators.” Charlie and Peter discover The G.O.D. Game on the dark web. Charlie initially didn’t want to play the game, but Peter talked him into doing it. The G.O.D. Game is augmented reality and to play, The Vindicators got special glasses to play. The game was fun at first. Well, if you call breaking into the school and painting bloody pentagrams first. Since this was a morality based game, each good action was rewarded to Goldz or different prizes. But, each adverse action was rewarded with Blaxx. Get enough Blaxx and terrible things happen. The Vindicators soon find out that there is no getting out of The G.O.D. Game. But Charlie isn’t deterred. He and his friends (well minus Peter) are determined to quit the game. Even if that means someone dies.
There is so much that I want to say about this book. But doing so will end up with me giving away major spoilers. And it’s driving me nuts!! I will say that the author did a fantastic job of keeping me glued to my Kindle. I started reading this at breakfast (after dropping my six-year-old at school), and I was finished by 11 am. It was that good.