Though I have read a number of fantasy books, in the genre of sci-fi & dystopia I am still new. Before Diwali, I saw “Cloud 9” by N. Matthias Moore. I found the blurb interesting. Though book’s reviews were few, the cover got me attached to it. So I took the book.
Book Blurb
The year is 2109. Michael is one of San Francisco's most notorious VR gamers in a world of uninhibited debauchery. Now at the turn of the 22nd century, the effects of cultural collapse compel the gaming aficionado to leave his sedated existence and venture on a quest for virtual utopia. But first, he must traverse nine levels inside a computer-brain interface or pay the ultimate price. The promise of living the rest of one's days in a computer-simulated paradise may be too enticing to resist, but for Michael Tillman and his girlfriend Valerie reality is hardly what it seems. Meet Real Games Enterprise RGE the underground cartel pandering the Cloud software that requires players to complete nine levels within the game or suffer elimination. With only three lives to win, failure results in death when their data is terminated. Outside threats from those determined to undermine the Cloud software finally puts RGE in jeopardy when they're attacked by infiltrators who don't like secrets.
The story goes like this, in the year 2109 when futuristic technologies reached its peak, virtual reality was taking over things. In fast-track world, partly stressed partly lost, Michael Tillman took solace in Virtual Reality Gaming. His only support was his girlfriend Valerie. He was broken inside & feels lonely (even after having a family). Things changed when he got a letter from Real Games Enterprise RGE a virtual reality gaming company. They offered him Virtual Paradise if he could clear their game. Unlike the previous games, he played, this was a completely different technology and environment. He had to clear 9 stages with 3 lives. The only clause was if he loses 3 lives he would lose his real life as well. (Sounds interesting? Yes it is new) The developer of the game (named as Manager) wanted government approval for the game to control population. But someone was against it. Manager’s only hope was the victory of Michael. Read the book to know more.
The book reached us in the 3rd week of November, but busy schedule postponed the review. Determined to reach the goal, I took the book in last week of November. Though it took me a few pages to attach myself with the story, once I got my hands on tempo I finished it in 2-3 days. Actually, I read too many Indian authors, that has set my mindset for reading. This habit always slows down my pace while reading foreign authors. Same happened with me while reading Cloud 9. The is no mistake from author’s side.
Good points about the book
- Multi-Genre book – Yes you heard me right. Action, Thriller, Scifi, Suspense, Psychology, Gaming & whatnot.
- The character of Manager – (called as a mad scientist by another party) Each of his actions & dialogs will amaze you. It had multiple interpretations which makes you guess what exactly he meant.
- Conceptualization – The whole idea of VR Game is just amazing. Though scary, if lives are not at the stack, such technologies can create a complete revolution.
- Cover – 4.5/5
- Character – 4.5/5
- Concept – 5/5
- Overall – 4.5/5
Reviews from other readers can be found at GoodReads
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