Game Slaves

Gr 9 Up—In the ever-expanding field of postapocalyptic novels, Game Slaves is an intriguing entry packed with action set in between layers and levels of video games. Phoenix and his squad of non-player characters, NPCs, are the biggest, baddest group of enemy warriors in the world of BlackStar video games. Team Phoenix has made the BlackStar video games both popular and profitable. Dakota, an outspoken new recruit added to the team, stirs up doubts by questioning the tactics of shooter games, the nonexistent prior memory of all NPCs, and the ethics of the BlackStar corporation. Without believable answers from BlackStar, Team Phoenix investigates and uncovers the deeply divided city outside of the gaming arena, Redwood, where the lives of the haves and have nots are diametrically opposed. As the characters move out of the captive game environment and move into Redwood, they gain depth and become increasingly more complex in thought and feeling. But time is running out as BlackStar and its calculating leader, Max Kode, close in on the team. The corporation needs its star combatants to stay in the game to keep money flowing into its coffers. The compelling adventure appears to end on a bit of a false note, but that is merely cover for a last minute plot twist that is thought-provoking and unexpected. Although much of the action takes place away from the usual video game setting, the book may be a hard sell to readers who are not already enthusiastic gamers.—Cindy Wall, Southington Library & Museum, CT