Otherworld: Last Reality Series

This book really had me hooked from the first page. It is the first book in a new YA sci-fi/thriller series and has already intrigued several students who have spotted me reading it and asked me about it. They can't wait to get their hands on a copy! Milo Yolkin is the creator of Otherworld, a fully immersive virtual reality game in which there are no screens or controls. The CGI is incredible and with the haptic gloves and boots you don't just see things but you can taste, smell and touch too. Simon is an avid gamer who 'borrows' his mother's credit card and orders a headset for both himself and his friend Kat so that they can meet up in virtual reality. Simon finds Otherworld addictive and the first time that he logs on, he plays for 17 hours straight. He discovers that there are no rules in Otherworld. You can live however you would like to, there are no limitations. However, with the morals of some gamers, Otherworld becomes a very dark place to be. A new disc version of the game is also being trialled on patients that are locked in a coma-like state. It is sold to relatives under the misconception that it allows the patient to live a better and fuller life. With all your needs taken care of in real life, it becomes possible to live permanently in a virtual world. However with the new game there are 'bugs' and this virtual world is a very dangerous place to be. Simon must risk his life to rescue Kat. This book is action packed and crosses several genres - sci-fi, romance, action and thriller. It will appeal to gamers and those that read and enjoyed The Maze Runner or The Hunger Games. Contains violence and occasional swearing. 355 pages / Ages 14-18+ / Reviewed by Clair Bossons, school librarian.

Suggested Reading Age 11+