Just City

By: Olga Tymofiyeva

Narrated by: Douglas Dorda

Length: 4 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Just City is the story of 21-year-old Nathan, who dreams about creating a cool start-up with his friend Jack. To get money for the start-up, Nathan starts playing a virtual reality game as part of a scientific experiment. The game forces Nathan to discover what it is like to be in the skin of somebody else, for whom the cards have been dealt differently. The depressing experiences of playing the game make Nathan question his belief in meritocracy and pick a fight with Jack. What is just, and what do we really deserve? This is only the beginning of Nathan’s search for a new life credo that will have both love and reason at its core.

©2022 Olga Tymofiyeva (P)2023 Olga Tymofiyeva

YA Story

This was my first Olga Tymofiyeva's book. What if... This is an interesting YA Story (almost Dystopian/LITRPG). The storyline is fast-paced, ethically intriguing, and entertaining. Douglas Dorda did an excellent job bringing these characters and this story to life. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Stellar YA Dystopian Narration!!!

Dorda is a fresh voice in the YA genre and delivers a satisfying and connected performance. He brings out Nathan's youthful POV and all the characters with vivid punch. I would love to hear him in more fantasy and LitRPG work. Excellent quality overall, but hearing this story in audio is the way to go!!

Insightful, original and relevant.

A novel that sits at the cross section of many profound themes: free will, merit, technology, entrepreneurship, spirituality…

It never falls prey to east answers and it takes bold stances on each of them. Many of the characters are people we’ve all met, or possibly have been ourselves, making it relatable and thought provoking.

Ultimately, it feels like a book from which three more could spawn, to explore its many themes more deeply, and yet a perspe t starting point to see how they intersect.

Non-Traditionally Captivating

Olga did a great job with this story. I'll be transparent, I almost gave up on the story just because I felt, well, like all of the development of characters was being wasted. Talk about a swing in course! one chapter changed everything and showed the talent this author has. I highly recommend this and recommend even more strongly to share with those that are close to you that enjoy a good read.

I Enjoyed It

I really enjoyed this book. It's not what I usually read, but I like the concept of living out different lives/genders/races/ages/circumstances, and learning new perspectives while doing so and growing as a person. I love the concept of this book- using virtual reality and a game created for this specific purpose. Nathan was so confident he would excel and comes to realize he still has things to learn and question. And what he saw as an easy opportunity to make money for a start-up will affect the course of his own life. I listened to this audiobook narrated by Douglas Dorda. I liked the sound of his voice overall, and like the different tones he used for different character voices. This is my first book by this author and my first time listening to this narrator.

Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 4 stars
Story: 4 stars

Almost LITRPG

Olga Tymofiyeva's "Just City" is a captivating tale that ventures into the realms of virtual reality and explores the intriguing concept of experiencing life through a different lens. Narrated by the skilled Douglas Dorda, the audiobook takes listeners on a thought-provoking journey that resonates with themes often found in the LITRPG (Literary Role-Playing Game) genre, yet cleverly distinguishes itself from the crowd.

Set in the not-so-distant future, "Just City" introduces us to a technological marvel: a virtual world where people can assume the lives of others. While this premise is reminiscent of typical LITRPG elements, Tymofiyeva adeptly crafts a narrative that transcends conventional genre boundaries. The story isn't solely concerned with power-leveling, game mechanics, or battling monsters, which often dominate traditional LITRPGs. Instead, it delves into the profound human experience of empathy and personal growth.

The heart of "Just City" lies in its exploration of the age-old question: What is it like to live as someone else? Through the eyes of the main character, listeners are thrust into a variety of personas, each with its own set of circumstances, emotions, and challenges. This multi-faceted perspective offers a deeper understanding of the intricacies of human nature, sparking contemplation about identity, privilege, and the choices that shape our lives.

Douglas Dorda's narration is a commendable complement to Tymofiyeva's writing. His expressive tone and skillful portrayal of different characters aid in bringing the diverse array of personas to life, enhancing the emotional resonance of the story. Dorda's ability to seamlessly switch between characters adds an immersive layer to the audiobook, making the shifts in perspectives feel both natural and engaging.

While "Just City" may not fully fit the traditional mold of the LITRPG genre, it's important to approach this audiobook with an open mind, because it comes darn close. Tymofiyeva presents a unique blend of speculative fiction and philosophical exploration, enticing listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider the experiences of others. If you're seeking a narrative that goes beyond the boundaries of its genre, and if you're intrigued by the idea of walking a mile in someone else's shoes – or many miles, in this case – then "Just City" is a worthy addition to your listening list.

Just City offers a fresh take on the LITRPG-inspired concept. By delving into the complexities of living as someone else and experiencing life through different perspectives, the audiobook prompts introspection while delivering an immersive and thought-provoking narrative. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to inspire empathy and broaden our understanding of the human condition.

Awesome

I loved this story and wish there was more from the world. There was a bit where it was pausing a ton both through phone and computer app so might be in the story (could be my end). Wish it was longer or more

A truly great human ethics & thought excitement

A wonderful listen that digs into thought-provoking ethics and moral issues that tug on our societies oftentimes lack of empathy. The author explores the human desires to belong and find connections and the struggle that young adults can face trying to set in place a system of personal beliefs, to sort through societal pressures and influences and make sense of the world around them.

Much like my belief that everyone should work a restaurant service job to understand the stress of a seemingly simple low skill job as an exercise is empathy, the opening act introduces a concept of that thought experiment that takes putting yourself into others shoes to the next level.

the narrator effortlessly brings to life the young protagonist with a feel of honest yearning to be a productive part of society and you feel connected through their journey and growth. the outstanding writing and clear language make complicated topics and concepts feel intuitive with the smooth, easy narration style, allowing you to feel you are right along for the ride.

I highly recommend for young adult reading and those that like a lighter side of the "What if" genre of series like Black Mirror.

Is point of view is so important

This is something that should be in every library and taught in every civic class Your point of view when dealing with this sort of thing is so important and this book shows it

Opening One's Eyes and Mind!

Olga Tymofiyeva creates a realistic point of view of Nathan’s coming-of-age journey. The young man’s grandmother, a neuroscientist, creates a virtual reality experience, Just City, to highlight the origins of critical thinking. Elements of John Rawl’s novel, Veil of Ignorance, is used to understand the impact society has on the outcome of an individual’s life. Superb character development helped deliver a relatable story. Told in the first person, one feels Nathan's turmoil, uncertainty, and logical growth. Life experiences and their impact on an individual can be monumental.

Nathan plunges into the four-week virtual reality game, hoping to win the purse to fund his startup opportunity with his college friends. Along this journey, he questions many things he’s taken for granted as a young adult, including his best friend, Jack. The actions of his friends result in his exploring possibilities outside his established comfort zone. His initial worldview lacks compassion for others, yet he recalls his mother’s lessons in his early life. Broadening his horizons opens his eyes to a different yet balanced perspective.

Though this is a psychological thriller, it has enough points that make one think of the possibilities. The story is well-written, and the audiobook helps immerse the listener inside Nathan’s mind, living the same experiences. The game is potentially a mind-blowing event, resulting in different outcomes for everyone.

Douglas Dorda, the narrator, does a fantastic rendition of this original story. There were no problems or issues with the quality of the sound. Fans of psychological thrillers on the foundation for a coming-of-age journey will enjoy the story and want the game. Whether you read or listen, Just City will make you think and then read or listen again. Outstanding.