Epic

By: Conor Kostick

Narrated by: Samuel E. Hoke

Welcome to a society governed through computer games!

On New Earth, society is governed and conflicts are resolved in the arena of a fantasy computer game, Epic. If you win, you have the chance to fulfill your dreams; if you lose, your life both in and out of the game is worth nothing. When teenage Erik dares to subvert the rules of Epic, he and his friends must face the Committee. If Erik and his friends win, they may have the key to destroying the Committee's tyranny. But if they lose....

©2004 Conor Kostick (P)2018 Conor Kostick

Are you game?

This book is for readers who enjoy fantasy, video games, role play, adventure, and coming of age. Epic, the GAME in the story, was set up to be the bases for the planet’s economy, for a means of government, for a place to bring grievances and challenge decisions.

There was a group of individuals known as Central Allocation (CA). They would make decisions regarding everything that happened on the planet. If citizens or communities disagreed, they would challenge the decisions, a battle would ensue in the arena within Epic. Residents adopt an avatar which they use to play the game and earn coin, to participate in protests, earn a spot in university. While some people work outside the game, university trained individuals, worked inside the game.

The story focuses on Erik and his family, friends and community. As his parents and neighbours try to get need resources or their community, Erik’s Mom dies - in game. This generates changes in Erik’s interaction with Epic. Follow him and his newly created avatar, Sindrella ( a swashbuckling gorgeous heroine). His gaming experience is far different than others he has heard about. His journey leads him to some serious realizations for one so young. He leads his friends through some exciting and groundbreaking adventures. Their discoveries have the potential to turn their world in a whole new direction.

Samuel Hoke carries the story along with a variety of voices that brings characters alive and their personalities dynamic. The story is long but keeps you engaged for the most part.

LitRPG before it was a thing...

This is a pretty interesting book, because it came out long before the big litrpg/gamelit explosion of the past several years. I'd have you keep it at in mind as you read, because while it certainly uses some classic genre tropes, it does it BEFORE they became tropes. it was a fun listen and I look forward to book 2 coming to audio.

I truly want more of this genre.

This is a story about the future of computer gaming. Not sitting behind a monitor but being inside and part of the game. This is a story of a young man who decides to play the game instead of just being a part of it. His dairing finds an exploit that gains him fame and fortune, or maybe not. This is worth a relaxing listen, and I really look forward to more books like this one. I am downloading the second book now.

the end of the world.

who would expect or hope for this as our future. I for one would be scared. but for reading about it I was riveted. if u like onling gaming and professional players and pseudo dystopian world's. I recommend

Great Book, Terrible Reader

The actual story is magnificent. One of my favorites of all time. However the reader made it a struggle to listen to. The only reason I finished it is because I had read the series before and wanted to relive it as an audiobook.