Gaming Fiction By Matt Dinniman

Every Grain of Sand by Matt Dinniman

An action adventure, which appears to be aimed at the Young Adult market, because of the age of the characters. However, it does contain a few mature triggers – violence and sexual references. I had very high expectations, because I have enjoyed the author’s LITRPG fiction. This is not the same. It is readable, but not as gripping and addictive. 

I also squirmed a little at the characterisation. The characters are multicultural, but it seems there is too much emphasis on race. “Indigo” was a complex persona, but on the surface, presented as dark skinned. Indigo means very dark blue – and may be a popular girls name in some circles – but I don’t know - a coloured name?? The Australian boy has an “accent”, although no one speaks either British or American English in the after-world. GRR. Even the Japanese girl seems a bit over defined by her culture. Good try Matt – but maybe you could tweak it a little.

I read an advance review copy delivered by Book Sirens.   

Kaiju by Matt Dinniman

I had a peek at the other reviews and was almost frightened to read this book. I am now up to Chapter 11, and I can report that it does qualify as gaming fiction – although full immersion, forced gaming is a bit different. I can think of a few things in real life that it could function as a metaphor for… 

Yes, it is body horror, as the gaming is happening inside a mythical creature. The protagonist has chosen an unusually visceral race/class and hosts a parasite. I believe there is worse to come, the author even warns in the imprint. However, I’m female, a little bit fussy, and I’m not stopping reading – yet.

Okay, now I’m on Chapter 26. A quest plot has formed, and while the “game” is very subversive regarding normal boundaries, I have concluded the author is having a good old chuckle as he writes. Maybe it’s horror. Maybe it’s gross comedy. 

Don’t expect a WOW or MMORPG piece of fan fiction. This is truly bizarre original gaming as it could be comedy-horror! I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens and I am leaving this honest review.

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

Let’s start with a disclaimer: I love Gaming Fiction. I nearly missed out on this gem, however, because it sounded as though the humour would overshadow the gaming elements. Luckily, I gave the story a chance, because it was well written, classic gaming fiction.

It was so good, that I was even willing to forgive the story for finishing just after level two. There were hints at something like thirteen levels, so this decent sized book will have to be followed by something like six other books, unless the writer starts to condense levels. Well, say there are at least three books, I’m signing up to read them all, because this is a great gaming romp. The journey is worth it, I don’t care that it is going to take a while, and involve several volumes. I will even forgive the cliff hanger, although – I’m desperate to know what game class Carl chooses. 

Oh, the feline side kick is an addictive touch. One for cat lovers, or gamers who love pet and animal races. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Write more Matt. I read a review copy provided by Book Sirens, but that didn’t affect my opinion. Did I say I love Gaming Fiction?

Reviews of Young Adult Literature: Sophie Jupillat Posey, Ariele Sieling, & Shay Lee Giertz

The Four Suitors by Sophie Jupillat Posey

It has a great title and good cover. But in early chapters the princess is annoying and her childhood actions may be at the root of the kingdoms problems. The four suitors are – four tutors. 

As the story begins to delve into what is wrong with the kingdom, it picks up interest. Curiosity is evoked and suspense. The princess starts to develop some character, as do her suitors. By the middle of the book, I was fascinated. 

There was a satisfying arc to the resolution, and the ending was really radical. The second half of the book is close to being worth five stars. (I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review out of my interest in literature.)

The Silver Arm by Ariele Sieling

This was a shorter read, which was suitable for young adult readers. I liked the fact that it was a science fiction reworking of Beauty and the Beast, but I would have preferred it worked from the classic tale, rather than the Disney cartoon. The characters of Maybelle and Gabor were a little obvious. 

Technically, the book was flawlessly written. This made it an easy read. It also made me want to read more by the same author. That pure style could do great things on the right plot!

I accessed a review copy, but I do recommend the story for its target young adult audience.

Falling Too Deep by Shay Lee Giertz

Young adult fiction written in an accessible style, with a likeable first person narrator.  I love the loop – is it memory or time travel? By Chapter 5, I can’t tell and long to read on… So we go into a Groundhog day sort of “do over”. It’s great that the heroine tries to make different decisions. The suspense builds. I wonder what has really happened, and whether trying to change the past will work. Is there a secret mechanism behind everything?

The surprises keep coming in a satisfying way. The book mentions God, and appears to have a moral compass, but does not preach. It is good as a fantasy, and also unexpectedly qualifies as Christian literature. I couldn’t put it down to do the things I ought to have been doing…

I had an advanced review copy from Book Sirens.

Lake of Secrets by Shay Lee Giertz

I am becoming a fan of this woman’s writing, although this book was dramatically different from her other one. This story would best be described as a dramatic mystery. It was also a ghost story. The intricacies of the plot defy description, but I can say that it will keep you guessing until the very end.

 The author described the ending as a “cliff hanger”, but I beg to differ. There is room for a sequel, but I would describe the ending of this book as satisfying. A twist, but complete in itself.

 Altogether well written and entertaining. Possibly suited for Young Adult audience, but I would suggest it would be of interest to New Adult readers, due to the fact that the characters are over eighteen, finished school and considering university/careers.