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?