Audio Book Review: Otherlife Dreams

Otherlife Dreams

By:  William D. Arand

Publish Date:  January 21, 2016, Audiobook May 13, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 9 hrs 30 mins
Narrated By:  Jeff Hayes

Genre:  Science Fiction, Fantasy

Series:  1st in The Selfless Hero Trilogy series

Impression:  Reality is now living in the fantasy game world. Can Runner get them all out?

Synopsis:
Runner has a problem. He and 499,000 men and women of the military are trapped in a game. Runner is the only person in the IT department in game, the only one with administrative access rights. And he doesn't remember his password. When their brains were synched with the game, it scrambled most of their memories.

The problem is that whoever loaded their minds into the game, loaded them completely. If they die, their brain dies.

Now it's time for Runner to flex his skills as a power gaming min maxer and see what he can do. Because every time he levels, he might just gain the memory of the password. Time to go Hardcore.

First Sentence:
Runner stared at the login screen for Otherlife Dreams as the text rotated slowly.

Purchase At:
Amazon  

Audible


My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com, at my request.

Runner finds himself in Otherlife Dreams game, staring at the log in screen with no clue how he got here or any memories of who he is and how to get out. There was a message waiting for him when he arrived, but it's broken up with static. He and all the others on his military ship are here on purpose. Something happened. But in order to get their memories, they must stay alive and level up. From what he can see of his console, the military ship they're on is plotted for a three year course. Time indicator shows they are about a year into the journey, they would be between two planets. So, sit and wait for help that may not come or play out the game? Trying to access information on his console, Runner realizes he could probably end all of this if he remembered his password. If the message left for him is correct, to remember he'll have to level up.

I jumped to review this audio book because I saw Jeff was the narrator. I am completely entertained with his many voices. But also, this book sounded different and fun.

I read through the first pages as Jeff narrated them. I think this is one of those books best in audio, especially with Jeff's talents! The message that's broken with static, YES! Jeff does just that! And it sounds amazing. I much rather hear it than read it. Jeff does have many voices for us with the characters that Runner crosses, and all are vocally different in tone and personality. Jeff does not let us down with his voice.

Runner is now in a game and things we may let slide, like slightly hungry, becomes items that will decrease stats in the game. Runner has to pay attention to all items as he tries to level up, without dying. Starting as a new player, Runner has low status in all areas (as usual), except for charisma. He does have a personable feel to him. Something easy to listen to him. I do enjoy Hannah when he comes across her. She's a thief, but she becomes more to Runner, a guide of sorts. Runner then crosses paths with others in this fantasy world as he tries to level up. He offers them to join him and help him improve in all areas.

I've started to wonder how Runner has been so graced to cross women, and them join his traveling company. They are all of different abilities, but all are women. No men? The few men he crossed are jerks. I guess in fantasy games, they are all stereotyped.

This is a blend of gaming and fantasy story as the game Runner is playing in is a fantasy setting with Orcs and many creatures and sword fights. However, I was never really in fear of Runner dying through the quest. He fought many and said he would so he could level up, but I didn't feel the fear for his life as the story went. With the lack of fear for Runner, I found that some parts of the book were slow moving for me as he worked his way through the fantasy world. He is one with quick clips with those he brings into his company which makes the story light.

My only downfall, the few times the computer language typed was referenced as Runner searches the console for information. I'm not much for those parts and phased out some until I get the explanations.

I did become curious about the military space ship that Runner's body is on. Something happened there and I'm curious as to what the story is. And the tidbit of information we learn at the end, somehow Runner had not seen this until the end of the story but it's important and bring a worry about reality to my mind. I'm hoping a few more details can be learned through the console as Runner levels up in the stories to come in this series.

This is an adult story, as the language is strong. Do you like quest games? Runner is living in his very own. You may enjoy Runner's journey.

This story seems to be Runner's growth of relationships with characters in the game.



**If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible.