SpecMusicMuse Review: Mind Game

Mind Game, by R.L. Copple, is a YA science fiction novel that combines space opera with virtual reality. Jeremy and Mickey get a virtual reality video game for Christmas. Little do they, and thousands of other children, know is that the VR is no game. Their minds get transported across the vastness of space and into virtual bodies, to fight a war for an imperialistic alien race. A rip-roaring space adventure ensues, filled with humor, heroism, and tragedy.

Copple maintains a fast pace, keeping the action going, and provides unexpected but logical plot twists throughout. Even the dialogue feels real for characters of such a young age, in contrast to how some YA novels can be. You will root for the heroes, boo the main villain, and even feel bad for the other villains. He also manages to tackle very adult topics in a manner that keeps it suitable for a YA novel. Overall, Copple delivers.

While there are definitely some moralistic themes to the story, the themes are where they should be: in the background. Primarily written for entertainment, the themes become an extra topping on the pizza.

If you enjoyed Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game, then you will enjoy R.L. Copple’s Mind Game.

Best to read while listening to:  the soundtracks to Star Wars and Goonies comes to mind.

Dark Heroes

Dark Heroes

Edited by Jessy Marie Roberts
978-1-61706-087-8
Cover Price $15.99

“Dark Heroes… supernatural creatures battling evil to benefit mankind. Included  in this collection are fifteen short stories featuring creatures turned good. In  times of trouble, know there is something watching over you. Featuring the  following: The Twelfth Monster of Chaos by J. Leigh Bailey, Just Waiting for the  Sun to Set by Phil Wolters, Cat Got Your Tongue? by Gary Buettner, Nothing  Personal by Scott M. Sandridge, It’s Medicine; Not Magic by Jennifer L. Barnes,  Monster Hunter by Mel Obedoza, The Ease of Evil by Aaron Renfrow, La Bête by  Anita Siraki, Azieran: The Crypt of Shaddis’zzam by Christopher Heath, Their  Last Escape by Alexis Hunter, The Widow and the  Scythes by Chloe Stowe, Solstice  by Darin Kennedy, Eaters of Meat and Hunters by J.M. Martin, Ordinary Folk by  Kat Heckenbach & The Dream Eaters by Tony Wilson”

“Nothing Personal”  is set in Pankea and the main character is a certain psychic werecat introduced in The Silverblade Prophecy who becomes a key figure in the upcoming Emperor of Vangaard.