Hacked Into The Game: Episode 01 (Zpocalypto: A World of GAMELAND series)

Book Review: Gameland Episode 1 : Deep Into The Game by Saul TanpepperReviewed by J Bryden LloydWriting Style - 4.5/5.0 (Excellent)From cover-to-cover, the atmospheric work is superb in this opening part of Saul Tanpepper's post-apocalyptic series. The first-person style in general is characteristically strong - typical of this author - and is built around some realistic, and often cleverly thought-out, dialogue.The structure and temporal construction is excellent, following a carefully defined path through a complex, well executed group of sub-plots.Character Development - 4.0/5.0 (Very Good)This is a very simple character group, who begin with simple attributes and flaws, and build fairly quickly into the characters who will lead the way through the coming parts of the series.As to be expected from the opening part of a series, these characters and their varied histories play the pivotal roles within the central plot, but all seen from the viewpoint of the main character, who drives the narrative from the start and gives you added glimpses into her personal journey through the story.There are perhaps a few minor rough edges on the lesser members of the group, but you would really have to look for them in order to highlight them properly.Descriptive - 5.0/5.0 (Outstanding)This man makes perfect use of descriptive. Say what you like about the subject matter... if zombies aren't your thing, fine... but you have to admit that this writer has a definitive talent for scene-building and nudging the imaginative juices of the reader, so that they see exactly what he needs them to see.Every element of each section of the plot is beautifully presented. No matter what the atmosphere of the moment, he hits the nail on the head every time, setting up the twists pages and pages in advance, so subtly that they are as easy to miss as the proverbial needle in a haystack.Language & Grammar - 4.5/5.0 (Excellent)As far as linguistic knowledge and application goes, this man knows his noodles. If I were to be picky (which I enjoy from time-to-time) I thought a couple of passages felt forced with regards to the links used to move the story on, but at the same time and considering the punishing schedule the author has set for the release of these episodes, much of this is entirely understandable. Though it does make me wonder what this man is capable of producing, if he were to sit and develop a work over a couple of years.Plot - 5.0/5.0 (Outstanding) - MINOR SPOILERSDamn, this is a clever one! A simple, central plot revolving around a game-zone supposedly once filled with the un-dead, there to be the subjects in a real-life role-playing-game, controlled by users in the `normal' world.Interwoven into this is the `company' who go to extreme lengths to keep people out of the game-zone, and therein lies the more obvious twist... did they really try and keep this group out?The central viewpoint and the primary character group really do make this highly entertaining and equally thrilling as the plot moves briskly along.By the time you read the closing paragraphs of this offering, you will be frustratedly pinging your way back into the e-book stores looking for the next episode.General - 4.5/5.0 (Excellent)This is a great book for fans of the genre, and promises to be the start of an equally great series. I can't commend this author enough for the way he creates and presents the environs and builds his superb stories around them. It really is an excellent example for writers of the post-apocalyptic genre, and I would gamble that a finished omnibus offering when this series is completed, would be widely very well received.Five stars... easy.

Deep into the Game is the first episode in the Gameland series, and after reading it I can't wait to see what happens in the rest.I am a fan of the zombie genre, though I confess I more normally watch zombie films/tv, so I was more than happy to see this title pop up as a free offering and I immediately decided to give it a whirl and see if it hit the buttons. Boy did it!This first episode introduces the reader to the characters, all different, but with one thing bringing them together, they love games, and Gameland is the biggest around, hacking into it would be one thing, but breaking into it would be something else altogether.The first half of this episode is spent getting to know the characters as they work out a plan for what at first is just a purely mental exercise. That is not a bad thing though, it is a very good build up, neither too slow nor too rushed, and it is clear that not only has Mr Tanpepper given thought to the problems that would be encountered but how to overcome those obstacles as well, something that occasionally gets missed in such books.After they make it to their destination the trouble begins, and that is when the book gets even better. The zombies remain a mystery for most of the book, and even when they are introduced you feel no closer to understanding them or the way they behave.There are numerous mysteries hinted at throughout this first episode, and I look forward to reading the rest of the episodes, as well as the prequel, Golgotha, so I can find out all about the people, and the zombies, I have been introduced to.Well done, Mr Tanpepper, a great read for anyone who likes a mix of zombies, adventure, and hi-tech scifi. A well-deserved 4* (I'd love to give it 4.5* but Amazon just won't let me)

Excellent as always. Some characters you like, and some you don't - but that's all the more relatable.An interesting and novel twist to a familiar genre, and well blended.Definitely recommend.

This is a very well written melange of several different genresIts a Hacker Techno Horror Suspense Zombie story.Its 15 years after long Island was abandoned due to an outbreak of a virus.It is now a telepresence driven theme park for millionaires who 'ride' Zombies using implanted electronics.Five teens decide to break into Long Island to hack the game for free.A very believeable setup , with great characters and a very slow tense build up. really gripping.Would make a vet good tv series - much more interesting than the walking dead IMHO

This book is gr8 keeps you wanting more all the characters are reel cool for a bunch of geeks it's not your normal zombie book takes awhile to get started but still well worth a read can't wait to read the rest

Hmmm. What does one say about a taster? First it is the first of a part-work, not what I really consider a 'book'. On the other hand, if cyberpunk, post-apocalyptic, zombies are your meat and drink, this is a good read. If you're hooked, and you're likely to be, you're in for buying a lot more to complete your addiction.

Kept me entertained from page 1 despite not being a real fan of zombie fiction. Manages to keep you interested enough to want to know what happens next. Looking forward to reading episode 2.

At first I wasn't sure if this book would keep my interest....but I needn't have worried....this book had me on the edge of my seat at times and has left me wanting more of this storyline....brilliant concept