My original Paragons audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
Orphaned at a young age and solely independent, Riley has one option available to him – be a gamer on Sigil Online – a computer game in which one enters a virtual reality world. Once there, one can earn enough cash to live in the real world. That is if they can survive encounters with deadly creatures and players who kill other players! Believing himself to be invincible, Riley learns what it’s like to lose in Sigil. As he reboots, he learns the value of friendship, teamwork and to pay his debts when he encounters a mysterious bug-like monster who makes playing Sigil Online a whole new experience.
I wasn’t sure I would like this book given I am not a real gamer at all. I play video games occasionally, I am familiar with the language and role-playing but I wasn’t sure. I am delighted I had the opportunity to hear this audiobook. The storyline flowed smoothly and was well developed as were the characters. Even someone like me, a small-time gamer could connect with the story and the characters without a struggle. Jeff Sproul brought to light just how a gamer evolves – how easy the path is to become a selfish, egotistical and single-minded a gamer evolves. Sproul’s dialogue was accurate as well and contributed to the steady movement of the plot, action, and suspense.
Jeff Hays, the narrator, performed the audiobook effectively by providing each character with their own personality. I enjoyed his performance as he did not have to compete with other sounds – I dislike “dramatic” performances as other things get it in the way – and this is one book that could have gone either way. I enjoyed Hays’ smooth, calm voice with just the appropriate level of emotion when needed.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction, action, and gaming.
There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.
Audiobook was purchased for review by ABR.