The viral pandemic in the real world has caused an extreme shortage of players in the virtual world. This will cause a dangerous strain on the virtual world economy as the NPC citizens have come to rely on the Outworld Players for coin, supplies, and protection from the “beasties”. Griff, a valuable newly discovered survivor, has turned up in Wales. Contact was made via radio when Mace and Sherri were exploring an Army barracks. At the same time, a new companion for Mace and Sherri was found; Dakota, a trained K9 German Shepard, orphaned by his owner who succumbed to the virus infection. Mace is tired of running across the fatal results of the Black Flame Gang; a vendetta against them is required. The world-building experience at Lakeside has been quite interesting and enjoyable. The NPC characters at Lakeside and elsewhere are intelligent and entertaining. The way the VR world has been introduced and expanded is very well done. The author has done a wonderful job of bringing the world to life. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.