If you’re around 40 you might remember the cartoon “Dungeons & Dragons.” In it a bunch of teens get magically transported from our world to a D&D realm. They are given magic items and befriend a baby unicorn they name Uni (so maybe the 80’s weren’t big on original pet names) and have several adventures. This story has a similar vibe, though the circumstances are different.
Set in the future when virtual reality gaming has given way to full immersion technology, a group of adult gamers from across the country meet in this simulated world and form a clique. Due to the coinciding zombie apocalypse, they decide to abandon reality altogether to live eternally via technology.
The group meets up in “The Center”, the staging location for entering various virtual worlds, short two members. One arrives late and warns of their final companion’s fate of being bitten by a zombie, and then turns into one himself. Through the immersion tech, zombies also manage to enter the virtual realm and instantly cause chaos.
The story shifts to EverRealm, a fantasy world simulation, where the characters soon learn that this world too has been invaded by zombies. What was once supposed to be their eternal haven has become more troubling than the real world they fled. They, along with Steve’s dog Hollow (who also entered EverRealm and plays a similar but more important role than the aforementioned Uni) are assigned a quest.
This story is hilarious! Steve, the main character, hates the EverRealm sim but is stuck there. All he wants is to leave and start enjoying eternity in his own simulated world of Technopia. No dice. The more he complains the worse things get for him, and the funnier it is for us!
With a cast of diverse, likable characters, irreverent dialogue, and a well crafted plot, Jake Bible has another hit series! Ditch reality and log in to EverRealm.
Jeff Hays did a terrific job as the narrator. His character voices were distinct and choices well suited to the personality types. He is a narrator I have begun to follow.