Tony Bertauski

Socket Greeny didn’t ask to be special. He just wanted to get on with his own life, enjoy computer environments with his friends, and, well, be himself. Unfortunately Socket may not actually be sure who or what his own self is, when a computer game glitch reveals half the answer to a secret never to be told. Suddenly the real world is radically changed by the virtual, but even that’s not all. The surprising appearance of Socket’s frequently absent single parent adds another layer of show more virtual reality that might make school and schoolfriends obsolete. But who is Socket? And can he ever go back?

The story starts off exciting, heads in unpredictable directions, includes elements of mystery and intrigue, self-serving powers and those who serve others, secret societies, paranormal activities and more. It’s cool, novel, and a perfect enticement to read. The language, characters, relationships and activities are all age-appropriate for middle-grade boys—which means, yes, there is middle-grade boy language, suitably uncensored because why would reluctant readers read their mothers’ books. It’s never over the top, always intriguing, filled with honest teen angst and concerns, and a really fun story. Now I just need to find the time to read more. I love this author’s writing!

Disclosure: I found it on a deal and I love it! show less

I'm always a bit hesitant when I pick up a sequel to read, but I wound up loving every last bit of "Foreverland Is Dead"! I think it could almost be read as a standalone novel, but the reader would also greatly benefit from having read "The Annihilation of Foreverland" first. The story moves quickly and the plot is masterfully woven in such a way that the reader learns things alongside the protagonists in a way that doesn't feel contrived or forced. As the book goes on, each additional show more revelation is satisfying and rewarding (and there are many such gems in the book!) The ending of the book tied things up succinctly and left enough surprises that I find myself wishing "Beyond Foreveland" was already out! Well done, Mr. Bertauski! show less

My original Bricks audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

This could be a stand alone but with everything in this, I would definitely recommend the first two books. The way this starts is at the end of those and there is so much information thrown at the reader and terms that are used within the first two books, that reading this alone would probably be quite confusing.

This story gets deeper than the first two allowing for an even more dystopian, dark feel. show more Already people were becoming upset with those that had more than 49% biomites but here that frustration has turned to full out bias. Weirdly, it mirrors society today although in an almost far-fetched sci fi way, but the political under linings are definitely there. Not so much that anyone would be turned away from reading due to the mirroring of our society but it may give for some reflection.

Bricks are being blamed for what is being called dream disease. People fear what they do not understand and hate the things they fear. That message came through very clear and gave the plot something real to chew on. Later in the story, however, the characters start getting a little repetitive. At the end there is one paragraph where Paul's name is said so many times, and I realize it was to emphasize what is happening, but I really wanted to go back and count just how many Paul's were in that chapter. It took me out of the story a bit and there were times like these scattered throughout the story.

That being said, this is dystopian and I love a good dystopian! Tony Bertauski has an incredible but not so far-fetched imagination that shows the dark sides of life and what could be our future! Scary indeed! I did like the first two more, somehow I was more engaged with them than this one, but all together it is a fascinating story and well done.

The narrator, David Dietz, does a fantastic job of putting emphasis on the parts of the story that are the most horrific. There were a few moments that repeated themselves in the audio though that seemed like a technical error. The only downside to David's enthusiasm is reading this when you have a headache. There is a lot of screaming towards the end of the book, but overall it was wonderful.

Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator. show less

What an interesting take on the Santa Claus origin story, and I have to say I loved every minute of it!. This isn't your cute little animated story Santa. Nope. And I'm so glad it isn't!

The story starts in the early 1800s when the Santa family, Nicholas Santa, his wife and his son, decide to trek to the North Pole, to be the first people to do this. What they find there is beyond their wildest imaginations. We meet the elves and the Abominable, we learn how reindeer fly, and we meet Jack, show more who is one angry, angry guy! We learn how Santa can fly around the world in one night, how he can fit down chimneys, and so much more. When I said this wasn't a cute little Santa origin story, I meant it. There is some grit here, but that just keeps you even more interested and unable to put the book down.

I'm trying to be careful to give nothing away, because I think a lot of the fun of this book is going "Oh, that's where that story came from!" Suffice it to say, nothing is the way you learned it, and that's fine with me!

In summary, I highly recommend this book and give it an enthusiastic 5/5 stars. show less