What is it like to be someone else � especially your most hated enemy? Why do they think and do things differently?
Tired of arguing over which of them was the best gamer, Josh and Alex stumbled upon a new video game shop, run by an enigmatic and amiable Japanese shopkeeper. He was to be their Game Master in this virtual reality video game that had no game controls. Little did they know it was a game that would change their lives, of their friends� and enemies� forever.
“Oh! This game is no ordinary game,� The Game Master explained, “It reads your thoughts, seeks out your weaknesses to give challenges that are right just for you, the challenges you need to help you grow.�
"It can read our minds?" puzzled the boys. As they progressed through the game’s levels they found out more about themselves and the lives of everyone around them. Mysteriously, the Game of Life began to spread its influence beyond Josh and Alex’s lives and to their friends.
From Josh and Alex switching roles with each other in the game, campfire frolics and ghostly stories from their teachers, the boys learned more about their friends around them. The Game Master’s zany antics as he hosted a T.V. game show, “Hiro’s Happy Heroes� in the Game of Life, released a string of rib tickling gags, teases and tantalising tattles.
The climax of the Game of Life came from the school Rube Goldberg challenge in which each grade had to join as a team to build their own whacky, madcap contraption. Would Josh and Alex be able to manage to get the two bullies in the class to work within the team?
Patiently, with impish humour, the Game Master guides them through the different levels to a final intriguing twist.
British by birth and an avid young reader, Ian Copsey had early aspirations as an author but realised the need to support a family. He has spent 27 years living in Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan, where he now lives) gaining understanding of cultures and how, at a basic level, we are all similar at our core.
Finally, Ian found time to write his first novel, The Game Master, formulated by his interests in how children learn to perceive the world around them. What makes us so different? Why do we think differently? How or what, when we are growing up from being a baby to an adult, shapes our ideas, thoughts and ways of doing things? There are many reasons. Some are positive and some are not.
I am a closet psychologist and enjoy observing how apparent different cultures are really much the same, their beliefs coming from a similar source but expressed in a different "language." The Game Master explores just some of these issues within its storyline and my next book will delve more deeply into perceptions that the human animal that can be so cruel but sometimes so pure...
Josh and Alex are your typical kids. They’re friends, they go to school together and they’re highly competetive � especially when it comes to their favorite past-time: video games. Josh is frustrated that Alex always manages to beat him at video games and he considers this ‘proof of his inferiority�. Things between the two friends become heated when Josh cheats during one of their games of Alien Attack, only to have Alex accuse him of cheating. Their heated argument leads the two boys to a shop previously vacated by the town tailor that is now a video store. The shop keeper, who calls himself the Game Master, provides the fueding friends with the ultimate video challenge called the Game of Life � except that the Game of Life isn’t exactly all it seems…Such is the premise for The Game Master by Ian D. Copsey. The book clearly targets kids who love playing video games (and let’s not rule out the older ‘kids� who love playing them, too!). It’s clever and funny and well thought out and sure to keep its young readers entertained. The Game Master also underscores the fact that video games are a pervasive part of our society’s culture and is a fitting read for our times.
First, I want to say that my actual rating for this book is 3.5 stars but I went ahead and gave 4.
This is an interesting book for a number of reasons. It incorporates video games and real life situations but it also has a serious side. The Game Master starts as a book about kids playing games, simple enough, but then those children are quickly faced with a side of gaming that proves to be much more than they bargained for.
The two main characters are a pair of friends looking to settle the score in who’s the best gamer, thus the story begins. But on this journey they are faced with philosophical questions and situations that ends up being much more serious than any game they’ve ever played before. Copsey does a great job at tying in reality with fiction, but specifically video gaming with fiction. As someone who loves video games, I was greatly intrigued by the book right from the start. I’ve read many stories and seen many shows/movies based on players getting sucked into video gaming worlds but this one is unique, in my opinion. The fact that the game is more about life lessons than actual ‘gaming� is a page turner.
One of the interesting things about this piece goes back to my last point. Since the children play a ‘Game of Life�, you would expect it to be simple and clean but its not exactly as ‘childish� as you might believe. Readers can learn from the questions posed in this book. They can place themselves in the shoes and situations of the characters and find that this book, The Game Master, isn’t so much of a game as it looks.
Its always nice to learn from the material you read. That’s something I greatly appreciated from this book, to be able to reflect on what I’ve just read. To be able to put down the book for a minute and simply contemplate the words you’ve just taken in. I didn’t expect to have that sort of experience with a book written for a younger audience but it was a pleasant surprise nonetheless. I believe children need to be challenged, they need to be encouraged to ask ‘why� or ‘how� but that curiosity is often squashed because many adults believe children shouldn’t be involved in controversial conversations. The Game Master is a great demonstration that children need to expand their horizons just as much as adults do.
I think this book should be a decent read for younger generations. Considering the political mumbo jumbo we face every day, not every parent knows how to have conversations with their kids but in reading this book you can find conversations between the characters that highlight issues in our own societies. That’s one of the best and worst parts of this book. I give this story 4 out of 5 stars for two reasons. It was hard for me to come to this decision because I didn’t want to shortchange a book I actually enjoyed. The first reason I rated it 4 out of 5 stars is because I felt the dialogue between the children wasn’t as ‘childish� as you would expect from kids. The writing was good, minus a few typos here and there, the flow and structure were well paced, and I could tell the author put a lot of thought, planning, and passion into the book. But I felt like the language of the children was too mature for their age, which is an odd complaint, right?
The second reason. As I said before, this game the children play is known as ‘The Game of Life�. The two main characters begin to see their friends and classmates differently as a result. This book focuses a lot on how children form the same opinions as their parents but it almost portrays that as a negative thing. I’ve heard many teachers complain that their students think like their parents, or that they don’t have their own opinions on politics, religion, etc. That may be a legitimate complaint but if children aren’t influenced by their parents then who should be filling their heads?
There isn’t much of an answer to that question in the book which made it seem a bit one-sided.
My personal issue with The Game Master was that it focused very much on what could be interpreted as ‘free thinking� but didn’t highlight the impact or negative results that may come with being too open-minded or too accepting. I thought it would have been beneficial to include a scenario that portrayed having standards, whether political, religious, etc, in a positive light. Because I think it’s important that children know and understand there’s nothing wrong with having personal policies or standards that may not be viewed as ‘open-minded� to the rest of society. Maybe that wasn’t the goal of this book, maybe that idea dives a little too deep for the concept but that certainly leaves room for a Game Master Part II, doesn’t it? Just a thought.
I still think this is a good book and would recommend it to any reader, young or old. It’s a wonderful topic of debate and a great book that can serve as an introduction to political, racial, and religious issues that adults face every day. I enjoyed the story as much as I did the characters and unfolding of events. I hope others grab a copy soon!
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Josh is your normal, everyday twelve year old. He goes to school. He hangs out with his friends. He plays video games and enjoys spending time with his friend Alex. Well, most of the time he does. Josh and Alex are always so competitive that a day of fun ends in raised voices and hurt feelings. One day they decide to settle the score of who is the best at video games. A trip to the new local game store will determine the ultimate winner.
There they meet the Game Master and begin to play the ultimate game. The game is the hardest one they've ever played. It's all they can think about. But soon they start realizing things are not always as they seem. They are having the same dreams. Kids at school are acting differently. And it's not so easy to tell the difference between real life and the game.
The pace of the story works well to develop the story line and characters without rushing. As a reader, you can relate with these characters and you really want them to succeed. Written for younger readers, this book is based in the U.K. and does contain a few instances of the word "damn" - but which is considered innocuous and is not intended as defamatory. There is no real violence or sexual situations.
This funny and well written story keeps you reading until the end. Don't look too carefully or you may have realized you've learned something about yourself and others along the way. Although the story includes a morality tale, it does not detract from the story but enhances it. An excellent book for preteens about fun, life and relating to others.
I really enjoyed reading this book and l was sent this book for review and l found it real easy to get into and l would read it again and again and l would highly recommend it to anyone and l am happy to have this book in my library and it is a must have on your book shelf and l really enjoyed the story and l loved how josh and Alex both won and learned to work together and not fight over games and who is the winner and it was nice to read that they helped a old lady home with her shopping after she fell over
British author Ian Copsey, now living in Japan, has always carried the dream of writing. He has spent 27 years living in Asia - Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan - gaining an understanding of cultures and how, at a basic level, we are all similar at our core. His impetus for writing THE GAME MASTER, his debut novel, was his interest in how children learn to perceive the world around them. ‘What makes us so different? Why do we think differently? How or what, when we are growing up from being a baby to an adult, shapes our ideas, thoughts and ways of doing things?� There are many reasons. Some are positive and some are not. The Game Master explores just some of these issues within its storyline.
Written for the age 8 � 13 readers, Ian’s writing style is equally appreciated by adults � who as far as the games part of current technology life is concerned are on equal footing! Ian captures his living space and his imagination for how far the current concept of games can take us in this fun spin on contemporary culture. The cover illustration is particularly contributory and is by Chihiro Tani.
Much like the instructions found in the games of today, Ian offers the following synopsis; ‘Tired of arguing over which of them was the best gamer, Josh and Alex stumbled upon a new video game shop, run by an enigmatic Japanese shopkeeper. He was to be their mysterious Game Master in this virtual reality video game that had no game controls. ‘He was an Asian with glistening eyes that seemed to smile as he watched the two young lads. His skin was slightly tanned, not the deep colour of southeastern Asians, but more the complexion of southern Europeans. His skin was still more like a man in his thirties and his physique finely honed, not muscular � but trim and naturally lean. However, the presence of strands of white hair intertwined with black exposed his more advancing years and the crow’s feet wrinkles at the corner of each eye revealed the worldly experience borne from life's trials and hardships.� Little did they know it was a game that would change their lives, of their friends... and enemies... forever.
"Oh! This game is no ordinary game," The Game Master explained, "It reads your thoughts, seeks out your weaknesses to provide you with challenges." "It can read our minds?" puzzled the boys. As they progressed through the game's levels they discovered more about those around them. Then, mysteriously, the Game of Life began to spread its influence beyond Josh and Alex's lives and to their friends.
From switching roles with each other, campfire frolics and ghostly stories from their teachers, the Game Master's zany antics as he hosted a T.V. game show, "Hiro's Happy Heroes," released a string of rib tickling gags, teases and tantalising tattles.�
Pure fun and adventure � a terrific book for avid readers and for those influenced by the ubiquitous ‘games�.
This story was much better than I thought it would be. It followed the typical "kids who aren't getting along look for a way to compete against each other but must work together to improve a less than desirable situation" story line that can be seen in many Disney movies, but it took it to another level thanks to Hiro-San and his Game of Life VR game. The addition of philosophical questions was something I hadn't expected from the author since most stories for middle schoolers have shied away sounding to preachy. However Hiro-San acted as a nice voice of wisdom on how to best learn and understand these questions. It was nice that Hiro-San, aka the Game Master, was actually a good guy trying to help them come together instead of him being secretly a villain trying to make the boys break their friendship(s). This was an enjoyable 3.5 star rating for me. I only wish that since grammar issues didn't exist.
Take two typical boys with an uneasy and highly competitive friendship. Add an enigmatic (and what I thought rather creepy) Game Master and a video game, the 'Game of Life', that, without any of your usual controls, 'draws from your thoughts, your memories and generates experiences for you' and you have Ian D Copsey's The Game Master.
Always different to review a book aimed at children as opposed to one aimed at other adults, I admit to particularly struggling with The Game Master. Constantly feeling that I was 'missing something' simple and yet crucial to the plot. Could it be that as an adult I was looking for something that simply wasn't there rather than as a child who may well enjoy the book at face value? I simply don't know but the feeling that I was missing something persisted and even more so during the latter part of the book.
Then there was the whole age thing. Informed by the author himself that the book is aimed at nine to thirteen year olds, I personally would have struggled to put an age range on it but, on reflection, would think it more suitable for those at the upper range.
Despite what I felt was an incredibly creepy looking Game Master I thought the cover suggested a novel for younger readers but then some of the content suggested otherwise. The ever so slightly sexual innuendos - 'the schoolgirl Christie' commenting "I prefer looking at hairy chests", the Game Masters "Oh my .. This is a family show, but we can organise a private room for you later" a bit, well, disconcerting and arguably not particularly age appropriate.
In many ways more about life lessons than gaming itself. I guess you could call this a coming of age story albeit it one with a difference.
I was delightfully surprised at how philosophical the story could be (something that might possibly go over the head of those less mature readers?), of how much I came to reflect on the outcomes of the 'game' as the boys progressed through each level thus changing their outlook on life.
Essentially conflicted. I so much wanted to like this book more than I actually did. Wonderfully quirky and with huge potential, I'm afraid for me it somehow just didn't quite hit the mark though that is not to say it won't appeal to a younger generation - I know my niece (a little older than the age to which the book is marketed) is eager to read it.
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper. Disclaimer: Received for review from the author. No financial compensation was asked for nor given.
Title: The Game Master Author: Ian D. Copsey Published: 1-4-16 Publisher: Publish Nation Pages: 228 Genre: Children's Fiction Sub Genre: Friendship; Action & Adventures ISBN: 9781326227975 ASIN: B00W3RBZZ2 Reviewer: DelAnne Reviewed For: NetGalley
. Josh and Alex have been competing for as long as they have been friends. They each think they are the best gamer. One day they discover a new video game store and meet Mr. Hiro who likes to refer to himself as The Game Master. He invites them the boys to play a new game, The Game of Life, to determine who is truly the better gamer. He explains that the game is able to read their minds and adjust the game to test and challenge with puzzles and riddles tailor made for them. As the boys continue to play the game begins to expand beyond just the two of them to include family as well as their friends and enemies alike. The boys begin to question what is real and what is illusion and to questions what they have believed about others.
The Game Maser is an exciting book mostly written to appeal to adolescents and young teens, but I have passed that age a long time ago and found it an exciting read to share with my 14 year old nephew Shawn. In a time where video and on line games have soured to an all time high in popularity. Too bad the Game Of Life is fictional. We could all use something to challenge our perception of how we see others and the things around us. It would teach us what is important in life, family, friends, a place we belong. That we should not be so judgmental and be more tolerant and accepting. With interesting characters and a well thought out plot is a great read for anyone into gaming of any age. It gets a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
I was intrigued by the concept of this book. Being in a living game sounds fascinating, and how the boys experience the game is clever, because as a reader I frequently didn't know if they were in real life, or still in the game which replicated real life. I liked the concept that each level made the friends learn how their behaviour affects others, how they can improve their relationships with others, and become better people. The scenarios in the book are ones readers will be able to relate to.
However, as you can see from the grade there were elements which were a bit too weird for me. Sometimes the description was over detailed, the pacing of the action getting tied up with describing exactly how everyone was in the scene. There's no denying The Game Master is a total weirdo, and I kept feeling he was a bit evil and had a hidden agenda, but that didn't materialise into anything. I also struggled with the way the game score was calculated, using tables and numbers.
Because I mostly read when I'm fuzzy headed due to a mixture of constant fatigue and medication side effects, the complexity of the scoring washed over me. I wanted to understand it better, but in truth I skipped past the tables as soon as I saw them, because the explanation by the Game Master made sense. Sometimes the levels in the game dragged a little bit too long for my liking. Overall it is a good read, and the end was a predictable surprise.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner
This is a book presumably aimed at boys and follows two characters, Josh and Alex who are somewhat competitive gamers. In their search for an even better game they participate in The Game of Life, which, in essence gives the two boys an introduction to life's lessons at their level. I found this extremely difficult to grade. For sheer ambition, this is five star material, but the question then is, is it written in a way that will compel the target audience? I simply do not know. The game puts the boys into scenes where they live their normal lives, but with different circumstances, and they get graded for their performances. There is one problem for the kindle edition, and that is the grades are given in tables, where we have a row for the headings, and a row each for Josh and Alex. The net result is, to get the table into the width of the kindle page, everything is too small to read easily. The rows should be columns, and vice versa. I was also a little confused about the age group. It appears to be directed to boys at an age when they are starting to take an interest in girls, but if that is the case, the maths example shows what should be a much younger age. It is also fairly well directed at young English boys, and I am not too sure how well it would transfer to other cultures. The lessons are significant, and in principle this could introduce boys to the concepts behind a part of literature that they might otherwise ignore, namely, literature where morality is the basis of the plot. The book is very ambitious, but the question remains, will it hold its target audience? I simply do not know.
The Game Master written by Ian D. Copsey, is a well written novel that is aimed towards a younger audience, but would be suitable for an older audience as well, as I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I am an avid gamer myself, so I found it easy to relate to the two young main characters, Josh and Alex. Josh and Alex are both very competitive, always trying to outdo the other and win at whatever game they are playing. They happen to go into a newly opened game store on a Saturday and ask the gentleman running the business if he has anything different than the typical games they normally play. He introduces them to the Game of Life and states that he will be their Game Master and the boys are quick to egg the other on and both end up playing. They wake up Monday morning with no recollection of playing the game and no memory of what they had done on Sunday. They attend school as is their regular schedule, and soon things start taking a different turn. There are important life lessons and morals to be learned from this book. This novel is well thought out, flows smoothly, and is very descriptive. I highly recommend The Game Master!
This was a very interesting read that is crafted for kids, but can be appreciated by adults as well. The dialogue, subject matter, and actions the kids must take as they play this video...Game of Life...tackles some very mature and challenging issues that I think are important for our kids to address. It might be a good idea for parents and kids to read this book together and discuss some of the questions presented in the material since communication is so crucial when forming opinions on religion, politics and other controversial subjects. It's important to be open-minded and non-judgemental, but I also think it's important to decide how these subjects such as religion etc. are going to be applied in your individual life so you can actually stand for something rather than trying to adopt every opinion or belief system out there...one side of the argument that didn't really get much focus, though the rest of it was thought provoking and insightful. So while I want to say this is a great book for kids, I think I would add that it would be even better if the parents read it as well in order to broach the subject matter presented and have honest, open discussions about the material. This book has tackled a really fun theme, and I think it is going to catch fire as it gets more recognition.
Josh and Alex are friends but their competitiveness has created a love/hate relationship between them. They are like many preteens I know completely oblivious to anything besides what is happening to them until the start playing "The Game of Life". They learn how much interacting positively with their friends and family can change situations. They also learn how everyone has different home experiences and beliefs that shape their perspective of situation. I think the Copsey's writing style is interesting and fits pretty well with the designated age group.
The story pace is pretty steady and each character could be someone that any child knows. I personally found the Game Master to be a little creepy because he knew of things happening in real life. He was very nice, wise and calming influence for the children. This is an interesting video game story where children can learn the importance of valuing others and the impact they can have on their friends lives. I liked the difference seen in Alex and Josh from the lessons learned in the game. They realized that they can achieve more by working together than competing against each other. Overall, good read for parents and children to read together when trying to teach values and interacting with others.
The Game Master by Ian Copsey is an adventure that readers won't ever forget. The story is about gaming. Two boys who are looking for a game that will test their every skill. However, with everything there are always consequences and this book focuses highly on the consequences of the choices each of the two boys made. Little do they know they each choice affects their real lives and the people they care about...
The Game Master is brilliantly well-told. A highly engaging read that all YA lovers will enjoy. Virtual reality games have just taken on a whole new level. The game the two boys take on brings them awareness and lesson on real life issues. The game of life sort of challenges both boys to become better individuals. I truly enjoyed watching the two friends compete against one another and then to mature at the ending. It was a great journey as well as character transformation. They started out as selfish and self-centred to developing a friendly and honest relationship. Readers will love this story. It was fast-paced, entertaining, and suspenseful. Ian Copsey is indeed a talented writer who brings forth an educational yet thrilling read. Overall, I highly recommend The Game Master to all.
An engrossing story targeted at this age bracket isn't something I often find myself enjoying, and yet this unique tale of Josh and Alex and the Game Master delivers on all fronts, from humor and mystery to action and a bit of fictional whimsy. For those who have played video games in the past, and for those still playing them now, this story will certainly be up your alley, as we've all (myself included) sometimes wondered what life would be like with a little bit more magic. The way that the Game Master leads readers deeper and deeper into this fun, unpredictable story is quite subtle, and while I was initially thinking of setting this aside and moving onto something for a bit of an older crowd, the writing was solid, and it kept me turning pages. Target audiences are only suggestions, after all, and if you can blend sci-fi, mystery, fantasy, and adventure so neatly into a book, then someone of any age can enjoy it - even me. I think there were a few sections where I felt my age, and the author's tone was too simplistic, but these were rare - and justified. I don't know if I'll seek out all of Copsey's books, but this was certainly one that I didn't mind getting lost in.
This was an entertaining read all the way through. It’s about two boys and the games they play, but then so much more. Unlike a lot of books that focus on video games or game players, this one doesn’t focus as much on the game itself or even the boys for that matter. It instead gives an engaging scenario of how everything effects everything else.
At the start the two boys are already facing the other down in a battle to be the best. Despite their friendship, both seem willing to do almost anything to make sure they are the winner of their constant battles. I found myself picking sides early based on how fast the character personalities come to life. Then, as I read further, my alliances changed, then changed again.
Each time I felt I was onto something about the mystery of the game and the challenge it held the author made me rethink my assumptions. Quickly into the story it lets you in on the secret of the games focus “everyday life�. It’s what is learned from this and how the actions in the Game of Life effect not only the players, but those on the sidelines.
So parent or child, gamer or not, pick this one up for a read and enjoy.
The Ultimate Gaming Experience With Life Lessons Too!!
After becoming bored with the usual role-playing video games, Josh and Alex set out to find the ultimate game challenge to end all challenges. The boys may have encountered more than they can handle when they enter the new video store and meet the Game Master. “The Game of Life� is not a child’s board game, but the one who can control their emotions as well as those around them determines where reality meets video game and the winner. Who can be the strongest in this winner takes all ultimate gaming challenge?
Ian has combined the perfect ingredients to keep young readers ages eight to thirteen captivated by this ultimate tale of video games and all things young kids encounter. However, with the gaming aspect even adults will find themselves enthralled dreaming and wondering how this game will end. Personally not a fan of video games nevertheless Ian’s remarkable storytelling drew me in where I found there is more to this story than game playing as life lessons are taught here too. With this being Ian’s first novel I look forward to many more remarkable tales to come!
This book was probably one of my close favorites in this age group. At first was not sure I was going to like this book, but video games are so important to everyday life and how people interact with each other I decided I would give this a try. By the end of it I was hooked I wish there was a game like this one in the real world. People need to learn how to interact with other people, face to face. This book takes the fact that so few can actually interact with others and shows how much we are all missing in our own games of life. The game master was very intriguing and I enjoyed the session where the game master is running his own game show and the main characters and their friends are playing to win a prize. It was hilarious and Eye opening especially when you learn what is actually taking place during this game. This book is witty, ingenious, and fun. I can see children finding this book interesting. I challenge not only children but adults to read this book, I think everyone needs to learn the lesson this book is trying to teach. Give the book a chance it is truly and ingenious idea.
Video games meets philosophy In this book a mysterious Japanese Game Master opens a shop selling video games. He entices two local boys, Josh and Alex, into the back room and invites them to participate in the ultimate game. Although friends, both boys are highly competitive and this has always coloured and marred their relationship. They agree to take part in this ultimate game, to find out who is the supreme winner. Through the means of these game-playing sessions, the inscrutable Game Master teaches the boys to perceive the world around them more clearly. He takes them inside the minds of their classmates, enabling them to understand the other children and to better relate to each one. They are surprised, for instance, to find that the class bully is deeply insecure because he has a bad relationship with his father and that the other unpopular, overbearing boy in the class is overindulged by his parents and this makes him utterly selfish. They also learn more about the family dynamic and become less selfish and more thoughtful as they do so. A very interesting read aimed at the teenage market.
This is a book aimed mainly at adolescents. The Game Master of the title uses 2 boys� love of video gaming to teach them about life and what it has to offer. The two boys play a game called ‘The Game of Life�, which affects the way they view their classmates, their families and life itself. It is an interesting idea, which teenagers will find engaging. The storyline was very realistic and something I am sure a younger reader will relate to. The discussions that children have when they are fed opinions from home and have not really had a chance to form their own views are always enlightening, if not downright depressing. Children do hold strong views on important topics like religion, politics and gender equality that they have simply absorbed since birth, and holding these views, without giving thought to other people’s equally valid opinions are what take children into life.
I imagine adolescents would enjoy the format and might therefore learn some valuable life lessons. Overall, worth a read.
This book is aimed at videogame-loving adolescents, but it moves pretty slowly and seems a bit preachy for that crowd. The dialogue also isn’t quite what you’d expect from gamers, either. I think maybe it would be more popular with the studious kids who like to read a lot.
That said, it was nicely written and I do think children need to realize that their decisions affect others and they need to learn to be less selfish in their choices. Putting this into a game scenario was a good idea, but there were some rough spots like not being able to read the tables containing the grades.
While it wasn’t perfect, The Game Master was a decent read for adults and kids will probably find it a fun book that’s certainly worth the time. I think this is possibly the author’s first book, so he will surely learn more about his target audiences and ebook formatting as he goes along, and we can look forward to something even better next time.
I loved the premise for The Game Master right from the start. We live in a world that is riddled with technology, and it is so easy for people to become engrossed in it and focused on their own needs. In many ways, The Game Master is like a parable, where the author is using a story to teach the readers about themselves and the world that they live in. The book was an enjoyable read overall, and the dynamics between Alex and Josh helped to keep the book interesting even at times where the plot was a little slow. My only real complaint is that at times the boys seemed a little unrealistic, and their language wasn’t always fitting for their age. That issue might make it a bit difficult for adolescents to connect with the characters, but in many cases, the strength of the plot would probably win out. The Game Master is also a first novel for author Ian Copsey, and as such, it is an accomplishment and an engaging read.
The Game Master, written by Ian D. Copsey, illustrated by Chihiro Tani Although this novel is written for a young audience, teens and older children specifically � it is a book that will be enjoyed by readers of any age, and even by readers that are not gamers as well. The story is one that kids will relate to, the idea of a game becoming reality has surely flitted across many imaginations. Even adult readers will agree that the way that main characters deal with the various situations within the story are realistic, and at times funny, frightening, authentic, and always thought-provoking. Author Ian D. Copsey clearly knows his subject matter, and his writing style is straightforward, witty, and informal. Kids will not become bored while reading this book, nor will they be overwhelmed. However, there are important life and moral lessons to be gleaned from this story, and reading the book with a parent of caregiver will help the younger reader to receive the message.
Writing a children's book is not an easy task at all, and author Ian Copsey did an incredibly great job. It is noticeable that he is an observer and was able to get into the perspectives of young people, not to mention that of course, as all of us, he was once young as well.
The story starts with the two main characters trying to decide who of them is best at playing video games, which is certainly something that actually happens among children in this technological era. After they rapidly become bored with the regular video games, they encounter something at a new video store that can really go off-limits- The Game of Life. This game is not a common video game like all those that they have already been playing with, but rather a dangerous device that can control their emotions.
The author's writing style is of a great quality and it shows in the plot and character development.
Highly recommended, both for children as well as adults!
The Game Master, by Ian D. Copsey, is a fantastical tale about two young boys who walk into a game store looking for a challenging game, and find one—The Game of Life, which is actually the game of learning compassion for others. The boys learn to be considerate about each other’s thoughts and feelings, as well as the thoughts and feelings of everyone around them, and ultimately discover that, deep down, we’re all very similar. Honestly, this book is like a gamer’s Harry Potter, except for the fact that this book leaves kids with a great moral to think about. In our world today, where everyone seems to discriminate against everyone else without thinking about how they must feel, I think this book is both apropos and necessary. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy, young adult literature, and books with a strong moral. Great read!
This book was a breeze to get through (since it’s written for a younger audience), but I have to say it was quite gripping. I love stories about games, because…well I’m from the generation that grew up with them. So, it’s always exciting to read a story about a game that goes from simply a game to a reality in one quick step. Of course, the best aspect of this novel, in my opinion, is the moral values it brings to the table. In a time where it seems like kids are lacking in some of these areas, adding in great life lessons was a wise choice. I plan to pass on this book to my niece and nephew to help them gain more out of the reading experience. This book is perfect for families looking for a great story to bond over and will appeal to the tech savvy generation of today. With a fun plot and lots of great detailing, preteens will go crazy over it.
This was not a book that I would normally read. I tend to avoid middle-grade novels when I can, but when I friend told me about this one I had to check it out. I definitely didn’t love it as much as she did, but I did see the merit in this book. It is a great story about friendship and communication. We follow Josh and Alex as they get tired of arguing over who the better gamer is. They find a video game store and learn about a virtual reality game. It was well written and easy to enjoy, even though it is written for a much younger audience. I would definitely suggest this to parents and children alike. The themes in this book are universal and it is a great lesson for everyone to learn or maybe get a small refresher on. And, it may be written for a younger audience, it still has something for everyone.
This book reminded me of the SpyKids movies. It has a similar premise where a brother and sister get stuck in a game. The difference here is that we start out with two friends who are very competitive and they get enticed to play a virtual reality game wherein they have to figure out how people operate to “win� the game. This book was interesting in its ideas of using the virtual reality to switch us into other people, our friends and maybe even our enemies to see just how they differ from us (if at all). Even though the book is geared towards young adults I think that it can easily be read by many generations. It is not childish and yet easy to understand. I liked the writing style And that there were no formatting issues which can really jar you out of the flow of the story was good too. I think this is a good book, well worth picking up
Two boys, games, and competition bring this book straight to the point of the story, the ultimate game. The boys, like most other boys their age, are very much into video games. After a Josh begins to beat Alex in games he had never before won, they decide to find out who is the real game master. They go into the local game store and soon find themselves in the midst of the ultimate gaming competition.
The boys are put through tests they would have never imagined and the limits of their friendship, or lack thereof, is challenged and redefined throughout the story. A fun read for both adults and kids, The Game Master is not a book to be dismissed. Campfire stories, silly riddles and life lessons are all wrapped up in this fun story where boys learn what it means to be a real friend and how to behave with kindness and respect towards others.
I love video games. However, I don't usually read books based around a gaming theme. This book was different. Ian Copsey did a better job at writing a fiction book that has a video game theme better than any other writer that I have read. This book is well-written making it easy to read. The book kept my attention from the beginning to the end, and the storyline is one-of-a-kind My friend is a gamer as well. I let him read this book after me. He isn't much of a reader, but he enjoyed this book. It is a great book for kids as well as adults. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I look forward to reading more by him. Possibly, reading more books with a gaming theme. I recommend this book for adult gamers as well as kids. You won't be disappointed.