Happy Friday! Any fun plans for the weekend? Thank you Simon & Schuster Audio for the gifted audiobook. Appreciate it!
Polybius by Collin Armstrong is based on an urban legend about a video game created by the government for psychological warfare. Here’s the synopsis from the publisher:
October, 1982. Forced to move to the quiet seaside town of Tasker Bay by her mother, the only thing on high schooler Andi’s mind is saving up enough money to return to her old stomping grounds in Silicon Valley. Her self-taught skills with all things electronic make her a perfect fit for a job at the dingy local arcade where she can tune out from life and bankroll her eventual escape.
Pining over the distant and aloof Andi is Ro, the son of Tasker Bay’s sheriff, who begins spending more time at the arcade. Despite promising herself she wouldn’t get attached to anyone in town, Andi finds herself opening up to the thoughtful, like-minded Ro.
When Polybius—a new bleeding-edge game of unknown origin arrives—the shop is suddenly overwhelmed with players fighting for time on the machine. Seemingly overnight, a virus-like epidemic grips Tasker Bay while a violent coastal storm rolls in, isolating it from the outside world. People begin experiencing fits of anger, paranoia, and hallucinations—no one can be trusted. After a grisly act of violence goes unsolved, the town descends into chaos. Is the arrival of this mysterious game and the disorder in Tasker Bay a coincidence? Convinced the dire situation is somehow linked to Polybius, Andi and Ro desperately search for clues that might stop the spread before they, too, begin experiencing side effects…
This was a really absorbing story and it pulled me right in. It’s a good mashup of science fiction, mystery, and horror. I enjoyed Rachanee Lumayno’s narration. She did excellent work bringing the characters and story to life.
This is a YA novel. I liked Andi and Ro, teenage main characters. They’re smart and brave. I loved that Andi is a STEM girl. She’s a wiz with technology & hardware. She’s good at it and doesn’t hide her skills. The 1980s setting was a vibe with video games at arcades & very rudimentary online chat forums. I definitely recommend this book to readers, both teens and adults) who enjoy video games, horror stories, or who just want an exciting and absorbing story. Polybius is out now.
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About the Author
Collin Armstrong has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade developing, writing, and producing material for outlets including 20th Century Fox TV, ABC Family, Bleecker Street, Viaplay, Discovery, and the LA Times Studios. Polybius is his first novel. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and children.
