Don't Read the Comments by Eric Smith

Eric Smith takes the reader on a virtual adventure, skillfully crafting the rich and immersive world of Reclaim the Sun while sharing an insight into the dark underbelly of gaming culture.

I've been meaning to write this review for a while, but things kind of exploded with COVID-19. I finished this book at Starbucks right before the social distancing wave swept over Canada.

Synopsis

Divya Sharma is something of a celebrity in the gaming world, but with a rising fandom and a number of lucrative sponsorships, she soon finds herself the target of a group of online trolls calling themselves Vox Populi. The harassment interrupts her gameplay and soon spills into her private life, affecting her brand and her relationships, while prompting genuine fears for her safety and the safety of those around her.

Determined to stay in the game, Divya leads her followers through the vast galaxies of Reclaim the Sun where she meets Aaron Jericho, a fan and writer for a local game developer. When her world begins to crumble, Divya bands with Aaron to face the Vox Populi head on. But clashing with a growing army of faceless adversaries comes with its own fears and challenges, especially when the foe is emboldened by the veils of online anonymity.

Review

I couldn't wait to read this book. I'm an avid gamer and this story resonated with me as someone who's been on the receiving end of in-game hate and harassment -- which almost always seems reserved for female gamers.

Told in dual POV from the perspectives of Divya and Aaron, this book did not disappoint.The characters had heart and I felt connected to them throughout the story.I enjoyed the twists and turns which were cleverly plotted out.

From the opening pages, the author takes the reader on a virtual adventure, skillfully crafting the rich and immersive world of Reclaim the Sun while sharing an insight into the dark underbelly of gaming culture. But through it all, he reminds us that even sitting behind our computer screens, we are never alone. The story explores the strength of online friendships and the power of a dedicated fan base, and lets us know that even when virtual and real worlds collide -- it's not always a bad thing!

Recommendation

Don't Read the Comments was a light and easy page turner which I finished in a few hours. If you're into gaming -- or even if you're not -- I highly recommend this book.