Random Access by Douglas Wynne

​   I don’t know why this only has one review. Well, now at least there will be two. Wynne has long been one of my favorite indie authors. The man has the IT factor, that organic storytelling quality. Wynne doesn’t lock himself in a genre either, he hops around like a talented writer-bunny with a penchant for dark fiction. This time he hops right into the techno-thriller territory. Far from my favorite, but for Wynne, I followed and ended up being delighted, excited and all those things you get from a good read.
    I never thought I’d enjoy a book about video games. I certainly didn’t enjoy the overrated nostalgia-steeped pile of doodoo that Player One was. But this was good. Fresh, authentic, thrilling good fun. The story follows a 20-year-old gamer down on the outs who gets invited to be a paid tester for a mysterious (and as it turns out sinister, because aren’t they all) organization. It immerses you like a good video game would, I’d imagine, highly detailed and dimensional reality, strong engaging characters, intriguing plot. So much to enjoy.
    This is actually a prequel novella for Wynne’s proper length latest novel. And yes, that one is also a techno-thriller. But hey, in for a penny. Plus, the prequel this good, this promising, is the most auspicious invitation. And some invitations, like the protagonist of this story learns, take one so much further than they ever expected. Recommended.