Cryptogram Chaos: A Virtual Reality Adventure by Linda Covella

Cryptogram Chaos: A Virtual Reality Adventure

by Linda Covella

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GENRE: Middle grade adventure

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BLURB:

What if you were 8, or 11, or 14, and you could race cars at 150 mph, bungee jump, fly, eat all the ice cream and candy you wanted, or become powerful avatars such as Robobug, Kulshedra the dragon, and Altai, the gryphon avatar?

All this and more is possible in the ultimate virtual reality game The Cryptogram Connection created by 14-year-old computer whiz Cody Reynolds and his two classmates, Nicole Nash and Kerry McCorkle. To advance to different levels in the game, players must solve cryptograms, or secret codes. (Readers also get to solve the cryptograms.)

They create their game to be used with the latest VR technology developed by local game manufacturer NuVision Games–a headset with biosensors that transmit signals to the brain, fooling it into tasting, hearing, feeling, seeing, and smelling what was programmed into the game. The games are as close to reality as reality itself.

The game becomes every kids’ virtual dream, and Cody, Nicole, and Kerry, besides becoming national celebrities, make more money than they ever imagined. But The Cryptogram Connection turns into “cryptogram chaos” when an evil presence inhabits Zazar, the laser avatar and the most powerful, and takes control of the game. It’s up to the three partners to enter the game and fight Zazar to save the gamers from virtual—and real—disaster.

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Excerpt One:

I sat on my bed, biting my lip, jiggling my leg, tapping my finger on my eMaster. The handheld computer was ready to go. This was it. Tonight we’d test The Cryptogram Connection. We’d meet in the ice cream parlor at exactly twelve o’clock midnight. Our parents, Brad, and Kerry’s zillion little brothers would be asleep.

The four sensors pulsed slightly against my head. I watched the red numbers on the digital clock change.

11:57. I stared at the computer and the home page I’d created. Ice cream sundaes, racecars, scooters, and manazomes repeatedly spun to the center of the screen, becoming larger and larger, until they zoomed to the back and faded away.

11:58. I thought of Nicole and Kerry sitting with their computers. Waiting like me. I thought of all the hours and days and weeks we’d spent working on the game. I thought of how they were counting on me, on my code. I threw back my head and whispered, “Oh, man, I hope the game works.”

11:59. I keyed in my password then held my thumb over the enter icon. I adjusted the Ultra on my head. Would there be any glitches? Probably. Any major ones? Man, I hoped not.

The clock blinked.

12:00. Holding my breath like I was at the top of the highest hill on a roller coaster, like I was about to fly down the hill with my arms raised in the air, I pushed the button.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Linda Covella’s varied background and education have led her down many paths, but one thing she never strayed from is her love of writing.

In writing for kids and teens, she hopes to bring to them the feelings books gave her when she was a child: the worlds they opened, the things they taught, the feelings they expressed.

Linda is a member of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

She lives in Santa Cruz, CA with her husband, Charlie, and dog, Ginger.

Connect with Linda:

http://lindacovella.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lindacovellaauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lindacovella @lindacovella

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lindacovella

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3659665-linda-covella

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lindacovella

https://plus.google.com/+LindaCovella

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAIgjZOCLdQFhMZXMHPCY_w

Books available here: http://www.amazon.com/Linda-Covella/e/B00MBR9II0/

Amazon buy link:  http://www.amazon.com/Cryptogram-Chaos-Virtual-Reality-Adventure-ebook/dp/B01DEEQHQ4/

My review:

This is a great book for gamers and readers that love that love puzzles. The author really drew me in and I felt like I was in the virtual world as well. Then as I read on I was thrilled with the puzzles and it made the story interactive for me. I felt like I was part of the team trying to stop the bad guys. The answers were included as well, so they did not take away from the experience or frustrate younger readers. There are also great descriptions in the book that made me feel like I was in the author's world. The ending was good and I really wish that this is a series that can grow with children and get more challenging. I also think that this would be a great choose your own ending adventure. I can not wait to read more from this writer. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.  

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GIVEAWAY 

Linda Covella will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway