Title: End Game (The Genesis Project Series)
Author: Greg Van Arsdale
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 978-1544661728
Pages: 502
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Reviewed by: Jack Chambers
Hollywood Book Reviews
There comes a point in time in every person’s life where they have to ask themselves, “What are they willing to do for love?” Would the love for one’s family drive them to do the unthinkable? Would the love between two people be enough to let the world burn down around them? Or, are there lines which even love won’t let a person cross?
That is the question readers will discover in author Greg Van Arsdale’s End Game, the fourth book in The Genesis Project Series. The story returns readers to the journey of John Neumann, still working from inside the Genesis Project systems. With the process to use his DNA and mind to purge the doomsday virus from the system halted, John finds himself joining the insurgency within the world he created to face the forces of Logan, a military leader with nefarious plans for the system. Having taken John’s love Mary captive in an attempt to lure John out into the open and end his life, the ultimate battle for the technology John created and the souls of millions of people which were transported into this world hang in the balance.
The author really elevated the personal stakes in this narrative. The author not only developed John’s character and his journey in the virtual space, but the character Mike in the real world, as the security officer and leader working to protect John’s life and technology begins forging new relationships as well. The story not only focuses on John’s impact on the souls of the insurgents working to help him overthrow Logan, but also his growing relationship with his son, a human soul born into the virtual world with growing powers that will have far spreading impacts on the system as a whole. The exploration of man’s lust for power and the depths humanity is willing to go for love is remarkably represented in this narrative, and the imagery in the author’s writing style really brought both the real and virtual worlds to life amazingly.
These are the perfect novels to read for readers who enjoy fictional stories, especially those that have an action and thriller feel brought into a science fiction setting. The climactic battle which has been several books in the making between John and Logan is compelling, and the emotional evolution of John’s character through this book is the perfect culmination of all his experiences thus far, giving readers a protagonist to root for and cheer on that despite the fantastic elements of his story, feels relatable and engaging on the pages.