The Reality Code: Trapped In VR by S.J. Fern

What worked:

Many books have been written about characters visiting fantasy worlds and this book ventures into virtual reality. Icky is an expert coder and he decides to add an “expansion pack” to the virtual reality program his father uses with his patients. Icky is the target of the class bully so he escapes into the virtual world he’s created. The author adds a couple of twists to make things more interesting. Before starting, Icky ignores an error message about his code and his program allows others to join him. This results in several characters entering the father’s fear experience without a clear way of getting out. Saving Icky becomes the conflict rather than Icky being the main character and hero. Icky’s grief following his mother’s death is a major factor.

The father’s program is designed to help patients overcome their fears so that becomes the main topic in the plot. Icky’s two best friends and his sister enter the virtual world to save him but they must overcome their greatest fears first. These phobias involve sharks, heights, and closed spaces which will be common connections for readers. The characters are allowed to help each other navigate their fears but each individual is forced to pass one final challenge alone before they can help Icky. Some of the trials can kill the virtual characters and allow them to repeatedly face their debilitating terrors. The chapters alternately focus on each character which allows readers to fully experience their panic.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot doesn’t fully develop the characters as it highlights their experiences in virtual reality. This helps the story move at a steady, action-filled pace but readers aren’t able to fully connect with the characters.

The final verdict:

The clever venture into a virtual world combines modern technology with universal emotional issues. Addressing each character’s biggest fear divides the book into four unique adventures but Icky’s situation will be much different from what readers expect. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.