'This is Not a Game' by Walter Jon Williams is a techno-thriller that delves into the world of alternate reality games, online social networking, and the intersection of real-world events with virtual gaming experiences. The story follows Dagmar Shaw, a producer of alternative reality games, as she navigates through unexpected challenges and dangers that arise when the real world and the game world collide. With elements of mystery, science fiction, and thriller, the book explores how online gamers, social networking, and gaming technology can impact the real world in unforeseen ways.

Characters:

The characters are dynamic and relatable, particularly Dagmar, who embodies resilience and creativity in a crisis.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is captivating and interactive, effectively blending narrative with the unique experience of online gaming culture.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot uniquely combines the chaos of a real-world crisis with the mechanics of alternate reality gaming, following a protagonist navigating both challenges.

Setting:

The setting shifts from a turbulent Jakarta to a post-crisis Los Angeles, creating a backdrop that emphasizes the narrative's urgency.

Pacing:

Pacing varies, starting slower but accelerating to keep the reader engaged through rising tension and action.

The air-conditioning was off and the tropical Indonesian heat had infiltrated the room. Dagmar lay naked on sheets that were soaked with her sweat. She thought about cool drinks, but the gunfire was a...

Notes:

The story features a woman named Dagmar who is stranded in Jakarta due to a currency collapse and civil unrest.

Dagmar is a producer of Alternate Reality Games (ARGs), which blend real life with game-like elements.

The book explores themes of reality versus fiction through the lens of gaming culture.

Dagmar relies on the online gaming community for help when traditional rescue methods fail.

The narrative features real-world consequences driven by the actions of gamers.

The title 'This Is Not a Game' is an acronym TINAG, emphasizing the blurred lines between game and reality.

The book combines elements of mystery and thriller genres with a strong focus on social networking and collective intelligence.

Dagmar faces challenges from real-life conflicts while trying to navigate the gaming world.

The plot includes unique twists involving technology and online interactions.

The character development emphasizes Dagmar's resourcefulness and creativity in crisis situations.

From The Publisher:

When you play one of Dagmar’s online games, you can’t just shut down the computer and walk away. The games pursue you into real life: you start getting emails and phone calls from fictional characters, perfect strangers ask you to help solve their problems, and sometimes you’re asked to volunteer for a mission to discover a vital clue.

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About the Author:

Walter Jon Williams is an American writer, primarily of science fiction. Previously he wrote nautical adventure fiction under the name Jon Williams, in particular, Privateers and Gentlemen, a series of historical novels set during the age of sail.

Wikipedia

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This is Not a Game

Walter Jon Williams

Book 1 in the series:Dagmar Shaw