Review: Death Game by Joseph Sale

DEATH GAME by Joseph Sale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this one straight after reading the first book Save Game, so all the characters were still fresh in my mind. Levi's story has moved on by more than a decade, even though he himself hasn't due to mental health issues sparked by Fate of Ellaria game, and his friend Amir has gone on to build a new more immersive interactive game, which he is about to launch and wants Levi to take part in. But is Levi mental up to it?

Much like Amir's game, this book is just as immersive. We follow the characters and their challenges and someone trying to sabotage the game. It is a dark fantasy, with lots of horrifying elements, not least of all the character Cowl! Joseph Sale has an excellent descriptive manner which captures things visually, emotionally, even in a tactile way, using little words.

It's fast-paced, with a compelling story. And I'm so happy to find out there is a third (and even a fourth) volume as it is left on a very intriguing cliff hanger. I have already ordered Book 3 - Chaos Game.

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Review: Philosophy: A very short introduction by Edward Craig

Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction by Edward Craig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had hoped to dip in and out of this book, but each chapter links to the one previous with the topics being discussed. I might also not have the right temperament for this book, as I found it a bit presumptuous ... for want of a better word.

I had the same issues when studying English literature at college. When going over other people's writing - particularly when translated - guessing at meanings and assuming how someone lived, believed or thought. And then picking out words and asking what they meant by them. But maybe that is the point of philosophy and it is my ignorance that I didn't know that.

Some interesting facts and history. It is called very short (though it probably is in philosophical terms), and published in a tiny pocket addition, but the print is super small. I might give it another go another time as I just skimmed it really and read bits and pieces.

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