| | Epic |  | Author: Conor Kostick
Category: Book
Buy New: $18.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  9 reviews
Media: Library Binding
Edition: Reprint
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 366
ISBN: 1439550794
EAN: 9781439550793
ASIN: 1439550794
Publication Date: September 18, 2008
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Not yet published
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| Also Available In:
| • | Paperback - Epic | | • | Hardcover - Epic | | • | Paperback - Epic | | • | Paperback - Epic | | • | Library Binding - Epic |
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Product Description
Welcome to a society governed through computer games! On New Earth, society is governed and conflicts are resolved in the arena of a fantasy computer game, Epic. If you win, you have the chance to fulfill your dreams; if you lose, your life both in and out of the game is worth nothing. When teenage Erik dares to subvert the rules of Epic, he and his friends must face the Committee. If Erik and his friends win, they may have the key to destroying the Committees tyranny. But if they lose . . .
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 Difficult not to babble incoherently June 20, 2007
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
Astonishingly good. The last time I read a book that swept me off my feet as thoroughly as this one, it was the very first time I read the very first Harry Potter book.
Not that there are all that many similarities, beyond that it's set in a very well-developed imaginary world and that it's also very well-written. The story is set in the distant future on a planet that was colonized by refugees from Earth. The characters are (appparently) many generations removed from that event; to them, it seems to have taken on some mythic qualities.
Because the refugees were fleeing from a world that was on the verge of destruction from warfare, they brought with them one inviolable law: no violence, EVER. All conflicts are resolved through combat within a computer role-playing game. Because this combat forms the basis of the legal system, it is vital for each citizen to have a character within the game that can win such a trial (should the need arise). The most successful players can also earn lucrative positions within the government.
As you're reading, be ready to pay close attention, because it's very easy to get caught up in the plot - it MOVES. Trust me, as much as you may be eager to find out what happens next, you don't want to miss a single word of what's happening NOW.
The descriptions are vivid and clear; game terminology is explained without being condescending.
The characters are fantastic; they are ordinary people - but not boring. They succeed and fail not because the plot demands it (or at least, not ONLY because the plot demands it) but as a result of their individual personalities and the choices they naturally make.
I go through a LOT of books. This one really stands out. Get it from your library (if they don't have a copy, demand one!) and see if you don't agree.
Thunder and Lightning July 9, 2007
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
Set in an SF world of an established colony long out of communication with the motherworld, the action quickly unfolds as a MUD adventure in Cindella's quest for the Holy Grail of real world democracy, and the genuine opportunity to reconstruct the matrix of society itself.
Billed as "Junior", its audience is much broader. Epic is an excellent tale. The themes are contemporary and serious. The action is fun. Epic is a look at the possibilities of what could be in an age that implements advanced electronic interaction.
At 62 years of age, I am pleased to find a well constructed novel that not only is a good yarn, but that also has absolutely no need for the trite distractions that publishers, editors, and sadly many authors seem to aim at shocking sensibilities or impassioning desires.
I stopped here today to buy the sequel, Saga. If you have traveled in the world of a classic Multi-User Domain, my word to you is: "Choose your character well. Arm youself with two swords. Use the key. And sit down for a good read."
Epic is GREAT!! July 9, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is a wonderful book. I bought it for my 10 year old, but I really enjoyed reading it. It may be best suited for 12+ year olds because of the vocabulary, but it is a fascinating story.
Fabulous, esp. for boys, and good for upper-el too May 26, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
A terrific video-game-based fantasy that also works as social commentary. In a world where we could desperately use joint social action, why are we wasting our precious time on video games and other similar distractions dreamed up by corporate America? This book will be devoured by good upper-elementary readers too; it is unclear why the publisher says it is for 8th graders and up. For anyone familiar with Heir Apparent, this one is even better.
Absolute favorite book May 15, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
When i first picked up Epic, i thought, "Eh, sounds okay." When i opened the book and started reading, "Somewhat interesting." When i put the book down after nonstop reading for five hours, no words could describe it. Epic is probably the best book i have read, and i have read a ton of books.
Epic is set in a world where there is no violence allowed. Saga is the new worlds legal, government, and economic system, and everyone plays it. Erik is one in a million, one who doesn't work in the game, he plays the game. He looks outside of the game and sees that his world is slowly dying, everything in this society is wrong.
More than that, the game is no longer just a game. It has evolved into something more, and it takes Erik to find out how to save his world by beating epic.
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