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Sci-Fi & Fantasy

I’ve been spending a fair bit of time this year with authors that I have read before. Daryl Gregory’s When We Were Real was no exception. There is something comforting about going back to a known commodity. This author has worked for you in the past, why wouldn’t they again this time.

When We Were Real has all of the quirk factor that I love in a good book. Give me something different with a plot that is completely out there. Well, the characters in this one are living in a simulation. I’m sure we have all had this conversation at one time or another. What if this life isn’t real? What if it is only a dream? There is even a whole psychological disorder of depersonalization or derealization. Who knew? But Gregory has taken this to a whole new level. A full-on four hundred plus page fictional account of that simulated world.

I love how Gregory presented his characters; the names don’t matter; each one is known by their role. This is so much easier, it is a much faster way to identify the characters. I don’t have to remember that Jorah Mormont’s dad is the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch and his cousin, Lyanna, is now fighting spores with Oberyn Martell. He is just the disgraced knight with the Dragon Queen; that is so much easier. Everyone knows who that is. And he did this while still creating strong, unique characters that were easy to connect with.

The great thing about a quirky book is that you can cover some serious stuff while still keeping things light. Gregory has put together a fantastic story that kept me entertained while still asking some great questions about life, God, and the meaning of life. Everything came together and it was time well spent.


*4 Stars

    2 Book Lovers Reviews

When We Were Real

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By Daryl Gregory

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