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Epic (Epic #1)

3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 · rating details · 2,422 ratings · 297 reviews

Generations ago, violence was banned on New Earth. Society is governed and conflicts are resolved in the arena of a fantasy computer game, Epic. Everyone plays. If you win, you have the chance to go to university, get more supplies for your community, and fulfill your dreams; if you lose, your life both in and out of the game is worth nothing.

When Erik, seeking revenge fo

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Hardcover, 384 pages

Published April 5th 2007 by Viking Juvenile (first published 2004)

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Jun 26, 2008 Karin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: youngadult, 2008-reads

What if the quality of your life depended on how well you played a MMORPG? What’s a MMORPG you ask? It is a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game. Well, on New Earth that is exactly the way life is.

On New Earth, violence is illegal. Epic (the MMORPG) was created for people to clip up, enter the world of Epic, and take out their agression on fictional characters rather than doing harm to a real person. However, over the years, the purpose of the game shifted and became the determining fa...more What if the quality of your life depended on how well you played a MMORPG? What’s a MMORPG you ask? It is a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game. Well, on New Earth that is exactly the way life is.

On New Earth, violence is illegal. Epic (the MMORPG) was created for people to clip up, enter the world of Epic, and take out their agression on fictional characters rather than doing harm to a real person. However, over the years, the purpose of the game shifted and became the determining factor for what kind of job you had, where you were able to live, and what supplies you received. Central Allocations, a small group of people in charge of all the decisions, controls everything.

Erik’s family is having a tough time. They have had some solar panels break and aren’t able to produce enough olives to meet their quota. Their attempts at getting replacement solar panels have been unsuccessful and the family is afraid Central Allocations will require them to move to the salt mines for punishment. In addition to the family problems, Erik isn’t doing well in the game himself. In order to have a chance to go to University you must accumulate wealth and status in Epic. Erik just continues to get his characters killed because he trys to kill the same dragon everytime he enters the game. His last “death” is the final straw though. Out of frustration he does something he has never done before. Erik creates a character that is female instead of his usual male character that resembles him in real life. Instead of going by his own name he chooses one he thinks befits a beautiful character - Cindella. Immediately upon entering the game as Cindella, things begin to look up. Characters that are a part of the game begin talking to her and giving her things. Soon she realizes the characters are pointing her toward a quest.

With his newfound status in Epic, Erik uses his accumulating wealth and the help of his friends to take on Central Allocations - once and for all. They are up against the most dangerous players of all. Ones with more wealth and experience. But, if Erik can defeat Central Allocations, he’ll be able to save his family and possibly create a better life for them and those of his friends - possibly even the world.

EPIC is an interesting story. There is no problem keeping up with the “real” world and the “Epic” world. The author does a great job of distinguishing the two. If you enjoy Fantasy or Sci-Fi, then you’ll enjoy this story. There is a sequel called SAGA that has already been released.

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Mar 07, 2008 Savannah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, fiction, kidlit, librarybook

YA treatment of societally-mandated online gaming as a society's escape valve for violence. Pretty good on MMORPG stuff (impenetrably so, I suspect, for those wholly unfamiliar) although serious gamers will undoubtedly have quibbles. It's well-enough done, but like the games in which simply grinding through the quest and not making major mistakes provides for a successful outcome, there's not a lot of plot tension or subplots. And the fact that characters in the game die without characters dying...more

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Dec 28, 2007 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: high school and up. Specifically, mmorpg gamers.

Shelves: ya

First, I do not play any MMORPGs. No Second Life. No World of Warcraft. But I really enjoyed this book. In a nutshell, Eric lives in a world where violence has been eradicated. All disputes, legal and otherwise, are settled in the online game Epic. How well you play the game dictates your position in real life, whether your town will receive solar panels or not, for example. However, Epic is just a means for the oligarchy to subjugate its people, and when Eric and his friends take on the players...more

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Aug 04, 2007 Trevor rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Teen Sci-Fi and fantasy readers, Runescape / MMORPGers

Kostick interweaves concepts plucked from an introductory course in political science with a world torn between operating in science fiction and ”reality” (don’t let the philosophy students get a hold of this one…). The characters spend time dissecting complex ideas such as, in a world such as New Earth where violence of any kind is strictly forbidden, are there circumstances under which violence is a good thing? Or, in this violence free world, why are there still inconsistincies and injustices...more

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Mar 01, 2013 Keehn rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It is the first of it's kind that I have read. Very thought provoking but also a fun read. Read the next books in the series!

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Apr 03, 2013 John Young rated it 4 of 5 stars

The book epic by Conor Kostick is an entertaining fantasy novel. It’s told through the viewpoint of a child, in the middle of a corrupt and power hungry world. . This is a great read that full of action, strategy, and mystery. The story takes many unexpected and interesting turns that will keep you on your toes. I really enjoyed this books storyline and could connect to many of the characters.
Epic is all about the journey from being an average kid, to becoming a hero. The main character in the s...more

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Mar 04, 2013 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Epic would be good for people who enjoy going to fantasy lands and facing down monsters. I think that the reading level would be good for middle schoolers and higher. Epic takes place in the future, when violence has been banned. The laws for the society are simple. There is a game called Epic, and all citizens create a character and basically play it like an RPG (Role Playing Game). The only difference is that this RPG determines your life. When citizens want something, like a law or money, th...more

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Feb 03, 2013 Benjamin N. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Epic by Conor Kostick is an amazing science fiction, fantasy adventure.In Epic, a young boynamed Erik and his friends live on a planet called New Earth. On New Earth the most strict law is no violence so to settle conflicts, the population of New Earth fights to the death in a computer game called Epic. But when the corrupt Central Allocations exiles Erik’s father, one of the most powerful Epic players, then Eric knows the only way to get him back is to bend the rules. So Erik and his friends, B...more

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Jan 13, 2013 Maria Yunovich rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Epic is a dystopian story set on a distant planet in the distant future. Most of the advanced technology humanity had in the past has been discarded, save for two things: electricity and Epic.

Epic is a program that contains an immense, complex, and immersive world. It was once used for mere diversion, likely to entertain travelers on their lengthy journey through space. Nowadays, it is used as a political system to benefit the planet's strict policy of pacifism. Before requesting something from...more Epic is a dystopian story set on a distant planet in the distant future. Most of the advanced technology humanity had in the past has been discarded, save for two things: electricity and Epic.

Epic is a program that contains an immense, complex, and immersive world. It was once used for mere diversion, likely to entertain travelers on their lengthy journey through space. Nowadays, it is used as a political system to benefit the planet's strict policy of pacifism. Before requesting something from the political leaders, they must first challenge them to a battle in the virtual arena. If they win, their request will be carried out. If they lose, their character dies and they lose all of their progress, items, and money.

The virtual currency earned in Epic can be used to buy things in real life. Otherwise, communities are mostly self-sufficient. However, most players have established a risk-free routine that earns them a very small amount of money. Many communities get by on the bare minimum, with ancient equipment and exhausted fields.

The political leaders, who call themselves Central Allocations, are practically all-powerful. They haven't lost a battle in years, rendering the challenge system obsolete. They share (and abuse) the only character who is able to kill other players' characters. Nobody outside of Central Allocations knows about it.

The protagonist, Erik, is a young boy who may be one of the last people to truly take an interest in the exploration of Epic. He has died several times attempting to figure out how to defeat a legendary beast and access its mountain of treasures. After his most recent attempt, he decides to get a little more creative with his new character. This is where the story begins.

He finds that his character has a fascinating story to explore, and opportunities that no other character types could ever have. He quickly accumulates a very small fortune, equips himself a good set of armor, and enters the yearly tournament with his friends.

The tournament is a very important event for the students of the world, because the champions are allowed certain placement into the world's most prestigious academy. Erik and his friends become finalists. After that, he encourages his friends to go on various adventures with him.

Their journey leads them to an immense secret: a way to end the game's world forever. It takes them a long period of thought, but they decide to attempt it. Without Epic, the world will finally be brought back into focus. They are faced with armies of opposition, from the world of Epic and their own. It becomes them most difficult challenge they've ever faced.

I really enjoyed this book. The game segments were tons of fun, and the characters were great. I'd recommend this to any fan of fantasy, science fiction, or dystopia-themed novels.(less)

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Feb 10, 2012 D.L. rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was a quick read. The writing was adequate for the genre, if a little bland at times. I found it hard to care for the characters, but the author did throw a few interesting twists in the plot - enough to keep me reading until the end. However, the end blew it for me as the epic battle was too easily joined by the masses (in my opinion).

Many of the reviews here say that the game was created to settle disputes because violence was outlawed. This may not have been the case. In fact, it s...more

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Jan 11, 2012 Matthew smith. added it

The story follows Erik, who seeks revenge for the unjust treatment of his parents. His father, Harald, was exiled because he hit another person, which happens to be a future Central Allocations member named Ragnok. Ragnok was trying to assault Harald's wife in a way that is never explained fully in the book, but seems to have some sexual implications. Harald eventually escapes and hides for twenty years with his wife, during which they have Erik. Harald is caught when he challenges Central Alloc...more The story follows Erik, who seeks revenge for the unjust treatment of his parents. His father, Harald, was exiled because he hit another person, which happens to be a future Central Allocations member named Ragnok. Ragnok was trying to assault Harald's wife in a way that is never explained fully in the book, but seems to have some sexual implications. Harald eventually escapes and hides for twenty years with his wife, during which they have Erik. Harald is caught when he challenges Central Allocations to help his town, and is actually exiled to an island this time. Before his father is exiled, Erik is not very protective of his character, and loses it many times fighting Inry'aat, the Red Dragon, who guards a massive treasure hoard. Most of these attempts are spent trying to figure out a quick way to defeat the dragon. When his parents tell him to get on with training for the Graduation Competitions that can win him a spot at a university, he decides to take a new approach to the game. He makes a new human female character, which he names Cindella and chooses the almost unknown character class, swashbuckler. He puts all of his ability points into beauty, which most players consider a waste of points, as they can be used for abilities in battle. This is the cause for the bland, gray characters predominate in Epic that have not used any points on beauty. Quickly, the tale takes a twist and Erik inherits much wealth from his investment in beauty as he mysteriously is given gifts and unique quests. The unique quest the dragonslayers embark on is called Epicus Ultima, and is the biggest quest on the game. A Player from the C. A. (central allocations) has been trying to solve this quest for many years, as this turns out to be a problem for the dragonslayers.

With his friends' help and one of his strategies from studying Inry'aat, Erik defeats the Red Dragon, and as a result he and his friends become some of the richest and most famous characters in all of Epic. Each of the group gains about four million bezants, which amounts to more wealth than they could earn in over a thousand years of normal play. There are many interesting twists, turns, and characters including an evil vampire, Erik's mysterious father, the Avatar of the game world, a dark elf, and the Executioner. The Avatar and the vampire play a central role in the plot, as they are the opposing sides of the persona that the game itself inexplicably developed. The Avatar represents the game's desire to end its existence and save the people of New Earth, while the vampire reflects its desire to simply continue existing.

As the story unfolds Erik and his friends are drawn into a world of power-hungry, dangerous players. What they don't know is that The Committee has a sinister, deadly secret, and challenging it could destroy the whole world of Epic.(less)

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Jan 04, 2012 Adam rated it 5 of 5 stars

Imagine life on your planet was not that important, and that everyone only cared about computer game. Welcome to New Earth. Here, people spend most of their lives on a computer and a device able of "clipping you up" so that you are literally inside the game! New Earth was found thousands of years before and Epic is relatively new, founded in the last 100 years. The main governing body is called Central Allocations. They treat people unfairly and poorly. In their so called utopian society, lives...more

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Mar 03, 2011 Alex M rated it 4 of 5 stars

Imagine living on a new Earth where all fighting is done in a video game because there is no physical violence allowed; that is where the book Epic takes place.
I think that the book Epic is science fiction because science fiction has to do with huge increases in technology, and in Epic there are many technological advances. For instance, people were able to fly away from the original earth (earth we all live on). Also, there is a video game where your character moves when you move because of...more

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Jun 26, 2010 Karin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: gaming, artificial-intelligence, dystopian, young-adult-fiction, science-fiction, role-playing-games, books-for-boys, borrowed-from-the-library

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Epic is a MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role-playing game) originally devised by its creators to help stem violence in the populace. No physical violence is allowed outside of Epic. Epic has also become the way to settle disputes, and to receive items and support from Central Allocations. One of the results, however, of the game system is that those people who have power in the game also have power in real life – and those in Central Allocations (the ones who have all of the power) want to...more Epic is a MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role-playing game) originally devised by its creators to help stem violence in the populace. No physical violence is allowed outside of Epic. Epic has also become the way to settle disputes, and to receive items and support from Central Allocations. One of the results, however, of the game system is that those people who have power in the game also have power in real life – and those in Central Allocations (the ones who have all of the power) want to keep it that way.

When Erik’s father challenges Central Allocations (CA) to receive a solar panel, his character, who has been dormant for twenty years, is recognized. It belongs to an exile. He and his team win their challenge against the CA players, but he loses his freedom and is forced to return to exile. Erik and his friends vow to bring him back. Erik has a new character, a female swashbuckler, unlike any others. He invests all of her initial stats in beauty, so she has a striking appearance, and her fighting skills are quite good. He uses her skills and those of his team members to defeat a dragon and take its treasure horde. Then he and his team members use their wealth and celebrity status to improve their lives – and make a gambit to rescue Erik’s father.

Along the way, however, Erik realizes that Epic itself has attained consciousness. It speaks to him through some of its NPC (non-player characters) manifestations. It’s…lonely. It’s also got a split personality. Part of it wants to find others like itself, and it’s crushed when it learns that it is the only thing of its kind. It wants to die. Another part wants to live and harm the people who have discovered its secret. So, when Epic inadvertently gives away the secret of its destruction to Erik and his teammates, it also sends a deadly force against them when they try to destroy it.

Erik and his friends are victorious in the end – they have defeated Epic itself. But the results of its defeat are unclear. Central Allocations, has already fallen apart due to a coup from within, and no one has yet arisen to take its place. Erik and his supporters feel that the game interface might still have a purpose – to facilitate decision-making and government, but not in an artificial world. They believe that the game has come to mean much more to people than their own lives, taking valuable energy and attention away from the real problems that affect them. They are hopeful about the future, which is still somewhat uncertain.

This was pretty good. I was really caught up in the ideas and the story, but everything seemed a little rushed and a little rough. The players of Epic, never seemed to truly get into character when they were “in game,” so it was a little bit difficult to understand why Epic was so addictive. I guess there was the allure of the power and wealth that could be obtained through gameplay – and everyone was pretty poor and disadvantaged (save, of course the elite class). I was particularly interested in the consciousness of the game itself, which never became much of an issue. Those that defeated it never paused to consider its sentience. They just saw it as a distraction and a powerful tool in that was currently in the hands of the wrong people. Can you psychoanalyze and comfort a lonely, insane, game consciousness? Kostick is busy writing a sequel, with plans for a third book, so perhaps Epic isn’t really gone and answers are forthcoming.(less)

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Jun 25, 2010 Lady Knight rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, science-fiction, teen, on-my-shelf-book, 2009-tbr-pile-read, space, dystopian-post-apocalyptic

This book was everything I'd hoped it would be! Although the basic plot is a hybrid of things that have been used a thousand times (world run by computer game / world revolves around a game meets fight the powers that be) it was still very well done.

Erik lives in the district of Hope, an agricultural area that has trouble just getting a tractor or a solar panel, nevermind getting a good crop. In his world everything revolves around Epic, a sort of online RPG. Epic is New Earth's legal and econom...more

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Jan 15, 2010 Abby rated it 5 of 5 stars

A book that ties technology, fantasy, science-fiction, and governmental issues all in one. By far the best book I have EVER read during the summer.

Epic is set on a futuristic planet, called New Earth, where the human colony living there has banned violence-- it's what consumed their old planet in the first. Instead, all conflicts are settled via an in depth computer game, which is also the title of the book. Players hook up to the game via headset and sensory gloves, to completely immerse themse...more A book that ties technology, fantasy, science-fiction, and governmental issues all in one. By far the best book I have EVER read during the summer.

Epic is set on a futuristic planet, called New Earth, where the human colony living there has banned violence-- it's what consumed their old planet in the first. Instead, all conflicts are settled via an in depth computer game, which is also the title of the book. Players hook up to the game via headset and sensory gloves, to completely immerse themselves. But not everything is as peaceful as it seems... And when the main character, Erik, discovers an NPC that seems to have a mind of its own, his journey takes off.

Conor Kostick is now one of my favorite authors in this genre. There are so many books out there about virtual worlds. But the worlds themselves always seemed limited-- like each world was based off of one in a different book. It was always the same. However, Epic took the concept of virtual gaming to a whole new level! The details were so crisp and clear; each player's avatar even got their own back story to follow, so we find ourselves not only learning more of the secrets of the program itself, but finding new treasures and such thanks to the avatar's past. For example, when entering the world with his new female avatar...

"An attic, cobwebs, simple furniture, a window-- with a little broken pane. Outside a seagull, tucked up on the ledge. A bed, with someone?... Erik reached out a hand towards the window... A breeze was blowing through the broken pane. He let it wash over his fingers and arms. Touching the glass, he left a slight mark in the grime... How long would his mark last on the window?... Just how sophisticated was Epic?" (pg 18/19)

As you can see, the text is not riddled with luxurious adjectives. Instead, it gives you a simple description with enough detail to let your mind wander, to let the reader have some control over what the area surrounding them looks like. Something that kept me entertained and up late for days. I would highly recommend this and it's sequel, Saga(less)

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Nov 23, 2009 Arya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, fantasy, science-fiction

The peace that fostered violence and the game that became a world.

When Earth is torn apart by corrution and violence a peace loving people will set out to set up a colony on a new planet - the result - Epic. The people of Epic live in a peaceful society. Nothing is resolved by violence. The game is everything. It controls the economy and conflict resolution. The winners of quests in the game become CA "Centeral Allocations". These people are in charge of deciding where other people will spend th...more

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Sep 04, 2009 Ruhama rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen

Erik's world is a lot like ours except for one major difference: physical violence is outlawed. They solve all their disputes through Epic, a computer game that governs their lives. But lately life hasn't been all peaches and cream: Erik finds out his dad is an outlaw for hitting a man while in college, the governing board over Epic is showing signs of corruption and Erik has a nagging feeling that there's more to Epic than meets the eye. That feeling triggers several events that form the course...more

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Mar 14, 2011 Jack rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 03-march-11, action, fantasy, fiction, sci-fi

There’s one thing I’m absolutely certain about. If I have to live in the Epic World, I would have been exiled. No, I’m not generally violent person but the rule and the fact that there are too many limit imposed on a normal citizen would definitely cause me to rebel and cause some serious damage. All in all, I admire the characters because they could last that long, surviving through such circumstances that would surely drive me mad before I could even yell ‘epic’.

The story was simple. It almos...more There’s one thing I’m absolutely certain about. If I have to live in the Epic World, I would have been exiled. No, I’m not generally violent person but the rule and the fact that there are too many limit imposed on a normal citizen would definitely cause me to rebel and cause some serious damage. All in all, I admire the characters because they could last that long, surviving through such circumstances that would surely drive me mad before I could even yell ‘epic’.

The story was simple. It almost made me thought of James Cameron; the fact that he wrote simple stories and tells it in the most breath-taking way really. Conor Kostick is telling a simple story. It’s about a boy in a new world trying to survive it and having to deal with the hurdle that comes with being your every day common person. Eric, a young boy and probably not the best player of Epic struggled on a daily basis. Having had his alter-ego killed on the game – yet again definitely did not help. There was the problem with the solar panel and his mother dying in the game as well. Things were looking grim.

Things were looking grim and having been irritated by the lack of success, Eric took a drastic measure by creating another alter-ego. A female and not only that happened to be a swashbuckler. Thinking that there was nothing to lose, Eric soon found that he was in more than he was bargaining for. With his father sent back to exile (as it turned out he was part of the academy once and was exiled for committing a serious defiance towards the law of the New Earth) and his mother breakdown Eric proposed an even crazier plan to his friends.

Armed with only his keen observation skills and dependable friends for sidekicks as well as his longing to bring his father back, Eric ventured into the world of Epic as Cindella. Slaying dragons as he goes and hoping – rather planning to take on Central Allocations, making more splashes that anyone had seen for many years.

If there was any doubt, the book was definitely a good read. Sci-Fi is definitely not my genre, but having read two good ones in just two months, I realize there is hope yet. So far, Kostick proved himself to be a good author; all the characters were beautifully written and stayed true to their traits even as the story progressed. There was never a dull moment and I could hardly pull myself away from the world of Epic.

To think I bought the book on sale!
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Apr 02, 2009 Adrienne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-count-08, science-fiction

Epic by Conor Kostick is set in a future in which a group of humans have left Earth and colonized another planet. The original group of settlers were pacifists, so they outlawed violence in real life, but used their highly advanced technology to create Epic, an MMORPG in which conflicts can be settled by ritualized battles between avatars. Everyone in the society has an avatar (or “character”) in Epic, and as time passes, the game becomes a means of communication between the ruling council and t...more

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Aug 16, 2012 Julie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, science-fiction, games

I think I would've enjoyed this book more if it stuck with the main character, Eric's point of view. And I know I would've enjoyed it more had it not had a tendency to skip important things.

This is a colonized world where they enter a game to solve conflicts and run their economy and government. Eric and his friends have to pass some sort of graduation test. But this all happens off-camera, and you never even learn exactly what was involved in that! There were other things where things happened...more

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Oct 30, 2011 Brandy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, adventure, boy-books, dystopian-post-apocalyptic, library, teen, speculative-fiction

Following yet another death in Epic, Erik creates a new character. On a whim, he chooses a female form, allots all her aptitude points to beauty, and chooses an unusual character class: Swashbuckler. Such an unusual character makes Epic into a whole new game--which is exactly what Erik needs, if he’s going to slay the second dragon in Epic’s history and challenge the Central Allocation government to release his father from exile.

A ton of easy read-alikes for this one--The Roar (Clayton), Vande V...more

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Jul 08, 2009 Mary rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-books, high-school-books, middle-school-books, fantasy, dystopia

I didn't expect to like this book, but it turned out to be an interesting and frightening adventure fantasy. Epic is the name of an MMORPG (massive, multiplayer online role-playing game). The game is how wealth and status are acquired in this society, and it's how conflicts are resolved. Violence was outlawed long ago, and even a slight crime of violence results in exile to a lawless island. Erik and his friends spend lots of time playing Epic - like everyone else, but when his character is kill...more

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Feb 06, 2011 Ethan M. rated it 5 of 5 stars

The title says it all. This book truly is epic. It takes place on a planet similar to our own, called New Earth. (You don’t find out until later in the book that it is called New Earth but telling you this now doesn’t spoil anything.) New Earth is divided up in to districts. District one, district two, district three, and so on. All the districts are governed by Central Allocations. Central Allocations is a council located in the Capitol. The Capitol is the wealthiest and most significant distri...more

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Jun 03, 2009 Emily Ellsworth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: summer-2009-reading-list, wonderful, dystopia

Erik lives in a world where violence is outlawed. The MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) "Epic" is used to settle all conflicts, and eventually becomes the form of government in the world. The better you do in the game, the more supplies you get, and some even get a chance to attend the university. Better players live in better areas and have better jobs and homes. Erik and his friends discover a loophole in the game that makes them rich. Soon, they begin to unravel the enti...more

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Nov 25, 2012 The Airship Librarian rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. To start off, I love the idea of this book. A new planet where things are settled in a MMORPG? Fascinating! I loved the idea of the game Epic, and therefore the book Epic.

However, as much as the idea excites me, I found it to be poorly executed. It was decent, but it could have been so much more. The way the plot moved along, there were holes and jumps. For instance, Erik is put in the hospital at one point and there is talk of him missing out on an important aspect in the game- The graduation...more

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Oct 27, 2012 Rachel rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

Originally posted on RED Book Reviews.

Story: Erik lives on a world where disputes/economy/practically everything is decided through a huge multiplayer game called "Epic". In frustration after his mother's "death" (character death), he decides to challenge the authorities through a new female character with all her points wasted on beauty. Then follows shenanigans and adventure.

Thoughts: Speaking as someone who enjoys computer games quite a lot, this was quite a lot of fun. Battles and armour and...more

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Apr 27, 2011 Cherrylea rated it 5 of 5 stars

I know I said that this was another one of those virtual-reality-game books, but it's still nothing like the other one I read. In this one, the entire society runs on this one game, Epic! How 'epic' is that?
So, this time what I really like was the concept in this book. I've realized that I usually like certain things about books - voice, content, creativity, communication, characters, etc. I wonder - what else about a book really draws you in? I have to think about that... Anyway, the idea in th...more I know I said that this was another one of those virtual-reality-game books, but it's still nothing like the other one I read. In this one, the entire society runs on this one game, Epic! How 'epic' is that?
So, this time what I really like was the concept in this book. I've realized that I usually like certain things about books - voice, content, creativity, communication, characters, etc. I wonder - what else about a book really draws you in? I have to think about that... Anyway, the idea in this book, government and legal system based on a video game, is something really interesting to explore! I love how the characters slowly realize how wrong this system really is, and how they start fighting the power. I saw them begin to take risks, play the game like it was supposed to be played. That's another thing - it was fascinating how people have forgotten the real purpose of the game, to have fun, and our main character figure it out. The game coming to life, understanding that there's a whole different realm outside of it, is also really interesting. (It reminds me of Incarceron). The final battle between the vampire and the Avatar represented so many things, not just good vs evil. It meant change vs the same, the government vs rebellion. I know these are commonly explored controversial issues, but it's cool to see them portrayed differently.
The characters were fun, too. There were the good and bad, of course, but we also saw different levels of each type, and different kinds. Svein was one of the enemies originally, but then we see him change. The council die, including Ragnok - in a foul manner, and odd one I have to say. Ragnok is one the evil ones, but the vampire is a completely different level - he's the embodiment of evil, and the side of the game that resents being unable to be like the real players. My favorite character had to be B.E., what with his attitude and confidence - I like guys who like to have fun! Cindella was one of my favorites as well - I thought it an interesting twist that Erik chose a girl character, but I cannot imagine the story without it.
I'd say that this book is a good choice for anyone interested in adventure and the dystopian society rebel scene. The vocabulary is pretty high in this book, so I'd say that the age would be from 7th grade on. Either way, this book is excellent - worth a high spot on your to-read list!(less)

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Dec 19, 2012 YA Novelties rated it 4 of 5 stars

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3.5 Stars!

To begin with, this book is kinda old, slightly cheesy, and somewhat cliché, so you ask, “Why review/read it?” Well. It wasn’t exactly a literary masterpeice. Plot wise… it could be better. BUT! I simply cannot help but like it. Why? Well, the story begins with Erik, a boy in a poor out of the way farming town that struggles to get by. His character died fighting some dragon and has to make a new one to start his game over again. Good old Erik then dec...more Check this review out at our blog!

3.5 Stars!

To begin with, this book is kinda old, slightly cheesy, and somewhat cliché, so you ask, “Why review/read it?” Well. It wasn’t exactly a literary masterpeice. Plot wise… it could be better. BUT! I simply cannot help but like it. Why? Well, the story begins with Erik, a boy in a poor out of the way farming town that struggles to get by. His character died fighting some dragon and has to make a new one to start his game over again. Good old Erik then decides to use all his attribute points on beauty, and picks the swashbuckler class which lacks in strength but makes up in je ne sais quoi, which probably means (use snooty voice here) “to be completely awesome.”

In a world where the lives of the people depend on their status in Epic, this first rate idiot decides to waste all his attribute points on beauty..... Though actually, I would do the same. Not that I’m calling myself a first rate idiot or anything like that. Christened Cindella, she gets through the game by pure charisma. You gotta admit, thats pretty cool. Imagine walking through the mall, and that guy that mans the Aunty Annes pretzel stand gives you a free pretzel because you’ve (insert your best trait here). So yeah, I gotta respect that. It's one of the reasons I like this book.

Now as for the second thing, do you know that feeling you get when someone challenges you to something that they’re really good at (such as a video game or a sport, etc.)? They’re boasting and gloating about how good they are, and then you come in and WHAM! Royal straight flush. 193 kills. 8 touchdowns and counting. Y’know, that awesome feeling. This book has a large healthy dose of it, spread nicely throughout, which made me flip pages like there was large amounts of gold and the answers to the next math test hidden in the back cover.

Third, I love video games and anything that can pass for a video game. Hell, I’d still be playing the violin if I had a level gauge and a new fancier instrument every time I finished a song. Like, “Congratulations, your bowing skills leveled up! New bow available!” Or maybe if my teacher was a goomba and I could stomp on her for coins. Yes. YES. That would be amazing.

Yeah. So basically, this is a average book. To be frank, its childish, the characters are meh, the plot feels meh. It just happened to be in line with my personal preferences. Or maybe it’s because the story itself has a bit of je ne sais quoi(google it). Maybe because I got so used to reading crappy books *coughcontemporaryromancesuckscoughcoughcough* that this contrasted in a good way. Its a book that you should read if you got time, but not something you should put on the top or near the top of your reading list.

JW @YA Novelties (less)

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Jun 08, 2012 Samantha Tsau rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was recommended this book and given a warning and now I pass this warning on to you: the game within this book will leave you wishing you could experience it in real life. Yes, this is for those of you who have a tendency towards fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, etc. and video games or really, just have any sort of imagination. The idea is simple and overall, it is NOT a difficult book. But what really caught me is the ideas inside of it and the characters and the game, Epic. I would recommend it (th...more

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About Conor Kostick

Conor Kostick was a designer for the world's first live action role-playing game, Treasure Trap. He lives in Dublin where he teaches medieval history at Trinity College. He is the author of many historical, political and cultural articles. Epic was his first novel and was awarded a place on the International Board on Books for Young People Honours list for 2006 and on the Booklist Best Fantasy Boo...more

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