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Cryptogram Chaos: A Virtual Reality Adventure
*Winner of the Gold Medal from Literary Classics for Teen Fiction The game that's every kid's virtual dream becomes a real nightmare when an evil avatar takes control.
What if you were 8, or 11, or 14,and you could race cars at 150 mph, bungee jump, fly, eat all the ice cream and candy you wanted, or become powerful avatars such as Robobug, Kulshedra the dragon, and Altai, the gryphon avatar?
All this and more is possible in the ultimate virtual reality game The Cryptogram Connection created by 14-year-old computer whiz Cody Reynolds and his two classmates, Nicole Nash and Kerry McCorkle. To advance to different levels in the game, players must solve cryptograms, or secret codes. (Readers also get to solve the cryptograms.)
They create their game to be used with the latest VR technology developed by local game manufacturer NuVision a headset with biosensors that transmit signals to the brain, fooling it into tasting, hearing, feeling, seeing, and smelling what was programmed into the game. The games are as close to reality as reality itself.
The game becomes every kids' virtual dream, and Cody, Nicole, and Kerry, besides becoming national celebrities, make more money than they ever imagined. But The Cryptogram Connection turns into "cryptogram chaos" when an evil presence inhabits Zazar, the laser avatar and the most powerful, and takes control of the game. It's up to the three partners to enter the game and fight Zazar to save the gamers from virtual--and real--disaster.
What if you were 8, or 11, or 14,and you could race cars at 150 mph, bungee jump, fly, eat all the ice cream and candy you wanted, or become powerful avatars such as Robobug, Kulshedra the dragon, and Altai, the gryphon avatar?
All this and more is possible in the ultimate virtual reality game The Cryptogram Connection created by 14-year-old computer whiz Cody Reynolds and his two classmates, Nicole Nash and Kerry McCorkle. To advance to different levels in the game, players must solve cryptograms, or secret codes. (Readers also get to solve the cryptograms.)
They create their game to be used with the latest VR technology developed by local game manufacturer NuVision a headset with biosensors that transmit signals to the brain, fooling it into tasting, hearing, feeling, seeing, and smelling what was programmed into the game. The games are as close to reality as reality itself.
The game becomes every kids' virtual dream, and Cody, Nicole, and Kerry, besides becoming national celebrities, make more money than they ever imagined. But The Cryptogram Connection turns into "cryptogram chaos" when an evil presence inhabits Zazar, the laser avatar and the most powerful, and takes control of the game. It's up to the three partners to enter the game and fight Zazar to save the gamers from virtual--and real--disaster.
332 pages, Paperback
Published March 9, 2016
About the author
Linda Covella
10 books252 followersLinda Covella’s varied job experience and education (associate degrees in art, business and mechanical drafting & design, a BS degree in Manufacturing Management) have led her down many paths and enriched her life experiences. But one thing she never strayed from is her love of writing.
A writer for over 30 years, her first publication was a restaurant review column, and as a freelance writer, she continued to publish numerous articles in a variety of publications. But when she published articles for children’s magazines, she realized she’d found her niche: writing for children. She wants to share with kids and teens her love of books: the worlds they open, the things they teach, the feelings they express.
The Castle Blues Quake, a middle-grade paranormal ghost story, and Yakimali’s Gift, a historical novel for young adults, are her first novels.
She’s a long-time member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
No matter what new paths she may travel down, she sees her writing as a lifelong joy and commitment.
http://lindacovella.com/
http://www.facebook.com/lindacovellaa...
http://www.amazon.com/Linda-Covella/e...
https://twitter.com/lindacovella @lindacovella
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/36...
A writer for over 30 years, her first publication was a restaurant review column, and as a freelance writer, she continued to publish numerous articles in a variety of publications. But when she published articles for children’s magazines, she realized she’d found her niche: writing for children. She wants to share with kids and teens her love of books: the worlds they open, the things they teach, the feelings they express.
The Castle Blues Quake, a middle-grade paranormal ghost story, and Yakimali’s Gift, a historical novel for young adults, are her first novels.
She’s a long-time member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
No matter what new paths she may travel down, she sees her writing as a lifelong joy and commitment.
http://lindacovella.com/
http://www.facebook.com/lindacovellaa...
http://www.amazon.com/Linda-Covella/e...
https://twitter.com/lindacovella @lindacovella
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/36...
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 12, 2016
This is an absolutely brilliant read. It is exciting, packed with fun and brain stimulation, and I really struggled to put it down. I believe this is easily a book that is enjoyable for all ages, from teens to adults. Having a love for gaming is a plus, but is definitely not. Must, for you to reall submerge yourself into the world the author, and the team, created.
I loved the variety of characters, from the popular to the geek. All of the labels that kids see and experience daily, are in this book. To make it excellent, the author has given a head nod to those labels and then torn down the barriers, showing how people from all backgrounds and hobbies can enjoy doing things together.
I found it very important that the relationship, between the team, didn't just click straight away. It was real, and took time to manifest, like a real friendship would, especially from an unexpected source. The evolution of their friendship was done very well, as they became closer throughout, ignoring their previous labels, but they still weren't immune to real life issues.
When the team tagged together to try and fight the chaos, from the cryptograms to the virtual fight, I found it very engaging and entertaining. I liked that you were able to jump in and solve the problems with them, really making you a part of the story.
The pace as fantastic. It kept a very smooth flow, starting off at a normal pace and then really picking up as the problems grew more urgent, which it thought made it mor realistic.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and one I highly recommend.
**I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
I loved the variety of characters, from the popular to the geek. All of the labels that kids see and experience daily, are in this book. To make it excellent, the author has given a head nod to those labels and then torn down the barriers, showing how people from all backgrounds and hobbies can enjoy doing things together.
I found it very important that the relationship, between the team, didn't just click straight away. It was real, and took time to manifest, like a real friendship would, especially from an unexpected source. The evolution of their friendship was done very well, as they became closer throughout, ignoring their previous labels, but they still weren't immune to real life issues.
When the team tagged together to try and fight the chaos, from the cryptograms to the virtual fight, I found it very engaging and entertaining. I liked that you were able to jump in and solve the problems with them, really making you a part of the story.
The pace as fantastic. It kept a very smooth flow, starting off at a normal pace and then really picking up as the problems grew more urgent, which it thought made it mor realistic.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and one I highly recommend.
**I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
June 12, 2016
I thought this book had a lot of cool details!
We meet Cody, an amazing programmer who’s just in 9th grade, as he goes along with his older brother to NuVision, a computer game manufacturer. He helps the company tweek their products and tests them, mostly for the enjoyment of it. I enjoyed the brothers’ relationship throughout the story.
We also met “yaya” their part time housekeeper and cook who is really like a sweet grandmother to them, which is why she’s called yaya. And the delicious Greek food described in the book, yum, really brought back memories for me. We have close family friends who are Greek and I love Greek food. Yaya is the emotional support the boys need, which they lack from their busy, sophisticated parents in most of the story.
Cody is approached by two girls from the popular group at school—to create an awesome computer game for virtual reality headsets. He reluctantly agrees and has a crush on one of the girls, who shows how smart she really is and blows away any stereotyped ideas Cody has about her. I loved that. Nicole is a really smart girl who knows what she’s talking about.
When they finally finish creating the game, we get to experience it ourselves, in our own minds. I really enjoyed the descriptions and ideas used in the games, and the challenging cryptograms to figure out. I was impressed by the ideas. First you have adrenaline rush activities and the all you can eat ice cream. But then there is a level with mythical creatures. Also, there’s a level with avatars you can become and do things you never dreamed of. I’m afraid of heights so I would probably freak out at a lot of these. But knowing you can’t really get hurt? Possibly would do it! I think I’d be like Kerry. You’ll have to read the book yourself to see what I mean! There’s humor in the book too.
Their rise to fame comes with a downside, which turns into chaos. Temptations in form of money causes a bad decision that has huge ramifications. No spoilers!
I think this is a good book for older kids, tweens and teens. And gamers no matter the age! It’s like Big Hero 6 meets Spy Kids 3, and while it’s good for boys and girls, it could be a great book to get a boy interested in reading. My techie husband said he’s interested in reading it. And when my older son (8) is into longer books, I think he’d really like it.
We meet Cody, an amazing programmer who’s just in 9th grade, as he goes along with his older brother to NuVision, a computer game manufacturer. He helps the company tweek their products and tests them, mostly for the enjoyment of it. I enjoyed the brothers’ relationship throughout the story.
We also met “yaya” their part time housekeeper and cook who is really like a sweet grandmother to them, which is why she’s called yaya. And the delicious Greek food described in the book, yum, really brought back memories for me. We have close family friends who are Greek and I love Greek food. Yaya is the emotional support the boys need, which they lack from their busy, sophisticated parents in most of the story.
Cody is approached by two girls from the popular group at school—to create an awesome computer game for virtual reality headsets. He reluctantly agrees and has a crush on one of the girls, who shows how smart she really is and blows away any stereotyped ideas Cody has about her. I loved that. Nicole is a really smart girl who knows what she’s talking about.
When they finally finish creating the game, we get to experience it ourselves, in our own minds. I really enjoyed the descriptions and ideas used in the games, and the challenging cryptograms to figure out. I was impressed by the ideas. First you have adrenaline rush activities and the all you can eat ice cream. But then there is a level with mythical creatures. Also, there’s a level with avatars you can become and do things you never dreamed of. I’m afraid of heights so I would probably freak out at a lot of these. But knowing you can’t really get hurt? Possibly would do it! I think I’d be like Kerry. You’ll have to read the book yourself to see what I mean! There’s humor in the book too.
Their rise to fame comes with a downside, which turns into chaos. Temptations in form of money causes a bad decision that has huge ramifications. No spoilers!
I think this is a good book for older kids, tweens and teens. And gamers no matter the age! It’s like Big Hero 6 meets Spy Kids 3, and while it’s good for boys and girls, it could be a great book to get a boy interested in reading. My techie husband said he’s interested in reading it. And when my older son (8) is into longer books, I think he’d really like it.
June 15, 2016
"Cryptogram Chaos: A Virtual Reality Adventure" by Linda Covella is a middle grade contemporary adventure and fantasy story that features a trio of ninth graders who learn to see beyond the cliques that have formed and work together.
Cody Reynolds is a computer whiz but not part of the ‘in’ crowd, which makes it all the more surprising when the very popular Nicole and her sidekick Kerry approach him about an idea for a very different type of game. Their creative idea has wonderful possibilities, but not everyone wants them to succeed, and Cody discovers that there are pitfalls he never considered and the game may end up being the worst idea he’s ever come up with.
This is such a fun story that combines creativity, intellectual stimulation, and a mystery. The concept of a virtual reality game that allows one to experience both thrilling adventures on land, sea, and in the air plus a chance to interact with, and as, various mythical creatures, sounds like something that definitely would enthrall kids and kids at heart everywhere. I like the gradual evolution of the relationship between Cody and the other kids as it seemed an accurate representation of the way each side can view the other one negatively only to discover their perceptions are wrong. The puzzles that have to be solved in order to access the next level in the game start with basic challenges and escalate, and provided a nice depth to the story, and the research and information at the end explained things nicely and gave intriguing glimpses of developments in the field of virtual reality. I am tempted to continue playing with the PigPen/Rosicrucian version of the puzzles, lol, and a little curious to know how one knows to leave out the ‘J’ in the Figure Cipher, but fascinated by all of the cryptograms. What a great book for stimulating a love of learning in a fun way!
This title was provided to me for review.
Cody Reynolds is a computer whiz but not part of the ‘in’ crowd, which makes it all the more surprising when the very popular Nicole and her sidekick Kerry approach him about an idea for a very different type of game. Their creative idea has wonderful possibilities, but not everyone wants them to succeed, and Cody discovers that there are pitfalls he never considered and the game may end up being the worst idea he’s ever come up with.
This is such a fun story that combines creativity, intellectual stimulation, and a mystery. The concept of a virtual reality game that allows one to experience both thrilling adventures on land, sea, and in the air plus a chance to interact with, and as, various mythical creatures, sounds like something that definitely would enthrall kids and kids at heart everywhere. I like the gradual evolution of the relationship between Cody and the other kids as it seemed an accurate representation of the way each side can view the other one negatively only to discover their perceptions are wrong. The puzzles that have to be solved in order to access the next level in the game start with basic challenges and escalate, and provided a nice depth to the story, and the research and information at the end explained things nicely and gave intriguing glimpses of developments in the field of virtual reality. I am tempted to continue playing with the PigPen/Rosicrucian version of the puzzles, lol, and a little curious to know how one knows to leave out the ‘J’ in the Figure Cipher, but fascinated by all of the cryptograms. What a great book for stimulating a love of learning in a fun way!
This title was provided to me for review.
June 20, 2016
I received a free PDF copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
14-year-old computer whiz Cody Reynolds and his two classmates, Nicole Nash and Kerry McCorkle develop a virtual reality game with a difference. Here, at last, is a space where kids can do anything they've always wanted, including eating as many sweets and as much ice-cream as they like, as well as parachuting, racing, flying, and lots more. The game becomes every child's dream, and soon the trio of developers become national celebrities.
It all goes well until Cody, in need of cash, sells the code to Mr Wiley, not a nice man. Worse still, he does this without telling the girls. Soon enough, things start going wrong. Cody finds himself faced with more than a moral dilemma as events unfold. What will he choose to do? Can he make it right? Would honesty be the best path?
The characters are well developed, and I cared what happened to them. Likewise, the scene-setting, plot, and pacing were all done well, and the science feels real and believable. Throughout the story, you will find different cryptograms to solve. And, nicer still, just in case you get stuck, the answers to all the cryptograms can be found at the back of the book, where the author also gives you a list of resources and further reading if you're interested.
While a couple of hiccups annoyed me (like thru instead of through and site instead of sight, etc), on the whole I loved this read. Also, I have to mention the formatting, which is excellent. I particularly loved the graphics at the opening of each chapter. A lot of care and attention has gone into the production.
While this is a book aimed at teens, I feel it is also an entertaining and thought-provoking read for us older 'kids' too. It gets a solid four stars from me.
14-year-old computer whiz Cody Reynolds and his two classmates, Nicole Nash and Kerry McCorkle develop a virtual reality game with a difference. Here, at last, is a space where kids can do anything they've always wanted, including eating as many sweets and as much ice-cream as they like, as well as parachuting, racing, flying, and lots more. The game becomes every child's dream, and soon the trio of developers become national celebrities.
It all goes well until Cody, in need of cash, sells the code to Mr Wiley, not a nice man. Worse still, he does this without telling the girls. Soon enough, things start going wrong. Cody finds himself faced with more than a moral dilemma as events unfold. What will he choose to do? Can he make it right? Would honesty be the best path?
The characters are well developed, and I cared what happened to them. Likewise, the scene-setting, plot, and pacing were all done well, and the science feels real and believable. Throughout the story, you will find different cryptograms to solve. And, nicer still, just in case you get stuck, the answers to all the cryptograms can be found at the back of the book, where the author also gives you a list of resources and further reading if you're interested.
While a couple of hiccups annoyed me (like thru instead of through and site instead of sight, etc), on the whole I loved this read. Also, I have to mention the formatting, which is excellent. I particularly loved the graphics at the opening of each chapter. A lot of care and attention has gone into the production.
While this is a book aimed at teens, I feel it is also an entertaining and thought-provoking read for us older 'kids' too. It gets a solid four stars from me.
June 4, 2016
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
What a great read for middle school age readers! And just for added fun, the cryptograms from the game are at the end of the book so that the reader can solve them.
Cody is considered a nerd at school because he'd rather play with computers than be active in sports, etc. He is so good at writing code already that he helps improve games for NuVision, a major company in the gaming industry where his brother works.
When Nicole, one of the cool kids, asks him to help her and a friend develop a game that they have an idea for, he's skeptical. She's barely acknowledged his existence before now, so I was skeptical as well. It took me longer to trust these girls than it took Cody.
Once the game is up and running, it's an instant success until there's a major, and possibly fatal, glitch that Cody can't figure out how to fix. Can he figure it out before it's too late?
Talk about suspense! On top of a good story and cryptograms, there's also a lesson: one bad decision can change a person's life and affect the lives of many others.
I definitely recommend Cryptogram Chaos for middle grade readers as well as young adults and adults, especially if you like suspense.
What a great read for middle school age readers! And just for added fun, the cryptograms from the game are at the end of the book so that the reader can solve them.
Cody is considered a nerd at school because he'd rather play with computers than be active in sports, etc. He is so good at writing code already that he helps improve games for NuVision, a major company in the gaming industry where his brother works.
When Nicole, one of the cool kids, asks him to help her and a friend develop a game that they have an idea for, he's skeptical. She's barely acknowledged his existence before now, so I was skeptical as well. It took me longer to trust these girls than it took Cody.
Once the game is up and running, it's an instant success until there's a major, and possibly fatal, glitch that Cody can't figure out how to fix. Can he figure it out before it's too late?
Talk about suspense! On top of a good story and cryptograms, there's also a lesson: one bad decision can change a person's life and affect the lives of many others.
I definitely recommend Cryptogram Chaos for middle grade readers as well as young adults and adults, especially if you like suspense.
June 19, 2016
Cryptogram Chaos is an exciting virtual reality adventure that takes readers on a wild ride through cyberspace to defeat evil and save the world.
Cody is a high school freshman and like a lot of kids his age, Cody is into gaming. With his older brother employed by a video game creator, Cody gets to beta test new games and equipment. Something most teens only dream of. His programming skills are superb and the most popular girl in school takes notice. Nicole and her friend Kerry approach Cody about teaming up to create their own awesome virtually reality game. Reluctant at first, Cody finally agrees and The Cryptogram Connection is born. The game becomes a huge success, but things take a turn for the worse when Cody makes a deal with a money hungry gaming executive. Now, the game is corrupt and it's taking the game players down with it. Can Cody, Nicole, and Kerry fix the code before it's too late?
Cryptogram Chaos is a thrilling fast paced adventure that immediately pulled me into the action. As the mother of two teen boys and avid gamers, I found the story to be well researched and eerily accurate. I often wonder if my boys aren't already under some kind of video game induced coma! I loved all of the vivid detail and how the author included cryptograms for the reader to solve. It made me feel as those I was experiencing everything right along with the characters. The answers for the cryptograms can be found at end of the book, but I like that the author left them out of the story's text which piques readers' curiosity to decipher the answers on their own. The book also reminds us that if something seems to good to be true it probably is, as Cody fatefully learns.
Cryptogram Chaos is a suspense filled, action packed book that will appeal to middle grade and young adult readers. I highly recommend picking up a copy.
Cody is a high school freshman and like a lot of kids his age, Cody is into gaming. With his older brother employed by a video game creator, Cody gets to beta test new games and equipment. Something most teens only dream of. His programming skills are superb and the most popular girl in school takes notice. Nicole and her friend Kerry approach Cody about teaming up to create their own awesome virtually reality game. Reluctant at first, Cody finally agrees and The Cryptogram Connection is born. The game becomes a huge success, but things take a turn for the worse when Cody makes a deal with a money hungry gaming executive. Now, the game is corrupt and it's taking the game players down with it. Can Cody, Nicole, and Kerry fix the code before it's too late?
Cryptogram Chaos is a thrilling fast paced adventure that immediately pulled me into the action. As the mother of two teen boys and avid gamers, I found the story to be well researched and eerily accurate. I often wonder if my boys aren't already under some kind of video game induced coma! I loved all of the vivid detail and how the author included cryptograms for the reader to solve. It made me feel as those I was experiencing everything right along with the characters. The answers for the cryptograms can be found at end of the book, but I like that the author left them out of the story's text which piques readers' curiosity to decipher the answers on their own. The book also reminds us that if something seems to good to be true it probably is, as Cody fatefully learns.
Cryptogram Chaos is a suspense filled, action packed book that will appeal to middle grade and young adult readers. I highly recommend picking up a copy.
June 18, 2016
Cody is a truly gifted 14 year old. He has a natural inclination toward developing and tweaking gaming software. Not the coolest kid in school, he's really more of a techno-geek. So when two of the most popular girls in school come to him with an idea for a virtual reality game, he thinks at first it might be a joke. But the more he considers their concept, the more he realizes the technology is already in place and the timing is perfect to tap into this dramatically different twist on video games. The concept is really quite fascinating. Gamers can virtually experience all sorts of high energy, dangerous and thrilling adventures like sky diving and such. In order to reach the next level and move on to a new adventure they must solve a puzzle.
After their game becomes wildly successful, Cody and his friends run into troubles which none of them could have ever foreseen. Cryptogram Chaos, by award winning author Linda Covella, is an exciting and exhilarating book which will appeal to a broad tween audience, even those who may not have an interest in gaming. The puzzles which must be solved to reach the next level of the game offer a unique and fun element to this wonderfully imaginative book.
After their game becomes wildly successful, Cody and his friends run into troubles which none of them could have ever foreseen. Cryptogram Chaos, by award winning author Linda Covella, is an exciting and exhilarating book which will appeal to a broad tween audience, even those who may not have an interest in gaming. The puzzles which must be solved to reach the next level of the game offer a unique and fun element to this wonderfully imaginative book.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews