Rooms

by Bob Stegner, Greg Opalinski (Illustrator)

The human race had abandoned Earth over five hundred years in the past, and just as a person might skip across a shallow pond from rock to rock, our species gradually stretched across the Milky Way in the hope of finding another Earth-like planet.

In this time of exploration and colonization, the people on each of these desolate outposts lived in protected settlements called lifeglobes. Their lives had a surreal consistency that eventually gave rise to the “Rooms.” These extremely sophisticated, holographic, and multi-sensory game rooms helped fill the void that had been created by people having to constantly live inside an enclosure, separated from the outside world.

Rad had just moved to a lifeglobe on planet R-131. Before arriving, he’d been an elite player, addicted to the Rooms. He realized that they were completely taking over his life, so he moved to R-131 and made the decision to focus on other things. But then he heard the rumors about a new Room on the planet. It was supposedly unparalleled for its graphic realism and complexity, and you could not choose to play this Room. It chose you. Rad’s curiosity and ego got the better of him, and his obsession was rekindled. However, neither he nor anyone else knew that this particular Room had never been designed for entertainment or pleasure. It had been created to change the course of human history.

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 22, 2014

About the author

Bob Stegner grew up in Colorado and now lives in the Pacific Northwest. He has a master’s degree in education and has been a “ski bum,” a teacher, a published singer/songwriter, and a musician. He has run his own school in Alaska, worked in educational technology, and was employed overseas for several years. Now he’s a published independent author, writes science fiction and fantasy, and travels extensively. All of these experiences have added depth to his life and to the stories that he has to tell.

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rooms by Bob Stegner is a book I won from Goodreads. Thanks so much. It has a very interesting plot line and interesting characters that are well developed. The first part starts a bit slow but it does pick up and get better. I love the concept completely. It seems to be a teen novel and lacks some depth I like but it still is a great book sci-fi book.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story with a timely message!
First reviewed on Amazon August 20, 2014

This book offers a timely view into a future brought on by the consequences of corporate greed and war. As I journeyed with Rad through the Old One's Rooms, I was not only entertained. I felt Rad's joy and reverence for the Earth and its people. I felt his growing desolation as he witnessed the slow destruction of the Earth within each successive level of the Room. I struggled with him as he worked with Sparks and Zeer to bring health and hope to the demoralized Terran population.

Since the author left this story open to a sequel, I will be excited to see how his writing style evolves and how he ties the planet Loon (where The Old One and Zeer reside) to Earth and the other human outposts scattered throughout the universe.

Update 6/8/25: I recently finished the updated version of this book along with the second book in the series titled “The Chosen”. Everything I said in my previous review above still holds. However, I will add that Bob Stegner’s writing has matured to the point where I had an even better sense of the characters and their relationships. The story also flowed effortlessly from one chapter to the next and kept me thoroughly engaged. This is an impressive series that deserves a bigger audience!

[Hilary Fawcett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving and thought-provoking read. The author really draws attention to the current ecological problems that the world is suffering, and weaves a fascinating story.

[Bob Stegner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is not from me. It is actually a review of Rooms that someone did on Amazon.com. I didn't want to write one of my own, so I put this one in. The rating was 5 stars.

Beautiful Story With A Timeless Message!
This book offers a timely view into a future brought on by the consequences of corporate greed and war. As I journeyed with Rad through the Old One's Rooms, I was not only entertained. I felt Rad's joy and reverence for the Earth and its people. I felt his growing desolation as he witnessed the slow destruction of the Earth within each successive level of the Room. I struggled with him as he worked with Sparks and Zeer to bring health and hope to the demoralized Terran population.

Since the author left this story open to a sequel, I will be excited to see how his writing style evolves and how he ties the planet Loon (where The Old One and Zeer reside) to Earth and the other human outposts scattered throughout the universe.

[Beregond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Preachy in spots, but a good story

Corporations are evil, nature is good, mankind is helpless unless guided by an enlightened few. There's a good story here, so I read it all- But sometimes the preaching broke me out of the story. If you're a True Believer in the stuff from the first sentence this probably won't disturb you, but I had to roll my eyes a few times. Also breaking me out of the story was some sloppy editing involving homophones and the author using the term "ancestors" instead of "descendants." It was entertaining enough to finish, but not to read again, nor would I have started it had I known what was ahead. The message was laid on with a trowel, a lighter touch might have snuck it past the reader's guard. But that's the weakness of message fiction.

[Threasa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book on goodreads, and I'm glad for it. The book is science fiction(I hope.) Earth is dying, and the "Chosen" have decided to leave the planet. Now, people live in life globes. They cannot go outside to get any fresh air, because there is none. Rooms were invented to give the people entertainment. They were very addictive. One Room is very special. This room had been made to change the course of human history.

[Magdalena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, deep story that captures your imagination. As you read the book, more and more elements of the plot come into play. The unique feature of the book is that it is not only a story written to entertain a reader but is also a deep, wise and touching story that will make you think about the world that we live in, what it is and what should be really important in our lives.

[Bonnie Stegner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started this book one evening and found it interesting. Decided to read a bit more the next day-- by a third of the way in I was hooked and had to keep reading to the finish. The characters came alive and the story line was rich and full. Stegner explores environmental, moral and social issues on many levels while carrying the reader along with a fascinating plot.

[Sheila Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and timely story about what could happen without balance in the world. Allowing unfettered greed to rule is never a good thing and Bob’s story provides an excellent version of how imbalance can lead to dystopia. I really enjoyed this book and am starting The Chosen to see where this story goes.