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Game Over #1
Rise of the Raid Mob
Friendships, loyalty and online anonymity are tested when four of the best young gamers in the world find themselves immersed in the world of their favourite video game, Distant Dawn.
Jack, Megan, Ayo and Cameron are the Raid Mob: four teenage misfits whose lifelong friendship involves obsessing over old films, surviving school bullies … and secretly being four of the best gamers on the entire planet.
When the release of radical VR technology draws them deeper than ever into Distant Dawn, the Raid Mob’s precious online anonymity is shattered. Now, they’ve got everyone’s attention. Including that of an extra-terrestrial menace who’s been watching them from across the stars …
About the Game Over series:
Game Over is a reality-bending, adventure series that tells the story of the Raid Mob: four teenage misfits who happen to be world-class gamers, until radical technology plucks them from their anonymous existence and hurls them deep into a revolutionary virtual realm. Exploring the worlds of online gaming and virtual reality, and with graphical elements throughout, this four-book series is perfect for teen gamers and sci-fi lovers aged 12+.
Jack, Megan, Ayo and Cameron are the Raid Mob: four teenage misfits whose lifelong friendship involves obsessing over old films, surviving school bullies … and secretly being four of the best gamers on the entire planet.
When the release of radical VR technology draws them deeper than ever into Distant Dawn, the Raid Mob’s precious online anonymity is shattered. Now, they’ve got everyone’s attention. Including that of an extra-terrestrial menace who’s been watching them from across the stars …
About the Game Over series:
Game Over is a reality-bending, adventure series that tells the story of the Raid Mob: four teenage misfits who happen to be world-class gamers, until radical technology plucks them from their anonymous existence and hurls them deep into a revolutionary virtual realm. Exploring the worlds of online gaming and virtual reality, and with graphical elements throughout, this four-book series is perfect for teen gamers and sci-fi lovers aged 12+.
- GenresScience Fiction
352 pages, Paperback
Published July 14, 2022
21 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Sullivan
8 books1 followerBefore a dramatic mid-life course correction while in Japan, young Michael Justin Sullivan had been a sailing captain, delivering yachts from the Northeast to Fort Lauderdale, the Bahamas and beyond into the Caribbean. These were the last days of canvas sail, teak decks and navigating by sextant, a time in the ‘50s and ‘60s when Ft. Lauderdale was still a sleepy Florida city and there were but a few paved roads on the Out Islands.
This is the era captured by Three-Strand Cordage, a novel of one man’s life in three interwoven tales. Against the tranquil background of this vanished era, he finds himself caught up in kidnapping and a murderous shootout, deceived and betrayed in a gun-smuggling plot by anti-Castro Cubans, and fleeing from drug smugglers with his daughter, only to sail into Hurricane Agnes.
In his mid-30s, M.J. Sullivan became a champion Japanese swordsman. As Seiho his calligraphy has twice won the Kampō Prize, as well as the prestigious Nippon Shuji Prize.
His novel, In This Living Body, is twinned with his Shingyō: Reflections on Translating the Heart Sutra, both now available on Amazon.
With a Masters in Asian Studies, three of his calligraphy workbooks have been published in Japan. His classic book on Japanese swordsmanship, Sword and Psyche, led to WAZA, his first novel about Japanese Buddhism and the martial arts, which received the CoVisions Recognition Award for Literature in 1994.
Now primarily a literary author, he still teaches the Zen of swordsmanship and custom brushes calligraphy for clients and collectors from his studio in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
This is the era captured by Three-Strand Cordage, a novel of one man’s life in three interwoven tales. Against the tranquil background of this vanished era, he finds himself caught up in kidnapping and a murderous shootout, deceived and betrayed in a gun-smuggling plot by anti-Castro Cubans, and fleeing from drug smugglers with his daughter, only to sail into Hurricane Agnes.
In his mid-30s, M.J. Sullivan became a champion Japanese swordsman. As Seiho his calligraphy has twice won the Kampō Prize, as well as the prestigious Nippon Shuji Prize.
His novel, In This Living Body, is twinned with his Shingyō: Reflections on Translating the Heart Sutra, both now available on Amazon.
With a Masters in Asian Studies, three of his calligraphy workbooks have been published in Japan. His classic book on Japanese swordsmanship, Sword and Psyche, led to WAZA, his first novel about Japanese Buddhism and the martial arts, which received the CoVisions Recognition Award for Literature in 1994.
Now primarily a literary author, he still teaches the Zen of swordsmanship and custom brushes calligraphy for clients and collectors from his studio in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 26, 2022
Firstly I’d like to thank the publishers - Sweet Cherry Publishing - and NetGalley for allowing me access to this eARC.
*this in no way affects my review of this book. It was given under the premise that I’m 100% honest with my review*
**MAY CONTAIN MINOR SPOILERS**
This book was basically every teenage gamers dream. Your favourite video game becomes a reality so instead of fending off enemies from behind the controller, you’re placed directly into the action!
Characters
Let’s talk characters. We follow the story of four of your average teenagers who, behind closed doors, are four of the best online gamers in the world who join forces as ‘The Raid Mob’. They each have differing personalities and backgrounds but they complement each other so well. All four of these characters are extremely relatable and people that we all would have come across, or been, at some point in our lives:
Cameron – AKA ForgeFire666. Suffering with anxiety and tormented by bullies at school. Speech impediment possible exasperated by anxiety.
Ayo – AKA Hephaestus. Comes from a wealthy background. References to him being neurodivergent but with no official diagnosis as it’s unnoticed by his family.
Megan – AKA Zuul. The loud one. Possibly not yet discovered who she is for herself. Also an avid Aliens fanatic.
Jack – AKA tHeScOuRgE. Comes from a poorer background. References to him having to work a part-time job around school. Absent mother and caring role to his baby brother.
Plot
As aforementioned, this book is about video games becoming a reality… or is it?
As we follow the Raid Mob between their home life and their online persona it becomes clear that all is not what it seems. One day, the top ten ‘Distant Dawn’ players are gifted virtual reality gaming set-ups and it’s from this point things get messy (quite literally)
The enemies from ‘Distant Dawn’ soon reveal their plans to take over the Earth and kill off the human race and, of course, it’s up the ‘The Raid Mob’ to prevent this from happening. But, how are four teenagers going to accomplish this seemingly impossible task? By using the skills they have learnt from playing online – duh!
There is PLENTY of action, gore and epic world building throughout this book.
This adventure will stretch the teams friendship and loyalty but the character growth and progression is clear as you get further and further into it.
Further Points to Mention
This is an extremely modern feeling sci-fi adventure with very real feeling characters. There are references to various modern day applications such as Twitter, Netflix, online game streams and VR consoles.
There are plenty of funny dialogue moments between the group and typical banter type comments you’d expect from teenagers. This just adds to how relatable these characters really are.
A point worth mentioning is that some of the descriptions are quite gory in terms of the scenes in which the enemy are killed and the way the aliens are made to sound are quite creepy (I’m talking multiple sets of eyes and teeth!) so it would be a more suitable read for those aged 12+
I read this book as an eARC so downloaded it on my kindle. I will say that this probably wasn’t the best format. There are some pictures and social media posts dotted throughout the book that didn’t quite come across right on the eBook however, I do think once this is a physically published, that won’t be an issue and it will be even more of a pleasure to read.
To anyone wondering, there was absolutely ZERO romance, so if that’s your thing, this book is not for you.
Summary
This was an epic read that kept me thoroughly entertained throughout. When I wasn’t reading it, I was wishing that I was! I’m so glad this is going to be part of a series as I can’t wait to jump back in with The Raid Mob, especially with that cliff-hanger!!
I genuinely felt like the 5th member of the team – or just a really big fan. Cheering them on in their successes and my heart dropping at the hurdles they were faced with.
The writing was immersive and it felt like I was watching a live stream of the gaming rather than reading it.
Additionally there are a few key points of learning that can be used in the real world, I won’t divulge what they are, but they are elements which EVERYONE could learn from!
The only thing I’d like more of is further scenes and explanations of the teams’ home life. I want to learn more about all their backgrounds - especially that of Megan.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND*
*If you’re not a gamer or interested in gaming at all, this book wouldn’t be for you as you may not understand some of the in-game references.
*this in no way affects my review of this book. It was given under the premise that I’m 100% honest with my review*
**MAY CONTAIN MINOR SPOILERS**
This book was basically every teenage gamers dream. Your favourite video game becomes a reality so instead of fending off enemies from behind the controller, you’re placed directly into the action!
Characters
Let’s talk characters. We follow the story of four of your average teenagers who, behind closed doors, are four of the best online gamers in the world who join forces as ‘The Raid Mob’. They each have differing personalities and backgrounds but they complement each other so well. All four of these characters are extremely relatable and people that we all would have come across, or been, at some point in our lives:
Cameron – AKA ForgeFire666. Suffering with anxiety and tormented by bullies at school. Speech impediment possible exasperated by anxiety.
Ayo – AKA Hephaestus. Comes from a wealthy background. References to him being neurodivergent but with no official diagnosis as it’s unnoticed by his family.
Megan – AKA Zuul. The loud one. Possibly not yet discovered who she is for herself. Also an avid Aliens fanatic.
Jack – AKA tHeScOuRgE. Comes from a poorer background. References to him having to work a part-time job around school. Absent mother and caring role to his baby brother.
Plot
As aforementioned, this book is about video games becoming a reality… or is it?
As we follow the Raid Mob between their home life and their online persona it becomes clear that all is not what it seems. One day, the top ten ‘Distant Dawn’ players are gifted virtual reality gaming set-ups and it’s from this point things get messy (quite literally)
The enemies from ‘Distant Dawn’ soon reveal their plans to take over the Earth and kill off the human race and, of course, it’s up the ‘The Raid Mob’ to prevent this from happening. But, how are four teenagers going to accomplish this seemingly impossible task? By using the skills they have learnt from playing online – duh!
There is PLENTY of action, gore and epic world building throughout this book.
This adventure will stretch the teams friendship and loyalty but the character growth and progression is clear as you get further and further into it.
Further Points to Mention
This is an extremely modern feeling sci-fi adventure with very real feeling characters. There are references to various modern day applications such as Twitter, Netflix, online game streams and VR consoles.
There are plenty of funny dialogue moments between the group and typical banter type comments you’d expect from teenagers. This just adds to how relatable these characters really are.
A point worth mentioning is that some of the descriptions are quite gory in terms of the scenes in which the enemy are killed and the way the aliens are made to sound are quite creepy (I’m talking multiple sets of eyes and teeth!) so it would be a more suitable read for those aged 12+
I read this book as an eARC so downloaded it on my kindle. I will say that this probably wasn’t the best format. There are some pictures and social media posts dotted throughout the book that didn’t quite come across right on the eBook however, I do think once this is a physically published, that won’t be an issue and it will be even more of a pleasure to read.
To anyone wondering, there was absolutely ZERO romance, so if that’s your thing, this book is not for you.
Summary
This was an epic read that kept me thoroughly entertained throughout. When I wasn’t reading it, I was wishing that I was! I’m so glad this is going to be part of a series as I can’t wait to jump back in with The Raid Mob, especially with that cliff-hanger!!
I genuinely felt like the 5th member of the team – or just a really big fan. Cheering them on in their successes and my heart dropping at the hurdles they were faced with.
The writing was immersive and it felt like I was watching a live stream of the gaming rather than reading it.
Additionally there are a few key points of learning that can be used in the real world, I won’t divulge what they are, but they are elements which EVERYONE could learn from!
The only thing I’d like more of is further scenes and explanations of the teams’ home life. I want to learn more about all their backgrounds - especially that of Megan.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND*
*If you’re not a gamer or interested in gaming at all, this book wouldn’t be for you as you may not understand some of the in-game references.
August 3, 2023
If you liked Ready Player One, you might like this story about four of the best gamers on the planet as well.
The story is full of pop-culture references and very funny at times, but ends in a cliffhanger.
The story is full of pop-culture references and very funny at times, but ends in a cliffhanger.
June 22, 2022
Move over Ready Player One there's a new gaming story in town and this one is part of a planned series. I will definitely be adding multiple copies to our high school library and love the darkness and gore that's coupled with the tech/machines battle that include images throughout in its gamification of the story, as well as the problem-solving and intricacy of the actual plot itself. Is it a dream or is it reality? What is going to happen next? It was intense and action packed and I loved the whole package from start to finish to teen readers who are lovers of gaming, action/adventure movies, war, etc.
And there's even a link with the surprises of VR/gaming with the people we see versus the people we are online with their teacher as well as their own family members that I thought dealt with the ethics as well as the anonymity of gaming.
And there's even a link with the surprises of VR/gaming with the people we see versus the people we are online with their teacher as well as their own family members that I thought dealt with the ethics as well as the anonymity of gaming.
July 15, 2022
Thank you so much to Sweet Cherry Publishing/ Clock Tower Books for the Physical arc to read and review.
Firstly this is not a book I would generally choose to read personally, I am not into robots or aliens at all nor into gaming either, I’m not really the target for this book at all. But I was kindly sent this to read so I gave it a shot.
If you have a gamer in your life though this is definitely something they will absolutely love and enjoy reading, they will get sunk into the game as if they were playing. It’s so vivid, action packed taking the characters right into the war, gore and adventure of the game.
The reader will connect instantly with the characters and the growing friendship throughout the story. The characters are real and written as so, dealing with school bullies, mental health, neuro-divergence, poverty and more issues these teens are going through. The gaming world connects them and helps them form a strong growing bond.
If you are like me and not into this type of book generally you will find you may not get all the references within the book, it is very much a gamers only book. It’s is incredible though if you are into this type of thing. It is so creatively and craftily written by a clear gaming fan. The book does go into the dangers of anonymous gaming with not knowing who you are playing with but done in a way that won’t throw off the reader.
This book is one I would definitely recommend to a gamer, even a reluctant reader who struggles to find books they enjoy but who loves gaming will love this book and be diving into it so quickly. It’s so vivid they will feel like they are playing themselves and be so swept up in the story and the friendship and the game. They will also be annoyed wanting to read the next book after this one is over.
Firstly this is not a book I would generally choose to read personally, I am not into robots or aliens at all nor into gaming either, I’m not really the target for this book at all. But I was kindly sent this to read so I gave it a shot.
If you have a gamer in your life though this is definitely something they will absolutely love and enjoy reading, they will get sunk into the game as if they were playing. It’s so vivid, action packed taking the characters right into the war, gore and adventure of the game.
The reader will connect instantly with the characters and the growing friendship throughout the story. The characters are real and written as so, dealing with school bullies, mental health, neuro-divergence, poverty and more issues these teens are going through. The gaming world connects them and helps them form a strong growing bond.
If you are like me and not into this type of book generally you will find you may not get all the references within the book, it is very much a gamers only book. It’s is incredible though if you are into this type of thing. It is so creatively and craftily written by a clear gaming fan. The book does go into the dangers of anonymous gaming with not knowing who you are playing with but done in a way that won’t throw off the reader.
This book is one I would definitely recommend to a gamer, even a reluctant reader who struggles to find books they enjoy but who loves gaming will love this book and be diving into it so quickly. It’s so vivid they will feel like they are playing themselves and be so swept up in the story and the friendship and the game. They will also be annoyed wanting to read the next book after this one is over.
March 23, 2023
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
Jack, Megan, Ayo, and Cameron call themselves the Raid Mob. The four friends are among the top ten gamers in the world, only no one knows it but them. Outside of the game world, they are average teenagers that deal with bullies, difficult teachers, and distant parents. Now their game, Distant Dawn, is offering them a chance to become even more famous, but there is more danger and adventure than they expected.
The book marries the action of video games and exciting new tech that is just on the edge of possible. The point of view switches between the main characters giving the reader plenty of time to get a feel for each of the members of the team. Because of the tech that is used, there is always the question of "is this really happening" after a certain point in the book, however, that does not take away from the story. The ending sets up perfectly for a second book, and I am excited to see what happens.
Jack, Megan, Ayo, and Cameron call themselves the Raid Mob. The four friends are among the top ten gamers in the world, only no one knows it but them. Outside of the game world, they are average teenagers that deal with bullies, difficult teachers, and distant parents. Now their game, Distant Dawn, is offering them a chance to become even more famous, but there is more danger and adventure than they expected.
The book marries the action of video games and exciting new tech that is just on the edge of possible. The point of view switches between the main characters giving the reader plenty of time to get a feel for each of the members of the team. Because of the tech that is used, there is always the question of "is this really happening" after a certain point in the book, however, that does not take away from the story. The ending sets up perfectly for a second book, and I am excited to see what happens.
January 13, 2026
A really fun, nostalgic book with a great plot idea. The characters were fully fleshed out and I'm surprised it's not received more attention within the millennial crowd as it took me back to my childhood as well as giving futuristic vibes. I didn't see the ending coming, it's a fantastic twist and you can tell the author put a lot of love into this book.
all in all a great science fiction read if you like shoot em ups, adventure and gaming!
all in all a great science fiction read if you like shoot em ups, adventure and gaming!
May 23, 2023
This book is perfect for fans of ready player one. A book about gaming, a book about 4 friends and their friendship and how they immerse into their favourite game distant dawn. This book was flawless and lived way beyond my expectations. I went in with high expectations of this and didn't think this book would meet it. But wow. I was surprised. I will definitely be buying this once it is released
July 15, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book from Edelweiss.
This was a very fun book! Lots of fun references for pop culture and gamers. This was a great adventure and boy the cliff hanger at the end! If the story continues in another book I will definitely read it! I would recommend!
This was a very fun book! Lots of fun references for pop culture and gamers. This was a great adventure and boy the cliff hanger at the end! If the story continues in another book I will definitely read it! I would recommend!
October 28, 2025
i want to read it online ; i don't have money & i don't have the book
April 17, 2023
The Rise of the Mob is the first book in the 4 part series written by Stockport based school teacher and educational consultant, M. J. Sullivan. The sci-fiction adventure series follows the Raid Mob four of the best gamers on the entire planet a secret that they protect as fiercely as they do each other. When a radical new way to play Distant Dawn is unveiled, the Mob’s precious anonymity is blown to pieces and an adventure begins that straddles the real world and the virtual blurring the line between both travelling from the depths of deeply buried memories to the known universe. For fans who like playing games on Xbox, or on your phone or who like science fiction you are all in for a treat.
An extract
Level 1: Distant Dawn
Liquid light dripped from the largest moon in the sky, trickling through gaps in crimson clouds and splashing across the robot’s armour. The metallic plates that formed the WarMech’s chest distorted the reflection of Colaxia the fifth and largest of the moons orbiting Rotec. Smaller sections of armour cut the light into silver slithers that danced like the shifting shards inside a kaleidoscope. The only parts of the metallic being that didn’t reflect the light were it’s eyes: cold, black orbs that snuffed out the moon’s radiance.
The WarMech stood dead still.
It was waiting for something.
Yo! Are you doing the broody robot thing on purpose? Or are you in the bathroom? AGAIN?
A thunderous crack tore across the landscape, ripping through boulders and throwing up coils of violet sand.
An extract
Level 1: Distant Dawn
Liquid light dripped from the largest moon in the sky, trickling through gaps in crimson clouds and splashing across the robot’s armour. The metallic plates that formed the WarMech’s chest distorted the reflection of Colaxia the fifth and largest of the moons orbiting Rotec. Smaller sections of armour cut the light into silver slithers that danced like the shifting shards inside a kaleidoscope. The only parts of the metallic being that didn’t reflect the light were it’s eyes: cold, black orbs that snuffed out the moon’s radiance.
The WarMech stood dead still.
It was waiting for something.
Yo! Are you doing the broody robot thing on purpose? Or are you in the bathroom? AGAIN?
A thunderous crack tore across the landscape, ripping through boulders and throwing up coils of violet sand.
October 6, 2025
It's like "Ready Player One", "Armada" and "Ender's Game" but for kids.
I was really excited for this, thinking it would be similar to Ernest Cline's works, which I greatly enjoyed, but I quickly realized two things. First, it was really derivative of both of his works, and second, that it's target audience is way younger. Not young adult. Not even teens. Kids. The characters are flat and follow the popular tropes: the hero, the tomboy, the smart guy, the "coward" who finds his courage. The complete absence of even a hint of romance made me realize the target audience is pre-teens.
Yeah, maybe I'm too harsh since I'm obviously not the target audience. I probably would have enjoyed it when I was 12.
I was really excited for this, thinking it would be similar to Ernest Cline's works, which I greatly enjoyed, but I quickly realized two things. First, it was really derivative of both of his works, and second, that it's target audience is way younger. Not young adult. Not even teens. Kids. The characters are flat and follow the popular tropes: the hero, the tomboy, the smart guy, the "coward" who finds his courage. The complete absence of even a hint of romance made me realize the target audience is pre-teens.
Yeah, maybe I'm too harsh since I'm obviously not the target audience. I probably would have enjoyed it when I was 12.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews