Max and the Multiverse (Max and the Multiverse, #1)

by Zachry Wheeler

His closest friends inhabited pixels on a computer, the avatars of fleshy cohorts all around the world. They escaped their real-life dungeons by slaughtering monsters in virtual ones. It gave them a sense of pride and accomplishment, all while dismantling their basic social faculties.

“Life is a never-ending game of attrition. Our wits, swords. Our composure, shields.”

vast smorgasbord of fast food chains and artisan rubbish lined the walls, filling the cavernous chamber with a potent mixture of baked sugar and fried everything.

However, power here is not measured by things like strength or numbers. It is measured by information. Those who have it rule by the invisible fist of influence. Those who don’t, are simply ruled.”