Pendragon Book #4: The Reality Bug by D. J. Machale narrated by William Dufris

Virtual Reality?

Fresh from his battle with Saint Dane on First Earth, Bobby is resolute that himself and the rest of the travellers will defeat whatever Saint Dane has planned for this territory. But once Bobby enters the virtual world will he be able to resist the lure of the ultimate in escapism?

The territory of Veelox has achieved perfect harmony. Fifteen-year-old Bobby Pendragon arrives on this territory in pursuit of the evil Saint Dane, but all is peaceful on Veelox – peaceful, because it is deserted. The inhabitants have discovered a way – using a technology called ‘Lifelight’ – to ‘jump’ their into their own personal dream worlds, where they can be whoever they want to be, wherever they want to be.

But Veelox is a world in neglect, because while everyone is spending their lives “jumping” or running the Lifelight Pyramids, there is no one left to take care of the territory itself, or fight off Saint Dane’s plans. No one but Bobby and the traveller from Veelox, Aja Killian, that is. Only problem is, while Aja is obviously very smart, she dislikes Bobby and is also incredibly arrogant and naive.

Before Bobby can hope to take on Saint Dane, he must win over Aja, and the clock is ticking…

Aja, does come up with what seems like the perfect plan. ‘The Reality Bug’ a virus like program that once released into the system, will make everybody’s dreams just a little less perfect – more like reality – and will encourage them to leave their jumps and return to tend their homes.

However, Saint Dane, has been planning the destruction of all the Territories for many years, and as ever is one step ahead of the Travellers, once the ‘Bug’ is released, things don’t go as as Aja planned, and the virtual and real worlds start to mix…

Meanwhile, back on Second Earth, Mark and Courtney, find out what role they are going to play in the battle for Halla, no longer just the keepers of Bobby’s journals, they are now Bobby’s acolytes and must me ready to provide assistance, to the Travellers when they visit Second Earth. And Gunny the Traveller from First Earth has followed Saint Dane to Eelong to try and head off his attempts to bring down that territory.

You can tell – at least I think you can – that this is the book, where D. J. MacHale, buoyed by the success of the series, really starts to ramp up the action and can really get going with the series plot arc, everything feels that little bit bigger and darker, and along with this – is the certain knowledge, that whether it is here on Veelox, or elsewhere, Saint Dane is going to succeed in one of his plans, and once one territory falls, then…

Once again, William Dufris’ narration is a joy to listen to, he captures all the character’s voices perfectly (especially Bobby’s), and subtle changes in tone really set the tone and mood of each scene, and keeps you on the edge of your seat right in the middle of the action.

[rating:85/100]

Buy, The Reality Bug (Pendragon). from Amazon.

Related Posts

• Pendragon #5: Black Water by D.J. Machale | Narrated by William Dufris
• Pendragon #3:The Never War by D.J. Machale | Narrated by William Dufris
• Pendragon #2: The Lost City of Faar – D.J. Machale [TSS]

Darren, aka Bart, is a fully signed up member of Book Addicts Anonymous ;) Despite, contantly fighting a losing battle against his T.B.R pile, he is never happier than when he manages to sneak a new book in to the house.