It was... fine. I've read other stories similar to this one, but usually with adults at the center, and it was a bit weird to read about it happening with teenagers. A lot of really serious, dark things are happening in this, and it's hard to get too invested in some of the characters. There are a lot of religious allusions, which is to be expected from the title. Overall, not bad, just not as intriguing as I would've liked it to be.

The God Game is not a book that I would normally pick for myself to read. I did read it though and thought it was interesting. I didn't 'enjoy' the book much, but I can see where some people would like this one a lot. It wasn't badly written or anything, just not really one for me.

Unfortunately, I didn't vibe well with this story at all. I think the author suffered from trying too hard to relate to modern teens, and ended up writing teen dialogue that felt way too forced and unrealistic. The diversity of the characters also felt a little forced and ungenuine, and I overall just didn't get along well with the writing style. I do think this book has a fantastic premise, and I think a lot of readers will get along really well with this story. I just unfortunately wasn't one of those readers.

I really enjoyed this book, and I totally recommend it. I really liked the writing style. Sadly, at times the plot did drag a bit but for the most part I really enjoy it.

Let's start with a disclaimer:
This is NOT a teen/YA book like Ready Player One. It is an 'adult' science fiction read, I would liken it to Dark Matter by Blake Crouch.

Plot & Characters
Sadly The God Game was not as good as I had hoped for (although I had high expectations); but still a solid read. Featuring lots of teenage angst and crazy decisions. If you're not ready to be annoyed by typical teen behavior (think book 5 of Harry Potter but times 10) then you may not want to delve into this one. The characters are so well written that they feel very genuine and make decisions just like I would have as a teen (and might still as an adult). Bullying has a huge presence throughout. There are also abusive parents that play a factor.
The 'game' itself is cleverly disguised. In actual fact (and you will realize this quickly) it is just a series of moral dilemmas. Many of them are extreme; but the outcome of if you'd choose to be moral or not, sacrifice yourself for the good of others, or protect your family or friends no matter the cost all remains. We make decisions like this everyday. They don't always lead to immediate death or dismemberment; but they are contributing to overall outcomes. I think there is a good reminder in The God Game that Danny Tobey wants us to remember in the end: every decision we make leads somewhere. Choice is freewill, and there is always a choice. It might not be a choice between two (or more) things we want to do; but it is still a choice.

Philosophical
Ultimately this is a philosophy story. Asking questions like: what is a god? who is a god? and how can they even exist?
To be a god does it only require someone to worship you or think you are a god? Or is there some sort of omniscient presence required? Now bend your mind for a second, what if someone, or an AI, with unlimited Internet access was manipulating you in such a way that you were both terrified and intrigued. Because let's face it there is a large aspect of almost every religion and god in the world that expects (or relies) on us being terrified of them.

Overall
This is nothing like Ready Play One in my opinion. Not only is it written for adults; but the overarching concepts and plot are far more complex. While both books are sci-fi and both feature teenage characters; the reality is that this is not enough to make them comparable. So for those concerned it will be like Ready Player One, rest assured it is not.
Definitely worth a read even if only to enjoy Tobey's fast paced writing and admire the intricate tasks that he comes up with for our teens to engage in.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I wasn't able to read the book but will be featuring it in a series called "I Wish I'd Read That". Text below:

I love a good technothriller that builds on everyday society to create a story that borders reality and dystopia. The God Game sounds especially fast-paced, incorporating a group of gamers who get wrapped up in a dark, twisted video game with deep dystopia, apocalypse vibes. I'd love to hear more about this book from those of you who were able to red it! I'm especially intrigued by a good AI overlord as well, and I'm still bummed that this book didn't make it's way into my January. I'd love to hear more about how the story plays out, so let me know what you thought about it in the comments! Read more about the author and book below, or purchase a copy for yourself. And of course, a big thank you to St. Martin's Press for the free review copy!

The God Game is not my usual kind of read (not a gamer at all!) but I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I've been diving more into sci-fi and this was another one that I think will appeal to a broader audience with the addition of the thriller/mystery aspects. The writing is stellar and the characters really drew me in. While at times, the plot dragged for me, I cared about the characters and outcome throughout.

Recommend for people that enjoy Black Crouch and similar authors!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and its interesting premise. What is ethical? How do you justify your decisions and choices? Great book for teens struggling with moral dilemmas and how they may impact the future. Highly recommend!

I started this book and then I realized that it wasn't the right book for my frame of mind. I hope to someday come back to it and try it again. Thank you for this copy.

If you liked Ready Player One, then this book will be right up your alley! I’m not a huge reader of science fiction and don't consider myself a gamer, but I actually enjoyed this book. It was a fascinating read for me and is a good example of how I need to branch out of my reading comfort zone.

Charlie and his friends are seniors in high school. They call themselves the "Vindicators" and are not the most popular kids in school. They get invited to play The God Game. It's a mysterious underground type video game where they communicate with AI who goes by the name, God. There are high risks, for high rewards in this game. It can make your real-life wishes could come true, but if you mess up, you could wind up dead.

I was hooked from the beginning with the whole God thing and what that was all about. It had me wanting to find out more. I truly had no idea what the end game was and what direction the story was going to go. There are quite a few moral decisions the players faced and watching everything play out is because everything was so unpredictable.

Thank NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars – Fun read!

The God Game was a fascinating technological thriller that asks some really big questions. What would you do if you could play God? Perfect for fans of a Neal Stephenson.

This was a YA book in the style of the Hunger Games except this story line involves coding, hacking, social media, all set in a high school. Seniors at a high school are invited to join a game but the game is actually an AI that wants to control the world. Soon the game affects their real lives and there seems to be no way out of it. A well-thought out plot which I'm sure many high schoolers would find interesting to read.

this was a really enjoyable read, the characters were great and I really felt the suspense going on in the book. I look forward to more from the author especially if they're like this book.

This was a suspenseful and surprising novel! A group of high school kids who are friends stumble upon a game that “God” controls. They start to play it and get so absorbed into it that they find themselves doing things that they are asked or demanded to do. The game starts to take over their lives. At the same time they have the typical school and friend issues of their age. Eventually they become so overwhelmed with the game that they wonder how or if they can get out. But can they?

I truly thought the concept of this book was fabulous, and I was so excited to devour it! I loved the virtual reality setting and the computer’s twists-and-tricks. What I didn’t love? Quite frankly - the characters. I didn’t like any of them. I just could not relate to one of them. Multiple viewpoints were used, so there was a lot of jumping around. The egocentric thinking was a bit annoying/frustrating, but the story does revolve around high school kids.

2.75 stars
Imagine being given the chance to have any wish come true. All you have to do is agree to play the G.O.D. game. And that’s exactly what happens to a small group of high school friends known as The Vindicators. They happen to come across a video game that invites them into its secret world of dreams and adventure. However, what is the real price of admission?

I loved the idea of this story. A video game that consumes a person’s real life, feeding off their inner most desires and fears. However, the execution of the plot didn’t quite meet my expectations. The characters were too one dimensional. It was difficult to care about or even like them. More character depth and development would’ve made this book a much more intense read. The writing was also a little off for me. It read quite young (towards the YA spectrum.) It also delved into the world of coding and fantasy beyond my comprehension and enjoyment. Perhaps a younger audience more familiar with coding and fantasy gaming would connect better than I did.

I liked the ending. All of the plot elements are wrapped up neatly yet there is also a small twist. This is a fantasy thriller that was intriguing but not a book that moved me in any way. I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I could not finish this book!! Too much talk about god and Trump sorry!! Was not a book for me !! Probley won't try another book by this author!!

I've been trying to finish this for a while now and I just have to give in and say this one just isn't for me. I couldn't get invested in the plot or characters.

I DNFed at about 60%

This was a much different high school experience than I had. As a fairly new parent, I have been worried about all the wild things on the internet that children are exposed to now.. but this was next level. A group of friends who enjoy coding get a cryptic invitation to play a game. At least they think it is a game. Quickly their actions begin to have influence by someone who is playing GOD. The game takes the kids on a wild ride. This book solidified that I don’t want my kid to have a cell phone until they are 80 years old.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review