88 Names

A Novel

By: Matt Ruff

Narrated by: Ewan Chung

The critically acclaimed author of Lovecraft Country returns with a thrilling and immersive virtual reality epic—part cyberthriller, part twisted romantic comedy—that transports you to a world where identity is fluid and nothing can be taken at face value.

John Chu is a “sherpa”—a paid guide to online role-playing games like the popular Call to Wizardry. For a fee, he and his crew will provide you with a top-flight character equipped with the best weapons and armor, and take you dragon-slaying in the Realms of Asgarth, hunting rogue starships in the Alpha Sector, or battling hordes of undead in the zombie apocalypse.

Chu’s new client, the pseudonymous Mr. Jones, claims to be a “wealthy, famous person” with powerful enemies, and he’s offering a ridiculous amount of money for a comprehensive tour of the world of virtual-reality gaming. For Chu, this is a dream assignment, but as the tour gets underway, he begins to suspect that Mr. Jones is really North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, whose interest in VR gaming has more to do with power than entertainment. As if that weren’t enough to deal with, Chu also has to worry about “Ms. Pang,” who may or may not be an agent of the People’s Republic of China, and his angry ex-girlfriend, Darla Jean Covington, who isn’t the type to let an international intrigue get in the way of her own plans for revenge.

What begins as a whirlwind online adventure soon spills over into the real world. Now Chu must use every trick and resource at his disposal to stay one step ahead—because in real life, there is no reset button.

super fun

oh my super fun sci fi from matt ruff i enjoyed the multiple layers hope to find more like this style

This book is perfect for video game nerds like me!

I couldn't stop listening! A great mystery! there's a lot of deus ex machina. But it doesn't take away from the story. great twist ending. But it does dull down the tension that was building all the way up until then.

Started out epic then turned into a grind

I'm a huge fan of Lovecraft Country, AND I'm a gamer, so hear me when I say that I had expectations heading into this story (so take this review with a grain of salt). I really wanted this book to be EPIC! Like Reins of the Heavenly Onyx Cloud Serpent epic.

And at first it was, but then the story fell flat, and the main character basically turned out to be the stereotypical man living in his mother's basement sort of thing. There was no real risk throughout the entire story beyond if there was gold to be got at the end. Part way through it felt like the plot of the story changed, and even who they thought the audience would be. It went from this being a gamer's story to long explanations of common gaming concepts like loot and loot tables.

There were some things I couldn't get past as a gamer, like a level 200 player taking a level 10 player through the game - why would you need so high a level to get through beginner zones where now no one's getting xp? And where's the fun in one-shotting lvl 10 beats unless you're farming mats? Hard pass. And I can't imagine there being an issue with sherpas - there are fun mounts you can get for bringing people into games, plus new players means more money for the snow storm peeps, so where would the problem lie?

I just feel what started strong ended up as a long grind with nonstop qq.

WoWed by a thrilling, mind bending tale

88 Names by Matt Ruff is a thrilling and captivating journey that effortlessly bridges the gap between the virtual and real worlds. This ingenious novel will leave you questioning the nature of reality and pondering the limitless possibilities that technology can offer.

Ruff's storytelling prowess is evident from the very beginning as he introduces us to John Chu, a "sherpa" who helps clients navigate the complex world of virtual reality gaming. With a diverse cast of characters and an enthralling plot, 88 Names is a true page-turner that is nearly impossible to put down.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this novel is Ruff's world-building. He has created an intricate and immersive virtual landscape, complete with its own unique culture, rules, and consequences. As you dive deeper into the story, you can't help but become invested in the lives of the characters and the rich, multifaceted world they inhabit.

Moreover, 88 Names is also an insightful commentary on the impact of technology on our lives and relationships. The novel delves into the ethical and moral implications of virtual reality, while exploring themes of identity, trust, and the true nature of connection. Ruff's ability to weave these thought-provoking themes into an exhilarating narrative is nothing short of masterful.

In summary, 88 Names is a triumph of both imagination and storytelling. Matt Ruff has crafted an unforgettable tale that will resonate with fans of science fiction and virtual reality enthusiasts alike. If you're looking for a novel that will challenge your perceptions and keep you entertained from start to finish, look no further than this mind-expanding masterpiece.

Not the best litrpg. Not the worst.

I found this book on a best of list and do not think it deserved to be on such lists. Having read other litrpg novels such as “ready player one” and “ascend online” I can say that “88 names” is not at the peak of its genre. At the same time I did enjoy the listen and would recommend if if you already enjoy the genre.