Immortality Experiment (Territoria, #1)

by Vic Connor

[chymerra]

I was very intrigued when Vic Connor approached me to review Immortality Experiment. If you have read my About Me page, then you know I am a gamer and play WoW/Sims 4. So for me to imagine a virtual world where you are part of the game isn’t a stretch. I was very eager to read it to see if it met up with what I thought a total immersion virtual reality world would be like. Let’s say that I wasn’t disappointed.

Immortality Experiment was a great read. Like I said above, I had no problem imagining what a total immersion virtual reality world would be like. Territoria lived up to what I imagined. Niko’s storyline did pull at my heartstrings. I did question how a teenager in the foster care system ended up on death row for murdering parents. Parents who disappeared years before. But, thinking about it now, Mr. Clark had something to do with it. The other storyline with Okapi Okonjo was at the same time chilling and sad. Yes, I am feeling sympathy for a man who did horrendous things in the game. The reason why he did such awful things are explained and that is what turned my sympathy on. No one should have to go through that (read the book if you want to find out).

I liked Niko. He had such a hard time growing up. I mean, who wouldn’t when your parents disappear, leaving you to the mercy of the foster care system? I know I wouldn’t have grown up thinking life was all sunshine and roses. Nope, I would have grown up like Niko did.

I could understand Niko’s acceptance of Mr. Clark’s offer. It was either go to Territoria or die. If I had to make the choice, I would have made the same choice as Niko. I loved seeing Territoria for the first time with Niko. All the different races (people’s avatars) were fascinating to read about.

I liked the idea of Ravenscroft Academy. A school for kids who have high IQs that focuses on their education. The more that I read about Ravenscroft, the more it became clear that there was something going on there. I mean, they sealed off the 5th floor, if that gives you any clue. Also, there is a thing called The Hunt which reminded me of The Purge to an extent.

The bad guys weren’t bad guys in the book. Yes, Mr. Clark was asking Niko to do something horrible to his parents but the reasons were valid. Okapi Okonjo also had some valid reasons for being an awful guy in Territoria. I am not defending them by any means. I am saying that I can understand why they did what they did.

The end of the book ended on a cliff hanger. I would be all “I hate cliffhangers” and list all the reasons why I hate them. But in this book, it works. The ending makes you wonder what’s next. That is why I will be reading book 2. I have to find out how Niko progresses with his quest.

My Summary of Immortality Experiment: 4 stars

Immortality Experiment is a fast paced young adult novel that will keep you glued to the pages. I found this book a refreshing change from the young adult novels that I have read lately. I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 16 and anyone who likes fantasy.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Older teen

Why: violence, mild language. No sex or sexual situations

I would like to thank Vic Connor for allowing me to read and review Immortality Experiment

All opinions expressed in this review of Immortality Experiment are mine and mine alone

**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**