A PLACE TO STAY FOREVER

In this sci-fi novel, several space
travelers in deep sleep awaken inside avatars in a simulated world.

Miranda Sage, along with others
aboard the spaceship The Misfit, is
in stasis, living a full life inside a simulation. When something knocks the
ship off course, a power surge wakes everyone from the Stasis Deep Sleep
System. Back in the Real Realm, in 3272, crewmate Adayln realizes the surge
also unlocked the reputedly unhackable system. Though the town of Penticton is the
only accessible place in the SDS, Adayln finds existing code for other
areas—files just as large as Penticton’s. She and Miranda concoct a plan: Adayln
alters the code so, during the next simulation, their conscious minds will
awaken inside avatars and the two can then explore. They set a 24-hour limit on
the awakened consciousness, as continuing any longer, based on rumored
incidents, may drive them mad. Unfortunately, things go wrong: They aren’t the
only awakened people, and the time restriction inexplicably fails. Miranda and
her cohorts need a way to end the simulation without harming their bodies in
stasis. Answers may lie with a well-known author in the Real Realm who stayed
perfectly sane while supposedly enjoying awakened lives in the SDS. Lloyd (Journey to the West Valley Wall, 2018,
etc.) packs this novel with intriguing ideas, including characters transferring
from biological bodies to husks and an ongoing, centurieslong war that affects the
SDS creator, LaPorte Industries. There’s plenty of engrossing material for
additional books: Miranda, for example, with combined time in the SDS and
various husk bodies, has existed for 1,296 years. Despite the dense sci-fi
backdrop, the author maintains a simple plot that clearly and aptly details
intricate concepts, like the dichotomy between Miranda’s life and that of her avatar,
Josie. Narrative obstacles are likewise easy to follow: Mere romance may dampen
Miranda’s desire to leave the SDS. While the story ends with an impressive
shock, lingering questions regarding the simulation as well as certain characters
remain.