Hope’s Game

by Mick Williams

WOW! Mick Williams never ceases to amaze me! I love his books. Each one is as unique as they come. I honestly don’t know how he does it. He literally has a book to suit every reading taste.

Hope’s Game is quite different to anything I have read before. I absolutely loved it!

I liked Charlie from the get-go. My heart broke for him when I learned of the loss of his daughter. I can’t imagine anything worse. The not knowing would cripple me. It’s no wonder he is unable to find joy in anything since her disappearance. How do you even begin to move on from something like that? Would you even want to? I’d never rest either. It’s no surprise it led to the breakdown of his marriage. I imagine that is quite common in these circumstances. He seems to have disconnected from the world, his family, and anything that isn’t alcohol.

In an attempt to get him out of his grotty flat Charlie’s best friend, Nick, offers him an opportunity which, given his circumstances, is far too good to turn down. £10,000 (for one day of his time!) to participate in a research project he is working on. An AI program called Project Mindspace. Of course, Charlie accepts. He has nothing to lose right!?

He has no idea how much his life is about to change forever.

Charlie’s visits to ‘Under’ both fascinated and terrified me. It isn’t something I would willingly participate in any time soon. I can see how Charlie finds it an appealing method of escapism though.

As the story progressed, I became more and more uneasy. I became increasingly concerned about Charlie and his state of mind. I was right to be concerned!

Such clever writing.

I can’t wait for the follow up!