by Matt Ruff
First published 2020
John Chu makes his living as a sherpa, guiding wealthy clients through online role-playing games like the popular "Call of Wizardry." He shows them the tricks and shortcuts that make virtual worlds profitable and fun. The work pays well, and John would consider himself content if not for two complications eating away at his peace of mind. His ex-girlfriend has declared war on him after their relationship ended badly, promising to destroy both his career and personal life. More troubling still, John suspects his newest and richest client, who calls himself "Mr. Jones," might actually be North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, using virtual gaming worlds to advance his political agenda. As John digs deeper into the true identity of his mysterious patron, the stakes escalate far beyond unpaid rent. What started as detective work in digital spaces becomes a matter of survival in the real world.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, mystery, contemporary, thriller, action
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fish-out-of-water
Setting: North Korea, Online Role-Playing Games
Period: Contemporary
331 pages · Paperback · Fischer TOR, Berlin