by Shawn Levy
First published 2022
Guy works as a bank teller in Free City, following the same routine every day. He serves customers, gets robbed by players, and starts over again. Guy doesn't question this pattern until he realizes something shocking about his world. He exists as a background character in an open world video game. Players control the heroes and villains around him while he provides scenery for their adventures. Guy refuses to accept this limited role. He decides to become the protagonist of his own story instead of remaining a passive non-player character. Guy begins rewriting the rules of his existence, determined to save his world before the game shuts down forever. His rebellion attracts attention from Millie, the programmer who originally coded him. As Guy transforms from background player to active hero, he discovers he can feel real emotions and make genuine choices. He must race against time to prove his worth and protect everything he cares about. Along the way, Guy finds himself falling for the woman who gave him life.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, contemporary, action
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, fish-out-of-water
Setting: Free City
Period: 2021
44 pages · Paperback · Independently published