D. B. Schrock Earth Gamers

Annotation

The Earth Game is about to end The first hundred thousand years of existence ultimately leads to boredom. And from that derives a need to create increasingly sophisticated entertainment. Seven godlike creatures of Chroma, evolved over time to colored monstrosities of their choosing, ruthlessly compete in a sophisticated series of millennial games with the goal of deploying the most dominating force on a world-population. These Players direct their game strategy by inserting a set of pieces onto the playing field who exert an unnatural influence in the inhabitants around them. The current game is called Earth. The game grows dull and the leading Player calls for an end. After thousands of years and significant wagers at stake, all others are not keen to cede so soon. A coma-inducing car accident leads to a game piece in play, twelve-year-old Sam, to discover his dual nature and that the Earth is not a fundamental reality. As in a lucid dream, Sam begins to realize the rules of the Earth game in which he finds himself no longer constrain him. The wildcard he now represents is besieged by the Players as the game drives to conclusion. Rather than follow their wishes, Sam decides to turn his abilities against the evil Players themselves, in an attempt to stop the end of the Earth game.