Brainboy and the DeathMaster - Softcover

Seidler, Tor

Softcover

ISBN 10: 006440935X ISBN 13: 9780064409353

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2005

Synopsis

Darryl Kirby is an orphan. He is also a whiz at computer games. But when Darryl plays a new version of his favorite game, StarMaster, strange things begin to happen.

A mysterious message -- "WANT TO PLAY?" -- invites him to play a new game in which the stakes are higher than they appear -- a game that eventually lands him in the luxurious Paradise Lab, where software guru Keith Masterly has enlisted a brain trust of children for a secret purpose of his own. With the help of his friend, Nina, Darryl slowly uncovers a sinister plan and finds himself the star in his own real-life computer game. But will he and Nina be able to stop Masterly and escape before it is too late?

About this title

About the Author

Born in Littleton, New Hampshire, Tor Seidler grew up in Vermont and later, Seattle, Washington, in both of which places his parents were involved in the theater. Encouraged by his family's love of the arts, Mr. Seidler studied English literature at Stanford University, and at the age of twenty-seven his first book, The Dulcimer Boy, was published, launching his celebrated career as a writer.

Over the past twenty years, Mr. Seidler has become one of the most important voices in children's fiction with such classics as, A Rat's Tale, The Wainscott Weasel, an ALA Notable Book, Terpin, and Mean Margaret, which was selected as a finalist for the National Book Award in 1997. He currently lives in New York City.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-7-A fast-paced, science-fiction adventure. Darryl recently lost his entire family in a horrible fire, and now resides at an orphanage funded by Keith Masterly, founder of the world's largest computer empire. After Darryl plays exceptionally well on the version of "Stargate" found on the laptop in his room, he's unexpectedly adopted and whisked away by Masterly himself. At first, the boy is thrilled to be a part of Paradise Lab, where there are lots of other smart kids like him, all helping Masterly conduct science experiments aimed at "conquering time." But Darryl and his friend Nina come to realize that Masterly's ultimate goals are deadly, and it's up to them to rescue everyone from a madman's evil grip. Though the plot, and especially the ending, is far-fetched, Seidler has created empathetic characters and writes at a level that is accessible even to readers not usually drawn to this genre. Despite the high-tech backdrop, it is Darryl's emotional journey that resonates and makes this novel a worthwhile purchase.
Ronni Krasnow, New York Public Library
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 006440935X
• ISBN 13: 9780064409353
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320