Undone, book two of our GameLit/LitRPG Head Hoppers series, is available now on Kindle and in Kindle Unlimited. The print version is planned to be released by March 15, 2022. If things go well, it may be sooner, but some things we’re waiting on aren’t under our control.
Co-authored by MK Eidson and Emila H Thicke and inspired by true events, Undone is autofiction disguised as time travel science fiction and GameLit. Cover art licensed from SelfPubBookCovers.com/Viergacht.
It is unnecessary to have read book one of Head Hoppers before reading book two, though some of the elements at the end of book two might be more appreciated if one has read book one. Book two provides context missing from book one, and sets the scene for subsequent novels in the series. Book three of the series, Illegal Avatars, is currently in progress. The Kindle version of book three is available for pre-order. We do plan to make Illegal Avatars available via Kindle Unlimited.
It is possible to read Undone as a standalone novel, but to do so means choosing the worst of two possible endings to the story. The book is intended for a mature audience. Seventeen-year-olds can probably handle it; the authors claim they could have at that age. Here’s some of the fine print from the copyright page:
This book uses explicit language. It is intended for readers 17 and older. The story contains role-playing game terminology and concepts, and dialogue/scenes of: graphic sex; domestic and other forms of violence, including a fatal automobile accident; attempted suicide and other struggles with mental health issues; gender identification; sexual orientation; immoral acts and acts of questionable morals; ghosts; time travel; and nanobots.
This story passes the Bechdel test and the Reverse Bechdel test, though barely.
Below is an excerpt from chapter four. More of the story can be freely read via the Look Inside feature on the Amazon product page for Undone.
The damned Critic is back on the bus. “You used adjectives and adverbs—hallmarks of bad writing. You don’t even deserve one star.”
I don’t wait for the bus to come to a stop or the door to open. “I told you to get off the fucking bus.” Holding the .22 caliber rifle with one hand as though it were a pistol, I aim at his belly and pull the trigger.
A cloud of red feathers spews from his mouth. His body folds over and his hands clutch at his wounded gut. At the next stop, he exits by toppling with no assistance from me.
Stashing the rifle on the luggage rack, I grab my scroll and disembark, stepping on The Critic’s fingers. I laugh at the crunching sound. “Make way for the wizard.”
“I’ll ruin you if it’s the last thing I do,” shouts The Critic. He doesn’t shake a fist with broken digits.
The bus lets me out next to my Ford in the mall parking lot. How convenient. I head inside the mall.
I unroll my scroll for Erica to see the design it bears. At first, she says nothing. Just grimaces and nods her head. “I thought you’d want to talk about this later. At seven? Take a little drive somewhere we can discuss things in private?”
“Oh, I do.” I undress her, except she’s still clothed.
“Maybe you shouldn’t come in here every day.” She taps the end of my nose with her forefinger. “People might talk. Someone might talk to your wife. Do you want that?”
“I suppose it’s not wise.”
“Okay, then. Run along. I’ll find you in the parking lot. A little after seven. Hopefully I won’t have any impromptu meetings at the end of my shift.”
“Where’s your purse?” I glance around, as though it might be lying amongst the merchandise.
“My purse? At the moment, it’s in a locker. Why do you ask? Do you need to borrow some money?”
“Oh, no. No.” Can’t have her thinking I’m hurting for funds. “It’s just, I’d like to see your ID. Your driver’s license. See what kind of picture you take.”
“You’re wondering if I’m eighteen. Little too late for that, don’t you think?” With a wink, she spins on a high heel, shaking her slight hips, and strolls to a customer’s side. “May I help you, miss?” She’s teasing me, and I don’t know whether that’s a good sign or bad.
Read Undone today!