Win Condition


Fiction - Science Fiction
548 Pages
Reviewed on 10/07/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite

“We all dream of an honorable world,” but the world depicted in the novel Win Condition by Libby Schultz is anything but honorable. It is a techno-hell on steroids run by a self-serving decadent elite. A world where players of a strategy game called Break Point are the celebrity athletes. For Miranda, a 16-year-old outcast, this is a world of despair until she wins an improbable bet and meets a woman named Sage. With her friend acting as guardian and protector, Miranda becomes Arrow, the star player of a game where the stakes are sometimes the fate of millions. But Sage has an agenda and is hellbent on regaining her birthright as ruler of an island nation that controls CIN, the world currency. With Arrow in tow, Sage returns to her homeland under the guise of a tournament and implements her plan of wresting control of the island from her very own sister. Yet in life, just as in any game, there can be no winners without losers and seldom do plans work as intended.

Expansive, sophisticated, and unique, Win Condition by Libby Schultz is an intriguing work of science fiction with many real-world parallels and similarities. Conspiracy and revenge form the intricate plot packed with so many themes I hardly know where to begin. Ambition, betrayal, cynicism, greed, idealism, redemption, and growth are all present throughout the tale. Character development is exceptional, and the large cast of individuals comprises many unique, fascinating, and relatable people. There is even believable growth from an AI-powered drone. Outstanding world-building makes the entire concept of the book very plausible, resulting in intense and satisfying immersion. For fans of science fiction, adventure, and political intrigue, Win Condition is a fresh and original cautionary tale that will please.

K.C. Finn

Win Condition is a work of fiction in the science fiction, action, and interpersonal drama genres. It is intended for mature reading audiences as it contains scenes of a sexual nature, violence, and potentially disturbing themes including suicide and self-harm. Penned by author Libby Schultz, protagonist Char's society is controlled by a global crypto token managed by wealthy elites and sentient AI, creating a stark divide between the powerful and the powerless. Citizens can challenge this harsh reality through a deadly gaming tournament, though the elite manipulate the outcomes to maintain control. Arrow, a skilled hacker and gaming champion, and Sage, a fallen member of the ruling class, join forces with a disillusioned military general to take down the system. As they achieve victories, they bring chaos to Char, forcing them to seek a new way to fight and preserve their humanity.

Author Libby Schultz has crafted an exhilarating and thought-provoking novel with tons of detail, suspense, and intrigue. The vividly crafted world that Char inhabits, with its stark socioeconomic disparities and ruthless power dynamics, drew me in immediately with atmospheric language and an intense tone. The manipulation of the crypto token by both wealthy magnates and advanced AI painted a chilling portrait of a society where human value is monetized and life is a constant struggle. Arrow and Sage's journey, from unlikely allies to pivotal revolutionaries, was both gripping and emotionally charged, and this dynamic is one of many highlights that showed the author’s flair for dialogue packed with character. Their battles within the lethal gaming tournament and their broader fight against the oppressive system kept me on the edge of my seat, and I felt a profound sense of empathy for the oppressed citizens and a burning hope for Arrow and Sage's quest to upend the status quo. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Win Condition to fans of intense sci-fi dramas seeking something exciting and accomplished to read next.

Rabia Tanveer

Win Condition by Libby Schultz is an action-packed science fiction novel that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Set in the world of Char, controlled and ruled by crypto tokens, the story follows Arrow, a skilled hacker and gaming champion, and Sage, an exiled scion from the ruling class. The two of them lived in a world ruled by the wealthy elite who used the tokens to maintain control over the masses who struggled to survive. However, Char was slowly crumbling, and the people were dying. But the rich didn’t care. The only way to fight against them was to fight in Char’s gaming tournament where death was a certainty. As they embark on a dangerous mission to challenge the status quo, Arrow and Sage must confront their own personal demons and the consequences of their actions. Can they protect Char and its people? Or was it a failed mission from the beginning?

Author Libby Schultz did a great job of creating a believable and realistic world. Divided into twelve parts, the story had me hooked from the beginning. I enjoyed the plot, the fast pace, and the elements of surprise waiting around every corner. This action-packed thriller was everything I wanted. The novel explores themes of inequality, manipulation, and the lengths people will go to for survival. Arrow and Sage were painfully human and that made me love them. They were relatable. Arrow was sharp and intense, while Sage wore her heart on her sleeve but hid her emotions behind sarcasm. Both of these women were at the heart of the uprising and the fate of everyone was riding on how well they did. They complemented each other, hid each other’s flaws, and made each other stronger. I loved that. I also loved how the descriptions were vivid enough for me to clearly imagine what was happening and feel like I was part of Char’s community. If you are a fan of dystopian fiction with strong characters, intense action, and thought-provoking themes, Win Condition is a must-read. I highly recommend it!

Essien Asian

Char is a technological marvel. Despite gradually sinking into the sea, the island has survived the political nous of corrupt leaders and money-hungry council members for years. Violet, Char's new number-one citizen, wants to restore hope to the people and repair broken bridges. Some do not trust her. Men like Citan have seen what she can do when motivated and want her out of the way at all costs. He crafts an intricate plot involving a young street urchin whose love for the city's favorite sport, Breakpoint, has elevated her beyond her wildest dreams and her mysterious patron, Sage, a woman whose smile is as charming as it is deadly. Only time will tell who wins this colossal tussle in Libby Schultz's Win Condition.

Libby Schultz spins a tale of revenge in Win Condition. Using blockchain technology to record and store extensive activities on the island and the importance of CIN cryptocurrency in the narrative creates a futuristic scenario that is plausible when you key into recent global trends. Schultz pays close attention to character development, embellishing origin stories in such a manner that results in clearly defined factions led by striking individuals. Their conversations reveal darker motivations on both sides of the divide that will immerse readers in choosing who should be the antagonist in this gripping narrative where intriguing political subplots and richly crafted romantic triangles collide. The sedate pace and detailed virtual battles between combatants combine with Schultz's captivating storytelling style to create a narrative in a class of its own.

Romuald Dzemo

Win Condition by Libby Schultz is a complex and imaginative exploration of the intersection between technology, power dynamics, and societal inequality, all framed within a vibrant yet unsafe future shaped by cryptocurrencies and digital influencers. The narrative is rich with character development and world-building, drawing readers into a universe where cryptographic tokens can be used interchangeably as currency and weapons. It is set in the dystopian world of Char, a ruthless world where power is a dangerous game. In this dystopian landscape, a global crypto token — manipulated by the elite and sentient trading AIs— divides the citizens into the privileged few and the desperate many. The only hope for change lies in Char’s deadly gaming tournament, where the stakes are life or death, and the outcomes are rigged to favor the powerful. When Arrow, a cunning hacker turned gaming champion, teams up with Sage, a defiant outcast from the ruling class, a disillusioned military general recruits them to seize control of the token that oppresses their people. As they rise through the ranks, their success unleashes chaos across the realm, compelling them to redefine the rules of engagement to save their humanity and fight for the future of Char. Will they emerge as saviors or mere pawns in a game they thought they could master?

In Win Condition, Libby Schultz cleverly sculpts her characters to embody the themes of ambition, rivalry, and ethical conflict. Taavi Zanatos is the strategic recluse who struggles with the moral implications of his actions in BreakPoint. At the same time, Ikkyu Qiceran's rivalry offers a driving force in the narrative. Miranda—who transforms into Arrow—navigates her struggles for independence in a competitive environment. As a mentor, Sage provides depth with her political savvy, contrasting Violet Celestine's complex role as First Citizen amidst corruption. Each character, from the ambitious Citan to the protective Anthony Palladino and the eccentric Professor Tepidar, contributes to the rich canvas of personal and societal challenges that define the world of Char. Schultz employs humor and tension throughout the novel, crafting interactions that reveal deep-seated prejudices, ambitions, and fears. The sharp dialogue depicts each character’s complex nature while fueling the conflict. The themes of identity exploration and the search for genuine connection resonate powerfully in an age marred by anonymity and superficiality. The world is meticulously constructed, merging elements of dystopia with vibrant depictions of charmed lives spun in glamorous excess. You’ll fall right into this world and won’t want to leave!