Kubrick’s Game by Derek Taylor Kent

*Received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This has no affect on my opinion of the book or the content of this review.*

SYNOPSIS

Fifteen years after his death in March 1999, Stanley Kubrick has apparently arranged a hand-selected announcement that his films are far more than they appear to be. As UCLA’s resident Kubrick expert, Professor Mascaro was the recipient of Kubrick’s package. Inside is a reproduction of the famous photo Kubrick took for the cover of Look Magazine following the death ofFDR. The image to the right has become emblazoned in the American zeitgeist.

On the back of the photo is a message written by Kubrick that reads: “Follow me to Q’s identity.” Mascaro is stumped and asks Shawn Hagan, his brilliant but socially awkward film student, what he thinks that might mean.

Shawn takes the photo and studies it with his only two friends at school-Wilson Devereaux, an infamous former child star bent on becoming a respected director, and Samira “Sami” Singh, a graduate film student with a dark, rebellious past.

The friends initially come up empty, but upon discovering a missing piece of the puzzle Mascaro strangely decided not to reveal at first,Shawn realizes that the answer to Q’s identity is hidden within the dialogue and imagery of the first film Kubrick had complete control over-“Lolita.”

The clues lead the friends to an old hotel in New York, where a mysterious package has been held by the concierge for twenty years. The package contains the next clue in the puzzle as well as a filmed message from Kubrick himself that confirms the construct of the elaborate game.Unfortunately, the friends also learn that at least two other groups have recently uncovered this first part of the puzzle, which puts them a step behind.

By the end, Kubrick will have proven his genius to be unmatched, when the game takes the player far beyond the boundaries of reality and sends him into the darkest realms of the human mind in order to make it to the final stage. This climactic set piece is surely the most difficult and diabolical puzzle ever created by man.

Shawn will have to face his own demons and reconnect with those who care about him in order to receive the great treasure that is Kubrick’s final legacy and gift to humanity.

REVIEW

I had been in a big reading slump when I was asked if I would be interested in reading this book. I was jumping from book to book, only reading a few pages. Nothing was really keeping my attention. I was going to hold off reading this book for a little while, but then I decided to try it.

I am so glad i did.

I had a lot of fun reading this book. I have seen a handful of Stanley Kubrick’s films. Even the ones I haven’t seen, I was pretty familiar with. I don’t think you necessarily need to have seen his movies to enjoy this book. Kent has added pictures to the book which helps so much. He also does a good job of describing scenes when the characters are picking apart the films. So, I don’t think you need to be super familiar with Kubrick to follow the story.

I enjoyed the characters that Kent has developed. They are each their own distinctive person. I feel like I have known some one like each of them in my own life. The main character, Shawn, is on the Autism Spectrum. As some one who has worked with people who have autism, I really appreciated how wrote about Shawn. I never felt like Kent was making fun of autism, or made it such a big deal where it over took the story. Being autistic was just a part of Shawn and his daily life and he dealt with it.

Mystery lovers will love this story. Kubrick’s Game reminded me of Ready Player One by Ernest Cline as to where this game became very immersive for the players. The game takes over their lives. It was fast paced. You just wanted to keep reading to see where the game was going to take you.

I would really love to see this book turned into a movie or tv show. I think it would be so much fun to see the characters come to life and see what all they get themselves into. I can see it playing in my head right now.

This book fit so many genres that I believe a lot of readers would enjoy this. People who are fans of pop-culture, films, conspiracy theories, games, puzzles, mysteries, thrillers, and technology would all enjoy this book.

This book is also available as an audio book with some actors we all know and love.

About the Author

Derek Taylor Kent is an author, screenwriter, performer and director based in Los Angeles. His first novel for an adult audience, KUBRICK’S GAME, was released in late 2016 through Evolved Publishing and quickly became an international bestseller and was one of the best reviewed books of the year. His award-winning book series SCARY SCHOOL (written under pen-name Derek the Ghost) has become one of the most popular new series for middle-readers ages 7 to 12. His new bi-lingual picture book EL PERRO CON SOMBRERO came out August 18, 2015 through Holt/Macmillan and was a #1 best-selling new release.

Other books include the award-winning educational picture book SIMON AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM and the magical adventure RUDY AND THE BEAST, both available now.

Derek also specializes in writing narrative scripts for Virtual Reality content. His VR sci-fi script EXIT TO REALITY won best screenplay at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival and was nominated for best screenplay at Hollyshorts Films Festival, Red Flight Film Festival, and Reel Writers Screenplay Competition.

*Received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This has no affect on my opinion of the book or the content of this review.*