Mindwar Series by Andrew Klavan, Andrew Kanies

Rick Dial has the potential to be a hero. He just doesn't know it yet.Rick's high school football team couldn't be stopped when he was leading them as their quarterback. He was going to Syracuse on a scholarship. But then his dad abandoned them and a terrible accident left him crippled.Certain his old life is completely lost, Rick spends months hiding away in his room playing video games... moreRick Dial has the potential to be a hero. He just doesn't know it yet.Rick's high school football team couldn't be stopped when he was leading them as their quarterback. He was going to Syracuse on a scholarship. But then his dad abandoned them and a terrible accident left him crippled.Certain his old life is completely lost, Rick spends months hiding away in his room playing video games. He achieves the highest scores on so many games that he's approached by a government agency who claims to be trying to thwart a cyber attack on America that would destroy the technological infrastructure of the entire country. The agents say that the quick-thinking of a quarterback coupled with Nick's gaming experience make him perfect for this assignment. The problem is that there are no extra lives and this isn't just a game . . . but Rick doesn't have many other options at the moment.Entering "The Realm" gives Rick the one thing he thought he'd never have again: a body that's as fast and as strong as he ever was before the accident. But the more time he spends in The Realm, the more questions he has. What secrets are these agents keeping from him? What really happened to his father? How many others have gone into The Realm already . . . and failed? And perhaps most important, is he the hero they think he is? less

Heroes needed.Rick Dial's life as a superstar quarterback ended when a car accident left him crippled. But his uncanny gaming ability caused him to catch the attention of a secret government organization trying to stop a cyber attack on America. He's been to the Realm . . . and returned to Real Life victorious.But the stakes just went up. Another attack is imminent. Though they're in a hidden facility, there seems to be a traitor among them... moreHeroes needed.Rick Dial's life as a superstar quarterback ended when a car accident left him crippled. But his uncanny gaming ability caused him to catch the attention of a secret government organization trying to stop a cyber attack on America. He's been to the Realm . . . and returned to Real Life victorious.But the stakes just went up. Another attack is imminent. Though they're in a hidden facility, there seems to be a traitor among them. Every time Rick returns to The Realm, he risks becoming trapped there permanently. And now, his best friend Molly is being held hostage. And they're threatening to kill her.He's not sure the people in charge can be trusted. The people closest to him are in danger. A fate worse than death may be waiting for him. With no good options, how do you proceed?In the tradition of "Ender's Game "and "The Matrix, "The MindWar Trilogy is a complex thriller about a seemingly ordinary teenager who discovers a hidden gift--a gift that could make him a hero . . . or cost him everything. less

This time, there’s no escape from The Realm.The MindWar Realm is a computerized world created by a deranged terrorist named Kurodar. Built through a link between Kurodar’s mind and a network of supercomputers, The Realm is a pathway through which the madman can project himself into any computer system on the planet.Twice before, Rick Dial has entered the Realm as a Mind Warrior and come back alive. But now, something has gone terribly wrong... moreThis time, there’s no escape from The Realm.The MindWar Realm is a computerized world created by a deranged terrorist named Kurodar. Built through a link between Kurodar’s mind and a network of supercomputers, The Realm is a pathway through which the madman can project himself into any computer system on the planet.Twice before, Rick Dial has entered the Realm as a Mind Warrior and come back alive. But now, something has gone terribly wrong. A connection has formed in Rick’s brain that sends him hurtling into The Realm without his consent—and brings the Realm’s monsters into the Real World.As Kurodar works to turn Rick’s brain to his own purposes, Rick’s waking and sleeping life is ravaged by terrors he never imagined.Rick knows he has no choice but to face The Realm’s final and most powerful protector. But can Rick destroy MindWar without destroying himself and the people he loves? less