Life at the Spire holds everything that Tom's always wanted - friends, the possibility of a girlfriend, and a life where his every action matters - but what will it cost him? Finally, he'll be someone important: a superhuman war machine with the tech skills that every virtual-reality warrior dreams of. There, Tom's instincts for combat will be put to the test and if he passes, he'll become a member of the Intrasolar Forces, helping to lead his country to victory in World War III. Someone's been watching his virtual-reality prowess, and he's offered the incredible - a place at the Pentagonal Spire, an elite military academy. Keeping a roof over their heads depends on a careful combination of skill, luck, con artistry, and staying invisible. For years, Tom's drifted from casino to casino with his unlucky gambler of a dad, gaming for their survival.

Kincaid’s futuristic thrill ride of a debut crackles with memorable characters, tremendous wit, and a vision of the future that asks startling, timely questions about the melding of humanity and technology.More than anything, Tom Raines wants to be important, though his shadowy life is anything but that. Life at the Spire holds everything that Tom’s always wanted-friends, the possibility of a girlfriend, and a life where his every action matters-but what will it cost him?

Finally, he’ll be someone important: a superhuman war machine with the tech skills that every virtual-reality warrior dreams of. There, Tom’s instincts for combat will be put to the test, and if he passes, he’ll become a member of the Intrasolar Forces, helping to lead his country to victory in World War Three. Someone’s been watching his virtual-reality prowess, and he’s offered the incredible-a place at the Pentagonal Spire, an elite military academy. For years, Tom’s drifted from casino to casino with his unlucky gambler of a dad, gaming for their survival. More than anything, Tom Raines wants to be important, though his shadowy life is anything but that. WHAT IF THE GOVERNMENT'S SECRET WEAPON IS YOU?

Insignia by sj kincaid