Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Rhea’s Game by Dan Uselton is set in a dystopian nightmare future where entertainment is defined by the abuse and humiliation of game show contestants. Whilst most of society lives in poverty, a few elite owners, managers, and performers in the only gameshow in town, Chloroform Wars, live in luxury. In a society where women have been reduced to servicing the male members of the household, both men and women have differing reasons for signing up to appear on Chloroform Wars. For Rhea Schwartz, her reason was simple: to be heard, to be noticed, to be an individual, to chart her own direction. Ryker Vale’s reason for joining was equally simple; he needed the money to give his family a better life. When Rhea and Ryker are paired against each other, both face a deep moral question: what is more important? Friendship, perhaps even love, or winning this contest and achieving their goals?

Rhea’s Game is a deep psychological thriller that initially might appear outlandish. But the idea of society accepting the aggregation of wealth and power in the hands of the few is already in place, and we daily see the continued assault on marginalized members of society, as well as the dramatic increase in misogyny, especially amongst the powerful. One has to ask if Dan Uselton has written a predictive novel here. The two main characters, Rhea and Ryker, are beautifully fleshed out and complex. By allowing readers insight into multiple character perspectives, readers get inside the characters’ minds and truly grasp their motivations, intentions, and backstories. What I did appreciate was the pair using the system to effectively defeat that system. Although dark and psychologically challenging, the author does an excellent job of softening the narrative through Rhea and Ryker’s friendship and burgeoning romance, as well as family life. This book surprised me and made me think. I look forward to discovering more of this interesting author’s work and highly recommend this read.