I'm offering my eBook “The 2080s”, as a FREE download to raise money for Age UK's Coronavirus Appeal - to help our older people in this time of national crisis. Small donations welcome. Or, donate elsewhere to any charity of your choice.

Hello! I want to do something to help during this crisis, but can’t face running around my lounge 20,000 times. Instead, I thought I could raise money for something I’ve already done!

Many years ago I decided to write a novel, called “The 2080s”. Should be fun, I thought. Anyway, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Was it was a mental marathon? No. It was a mental Mount Everest! This year, I’d decided to do a small update to it when Coronavirus hit the UK. Since I never made any money from my book, I thought it could be put to good use.

Now, sitting in a study, tapping away on a keyboard and swigging a beer, is certainly hard work. But it does not compare to the heroic actions of those on the frontline of the battle against Coronavirus. Or to the selfless actions of those using their time to support their communities.

Older people in isolation need a lot of support right now, so I’ve picked Age UK’s Coronavirus Appeal as the one to support. But feel free to donate elsewhere to any charity of your choice.

So, about the book! I wrote this story for teenage gamers – to read when you are forced to have a break from your consoles. A tale of true-to-life virtual reality, violent eSports, a colossal Mars-themed spaceship, inter-planetary organised crime, Martian eco-terrorists and of course a mysterious girl. The headstrong 14-year-old Zak Carter takes it all on. Warning - contains violence! Extracts below…

To download, copy one of the following links into a browser.

Downloads now removed. Fundraiser is closed!

So what are you in for? Well, here’s a trailer…

‘Woah. You’re still alive,’ said Zak.
‘Oh god Zak,’ said Van, barely audible. ‘I’m in terrible pain.’
‘Don’t complain Van,’ said Zak. He grinned, but it made his throat flare up.
Van tried to move, but his body just twitched, and he groaned again.
‘Zak. Shoot me dead,’ he said.
‘What! Get over it, we’ll be finished in a few minutes.’
‘No please. I’m in agony,’ said Van, shuddering as he spoke.
‘So am I,’ said Zak. He stepped past Van, and started climbing the stairs again.

…

‘Gran,’ he said. ‘Can I have a present?’
Everyone stared at Zak as if he had broken wind.
‘Well dearie I’d love to give you something,’ said Gran. ‘but I don’t have any boys’ things?’
‘How about that clock,’ he said, pointing at the mantelpiece.
Gran shook her head.
‘What would you want that old thing for?’
‘Because I’m going to make you a promise,’ said Zak. ‘One day, I will return here and give it back to you.’

…

Suddenly, the whole room transformed. The strong colours and patterns swiftly faded, to be replaced throughout by a uniform grey.
Zak had experienced this in his own room when punished, but he’d never seen the effect on the rest of the house. He took a quick peek in the hallway and kitchen. Beforehand, every drop of colour had been dynamically displayed via the house computer. Now, carpets, stairs, worktops and all other surfaces were blank.
‘I hardly recognise it as our house,’ said Zak.
‘I’m glad to see the back of that wallpaper pattern,’ said Skye, ‘it was vile.’

…

Zak had noticed that the ladder continued down through another dark hole in the floor.
‘Where does that go?’ he asked with trepidation. ‘Out into space?’
‘I dunno, I never went down there,’ said Ragboy, no longer grinning but looking as uneasy as Zak. ‘But maybe we’d better try it.’
They had no time to debate options. They heard footsteps approaching from the rooftops. The hole was the only way out.

…

‘Zahedi, Saltzmann! Where are you?’ he roared.
There was no reply.
‘Damn it!’
Krushkov ran up to a plant pot containing a two metre high palm, and kicked it over. The pot’s seal cracked, letting stones and sand pour out onto the floor.
He pulled out his blaster and started running. Zak quickly realised he was heading for the Tech Room, but in no time Krushkov was breathing heavily and had to stop to mop his brow.
‘Damn gravity,’ he muttered. ‘Still too high.’
After a deep breath he continued, striding with menacing purpose, blaster in hand.
Zak realised he needed to disappear.