Ground Zero

In a world where wars are no longer fought on battlefields but within the ruthless, haptic confines of a virtual game, survival means mastery of both strategy and sacrifice. Riley, a brilliant but haunted young recruit, knows this well. Driven by the need to escape the government-controlled system that tore her family apart, she enters Ground Zero-not to serve, but to conquer. Her goal: to climb the ranks of this life-or-death simulation and become a Game Master, a rare and ungovernable force of independence within a world where freedom is little more than a fading memory.

But Riley is not alone. The military monitors every move, while powerful players with their own ambitions fight for control. Each step forward demands sacrifice, and every alliance comes with a cost. Alongside allies with secrets of their own, Riley faces brutal training, deadly competitors, and the ever-watchful eyes of an elite few who see Ground Zero as the ultimate weapon.

As Riley edges closer to power, she discovers that mastery over the game may be the only key to uncovering the truth about Ground Zero's origins-and the forces that hold its players captive. In a place where death is permanent and trust is dangerous, Riley will do whatever it takes to break the system, even if it means becoming part of it.

In Ground Zero, freedom is won or lost with every move-and only the strongest will survive.