[...] exception to that observation, Matthew Loux (Sidescrollers, Salt Water Taffy) contributes Rhandom Escape, a science fiction adventure. His distinctive style [...]

Like you, I did not like the vandalism scene. And Richard’s attraction to men was never followed up; it should have been left out of the story entirely.

Matt does talk to Amber (after much prodding), and his worth as a possible boyfriend was developed as the book went along; he easily became the one likable member of the three main characters. Best of all, Amber was more than the “hot girl who’s dating the jock and is pined for by the geek.” We find out why she’s with Richard, and though Matt tries to come to her rescue, she is intelligent enough to figure things out on her own (concluded in a hilarious scene), and doesn’t need to be rescued.

I’m outside the target audience— I’m 44, and the newest video game system I have is Sega Genesis— and the story is quite immature. I don’t think you’ll change your mind if you read the rest of the book, but others might enjoy it if they’re looking for a silly popcorn read with just a tiny bit of heart.

“I didn’t like this enough to force myself to finish it” or “this annoyed me so much I gave up” IS a review. It’s not the kind you want to read all the time (and used too often, it becomes a cop-out) but it’s a valid statement of opinion (and a rather damning indictment of the work). See also this recent Steven Grant column for another defense of the approach.