Operation Bounce House

By Matt Dinniman

Book Overview

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - A man must fight for his planet against impossible odds when gamers from Earth attempt to remotely annihilate it in this epic, fast-paced novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the smash-hit Dungeon Crawler Carl.

All colonist Oliver Lewis ever wanted to do was run the family ranch with his sister, maybe play a gig or two with his band, and keep his family's aging fleet of intelligent agriculture bots ticking as long as possible. He figures it will be a good thing when the transfer gate finally opens all the way and restores instant travel and full communication between Earth and his planet, New Sonora. But there's a complication.

Even though the settlers were promised they'd be left in peace, Earth's government now has other plans. The colossal Apex Industries is hired to commence an "eviction action." But maximizing profits will always be Apex's number one priority. Why spend money printing and deploying AI soldiers when they can turn it into a game? Why not charge bored Earthers for the opportunity to design their own war machines and remotely pilot them from the comfort of their homes?

The game is called Operation Bounce House.

Oliver and his friends soon find themselves fighting for their lives against machines piloted by gamers who've paid a premium for the privilege. With the help of an old book from his grandfather and a bucket of rusty parts, Oliver is determined to defend the only home he's ever known.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593820304
• ISBN13: 9780593820308
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Ace Books
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Destroy those mechs!

No aliens needed to turn mass killings into a game on a planet for profit and entertainment! In this one, humans are just as expert as the aliens in Dungeon Crawler Carl in exploiting innocents living and thriving on another planet for mindless killing entertainment with a darker end goal in mind that needs everyone on New Sonora dead. And while this takes place in what I would assume would be the future with the tech and capabilities we don't have yet, it really hits hard on some stuff that is relevant now. From the popularity of videogames that teach that murdering is fun, especially because it is not real, desensitizing people to the horrors of when it is real to the rather common practice of sending people to a new land, then deciding they want it after it shows success. And of course big companies who only look at the profit line. That being said, this was a great story! I will happily read anything Matt Dinniman writes because he balances humor and serious points as well always writing a great underdog to go against overwhelming odds and think outside the box to break the system. Those underdogs in this case are the people of New Sonora, Ollie, Lulu, their friends, family, and of course the totally awesome Roger! And some magic chickens. :) Yes, it does have a bunch of fairly graphic violence, some heartbreaking moments and a totally satisfying ending. I think the part that kind of hit me the hardest was the cinnamon rolls and the really profound quote "The closer we are to the end the more we need to embrace our happiness." It was really good and wild ride and I am so glad I got the chance to read this!