Review of High Heights

Post by **Amanda Collier** » 14 Jun 2025, 13:59

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "High Heights" by J Ruth.]

4 out of 5 stars

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J. Ruth’s High Heights is an introspective look at what it means to be “real”.

Jetaru knows that she is living in a simulation. This reality had become truth over thirty years ago. Knowing that the world around her is not real, she moved to an isolated forest to live out the remainder of her days. She spends her time in isolation honing her abilities to see the AI influence around her and training her body to realize that it does not need food to survive. She has lived in silence in the Infinite Forest for so long that it is quite a shock when two teenagers suddenly appear in her life. Claiming that a monster is chasing them, Jetaru uses her abilities to see that what is after them is connected to the very devices that they are unable to part with. They are called tags. They are advanced social media devices that encourage constant engagement. But they may be more sinister than they appear.

Jetaru guides the teens back to the city. Rather than returning to her cabin in the woods, she keeps walking. She finds herself in a new town. Surprising even herself, she decides to stay for the summer. It will be a summer of discovery, introspection, and peace.

High Heights is an intriguing exploration of a character's life who knows they live in a simulation. Rather than trying to break free or being devastated by the knowledge, the character instead embraces it and lives her life to the fullest. She experiences everything she can. Despite knowing that this life is a simulation, she comes to realize that it is no less real. What does it mean to be real, other than the thoughts and feelings that we experience?

I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars. There were some typographical errors throughout, which suggest the book could use a bit of polishing in the editing process. It felt a little “low stakes” that the character already knows and fully understands she is living in a simulation. It would have given more of a connection and intrigue if the character had discovered this. A lot of the character’s actions felt spur of the moment, rather than plot-driven. Rather than working towards a goal, we are simply watching a character interact with her world. While well-written and very interesting, I wish there had been a little bit more of a reason for the things that she did.

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High Heights
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Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 18 Jun 2025, 03:15

It is good to read that this is a book about introspection and discovery; someone said that an unexamined life is not worth living, and I believe this book could be a testament to that. Many thanks for the review, @Amanda Collier.

Onyemuwa-dave · Post by **Onyemuwa-dave** » 19 Jun 2025, 08:11

Picking a unique concept like a simulation world, and creating this wonderful story speaks volumes of the author's skills. Awesome story and beautiful review.

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 10 Jul 2025, 15:48

Despite the drawbacks connected to the simulation, this seems like a novel that can offer some intriguing moments and some food for thought about living in a simulation and being aware of that. Thank you for your great review!