Only You Can Save Mankind

The alien spaceship is in his sights. His finger is on the Fire button. Johnny Maxwell is about to set the new high score on the computer game Only You Can Save Mankind.

Suddenly:

We wish to talk.

Huh?

We surrender.

The aliens aren't supposed to surrender -- they're supposed to die! Now what is Johnny going to do with a fleet of alien prisoners who know their rights under the international rules of war and are demanding safe-conduct? It's hard enough trying to save Mankind from the Galactic Hordes. It's even harder trying to save the Galactic Hordes from Mankind.

But it's just a game, isn't it? Isn't it...?

Read more of Johnny Maxwell's adventures in Johnny and the Dead and Johnny and the Bomb!

• Virtual Reality Twist: What happens when the enemies in your video game stop fighting and start surrendering? For Johnny Maxwell, the high score is the last thing on his mind.
• Portal Fantasy Adventure: When the screen fades, Johnny doesn’t just log off—he finds himself in the cockpit, tasked with protecting the very aliens he was supposed to destroy.
• Signature Pratchett Satire: From the beloved author of Discworld, a hilarious and sharp-witted look at war, video games, and the absurdity of it all, perfect for middle grade readers.
• Moral Dilemmas: It’s hard enough saving Mankind from the Galactic Hordes. It’s even harder saving the Galactic Hordes—who know their rights under the Geneva Convention—from Mankind.