Ann Halam is the name that Gwyneth Jones (homepage.ntlworld.com/gwynethann/AnnHalam.htm), who lives in Brighton, England, uses when publishing children’s literature. She says, “As well as writing the Ann Halam books I write science fiction and fantasy for adults under my original name (Gwyneth Jones). People often ask which books I like working on best, and I always say ‘Both!’” As Gwyneth Jones, she writes aesthetically ambitious, feminist intellectual science fiction and fantasy, for which she has won lots of awards. As Ann Halam, she writes powerful, award-winning books for younger readers.
“Cheats” was published in The Starry Rift. Two kids, a sister and brother, are deeply into immersive VR computer games online. They notice some people, who seem to be grownups, who play outside the rules and chase the cheaters. They discover themselves in an entirely unexpected place. We note that there are few SF stories written so far about the positive benefits of VR, and that this is one.