N-Hance: Use As Directed

M.J. Miello's thoughtfully crafted work is original, engaging, and a pleasant read. Weaving science fiction, humor and romance into one story of the sacrifices the protagonist is willing to undergo for love, and the impending consequences of his hubris and harmartia in seeking epistemological enlightenment. Looking forward to the sequel!!

Miello has crafted a short sci-fi/fantasy story that poignantly addresses the longing and despair of a learning-disabled middle school boy:
Eric, a marginal student and gamer, begins to understand the long-term social implications of his poor academic achievement including the loss of his love interest. In spite of increased effort he can't overcome his reading difficulties and Eric finds himself in an identity crisis.
Help arrives in the form of dubiously-obtained cognitive enhancement pills and Eric suddenly is learning and doing things more effectively than he could have imagined.
Thematically reminiscent of stories such as Flowers for Algernon or Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, but set in the world of the Matrix, the story is partially unresolved, leaving the reader to contemplate the implications of Eric's decision.
And while this lack of full resolution works for a short story, it also serves as a point of departure since Miello appears to have bigger plans for these characters in a full-length novel. I am looking forward to reading more from this author!

Really touched me. I want to know what is next. Liked it a lot.