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afro8921's review
5.0
Love the twists and turns in this middle grade fantasy title. The relationship between the two top contestants in the game is both thrilling and poignant.
hannah_doc's review
adventurous
dark
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
xeni's review
2.0
I'll be honest, I was hoping for a better experience reading this book.
I really liked the premise. The idea of a futuristic Ethiopia with a virtual game all the kids want to play that then morphs into a reality war is super cool. Ready Player One tried to do it, and I think, failed spectacularly. This book tried to do it, and had the setting and the plot all ready to go but then the author made one unfortunate mistake: he picked one of the most insufferable TSTL (to stupid to live) protagonists I've ever read.
This kid is a total braggart and we see him make stupid mistake one after another. And I don't understand why (aside from the plot wanting to move him around more easily). Having grown up without his parents and in an oppressive society it should have put a few drops of common sense into Yared's head. His plot armor is so incredibly thick that it doesn't even matter what he wants to do. Granted, this is a kids book meant to be read by teens so some leeway is necessary.
However, I've read kids books with better writing and more interesting characters (Which Witch? comes to mind) as an adult and this ain't it.
I'm especially disappointed because I love Ethiopian culture: the food is incredible and one of my favorites to make for a large feast, the writing and letters are so beautiful I'm willing to start learning Ethiopian just so I can write it, this futuristic sci-fi world is extra interesting with it's airships (yet ban on air travel) and cool holographic displays, etc. The world is fascinating. I love how the Ethiopian culture imbues this entire story.
I also did not hate the plot. It's fairly straightforward and not too tense, which is perfect for a book like this. I don't even mind reading it as an adult because the world makes it feel like new ground.
But literally every character I just could not stand. On top of that the characters are doing the whole "I'm not explaining anything to you" thing and then the information only drops when plot convenient.
Notable quote: "Yarad, you complete fool," I said [to myself].
Yes Yarad, you are an entirely complete fool who should not be the protagonist of this book.
I really liked the premise. The idea of a futuristic Ethiopia with a virtual game all the kids want to play that then morphs into a reality war is super cool. Ready Player One tried to do it, and I think, failed spectacularly. This book tried to do it, and had the setting and the plot all ready to go but then the author made one unfortunate mistake: he picked one of the most insufferable TSTL (to stupid to live) protagonists I've ever read.
This kid is a total braggart and we see him make stupid mistake one after another. And I don't understand why (aside from the plot wanting to move him around more easily). Having grown up without his parents and in an oppressive society it should have put a few drops of common sense into Yared's head. His plot armor is so incredibly thick that it doesn't even matter what he wants to do. Granted, this is a kids book meant to be read by teens so some leeway is necessary.
However, I've read kids books with better writing and more interesting characters (Which Witch? comes to mind) as an adult and this ain't it.
I'm especially disappointed because I love Ethiopian culture: the food is incredible and one of my favorites to make for a large feast, the writing and letters are so beautiful I'm willing to start learning Ethiopian just so I can write it, this futuristic sci-fi world is extra interesting with it's airships (yet ban on air travel) and cool holographic displays, etc. The world is fascinating. I love how the Ethiopian culture imbues this entire story.
I also did not hate the plot. It's fairly straightforward and not too tense, which is perfect for a book like this. I don't even mind reading it as an adult because the world makes it feel like new ground.
But literally every character I just could not stand. On top of that the characters are doing the whole "I'm not explaining anything to you" thing and then the information only drops when plot convenient.
Notable quote: "Yarad, you complete fool," I said [to myself].
Yes Yarad, you are an entirely complete fool who should not be the protagonist of this book.
smorrison4's review
3.0
This book was meh for me. I kept getting lost and had to try and figure out what was happening multiple times throughout the book. It could be because I listened to the audiobook, maybe it would be different if I read it?
magglett's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
steffiraquel's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: War
Minor: Abandonment, Sexism, Kidnapping, and Confinement
aformeracceleratedreader's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
A really fun middle grade sci-fi! I loved all the characters and the world they live in. It reminded me a little of Ready Player One in the way video games played a big role in the story while also reminding me a little of Tristan Strong (since Kwame Mbalia co-authored and there is a smart, strong girl in the story who helps greatly along the way). The conflict was well presented for the target audience and the resolution was fulfilling. Uncle Moti is the GOAT.
I also liked the author's note about the inspo for this book. As someone who has some connection to non-white royal family, it's nice to read about someone who also has connection to a non-white royal family because we always hear about european ones and that gets so boring. I feel like I now need to read up on Ethiopian history and royalty!
I also liked the author's note about the inspo for this book. As someone who has some connection to non-white royal family, it's nice to read about someone who also has connection to a non-white royal family because we always hear about european ones and that gets so boring. I feel like I now need to read up on Ethiopian history and royalty!
juanitamfm's review
5.0
I think this is a great sci fi/fantasy for middle grade students! It has diverse characters it is exciting and engaging! I could really see my 5th graders enjoying it! I really liked it a lot and they set it up just so that it could easily be continued in a series.