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bookworms_closet's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
abbyl819's review against another edition
3.0
This book was entertaining and interesting, and tackles some good issues well. I just wish that the ending had more closure about what happened to the Vox Populi and to Jason and ManaPunk, since these two problems lasted the entire book but barely had a resolution that wasn’t super satisfying or clear.
cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars
I liked how book handle some stuff and Aaron and Divya's relationship was cute slow burn, but overall
meh from me.
I liked how book handle some stuff and Aaron and Divya's relationship was cute slow burn, but overall
meh from me.
katnortonwriter's review against another edition
medium-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
3.5
I really liked that a book written by a guy tackles issues about sexism in gaming and online spaces. The stuff Aaron’s dealing with is also interesting, and the overlapping themes are a nice point of contrast.
Because we spend so much time in the digital world, reading about a game that I had a really hard time picturing, I could feel myself checking out in places. The book wouldn’t work without those scenes, and the characters only know each other in the digital world for most of the book, so this isn’t an editorial complaint. I don’t game much anymore, and this was definitely written for a certain type of nerd, with lots of little easter eggs. If you aren’t a gamer, this likely isn’t the book for you.
I appreciate how self-aware some of the side characters are, and the overall message of the book. Divya and Beks go THROUGH IT, and I was surprised by how gritty a couple of those scenes were. This one is definitely YA in its wish-fulfillment-y finale, but I understand the decision to make the bad guys defeatable. I look forward to seeing what Smith does next.
Because we spend so much time in the digital world, reading about a game that I had a really hard time picturing, I could feel myself checking out in places. The book wouldn’t work without those scenes, and the characters only know each other in the digital world for most of the book, so this isn’t an editorial complaint. I don’t game much anymore, and this was definitely written for a certain type of nerd, with lots of little easter eggs. If you aren’t a gamer, this likely isn’t the book for you.
I appreciate how self-aware some of the side characters are, and the overall message of the book. Divya and Beks go THROUGH IT, and I was surprised by how gritty a couple of those scenes were. This one is definitely YA in its wish-fulfillment-y finale, but I understand the decision to make the bad guys defeatable. I look forward to seeing what Smith does next.
stacey332's review against another edition
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
nightlight_reader's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
So much of this was too real, and I hope we eventually see this kind of change in the world of gamers.
Divya was incredible and always felt like she was fighting in some capacity, and I’m so glad she did.
Aaron allowing himself to be angry?? Incredible, I loved it, but also allowing himself to be kind and supportive.
They’re great for each other, and I felt this book had so much love in it. Friendship. Family. Lots of love for video games and nerd culture. The end felt like I could’ve been walking into GamesCon with them, and I loved it with all my heart.
Clearly this is a love letter to nerds and nerd culture. I recommend it to any nerd who has ever felt exiled or othered in a gaming space. This one’s clearly for us.
Divya was incredible and always felt like she was fighting in some capacity, and I’m so glad she did.
Aaron allowing himself to be angry?? Incredible, I loved it, but also allowing himself to be kind and supportive.
They’re great for each other, and I felt this book had so much love in it. Friendship. Family. Lots of love for video games and nerd culture. The end felt like I could’ve been walking into GamesCon with them, and I loved it with all my heart.
Clearly this is a love letter to nerds and nerd culture. I recommend it to any nerd who has ever felt exiled or othered in a gaming space. This one’s clearly for us.
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
DNF
Got bored with the plot very quickly
Got bored with the plot very quickly
ladyinverse's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.5
this was fairly cute and I appreciated that it wasn't an overtly romantic plot. I also appreciated that Aaron did not become a white knight for Divya and that she stood up for herself. the characters were a little cringey but also, cringe is dead. all in all, not too bad.
mirareadsbooksforfun's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the characters and the story. Would I reread it? Probably not, but I had so much fun reading it! Video gaming isn't part of my life, but I sure enjoy peaking into that world! Big topics were discussed but the balance between the serious stuff and the rest of the story was just perfect. It made me think while still keeping me entertained and interested in the story. Would 100% recommend!