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kati33's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.5
geekwayne's review
4.0
Let me temper my review by stating that I am a fan of much of the 80's geek culture. If you are not, then this book is probably not for you. I revelled in all the references. I wondered what would show up next. I loved that part of the book.
Less exciting was the storyline involving a bleak future and the plight of our hero. Our protagonist always seemed to have the solutions necessary, or be one step ahead of the bad guys, and that got a bit tiresome. Enough to taint my review down a star (possibly a second star if I really think about it). The dystopian future has been done much, much better in The Hunger Games, The Ask & The Answer and Blood Red Road. Here it falls a bit flat.
I think the book is aimed at a YA audience, but I'm not sure how enamored that audience would be with all the swooning nostalgia of an era that was long past when they were born. Possibly this book would work with footnotes, annotations, an appendix, or links to wikipedia articles. I'm pretty certain the movies and especially video games of the era wouldn't stand up to the scrutiny of audiences that wouldn't tolerate the blocky game pixels or non-cgi movie effects.
Nonetheless, a fun, light read packed with fun references, that is hampered a bit by some flat characterization.
Less exciting was the storyline involving a bleak future and the plight of our hero. Our protagonist always seemed to have the solutions necessary, or be one step ahead of the bad guys, and that got a bit tiresome. Enough to taint my review down a star (possibly a second star if I really think about it). The dystopian future has been done much, much better in The Hunger Games, The Ask & The Answer and Blood Red Road. Here it falls a bit flat.
I think the book is aimed at a YA audience, but I'm not sure how enamored that audience would be with all the swooning nostalgia of an era that was long past when they were born. Possibly this book would work with footnotes, annotations, an appendix, or links to wikipedia articles. I'm pretty certain the movies and especially video games of the era wouldn't stand up to the scrutiny of audiences that wouldn't tolerate the blocky game pixels or non-cgi movie effects.
Nonetheless, a fun, light read packed with fun references, that is hampered a bit by some flat characterization.
chrisleesounds's review
5.0
It’s just so so so so fun! Loved it! I can’t wait to read the next installment.
daveydundo's review against another edition
5.0
A blast!
This book was such a blast to read. Anyone who likes video games or the 80s will be delighted, anyone who likes both will be ecstatic.
This book was such a blast to read. Anyone who likes video games or the 80s will be delighted, anyone who likes both will be ecstatic.
heather_19's review
5.0
Loved this book! It was one of those that was impossible for me to put down. Can't wait for the movie!
hrmcgary's review
5.0
I loved this book so much that I not only have the paperback but also the audiobook so I can listen to it when it's physically impossible for me to read! It helps that I am also a bit of a geek so I understood and got super excited about the references made in it to gaming and other things.
orsuros's review
5.0
It's rare that I love an audiobook enough to want to listen to it all the time, rather than just listen while I'm at the gym or driving, but this was one of those audiobooks (and books) that you can't put down. It's a great mix of fun future technology mixed with bleak developments. The main action all takes place in the virtual reality world and has plenty of action, puzzles, and fun written in such a way that it makes you feel like part of it.
catherinevpark's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
fredicia's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
The writing is lackluster but it's a clear and well researched ode to 80s culture.
The dialogue is awkward especially during Level 3, pacing is abrupt at points, and some skillsets require suspensions of disbelief. I do not believe Wade would be able to hack the IOI servers that easily.
The dialogue is awkward especially during Level 3, pacing is abrupt at points, and some skillsets require suspensions of disbelief. I do not believe Wade would be able to hack the IOI servers that easily.