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katietoon's review against another edition
4.0
Big ‘and then they all clapped’ energy, but I just assumed this was because the narrator was unreliable.
Characters are mostly unlikable but the world-building is brilliant.
Mildly racist and transphobic, with wholly unnecessary comments or actions (do the Japanese characters really need to bow over everything???)
Despite all this, though… I couldn’t put it down. So 4 star’s, I guess.
Characters are mostly unlikable but the world-building is brilliant.
Mildly racist and transphobic, with wholly unnecessary comments or actions (do the Japanese characters really need to bow over everything???)
Despite all this, though… I couldn’t put it down. So 4 star’s, I guess.
bhnmt61's review against another edition
4.0
Other reviewers have amply covered the problems with this book (see William Cline and Melissa Proffitt for excellent reviews), but in spite of the wooden writing, the oh-so-convenient coincidences, the endless info-dump, and the flat ending, I still had a blast reading it. It's quick and absorbing and fun. So even though it's really just a 3-star book, I rounded up and gave it four. Relax, turn off your inner critic, and enjoy.
heathercottledillon's review against another edition
5.0
This is definitely one of my favorite books from 2011. I've never read anything quite like it before: totally futuristic, but with a retro feel. It's so bizarre to be reading about the insanely awesome virtual reality technology being used to play Frogger or watch "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." I recognized a lot of the 80s stuff, but I missed some of the references since I was born in 1985. I had a lot of fun looking things up and adding old movies to my Netflix queue. I couldn't put the book down; it's nonstop action from page one to 374, but I didn't feel like it was too rushed, either. It's not often that such a thrilling book makes me think a lot, but this one certainly did. It brings up a lot of questions about virtual reality and the implications it can have on society. Is it unhealthy for people to live in a virtual world most of the time, or does it simply give people the opportunities to do things they can't do in real life? Does living in an online world cause people to care less about the real world? If so, is that good or bad? And who should pay for this thing--should it be free for everyone, or should there be a charge for it? All very interesting things to ponder, considering the increasing impact technology has on our lives. But, as much food for thought as this book provided, it's mainly just good, plain fun. I say it's a must-read for anyone who grew up during the 80s or is into video games, but even people who fall outside of those categories will enjoy it as well.
cmby's review against another edition
4.0
Five stars for a fun reading experience and much appreciated escape. A more objective rating would be around 3.5, the labored writing relies on an over abundance of 80s references that start out fun and then get tired. But I flew through it, had a great time, and would pass this along to a friend. Let's meet in the middle and call it four stars.
maisymaze's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
I’m not a big sci-fi reader, so I didn’t think I would enjoy this as much as I did. I loved all the 80s references and the futuristic setting. I definitely got lost in this book because the descriptions really make you feel like you’re there. I also liked the author’s style of writing and will probably be checking out more of his work.
thenightmess's review against another edition
4.0
Me ha parecido una pasada de libro, tanto para lxs amantes de los videojuegos, como para lxs que solo quieren leer algo entretenido y distópico. Tiene muchas descripciones que a veces se hacen largas, pero merecen la pena porque te meten totalmente en el mundo de esta novela.
Tal vez hubiera añadido una o dos páginas al final para cerrarlo todo más, pero aún así me ha encantado.
Recomendadísima si quieres leer algo fresco y entretenido que, además, te hace reflexionar sobre el mundo actual y las consecuencias de nuestros actos como sociedad.
Tal vez hubiera añadido una o dos páginas al final para cerrarlo todo más, pero aún así me ha encantado.
Recomendadísima si quieres leer algo fresco y entretenido que, además, te hace reflexionar sobre el mundo actual y las consecuencias de nuestros actos como sociedad.
theladydoor's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-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
Probably the last time I’ll reread this book. It’s still quite fun and fast-paced, but it’s now impossible for me to ignore the author’s incel vibes.
arjohnson5623's review against another edition
5.0
It's been a long time since I've been so absorbed by a novel, and all of the things I've heard about this one are 100% true. Gripping plot, likable (and unlikeable) characters and a climax that left me feeling absolutely satisfied. 10/10, would absolutely read again.
asriram's review against another edition
3.0
The book was a fine book. Started out slow, but slowly picked up. The characters were all fine. While the plot was engaging, all of the 80’s pop culture references hit you like a brick wall, which then reaches out and punches you several times.
I went in expecting to dislike this book. Instead, I found myself enjoying it. It’s still nowhere near as good as some of my favorite books, but it was perfectly fine. I found myself engaged and interested from around the end of Part 1 though the rest of the novel.
I went in expecting to dislike this book. Instead, I found myself enjoying it. It’s still nowhere near as good as some of my favorite books, but it was perfectly fine. I found myself engaged and interested from around the end of Part 1 though the rest of the novel.