Title: Warcross (Warcross, #1)
Author: Marie Lu
Publish Date: September 12, 2017 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons
# of Pages: 366
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Buy it*: Amazon
Description
(From Goodreads) For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. Needing to make some quick cash, Emika takes a risk and hacks into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships—only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation.
Convinced she’s going to be arrested, Emika is shocked when instead she gets a call from the game’s creator, the elusive young billionaire Hideo Tanaka, with an irresistible offer. He needs a spy on the inside of this year’s tournament in order to uncover a security problem . . . and he wants Emika for the job. With no time to lose, Emika’s whisked off to Tokyo and thrust into a world of fame and fortune that she’s only dreamed of. But soon her investigation uncovers a sinister plot, with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire.
Rating
Rating (1-5, 5 is exceptional)
Quality of Writing – 4
Pace – 5
Plot Development – 5
Ending – 5
Characters – 4
Enjoyability – 5
Overall Rating – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
(spoiler-free)
Warcross by Marie Lu is a science fiction adventure that messes with your mind as you explore the concept of virtual reality with the plucky protagonist, Emika. Barely scraping by and affording rent, Emika goes from rags to riches when Warcross game inventor Hideo Tanaka makes her an offer that she can’t refuse.
Warcross has been on my bookshelf for months, collecting dust and taunting me with it’s beautifully colored cover. I’m so glad I didn’t put off reading this book any longer, because I loved it! The entertainment factor alone made this book an easy 5-stars.
What I liked best about Warcross is that it’s fast-paced. I mean really fast-paced! From the opening chapter, you’re immediately dropped into Emika’s world as a bounty hunter. The beginning of the book swiftly sets the scene for future chapters and Hideo’s introduction. Not once was I bored or had to reign in a wandering mind. In fact, I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough. I was so eager to find out what happened next to Emika that time got away from me more than once.
The overall story concept was really neat. The idea of a virtual world overlaying with our real world is slightly creepy, though not unrealistic. I liked how easily imagined the virtual reality setting was–the author provided just enough details to paint a clear picture in my mind. When the book started discussing the security risks the virtual world posed, it got me thinking about the security risks of the internet, risks we see every day. Would those risks be amplified in a virtual reality setting? It’s fun (and a little startling) to think about.
There’s a dash of romance in Warcross, which I enjoyed. The romance was sweet and didn’t feel forced. I liked the gradual build, and cute exchanges.
The ending was awesome and delightfully twisted. I know I didn’t see the ending coming, and now I’m even more eager for the sequel!
The characters in the book were somewhat shallow, though still nicely done. Hideo is probably the most complex character in the book, and I enjoyed learning about his history, his family, and his reasons for doing what he does. It’s fascinating that his history drives his every action in the book. Emika is a feisty protagonist. She, too, is driven by her past and has managed to survive some pretty tough blows.
If you haven’t read this book already, you should! It’s a quick read–easily consumed in a single sitting–and wonderfully entertaining!
Quotes
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