Warcross by Marie Lu
Published by: G.P. Putnam’s Sons for Young Readers on September 12th, 2017
Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Romance
Pages: 368
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased

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Summary (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. 

Review: I was a little hesitant going in to this one because I thought it sounded too much like Ready Player One. Then I kept hearing that it was getting amazing reviews and I liked the fact that the female main character was into coding and this technology/game. So I picked it up (and then didn’t put it down until I was done)!

“Gamer” books usually intimidate me but each one that I have read so far the author does a great job at explaining everything and making the reading experience enjoyable for everyone.

I loved immersing myself in this virtual reality world, the romance that was heating up between Emika and Hideo and how fast paced the story was. I did figure out who Zero was early on which made the reveal at the end less of a shocker for me but to be honest figuring things out before they happen doesn’t happen often with me so it’s fine. The main plot twist at the end felt a little rushed as well and poorly explained but it definitely sets the stage for a sequel.

Lots of representation was in this book with characters from different backgrounds, different sexualities and different levels of ableness.

Overall, highly enjoyed this one and can’t wait to read the second!

Rating:

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