Eighteen-year-old Wade Watts is one of these people, and he has a mission: to find an Easter egg hidden inside the OASIS by its wackadoodle creator, James Halliday. In order to get to the egg, a player must first find three keys and unlock three gates.

Everyone. While at first glance it seems to be marketed towards youth and those with a fondness for nostalgia, it is more than that.

I was a little girl in the 80s and many references in the 80s inspired game/contest/realm were like trips down memory lane. It also reminded me of playing video games with my son, a treasure memory.

The book pulls one in, not just in the flashbacks and nostalgia but also in character development. Aech and Wade have a bond that even when they meet in person, is not broken. When Shoto talks about his life and his brother, a subtle touch is given has to how the Japanese view each other and how their bond stays strong. Even the villain, has a side to him while formed by greed makes me easy to relate too. We all know someone like that.

The attraction between Art3mis/Samantha and Wade/Parzival is kept low enough that it doesn't distract for the story.

It was a relief to read a dystopian story that was was not the usual involving viruses, war, etc. The ending leaves questions, while it is a happy one, it makes wonder wonder what the future will hold.

One thing did bug me, no mention in it of the NeverEnding Story. I know not everything in the 80s could be included but still...

Which leads to the last impression from the book. It was packed with so many references that I hope curious readers explore. Watch WarGames, play Pac-man, read something by Vonnegut. I suspect due to what I have seen in the movie trailer, that some more modern cultural references will be used (licensing issues likely) so don't let the film set the research tone. I am hoping the references in the book helps with expanding the mind.

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Created Oct 14, 2017 at 3:56pm • Submit your own review...