savagebean's review against another edition
4.0
Really entertaining really quick read. Not quite as grounded in the 1980s as you might expect.
dott's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
hiltzmoore's review against another edition
4.0
Probably a 4.5 star, I really enjoyed this one and was surprised at how caught up in the thrill of it all I got, considering this was mostly taking place in a virtual world. I felt like the solution to the "real life" drama at the end was a little too convenient, but other than that, this one was a winner. I look forward to the movie.
addagator's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The beginning was slow, but once you get passed that, I’d be surprised if you could put it down. DON’T WATCH THE MOVIE!
h_louise98's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
jancey's review against another edition
5.0
I was just as immersed in this book as the characters were immersed in OASIS. Not sure what OASIS is? I guess you will just have to read it to find out!
booksforjake's review against another edition
3.0
This was right at a 3.5. I thought the premise was quite unique and I enjoyed the imaginative world the author created. Beyond that, the endless possibilities the OASIS contained had some unique, fun settings.
That being said, sometimes the 80s obsession was a bit much for a non 80s-obsessed reader. At times, the dialogue felt extremely immature, which I suppose was on purpose given the characters’ ages.
Overall I enjoyed the story for what it was but not sure I need to read the sequel.
That being said, sometimes the 80s obsession was a bit much for a non 80s-obsessed reader. At times, the dialogue felt extremely immature, which I suppose was on purpose given the characters’ ages.
Overall I enjoyed the story for what it was but not sure I need to read the sequel.
aanna's review against another edition
2.0
Amazing how many of all my least favorite tropes are in one book. Ridiculously average guy who's the best at everything, even though there's a more talented woman. Like three different wish fulfillment characters. The whole plot hinges on a woman who died to motivate a man, and there's nothing more to her. I thought there might be some subversion of these since so many of my friends like this book, so I kept reading, but there wasn't in any meaningful way.
This book reads like a wikipedia list of of pop culture things from the 80s, but almost entirely by American/British white men with an occasional Japanese monster. There are some throwaway lines about how gender, race, and sexuality don't matter (right after finding out they clearly do for one of the characters) and clearly efforts toward equality and inclusion, but it doesn't come through when you revere John Hughes, et al.
There's some excitement in the big search and worldbuilding, and I did finish -- the best part was when Wade was actually in the real world, actually doing stuff and almost getting a personality. But everything is predictable and way over-explained, all telling no showing. You're better off reading Neuromancer, which is still so creative 30 years later (and at least has the excuse of being published in the actual 80s for anything problematic), and reading about Cicada 3301, which must have inspired this, and you can learn about codebreaking and internet mysteries but be spared the description of someone playing Pacman.
This book reads like a wikipedia list of of pop culture things from the 80s, but almost entirely by American/British white men with an occasional Japanese monster. There are some throwaway lines about how gender, race, and sexuality don't matter (right after finding out they clearly do for one of the characters) and clearly efforts toward equality and inclusion, but it doesn't come through when you revere John Hughes, et al.
There's some excitement in the big search and worldbuilding, and I did finish -- the best part was when Wade was actually in the real world, actually doing stuff and almost getting a personality. But everything is predictable and way over-explained, all telling no showing. You're better off reading Neuromancer, which is still so creative 30 years later (and at least has the excuse of being published in the actual 80s for anything problematic), and reading about Cicada 3301, which must have inspired this, and you can learn about codebreaking and internet mysteries but be spared the description of someone playing Pacman.
kpeerman1's review against another edition
4.0
***4.5 stars... I know I should've rounded up...but 5 stars would've felt like I was cheating on Little Women and The Shining.
Y'all,
I am a sucker for a great dystopian novel and this did not disappoint (and I went into this highly skeptical)! As someone who used to spend hours watching her brother play video games (vicariously nerding out because I sucked at video games) this was like a long squishy ride through a cloud of nostalgia. Was the story perfect? Of course not but it sure had me dreaming of Link in all of his animated, heroic glory. I used to wonder if it was weird that I found Link attractive since he was being controlled by my brother... but I was also really attracted to Aladdin... and he was never controlled by my brother. BUT we're not here for a therapy session.
The writing was smooth and honest (the author wasn't trying to hide behind fancy strings of words) and easy. Some of the dialogue was a little cheesy but also felt appropriate for the story. I thought there needed to be a little more conflict, though. I mean, it just seemed like everyone got off too easy... except poor Daito. I suppose that makes sense, though, considering their lives were all wrapped up in this virtual world.
I mean, overall, the book was exciting but if you don't like overly happy, heroic endings... then maybe this book isn't for you. If you're into 80's nostalgia and pop culture and gaming then you'll really like this book...probably.
Y'all,
I am a sucker for a great dystopian novel and this did not disappoint (and I went into this highly skeptical)! As someone who used to spend hours watching her brother play video games (vicariously nerding out because I sucked at video games) this was like a long squishy ride through a cloud of nostalgia. Was the story perfect? Of course not but it sure had me dreaming of Link in all of his animated, heroic glory. I used to wonder if it was weird that I found Link attractive since he was being controlled by my brother... but I was also really attracted to Aladdin... and he was never controlled by my brother. BUT we're not here for a therapy session.
The writing was smooth and honest (the author wasn't trying to hide behind fancy strings of words) and easy. Some of the dialogue was a little cheesy but also felt appropriate for the story. I thought there needed to be a little more conflict, though. I mean, it just seemed like everyone got off too easy... except poor Daito. I suppose that makes sense, though, considering their lives were all wrapped up in this virtual world.
I mean, overall, the book was exciting but if you don't like overly happy, heroic endings... then maybe this book isn't for you. If you're into 80's nostalgia and pop culture and gaming then you'll really like this book...probably.
teachercull's review against another edition
4.0
it was good! however, in my attempt to be more critical i will give it 4 stars ❤️