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 ❤️
dellu's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
chloev17's review against another edition
3.0
Ready Player One was absolutely phenomenal. I can’t stress enough how much I loved this book. The world building was done very well. We get a world that is not completely unlike how ours could be in the future. The OASIS is the virtual world the novel is set in and its development was stunning. The parallels between our world’s future and Cline’s depiction of 2045 are scary close in that technology is a predominant part of everyday life. Personally, I did not get a lot of the 80s pop culture references, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying them. I even watched some movies and listened to songs featured in the book. Wade, or as I refer to him, Parzival was great. He’s witty, relatable and just a well rounded character. He is a MC that stuck with me a long time after i finished the book ( yes i developed a little bit of a crush). This book was one of my favorites that I read this year. Absolutely deserves the hype.
joyyboyy's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 tons of old 80’s references, a fun plot, fun to imagine a totally different world in a very headset. Some small romance
lischa3000's review against another edition
5.0
Awesome read. I loved it from start to end. The universe, the action, the characters and the love.
One of my all time favorites.
One of my all time favorites.