its_erin's review against another edition

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adventurous funny tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

If there was a church dedicated 
to all things 80s Fandom, this would be the Bible and the nerds and geeks would be patron saints. This book, while a slow starter in my opinion, picks up steam to become quite an engaging adventure. Will Wheaton does an excellent and skillful job as narrator, which added to the experience. Some may find this story to be a bit tedious and laden with references, but if you can put that aside then you're in for a treat. 

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jasminrain's review against another edition

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adventurous 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

4.5

I really enjoyed this book. I think it's a very beautiful portrayal of the gaming community and an ode to pop culture. It was researched really well and it was just an absolute joy to immerse myself to the story even though I have little to no connection to the world.  

I was a bit hesitant to read the book having seen the film, but the storyline was actually quite different to the film adaptation and brought more layers to the story. I listened to the audiobook read by Wil Wheaton and it just really brought the story to life in all the best ways possible. 

All this being said, there was some problematic language and transphobia that were left completely unaddressed, which I found really problematic considering the target age and audience of this book. So not a five star but really good read.

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cozylifewithabby's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I ended up thoroughly enjoying this book. I was worried at the beginning as our narrator is a teen boy and the jokes weren't landing for me, but as soon as the action picked up, I thoroughly enjoyed all the references, the twists, and the friendships. 

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ishouldbereading's review against another edition

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adventurous 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


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itsheyfay's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75


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sadieinnis's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75


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kaitlynnnng's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Many of my students have recommended this book to me, so I finally decided to read it, and I enjoyed it. I listened to the audiobook (at 2.5x speed) and followed along in the physical book, which added to the fast-paced storytelling.

There is a LOT of information and world building in this book. I wouldn’t say it was unnecessary, but I will say, at times, it was overwhelming and took away from the urgency of the hunt. I’m sure I would feel different if I was more into VR and video games.

I saw another reviewer say they liked how, even though most of the story takes place in a virtual reality, the characters still deal with real problems, and I completely agree.

I was definitely rooting for the main characters (the IOI can rot), but I didn’t really connect with any of them. But, again, I realize I might feel differently if I was still a teenager and/or more into VR and video games.

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wheety_rae's review against another edition

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adventurous funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5


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hoey_girlboss_queen's review against another edition

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adventurous funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0


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bendersreads's review against another edition

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0


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