Warcross

This young adult novel is the first of two parts, and doesn't stand alone at all. A future with no AI is refreshing :) but in general this story has a lot of flaws.

Inevitably, I must compare this to Ready Player One. It is more of a young adult novel (missing family!), but covers a lot of the same ground. Dirt poor start is the same, though I get a better feel for the world / society of the Stacks. The virtual world of the Oasis is much better described than here, where it seems to be mostly non-participatory watching except for the game Warcross.

This story also felt Hunger games-ish at times. Our hero is a hacker and hunter, and hired right away by the hunk / tech bro. Romance here is as unlikely as in the Hunger Games (and come to think of it, RP1 - what does she see in Wade?).

I don't have a major problem with the plot twists, but I do with the rather sudden ending and required second book. If I had read this when published, I would have DNF'd the series rather than wait. Today though, I will pick up the second half at the library, if only for closure (and possibly a beer).

Other complaints - the game is not fully described - there is only one match! The rest of the world is not described. Hacking - well it is described as either pulling up a window and looking (kind of a cool superpower) or "typing furiously"... which means what?

Overall a book not worthy of the lavished praise, IMHO. Props for STEM main character and diversity in general, and I will read something else from this author. Otherwise, will see what the second (and final) book brings to this experience.