Rating: Good
Source: Library (Audio)
Description: In the year 2045, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he's jacked into the virtual utopia known as the OASIS. Wade's devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world's digital confines, puzzles that are based on their creator's obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. When Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade's going to survive, he'll have to win—and confront the real world he's always been so desperate to escape.
Genre: Science Fiction
Why I Picked This Book: I heard this was a science fiction book for people who didn't really like science fiction and I was curious about Wil Wheaton's narration.
My Impression: This one took awhile to figure out how to rate. There were several times throughout the book where I really just didn't care and was seriously thinking about DNFing it and then there were other times where all I wanted to do was find out what happened next. To be honest I'm not sure I would have made it through if I wasn't listening to the audio version. There's a lot of world building and setup at the beginning and it took forever for me to get into the story. I think this is one of those "it's not you, it's me" moments as the world building is really excellent and well done but that aspect in general just doesn't hold my interest. There's a reason why I've only read a handful of dystopian and science fiction books. When the quest starts up I was fully in and started enjoying the story. Then around halfway through it stalls and it seems like Wade does a LOT of whining for awhile. Just as I was about to give up it starts back up again and for the last third or so I was completely hooked and couldn't wait to find out just what happened next.
I enjoyed the 80s pop culture references though not being super into arcade games I didn't get quite as much enjoyment as I would have otherwise. The friendships between Wade, Aech, Art3mis and Shoto, and Daito was one of my favorite elements of the story and I loved the moments where they were working together. The quest itself was my favorite part. I enjoyed being inside Wade's head as he figured out the different clues and came up with different plans. While the ending was satisfying I would've loved an epilogue to get a little glimpse about what happens next but that's more the fact I like my endings overly completed.
While there were lots of slow parts for me I ended up enjoying this story very much. If you're not sure it's for you I highly recommend the audio as Wil Wheaton does a spectacular job and just his voice and interpretation alone got me through a few times where I really felt the story was dragging.
Now the big question now - will I go see this in film form? Answer - probably not. While I did enjoy this in book form I don't really have a desire to revisit this world. If it came on HBO I'd probably give it a try but I won't go out of my way.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Probably. I did enjoy this one and if Wil Wheaton was narrating another book I'd give it a try.
Would I Recommend this Book? Yes with reservations. If you like quest type books I think you'd enjoy the bulk of this book. And I highly recommend the audio version.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked it (mostly) after I had finished it, but it's one of those books that over time my opinion has gone down. And I have no desire to re- read it, or even see the movie frankly. Some books I look back on more fondly, and this isn't one. And the funny thing is, I recently read Warcross by Marie Lu, similar type of story but not as dystopian- and the protagonist was much more likable, I thought. Anyway nice review, glad you got through this one- I do think Wil wheaton would be a fantastic narrator for a story like this!
ReplyDeleteI would agree that audio would be the way for me to go. I've thought about listening to this one for quite some time. Haven't done so yet. May not. It was quite the book/audio for a while and so many enjoyed it. However, it's outside my usual, so I'm still on the fence. I'm better my daughter and son-in-law would love it though.
ReplyDeleteI thought the beginning was slow and with a lot of details. I also listened to the audiobook and Wil Wheaton made the story more enjoyable for me. I loved the 80's pop culture and this is the kind of science fiction I enjoy (not too out of the world lol). Wil narrates another book from this author that I want to listen to.
ReplyDeleteWhew that sounds rough. I'm glad you were able to find elements and moments you enjoyed at least :)
ReplyDeleteProbably not for me but I know a lot of readers LOVED this book.
ReplyDeleteI am not planning to read this, but if the library gets the DVD at some point I might watch it. Great review. It solidified my decision to not read it. :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the audio version, but am not sure I would have made it through a print version. Wil Wheaton probably had a lot to do with it. Getting into the virtual world can be a bit of a challenge for me. I do want to see the movie someday. I am glad you ended up liking this one, Katherine. I know it was a bit out of your comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteI've been wondering about this Ready Player One because of the movie but after reading your review I think its not for me. Although if I did I'd look for the audio.
ReplyDeleteI've heard so much about this book! I'm glad it was good considering you had reservations about it. A good narrator always helps!
ReplyDeleteI have the audio for this one but haven't had the chance to read it. I am glad that you did enjoy it even if you had some issues with it.
ReplyDeleteThe movie was pretty different from the book. I'd definitely recommend it even if you didn't like the book. They did a great job keeping the heart and soul of the book, but made it more interesting for film. :)
ReplyDeleteErica | Erica Robyn Reads
I think I could enjoy reading this book about the future.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about this book simply because my 7-going-on-8 godson loved it. He was disappointed by the movie.
ReplyDeleteYes, how lucky can one be to enjoy a meeting with Spielberg about making the book into a movie when you haven't even finished writing it?
ReplyDeleteThere were so many pop culture moments, it will take many repeat viewings to catch them all. I didn't miss Firefly though!
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