Monday, October 16, 2017

Review: Warcross (Warcross #1) by Marie Lu


Warcross by Marie LuWarcross
(Warcross #1)
by Marie Lu
September 12, 2017
368 pages


Goodreads Summary:
For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. Needing to make some quick cash, Emika takes a risk and hacks into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships—only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation.

Convinced she’s going to be arrested, Emika is shocked when instead she gets a call from the game’s creator, the elusive young billionaire Hideo Tanaka, with an irresistible offer. He needs a spy on the inside of this year’s tournament in order to uncover a security problem . . . and he wants Emika for the job. With no time to lose, Emika’s whisked off to Tokyo and thrust into a world of fame and fortune that she’s only dreamed of. But soon her investigation uncovers a sinister plot, with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire.

 

Review

It's always a good feeling when you read a book everyone's loving and end up joining the club. Warcross was a fantastic read! Maybe because I'm not a gamer so I didn't know what to expect but this book was everything I didn't know I wanted.

Warcross, being my first foray into gaming stories, was refreshing and exciting. I haven't read a book quite like it so that reflected positively on my enjoyment of the plot. There were some surprising elements and some predictable bits but through most of the story my blood was pumping with intrigue. The stakes were high and I couldn't wait to decode the mystery. Some plotlines left me with burning questions but I thoroughly enjoyed the chase through cyber space.

Warcross really touches on how much technology impacts our lives. People literally can't function without gadgets these days. Warcross takes things one step further showing what may be our very near future- when virtual worlds intertwine with reality. It may be an impressive feat but with it comes risks. Marie Lu does a perfect job setting up the sinister side of the digital world. Because of the past-faced nature of the Warcross games there wasn't really room for doubts and that worked beautifully to blind us from the truth right in front of our eyes (quite literally in our eyes ;P).

Zero's identity was not at all surprising but definitely curious. We don't yet know how it's possible but this person was my top suspect almost as soon as said person was brought up. I just knew we'd be seeing Hideo's brother and not in a happy reunion way. It didn't really take away from the story per se but I really hope Marie Lu will have a satisfying explanation to compensate for the predictability.

I knew something was going to happen between Emika and Hideo but I wasn't sure I'd be on board. Well, I shipped it. They turned out to be a surprisingly intense and swoony couple. Their secret rendezvous and stolen moments all felt genuine. With the huge revelation dropped at the end of this first book I look forward to seeing what direction their relationship will go in the next book.

Warcross made for a stimulating start to an electrifying series. If Marie Lu just keeps up what she did with Warcross then we're good! I'm most eager to see what fun title the sequel will have.
 
4.5 Cats
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.

10 comments:

  1. I'm not a gamer either, though my boyfriend plays Fallout 4 all the time. So I wasn't sure I'd like this. But from reading your review, I think I would. If I can get more to read. Thanks for reviewing this.

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    1. My pleasure to share my thoughts <3 The story is game-based but it has really unique parts that I think any reader will enjoy :D

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  2. Uggh, so many high ratings for this one, and I'm still wary because I didn't like Ready Player One, which sounds similar. Maybe I should give it a chance. I'm glad you liked it, and great review!

    Kim @ Divergent Gryffindor

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    1. Thanks Kim! I didn't read RPO so I can't say about similarities but it was definitely THE book being compared to Warcross. The Warcross story wasn't super game-y and has lots of other elements so I hope you do give it a try!

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  3. I've heard really good things about this book and I've had an ARC for months but something has put me off. I've seen some reviews which are kinda meh about it and there were mentions of a love triangle brewing which, no thanks. I don't know if I want to read this one but I think, given the amount of friends that liked this book (like you), I will try it but next year, closet to book two's pub date. I'm not a gamer either so it's good to hear that you enjoyed the book.

    Great review, Eileen! Have a lovely day. =)

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

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    1. Good idea! I would've waited but I couldn't resist that cover LOL. Also love triangle?!? As far as I can tell there shouldn't be... but I'll say the romance has its share of obstacles to hurtle for sure. My #1 curiosity is which direction Marie Lu will take it.

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  4. I've read a couple of books like this and felt pretty meh about them. I'm on the fence about this. I'm thinking.

    Nice review, though!

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    1. Aww maybe wait till the sequel comes out. It's always easier to decide since series tend to drag out and you'd know more once there's more story. Thanks for reading my review Jazmen <3

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  5. I just read this as well and really liked it, maybe not loved it but liked it. It was also my first book by this author and I definitely want to read more now.

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    1. Oh yay! I thought her debut dystopian trilogy wasn't too bad. They were quick reads ;)

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