Book Review: Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline

Ready Player Two

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Ready Player Two 〰️

First off, I loved this book. Maybe even more than the first. The stakes were so much more real in this book. (I mean, they were high in the first, and we did see characters die, but this was global). And yes, there was still a lot of info dumping, just like in the first book, but it felt different this time. Handled better, maybe? Most of it was necessary for the story, and I found it to be written in a way that helped and didn't bog the story down, unlike most info dumps.

I also found the writing improved. There were many more character interactions and involvement with the environment than simply relaying backstory and worldbuilding. I think that is another reason I loved this story more than the first.

Don't get me wrong, I still highly enjoyed the first book. I just think this is a worthy sequel, and it ended in the best way possible. The first book had a nice ending and could have stopped there, but it was still able to have more story. And with this second book, it ended on a high note. Still not the perfect ending for our characters but the best we could get as readers. If Cline writes a third book, it would only be a cash grab and ruin this good ending. (I mean, this could still be a cash grab, but it works, so I'm not mad).

Would I ever log onto the OASIS if one were to come into our world? Probably. Would I log onto the OASIS with an ONI? Absolutely. Mostly because I could live with my cat and our happy memories forever. But I do worry I'd never leave, so I guess it's for the best we don't have this technology around at this current moment in time.

If you enjoyed the first book, are a true (or even a small) geek at heart, and enjoy nostalgia, then this book is for you.

Book Review: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Ready Player One

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Ready Player One 〰️

I saw the movie when it came out and had no idea it was based on a book. Years later, I finally snagged a copy of the book to see if it was as good as the movie. Normally I always say the book is better than the movie, but in this case, they are both equally as good. Because while the film has the same plot premise as the book (gunters, the sixers, the hunt for the egg contest, and characters, to name a few), how everything ends up happening is entirely different. Like, vastly different. And I love that. It's like I can experience both forms of media for the first time while still getting the same content if that makes sense.

Now I haven't read any reviews of the book, but I get the feeling many people would say this book is a HUGE info dump for the entire book. And it is. But it's written in a way that doesn't feel that way, at least to me. I loved learning about all the cool things mentioned in this book. I loved learning how our not-so-distant future became the way it is. (And honestly, I can see it happening, the way our course is heading).

Info dumping aside, this book was a blast to read. The concept was super interesting, and as a huge nerd and gamer myself, I loved reading all the references and learning more about them. It was cool to see Wade start from nothing and build his avatar up. He's smart and probably has a photographic memory for all the stuff he's memorized. I can barely remember my own age, let alone all the things he's learned in order to win the contest.

If you're a fan of YA dystopian books, 80s nostalgia, Japanese media, old-school games, and just general geekery like myself, this book is for you. And I also recommend the movie, as it's also its own experience.