Ready Player One is a science fiction adventure set in the dystopian future of the year 2044. The real world has become a dreadful place to live and so most people escape into the virtual reality game known as the OASIS where they can be anyone or anything they want to be. Shortly before his death, the creator of the OASIS announces the world’s largest and most difficult scavenger hunt within the game. He bases it on his interest in the pop culture of past decades. The grand prize? His fortune and ownership of the OASIS.
The story follows Wade Watts, a teenager living in difficult circumstances who only finds joy in escaping his reality in the OASIS. He has decided to dedicate his life to winning the scavenger hunt in order to escape his situation but as he discovers along the way, this is not just a game to everyone involved.
As a game nerd myself, I was drawn in by the idea of this story and was captivated by the almost tangible world that was created around it. I also love a good underdog story, especially one such as this that deals with themes of trust, self-acceptance, and corporate power, elitism and inequity. This is a real page-turner that I would recommend to anyone who loves to get lost in new worlds and crazy adventures.
Oh boy! This book was an amazing read and I agree. There were a lot of references to retro-games and movies which I didn’t play/watch but recognized. It has an incredible story and is a page turner. Have you read Armada? There is also a second book coming out by the name of… you could probably guess, “Ready Player Two”!
There was also really interesting (and possibly controversial) topics that came from this book, especially with female gamers and how they can be amazingly skilled and also unexpected (for those that plan to read this novel I won’t explain more!)
I’ve only seen the movie so far and absolutely loved it; I’m definitely guilty of having watched at least 5 times at this point! I think similar to Jumanji, this story really brings the fantasy world that we know so well from video games to life with all the imagery and animation. Its an excellent explain of story that captures very relevant themes through the lens of childhood nostalgia mixed with political/dystopian elements; it’s a story that I think anyone would enjoy!