“Hideo smiles at me, truly smiles, in a way that brightens his eyes. His gaze wanders across my face. He is so close now that, if he wanted, he could lean forward and kiss me- and I find myself leaning toward him, too, hoping that he’ll close the gap between us.”

I’m always amazed at the books I read after attending a conference. This isn’t the typical book that you would find on my bookshelf, but I’m glad that these events broaden my horizon in the book world.

A book about VR gameplay would have me look the other way, but everyone buzzed about this book so much that I couldn’t say no at Book Expo.

I’m very proud to say that I really enjoyed this one. I have never read anything by this author and I’m ashamed at myself for it. Her writing flows in a perfect way to immerse you into the full story. It doesn’t even let up after you finish.

Little by little Emika has been losing things that are close to her. After losing her dad, she has been struggling to try to stay afloat. She spends her time being a bounty hunter for people who are breaking the rules/gambling illegally in Warcross. But that hasn’t been paying off lately. She has three days to come up with a few thousand dollars or else she’s out on the street with her roommate.

During the opening games for Warcross, Emika hacks into the game and thinks she’s hidden when her need for money becomes stronger than her conscience. She steals an high priced item from the game to resell, but as she takes it she becomes visible for all the world to see.

Freaking out after she’s been spotted, she receives weird phone calls and texts from an unknown number. She finally gives up and calls the number. Not believing it when she calls, she’s patched through to the creator of Warcross, Hideo Tanaka. The glitch caught his attention and he wants to talk to the girl behind this problem.

As Hideo talks to Emika, he makes her an offer that is extremely difficult to refuse. He sweeps her off to Tokyo to help him uncover the severe security problems that could ruin him and Warcross forever.

As Emika starts to uncover the darkest secrets and inner workings of the game, something more evil is lurking in the shadows.

I instantly fell in love with Emika. She was a total badass who kicked your ass first and didn’t care about your name.

Marie Lu sure knows how to pack a punch. If you thought you knew things, you better think again. This is high action packed with a twist and a hint of romance. The way she delivers these incredible details is brilliant and I can’t wait for book two.

I’ll never doubt anyone ever again!
Are you ready for Warcross?

4/5