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.
Emika– I really adored Emika as a character. She is a total badass and it was great to see her character development. I loved seeing her relationships with the other characters. I always appreciate it when an author takes the time to explain a character’s back story and give the reader a better understanding of why they are the way they are.
World Building– The different arenas that Marie Lu created in this novel were fantastic and so creative. Her description of the games allowed me to picture what was happening perfectly. I can not wait to read her other series because it is pretty clear that she creates incredible worlds.
Virtual Reality– I loved Marie Lu’s take on virtual reality. It seemed so realistic and not too far fetched. I could see this all happening in the very near future.
The Ending- There are a few twists at the end, one that is pretty predictable, but the other one completely caught me off guard and I loved it! I really appreciated the questions of morality that are presented at the end. I can’t wait to see where the story goes in the next book.
Romance– I am sorry to say that the romance in this book was not my favourite. I think I am just tired of the ‘broody billionaire who only show his softer side to the main character’ trope.
“She let out a breathe she didn’t know she was holding” was said at least three times. I did not understand why that line annoyed everyone so much until I read this book!
Warcross was a fun book to read! I completely devoured this novel and I now want to read every book that Marie Lu has written. I can not wait for the next book!
great review!!! i totally agree with the ending! 🤗
Thank you! The ending was genius!
Great review! And every time she “released the breath she didn’t know she was holding” I rolled my eyes. Especially since it happened a couple of times an I just couldn’t take it seriously. Other than that and the predictable ending I really liked it. I’m glad you did too!
I was wondering if she was poking fun at the use of that line or something? It was too much! It really was fun to read though!
I wondered the same the first time but then she used it more than once and I just couldn’t take what was happening seriously when she said it. But overall I really liked it. I can’t wait for the sequel!
This is on my to read list, so this is a good insight, thank you!
You are welcome! It is definitely worth reading!
I read Warcross last week, really enjoyed it. Love your review ❤
Thank you! It was an enjoyable book! I
I’m excited to read this one! The “she let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding thing” made me laugh. I just think it’s funny when authors use the same exact line multiple times and wonder why their editors don’t point it out!
That is so true. You would think that editors would be aware that readers hate that line!
This sounds so good (the line “she let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding thing” aside 😉 ) I’m really glad she made the world believable, even if the romance wasn’t too great. Awesome review!!
Thank you! The world in completely believable- almost to the point that it made me uncomfortable! I definitely think that this book is pretty close to our future!
You’re welcome! Oh wow!!
This looks awesome! It’s added to my TBR now…
Awesome! It is a great one!
Hi Kristin!
Great review! Although I have not read this book, I can see how it becomes annoying when a line is repeated again and again :’) Glad to hear that you enjoyed this book in general though!
I’ve read so many rave reviews for Warcross so far. I might give this a shot 🙂
Thank you! I think this book is definitely worth reading, especially now that you have been warned about the holding a breath line! I can not wait for the next one!
Ah, I see! I’ve decided to add it to my TBR in that case 🙂
Yes, except for that billionaire love interest (ugh) this sounds great! Thanks for the review. Any opinions on this vs Ready Player One?
I was going to mention Ready Player One but besides the virtual reality concept they are very different. Both great (thought I like Ready Player One more). I think that if you are in to the idea of virtual reality you will like this book. The world that Marie Lu creates is so believable and I can see it happening in the very distant future. Even more so than the world in Ready Player One.
Cool, thanks for the follow up!
Warcross was just not for me unfortunately I think I’m one of the few who rated it 2 stars and stirred a lot of discussions on the post LOL The romance like you said was very MEH. But I love the way you structured this post <3 Great review!
Thank you! I am definitely going to have to read your review!
Hehe excellent review Kristin and I promise not to recommend broody billionaires 😉
Hahaha thank you!
I really want to read this book, it sounds amazing! Plus I already know that I like Marie Lu’s writing style, so I have no idea why I haven’t picked it up yet. Great review!! 🙂
This was a really fun read for me. I can’t wait to read the sequel.
Nice review!
Thank you! I am excited for the sequel as well. It is set up to be interesting that is for sure!
I absolutely hate the cover of this book, but am so intrigued. Is Marie Lu the same person who wrote the Legend series? I enjoyed those, by far not in my top ten dystopian list, but good enough that when a concept like this one shows up, I’m willing to give it a shot.
Yes the cover isn’t my favourite either. I honestly don’t really know what it has to do with the story either!
She did write Legend which I haven’t read yet but is definitely on my list!