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Warcross by Marie Lu has got to be one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I’ve read a lot of books. It tells the story of a girl working behind the scenes of a virtual reality game to stop a sinister plan. The world is absolutely incredible, and no details are overlooked. The main character is so brave and comes a long way from the beginning of the book as well. This is a YA book series that should be on everyone’s TBRs.
Series: Warcross #1
Author: Marie Lu
Also by this author: The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1)
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Genres: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: September 12, 2017
Rating:
Series Rating:
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 Warcross players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. 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.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Warcross by Marie Lu
This fantasy book is one of the most original books out there. It tells the story of a girl who hacks her way into the Warcross games in hopes of making some money quickly, but ends up getting recruited by the creator to help figure out who is sabotaging the game. Emika joins one of the Warcross teams and competes in the games herself to be an effective spy. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loved this book and its nonstop action, twists, and turns. It’s so hard to describe the incredible experience of reading it, but I guarantee that it will shock you. Gamer or not, Warcross will suck you in!
❀ Virtual Reality Game
The world of Warcross has got to be one of my favourites ever. Warcross is a virtual reality game created by a teen genius. Everyone is obsessed with it, and it has taken over the world. Marie Lu has honestly thought of everything. There are specific power-ups in the game and a black market where rare ones can be auctioned. The logic is there, and it makes everything so believable. This world is just so developed that it actually feels real. I would honestly love a pair of Warcross glasses in real life to experience the magic of it all.
❀ Likeable Main Character
Emika is such a likeable main character. First off, she’s so fierce. She has rainbow hair and a tattoo sleeve, and she is a pro hacker. Emika impresses the whole world by appearing in a game that is supposed to be un-hackable and even lands herself a job because of it. She is also so intelligent and makes a great spy. Emika has a pretty complex backstory and lives a hard life before getting hired. She really develops throughout the book, and I couldn’t think of a better narrator.
❀ Ultimate Book for Gamers
Warcross by Marie Lu is the ultimate book for gamers, and everyone else, to be honest. It is action-packed and set in one of the most amazing worlds I’ve ever read. The main character is also clever and courageous, making this five star book even better! It would make a great pick for a YA book club. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who likes books like The Hunger Games.
About Marie Lu
I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. Before becoming a full-time writer, I was an Art Director at a video game company. Now I shuffle around at home and talk to myself a lot. 🙂
I graduated from the University of Southern California in '06 and currently live in LA, where I spend my time stuck on the freeways.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.