this book takes place in Ernst Cline’s ready player one and two univers. and it’s not terrible, but it’s also not good.

When and how you learn about “red screening” (a plot element used to raise the stakes) is completely preposterous. it’s like the author wanted things to be a little more exciting about two thirds of the way through and instead of integrating it into the book, it just gets slapped in. which is kinda how most of the book feels.

I almost feel like the author was reading ready player one and two while writing this book. or had just finished ready player one and then started writing this while reading ready player 2.

whatever the case, it’s a little clunky and the narrator is a little flat. but there is just enough mystery that I still want to listen to more.