Reviewer: Stacey Marsh
Series: Warcross
Author: Marie Lu
Published: 2017, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopia, Fantasy, Mystery, Adventure, Romance
Audience: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Triggers: Violence, murder, gambling, drug use, poverty, war themes, death, trauma, grief, terminal illness, class discrimination, surveillance, betrayal, loss of a parent, imprisonment, ethical concerns about technology
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 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.
Review: One of the major themes in this book is the impact of technology. Obviously, this is a science fiction take on scary uses of technology, but there is room to discuss the impact that technology has on our society now, and where virtual reality can take us in the future. Digital safety is a big concern now and should be a talking point for young adults. Another theme in this book is the abuse of power. One man decides he has the ability to change people’s actions, but this idea of one person controlling society based on his own perceptions of good and evil is a scary example of the start of a dictatorship. Although the themes feel heavy in this book, the fast-paced, quick thinking of the main character, Emika, makes you want to root for her from beginning to end. Her story about losing her dad, and the details about his struggle with gambling, money, and his wife leaving him, add to the complex feelings of this character. The twist with Hideo’s story is heartbreaking at first, but then intriguing when we find out that the outcome may not be what everyone thinks. This definitely builds readers up to want to read the next book in the series. I also like how there are elements of team bonding and strategy, as well as character growth after Emika has to rely on her team after seemingly betraying them to reach her goal. The characters are likable, and the story, although far-fetched at times, has interesting themes that students would benefit from exploring.
