Review Post: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

In the year 2044, the world has been gripped by an energy crisis from the depletion of fossil fuels and the consequences of global warming, causing widespread social problems and economic stagnation. To escape the decline their world is facing, people turn to the OASIS, a virtual reality simulator accessible by players using visors and haptic technology such as gloves. It functions both as an MMORPG and as a virtual society, with its currency being the most stable in the real world. It was created by James Halliday who, when he died, had announced in his will to the public that he had left an Easter egg inside OASIS, and the first person to find it would inherit his entire fortune and the corporation. The story follows the adventures of Wade Watts, starting about five years after the announcement, when he discovers one of the three keys pointing to the treasure.

“Being human totally sucks most of the time. Video games are the only thing that make life bearable.”

I couldn't help but be excited when I first read the synopsis of this book. Even the title was already calling out to my game loving self that I just had to buy it. 

Ready Player One is Ernest Cline's debut novel and readers are introduced to future set where civilization is facing too many problems where humankind has turned to OASIS, a virtual reality utopia to escape the harsh reality. James Halliday, the creator, has left his will inside OASIS and whoever finds the Easter egg will be the one to take all his wealth. That sounds just like my games, but in book form. 

Wade Watts, our main character in this story, is a Gunter (OASIS users looking for the Easter egg) who has spent all five years learning and researching about Halliday. His hard work finally pays off when he finds the first clue and somehow becomes a celebrity overnight. As a result, more difficult challenges await him as he solves the mystery of the Easter Egg.

The novel is divided into three levels, mirroring Wade's journey. The first level is where the world was explained, but there was more explanation about OASIS than what was happening in Wade's real world. I wish the author expanded more on that. 

The second level was Wade further into his journey and he has met friends and enemies. Among the characters Wade has met, The only one that stood out for me was Aech, who is Wade's "rival" and best friend. 

The third level is my favorite - in a game, it's where the main character faces the final boss. I enjoyed reading this part, like an action packed movie playing in my head. 

The book has so many references (LIKE A LOT) so be prepared to research if you find yourself lost at times. There are also way too many details that it might distract the reader from being immersed in the story because it hurts the pacing. 

I think there is wasted potential in this book, but still it was a fun read directed to a particular audience. I'm giving it 3.5 stars!

Ernest Cline's debut novel will also be made into a film slated for release next year, directed by Steven Spielberg. I hope that the movie will be able to capture the best things in this novel and translate it well in film. I'll definitely be watching it!

Book Title: Ready Player One

Author: Ernest Cline

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Published: August 16, 2011
Publisher: Crown Publishers

Rating: ♨♨♨ 3.5 out of 5