Scan barcode
katnortonwriter's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I really liked that a book written by a guy tackles issues about sexism in gaming and online spaces. The stuff Aaron’s dealing with is also interesting, and the overlapping themes are a nice point of contrast.
Because we spend so much time in the digital world, reading about a game that I had a really hard time picturing, I could feel myself checking out in places. The book wouldn’t work without those scenes, and the characters only know each other in the digital world for most of the book, so this isn’t an editorial complaint. I don’t game much anymore, and this was definitely written for a certain type of nerd, with lots of little easter eggs. If you aren’t a gamer, this likely isn’t the book for you.
I appreciate how self-aware some of the side characters are, and the overall message of the book. Divya and Beks go THROUGH IT, and I was surprised by how gritty a couple of those scenes were. This one is definitely YA in its wish-fulfillment-y finale, but I understand the decision to make the bad guys defeatable. I look forward to seeing what Smith does next.
Because we spend so much time in the digital world, reading about a game that I had a really hard time picturing, I could feel myself checking out in places. The book wouldn’t work without those scenes, and the characters only know each other in the digital world for most of the book, so this isn’t an editorial complaint. I don’t game much anymore, and this was definitely written for a certain type of nerd, with lots of little easter eggs. If you aren’t a gamer, this likely isn’t the book for you.
I appreciate how self-aware some of the side characters are, and the overall message of the book. Divya and Beks go THROUGH IT, and I was surprised by how gritty a couple of those scenes were. This one is definitely YA in its wish-fulfillment-y finale, but I understand the decision to make the bad guys defeatable. I look forward to seeing what Smith does next.
stacey332's review
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
nightlight_reader's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
So much of this was too real, and I hope we eventually see this kind of change in the world of gamers.
Divya was incredible and always felt like she was fighting in some capacity, and I’m so glad she did.
Aaron allowing himself to be angry?? Incredible, I loved it, but also allowing himself to be kind and supportive.
They’re great for each other, and I felt this book had so much love in it. Friendship. Family. Lots of love for video games and nerd culture. The end felt like I could’ve been walking into GamesCon with them, and I loved it with all my heart.
Clearly this is a love letter to nerds and nerd culture. I recommend it to any nerd who has ever felt exiled or othered in a gaming space. This one’s clearly for us.
Divya was incredible and always felt like she was fighting in some capacity, and I’m so glad she did.
Aaron allowing himself to be angry?? Incredible, I loved it, but also allowing himself to be kind and supportive.
They’re great for each other, and I felt this book had so much love in it. Friendship. Family. Lots of love for video games and nerd culture. The end felt like I could’ve been walking into GamesCon with them, and I loved it with all my heart.
Clearly this is a love letter to nerds and nerd culture. I recommend it to any nerd who has ever felt exiled or othered in a gaming space. This one’s clearly for us.
ladyinverse's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
this was fairly cute and I appreciated that it wasn't an overtly romantic plot. I also appreciated that Aaron did not become a white knight for Divya and that she stood up for herself. the characters were a little cringey but also, cringe is dead. all in all, not too bad.
mirareadsbooksforfun's review
5.0
I loved the characters and the story. Would I reread it? Probably not, but I had so much fun reading it! Video gaming isn't part of my life, but I sure enjoy peaking into that world! Big topics were discussed but the balance between the serious stuff and the rest of the story was just perfect. It made me think while still keeping me entertained and interested in the story. Would 100% recommend!
distant_ships's review
3.0
I rooted for these two so hard. Actually the secondary characters as well. The whole Scooby Gang.
bzliz's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This audiobook was pretty average in every way. I liked Divya’s narrator more than Aaron’s, who dialed up a pretty stereotypical “gay” voice for Aaron’s best friend Ryan. That wasn’t my favorite. I didn’t mind either character though they both made frustrating choices. Be real, Aaron, that guy is never going to pay you. Don’t do work for free! And Divya, if you have a cop investigating the harassment you’ve been facing, it would probably help to share the threatening emails you’ve been getting so they can (get a load of this…) investigate them.
As for the story itself, it’s a YA book so it really skims the surface on how deep these issues can go. It tries to take on topics like bullying, harassment, sexual assault, doxxing, racism, etc. without really saying much of anything. It feels like the author is a little out of touch with the online world.
If the book world was a restaurant, this book would be some chicken tenders off the kid’s menu: tastes okay but kind of bland and the portion is pretty small.
As for the story itself, it’s a YA book so it really skims the surface on how deep these issues can go. It tries to take on topics like bullying, harassment, sexual assault, doxxing, racism, etc. without really saying much of anything. It feels like the author is a little out of touch with the online world.
If the book world was a restaurant, this book would be some chicken tenders off the kid’s menu: tastes okay but kind of bland and the portion is pretty small.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Bullying, Cursing, Sexism, and Racism
Moderate: Sexual assault
jazzhands94's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
samrushingbooks's review
5.0
I was in love with this book in the first chapter. Wow, simply an incredible read. I'll post a longer and more coherent review later, but for now, this one is a serious contender for my Top Reads of 2020 list.