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Warcross by Marie Lu

Brief synopsis (no spoilers): "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 players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. Needing 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.
" (goodreads)


Category: YA 


Why I chose this book: Liked other books by this author


My personal opinion: Fast paced, fun book. I really liked the virtual world that was created. You can tell that the author designed video games in the vivid descriptions of the virtual landscapes. However, I saw the major twist coming long before it happened. And there were several semi-descriptive sensual scenes. There isn't a bedroom scene, but there is one scene where two characters are unclothed in a hot tub together and one that describes these same characters being very close contact to each other. 


Warnings

Language: a few
Violence: Bombing, fighting within the game
"Adult" situations: A few semi-descriptive sensual scenes (see above)
Death: Not of main characters

Movie rating equivalent: PG-13+


Protagonist description: Emika is a hacker that is just trying to scrape by after life has dealt her a rough hand. She is strong and does what needs to be done, but also has a soft spot.  


Point of view of story: First 


Book length: Medium, but fast paced


Story flow: Linear


Grammar and spelling issues: None


Character connection (no spoilers): None

For series:
Independent or integral: Independent as first in series

Series review as a whole: I'm excited for the next one to come out.

If you only have time for one, read: So far, Warcross as first in the series. 

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