So I will tread carefully in detailing the plot, choosing a minimalist approach. I should mention that this is a book that could be spoiled easily, by a reviewer citing two major developments. How could he, given the vast climactic, life-altering victory enjoyed by its protagonist, whereby he jumped from lowest of the low to highest of the high? Instead, he levels up to new challenges and themes, while recreating the world we came to enjoy with new depth, as he exfoliates both the virtual universe of the OASIS, and the perpetually collapsing meatspace environment. But Cline does not merely push all the same buttons once more. Characters, tone, voice, all beautifully replicated, continued, and extended.
Picking up the threads of the first book just a few days after that action ended, the sequel exudes the same charm and fascination as the original. I am delighted to report that he has succeeded to the max. Could Cline capture lightning in a bottle again?
So of course when news came of Ready Player Two, the sequel to his debut, I was hopeful and yet a tad wary. Not to mention a thrilling narrative.Īs I tried to indicate in a subsequent review, Cline’s second novel, Armada, was also enjoyable, but on a less stellar level, being a bit more forced and superficial, unable to fully transcend its lowbrow bricolage. I was captivated by the book’s insouciance, joie de vivre, authentic voice, optimism, and its fresh and fluent take on pop culture. Campbell Memorial Award and cast my vote to ensure it got on the shortlist as one of the year’s finest. I am not often bowled over by first novels, but I admit to being very delighted and impressed with Ernest Cline’s bestseller, Ready Player One, when it appeared nearly ten years ago.
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