Review: Warcross by Marie Lu

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

Title: Warcross

Author: Marie Lu

Publisher: Putnam

Publication Date: September 12, 2017

ISBN: 9780399547966

Synopsis from Goodreads:
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. 

My reaction: AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH! 😀 Marie Lu is consistently producing awesome YA lit with strong plots, fantastic worlds, and cool characters. Warcross does not disappoint. Fans of Marie Lu will be thrilled with the first book in her newest series. This is one of the most exciting YA books that I’ve read in years. I was over the moon to read another book from this amazingly talented author and now I’m completely hooked on this series. I devoured book one in a day. The only bad thing I have to say is that it’s over. Please, please, please read this!

Emika Chen is living a rough life. She works hard and struggles to survive, but everything changes for her when she makes what she thinks is a stupid mistake, but turns out to be the chance of a lifetime for her. She’s thrust into the world of Warcross and comes face to face with the heart-throb, billionaire creator, Hideo. Her talent, previously undiscovered, puts her at the top of the league with world renowned players. She makes a name for herself as a Warcross player while working secretly behind the scenes to uncover the sinister blot of the antagonist, Zero. Placing herself in the way of serious harm, Emika risks everything to fight for what’s right.

There are so many twists and turns in this book, and the characters are fascinating and full of depth. I expect we’ll see even more exploration of characters, including those who had more of a backseat role, move to the forefront as this series progresses. Lu sets up a fast-paced story that has so much room for expansion and exploration. Her world reminds me of Ready, Player One, but instead of just one great book, we have a few more to look forward to with this series.

It’s soooooooo good! YA fans, please read! You’re going to love this one.