Wildcard: A Colorful Virtual World Readers Will Enjoy

ABOUT the BOOK
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: 2018
Genre: Fiction; Historical Young Adult Sci-Fi
Source: Publisher ARC – thank you so much G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers!
FIND the BOOK ELSEWHERE: Goodreads
FIND the REVIEW ELSEWHERE: Goodreads 
Rating: ★★★1/2

Wildcard by Marie Lu Book Review

REVIEW | I have to be honest, much as I loved Warcross (which I read “last minute” late 2017), I don’t remember much about it. The basics come to mind, but ask me about the characteristics and personality quirks, and I draw a kind of blank. This said, I don’t think forgetfulness takes away from the enjoyment of Wildcard. Though in the pursuit of honesty, I much confess, my experience in the Wildcard world is kind of monotonous.

This isn’t because the book isn’t well written or I’m uninterested in the story. No, it’s more my mindset at the time I read this one. The fact that I also made attempts to read about 2-3 other books at the same time helps nothing. Perhaps the conclusion is, I’m suffering from a bit of a book slump. A place I don’t like to find myself in, but in the interest of honesty, that’s where I’m at. A sad scenario since I know this book is as entertaining as Warcross is.

8 Reasons Why You Should Read ‘Warcross’: an Exciting Series

What I did pick up in Wildcard is all good, and I enjoyed what sticks with me. Whether it be the romantic longing between Emika and Hideo, or the angst of the villains, this story is fast and entertaining. It’s got a colorful kind of bubble all its own. The story creates a unique premise that makes the book hard to step away from. It’s got a rare magnetic quality that most sci-fi books don’t have. Plus, the fact that Marie Lu eases the reader into the story without over-complicating the tech makes this one more readable.

It’s great fun to catch up with Emika and her band of friends (aka the Phoenix Riders) as they work to separate the good vs. the bad all as the Warcross finals rapidly approach. It’s a fight to the finish. There are red herrings that throw in a few surprises along the way. Much to the chagrin of the protagonists and their well laid plans. Most of the book is tied up with the technical and sci-fi element which leaves little room for setting. Still, it’s fun to know the story takes place in Japan.

If you like YA sci-fi or just want a quick, easy to enjoy novel to pick up over the weekend, give Wildcard a chance. Only, be aware, the reading experience is, pure and simple, a fun addictive.

Content note: there’s a non-graphic sex scene (some lead-in) and some violence

Sincere thanks to the publisher G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for kindly providing an ARC copy of this novel; all opinions are my own.