3.75 Stars

To start, I don't read a lot of Sci-fi type novels so, I cannot judge this based on other popular Sci-fi novels like many others can.

That being said, I did quite enjoy this book. The MC is hard to like, but I think that's the point. There were other likable characters (Carole!) that made up for what Simon was lacking. Honestly, I think Simon is becoming a really overused name in the world of YA, along with the fact that Kat has red hair.

Also, I feel like maybe this book was from the wrong perspective. I'm calling it as if we were to see the Harry Potter series from the eyes of Ron Weasley (another character I don't particularly care for, sue me). I mean, I guess I get why it's from his perspective but it just feels wrong. Like, he's nothing special. He's kind of a blithering idiot really.

So, now you're wondering, why did I like this thing, aren't you? Ok here's why. This book has an interesting perspective on the morals behind creating a world where one can live out their most carnal fantasies. It brings to light a darkness within human nature and makes you wonder why we feel the things we do. Murder, gambling, drugs, rage, hate, consumerism, grandiose narcissism.

It makes you ask things like, "If you could go into a VR game this deep and be anyone and do anything you want, would you?"

This book definitely makes you think about modern society and how we often take something innocent that is supposed to help the masses and turn it into a cash cow that instead ends up hurting the modern consumer more than helping while filling the pockets of its creators (of those who stole it from the creators as it often is).

It's a dark look into the world we could actually find ourselves in sometime in the near future.

So why did I like this book with an unlikeable main character that was totally predictable in a lot of cases? Because it made me think. It made me wonder about the human experience and what exactly it is that makes us do what we do.

It's like how we get fascinated by serial killers. We aren't engrossed in what they did because we're studying how to be like them (at least, most of us aren't) we're into it because we want to know what could possibly make the human mind even think of doing something like this and pretending it's okay.

If you're into books that make you think, this is the book for you. If you're into books with crude humor, this is also the book for you. If you like Jason Segel's humor/characters, this is the book for you.

The start was rocky with how bad the Bulgarian translation was when it comes to gaming terms but once I switched to the English version I enjoyed it a lot. The idea is awesome, advanced virtual reality is always interesting to dabble in and the concept here reminds me a bit of "ready player one" (at least the movie I've watched). The chosen one trope was a bit on the nose with how often it was mentioned and the protagonist being a scrawny white boy chasing after his crush gave me some 2014 John Green vibes but other than that I really liked the characters and the storyline.

Also I'd very much enjoy a Martin + Todd "homicidal old married couple" spin-off, just saying. Busara is my favorite badass and Ukrainian Elvis is iconic.