Armada, by: Ernest Cline

Blurb

 ​Zack Lightman has spent his life dreaming. Dreaming that the real world could be a little more like the countless science-fiction books, movies, and videogames he’s spent his life consuming. Dreaming that one day, some fantastic, world-altering event will shatter the monotony of his humdrum existence and whisk him off on some grand space-faring adventure. 

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       After reading Armada (23%), I had to set the book down for a moment and sigh. I picked this book up with much enthusiasm, anticipating a similar tone as the action-packed adventure Ready Player One, also written by Ernest Cline. About seven or eight chapters in, I knew that nothing could recreate my love for RPO. 
       Aside from my expectation let down, this book was on the higher end of "okay". I felt like this book was more for Cline to show off his knowledge of 1980's pop culture, and the plot was kind of left on the back burner.
       What little sliver of the plot was left, however, was pretty good. There were a few plot holes here and there, but I do think that the story still has a lot of potential. The concept and the idea of a boy ending up living out his favorite video game is one we all have thought about at one time or another, whether it be a movie, book, or video game.
       I also thought that the characters weren't quite complete. Zack seemed like his only interest was picking up where his father left off, and being a high school kid with lots of interests myself, I know that he had more to offer than just his obsession. It didn't seem like he ever hung out with his friends or communicated with anyone he went to school with. I know that his video gaming skills were a central part of the story, but other things could've been hinted at throughout.

Review

       What are your thoughts are Ernest Cline's new book? Feel free to comment your thoughts below!

From a military moon base,
​Ashton

​I was staring out the classroom window and daydreaming of adventure when I spotted the flying saucer."
-Ernest Cline, Armada