#28 Armada

Armada By Ernest Cline (God, basically)

Everyone who knows me well, knows that Ready Player One is my life. I have put it on a pedestal above all other literature. To me, it is untouchable in so many ways, a work of art almost. When i heard that Cline was working on a second novel i was filled with a mixture of dread and excitement. I knew that it would be a triumph or an epic fail.

Armada follows the story of 18 year old Zack Lightman. He is a talented gamer ranked 6th in the world at the war fighting flight simulation game Armada. When he learns that the game was released in order to fight off a real life attack from alien invasion he has to make a decision to stand back whilst millions die or to take action and join the Earth Defence Alliance. The game he has been engaging in for so long was created as a combat training simulation and from the 9 million users the EDA hand picks only the best of the best to sign up. Zack chooses to sign up and help try to win the war. 

For the first 16% it felt like i was reading a few Wikipedia articles about old video games and pop culture references from the 80's, it felt disjointed and nonsensical. At about 20% the story truly kick started and the genius that is Cline finally shown through.

The war against the alien race comes in 3 waves that are separated by 2 hour intervals, the new recruits must prepare themselves to save not only themselves but civilization. There was a few plot twists that i didnt see coming throughout and the ending was not predictable at all! 

This is a very fast paced and action packed plot that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The characters are believable and realistic. If you love video games and/or sci fi then you will love this. It is so imaginative and immersive. Cline is easily becoming one of my favourite writers and i hope he continues to write on top form.