Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cyberpunk series hits the ground running for gaming fans.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Based on 19 kid reviews
Kids say this book blends action, adventure, and mystery, making it an exciting read for tweens and teens, though it contains violent themes and some dark elements like suicide. While many praised its gripping plot and clean writing, a few criticized the character development and flow, with mixed feelings on how it compares to other works by the same author.
- action adventure
- violent themes
- engaging plot
- mixed reviews
- character issues
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
After he witnesses the online suicide of a fellow gamer in the VirtNet, Michael is recruited by government agents to track down a rogue player suspected of holding people hostage within the digital realm. Accompanied by his close friends and fellow hackers, Sarah and Bryson, Michael travels the hidden, dangerous byways of the online system, searching for the virtual location where everything will supposedly be revealed. The path to enlightenment is strewn with danger, however, and Michael must face the realization that his fantasy adventure might actually kill him and the people he cares about.
Is It Any Good?
To fans of The Matrix or other science fiction from the '90s, this book might feel a tad old-fashioned in the way it poses familiar game-or-reality questions. But younger readers coming to the novel without any preconceptions will undoubtedly enjoy the fast-paced plot, snappy dialog, and shifting layers of perception. Author James Dashner serves up a couple of neat reversals, and the book concludes with a narrative jolt sure to propel fans into the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why online gaming is so popular. What makes video games so compelling to such a large audience?
What dangers do online games present to young players?
Do you think technology will ever reach a point where players won't be able to distinguish between online fantasy and offline reality?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Delacorte Press
- Publication date : October 8, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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