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burntotears 's review for:

Single Player by Tara Tai
4.0
adventurous funny hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I probably would have given this five stars if it wasn't for the over the top shoehorning of references. I'm a gamer and I feel like I'm in on the joke through the whole thing, but there is a certain amount of references you're allowed before it turns cringy. Even those of us who have spent a good chunk of their free time gaming don't think and reference every life event as a game-related obstacle. 

Aside from that cheesiness, I really enjoyed this. It felt real to the landscape of gaming culture (especially for women and women-presenting people). The two MCs were interesting and realistic and as always, Natalie Naudus is a great narrator and made both of them feel distinct.