read for PopSugar 2018 advanced challenge: a cyberpunk book

This book was a completely fun ride. Marie Lu is proving to me this year how much I miss fun and adventurous YA novels. Not that I think they're absent from the publishing industry, I just haven't been picking them up recently. I was totally absorbed by this book and read it within 24 hours because I wanted to know what happened next. This reading experience reminded me so much of when I read [b:The Hunger Games|2767052|The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)|Suzanne Collins|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1447303603s/2767052.jpg|2792775] for the first time.

This story hits some really familiar beats. Nothing in it totally took me by surprise. The last 15% has a bunch of twists and turns, and honestly I predicted all of them happening. However, being a bit predictable did not hinder my enjoyment! If anything, I'm excited to see where the next book goes and hoping that it does some new and interesting things.

I also have to say, I love how Lu diversified this book. Considering Warcross the game is an international phenomenon, it would've been really disappointing to have just a bunch of white coded players, and Lu makes it clear she's going to reflect the actual world without anything feeling forced. The side characters have a lot going on and didn't totally get to shine, but again I'm hoping book two brings more of that.

Needless to say, I'm super impressed by Lu. She's a strong voice in YA, and I'm excited to read teh next book and more from her in general.