This has a really fun and interesting premise and when the action is happening, it is engaging and exciting. The 80s references are layered and detailed, as are the video game and D&D references. There is a lot in here for nerds!

There was also an excess of infodumps and over explaining that slowed down the story. The world building itself felt very basic, which is totally fine, I just felt too much time was spent on it with not much gain. I didn’t think the political or social commentary was strong. The stakes were also... confusing.

Warnings
-There is some mild toxic masculinity and the way women are framed throughout the book rubbed me the wrong way.
-There is some ableism in regards to mental health.
-There is a transphobic joke.

When this book is in its element- which is when Wade is solving puzzles and discovering plots and actively doing stuff- it’s a pretty cool book!