Out Sept. 12th. Early copy borrowed from my friend Ellie, who got it at BEA. This in no way affects my opinion or review.

After loving Legend and finding The Young Elites mostly average, I wasn't sure what to expect from Warcross. But now that I've read it, I can officially say it's my favorite book Marie has written. I haven't read The Midnight Star yet, but I'm pretty sure it's not as good as this.

This. Was. Amazing.

If I had had the time, I easily would've binged all 353 pages of this on Friday. Which, by the way, is there more content in the finished copy? The hardcover edition here has 416 pages but mine is 63 short. The ending doesn't seem like a cliffhanger, but there can't possibly be that much extra content, can there? I'll have to get a fc and find out.

But anyway. The story was gripping and intense, and unique too. A teen boy turned into a billionaire when he creates a set of glasses called NeuroLink that allows wearers access to virtual reality, specifically games called Warcross. A dropout hacker is struggling to make ends meet after her father dies. She hacks into a big event, and is then given an undercover player and spy position by the creator to catch a suspicious figure. I never knew what to expect. Every twist was a surprise, and part of a brilliant bigger story that completely shocked me.

The world of Warcross, virtual and otherwise, is absolutely stunning. Most of the book was set in futuristic Tokyo, with a great blend of modernity and technological advances. The Warcross arenas were wonderfully creative and practically exuded competitiveness. The Dark World was palpably bloodthirsty. I could imagine every real and coded place, and it definitely added an extra element to the story.

Emika and Hideo are two of my new favorite characters. Both are driven by loss and complex inner desires, loving and hopeful under a cool, collected façade. Neither recoils from difficult situations, and at times could easily be described as morally ambiguous. Though it's likely obvious, Hideo is the aforementioned billionaire and Emika the hacker. I really liked everything about them as individuals; their pasts, their motives, their personalities, all of it.

And then there's the romance. This is where any semblance of professionalism in my review disappears, because it was just so cute. Despite the way they act in front of crowds, they're both shy and unsure when it comes to their feelings for each other. They were so genuine and sweet when they were alone together, and I loved their dates. This was definitely a slow-burn romance and it was so cute. I ship them so much, I can't even. 😍

Another great thing about this book is how diverse it is. I knew parts of it beforehand, but more was revealed as I read. Emika is Chinese-American*, Hideo is Japanese, Asher is in a wheelchair, and Roshan and Tremaine are both either gay or bi.** There are also a bunch of minor characters of other ethnicities due to the international reach Warcross has.

*I'm going off of what other people have said here. I know this is true, but I don't remember seeing it on page. My bad.

**I don't think it was specified. I might've missed it, but I think it was left open. If you know for sure how they identify, let me know and I'll edit that. 😊

I think I've covered just about everything. I loved this book to pieces, and I'm excited for the sequel even though this one isn't out yet. After that ending, I'm hoping for a lot more moral ambiguity in the second book, and given Marie's recent trilogy I think it's likely. Warcross is definitely a new favorite, and I'll be recommending it to everyone. 😁

If you like thrilling sci-fi books, check Warcross out when it releases!