Hello again. Here we are at the fifth and final part of the Ready Player One Book Club.
A condensed version of this post originally appeared on Medium. But only on Nerdvana, do you get the full story. Enjoy!
Like many writers on Medium, I read at least 10 books a day (not really, but I do read quite a bit). Now that the film version of Ready Player One has been released, I am assuming you’ve already read the book. If you haven’t, please do so. It’s worth the time. You can also check out our Ready Player One Book Club series for the Cliffs Notes version of the story and some nifty suggestions on how to experience the quest for yourself.
In other news, RPO author Ernest Cline is apparently working on the sequel to the book — Ready Player Two — that I simply cannot wait to read. It will be interesting to see how the story continues, eight years after the end of the original Easter egg hunt. Until that arrives, I recommend checking out Cline’s second novel, Armada, and Neal Stephenson’s Snow Crash to help tide you over until the continuation of the story.
Or you can always re-read the original novel, or listen to the audiobook. Totally your call.
Cline’s second novel wasn’t as well received as his first, but I found it entertaining and nostalgic nonetheless. It’s the story of Zack Lightman, a top pilot in a flying combat simulation video game called Armada. Like Wade Watts in Ready Player One, Zack’ s life is surrounded by pop culture in the form of classic video games, ’70s/’80s music and role playing games.
Like the first book, it’s rooted in the ’80s, this time taking a cue from The Last Starfighter. Rather than follow the exact plot of that film, it acknowledges the movie and creates its own take on the story, also expanding upon the mythos of the film and taking it to a logical conclusion with a setting in modern times.
There’s action, some character development, tons of great music references and a neat twist. It’s not Ready Player One, but it is pretty solid. I enjoyed the action scenes and the history of the Earth Defense Alliance.
Of course, the book is not without its detractors and it came out to mixed reviews. The big thing to remember with Armada is that it isn’t Ready Player One: It’s a different story with similar elements and I think it’ll make a great movie, too.
I liked it, at least.
Now, how do I go about scratch building a Sobriquet fighter or one of the Earth Defense Alliance’s Drones? I’m always up for suggestions. That’s going to be one heck of a kitbash!
Oh, and read Neal Stephenson’s Snow Crash, OK? The story is a fast-paced, wonderful adventure through a world that better resembles modern day than anything I’ve ever read. Revisiting after almost 15 years was well worth it and I recommend the Audible audiobook over the novel, as it turns the story into a well-acted, almost radio-style performance.
Check back with us next time as we continue to obsess over Ready Player One and, if you like what we’re doing, please share it, leave a comment and consider supporting us with your Amazon shopping or making a pledge with Patreon.
