More than a Game: Warcross Book 2

In this sequel to Warcross, Emika Chen (21) faces new struggles. She has discovered the purpose of the NeuroLink algorithm, created by her boyfriend Hideo Tanaka. The program - now launched - takes over humanity's free will. Now that she knows the truth about NeuroLink, Emika can no longer stand by the one person she loves and respects. Determined to stop this nightmare scenario, she joins ups with the Phoenix Riders. However, a bounty on her head may mean her only chance of survival lies with Zero and his band of Blackcoats. In this battle of freewill and order, Emika struggles with love, conviction and an increasingly uncertain world.

BTSYA / Teen Reader (15):
The Warcross series presents excellent questions about the power of the tech industry and our right to privacy. Wildcard takes it one step further to ask what truly makes a person human. The romance is, arguably, better than Book 1. It is one of my favorite relationships in YA literature. That Emika and Hideo love and care for each other is unquestioned; but they cannot support the other’s actions. There is this amazing tension between caring for the other’s well-being and working against everything they stand for. Emika is a really powerful character because she can love a guy while still holding on to her values and beliefs. It presents an awesome message, as well as a great role model. 

The plot isn’t as good as Warcross, and the plot twists were rather predictable or at the very least, unsurprising. The ending is great, however. Lu ends it in this full circle style that is typical in her work and always hits all the right spots for me to swoon. This book is a great sequel and will not disappoint anyone who loved the first book.

Readers who love science fiction with real-world questions will find plenty to ponder in Wildcard. Emika and Hideo (the two main characters) are excellent, pushing readers to think past black-and-white outcomes.

There is some sexual content, some violence and a few swears.