Warcross by Marie Lu, released on September 12, 2017, is a cautionary tale about the dangers of technology. It is an easy read, sci-fi book with many plot twists. The book is set in Tokyo, Japan, and appeals to various genres including thriller, romance, and gaming.

In the book, Warcross is the name of a virtual reality game that essentially takes over people’s lives. While some used it as an escape from reality, others used it as a way to make money. To the majority of people worldwide it was just a game, but to a small population it was a marketplace where you could sell anything, legal and illegal.

The description of the book on Good Reads is as follows; “Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down players who bet on the game illegally.” But seeing as she has a lot of competition, Emika tries her luck by hacking “into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships — only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation.”

Scared of what that might mean for her, she is shocked “when instead she gets a call from the game’s creator, the elusive young billionaire Hideo Tanaka, with an irresistible offer.” Hideo wants Emika to spy “on the inside of this year’s tournament in order to uncover a security problem.” Emika is immediately brought to Tokyo and “into a world of fame and fortune that she’s only dreamed of. But soon her investigation uncovers a sinister plot, with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire.”

Although Warcross itself is the game, outside of it, people can wear special glasses that brighten up the real world. With special effects and awards, people can enjoy virtual reality in their everyday lives. The book brings the reader into a whole new world full of technology, and pushes them to really think about the influence it has on their everyday lives. It is especially relevant in this day and age where technology impacts all areas of our lives, from school to work and family time. Warcross is a good book to read because it cautions everyone on the dangers of technology, especially if it’s in the wrong hands.

Every chapter insights a different emotional response from the reader, from crying, anger and fear to laughter and shouts of triumph. Readers will not be disappointed!