In the age of immersive virtual reality and rapidly advancing technology, Ernest Cline’s blockbuster novel, Ready Player One, captivated readers with its gripping story set in a richly detailed virtual world.
As fans eagerly await their next virtual escapade, we have curated a list of ten books that capture the spirit of Ready Player One, transporting readers to captivating and dynamic virtual realms and otherworlds, where even a young person can be a hero. Here are 10 books like Ready Player One:
Warcross by Marie Lu
Warcross is set in a not-so-distant future where virtual reality has become an integral part of society. Emika Chen, a skilled hacker, finds herself unexpectedly immersed in the world of Warcross, a popular virtual reality game created by billionaire Hideo Tanaka. Offered an undercover job as a player and a spy, Emika delves into the dark underbelly of the hacker world, uncovering secrets and facing numerous challenges along the way.
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
In Neal Stephenson’s Snow Crash, readers are transported to a future American society dominated by consumerism, where virtual reality plays a significant role. The protagonist, aptly named Hiro Protagonist, is a hacker and deliveryman for the Mafia. He navigates between his reality and the immersive Metaverse, where he wields a sword and has powerful connections. In this complex world, Hiro becomes entangled with antagonists such as computer magnate L. Bob Rife and the mysterious Raven.
The Impossible Fortress by Jason Rekulak
The Impossible Fortress blends a romance and a coming-of-age story. Set in 1987, it follows the experiences of Billy Marvin, a fourteen-year-old boy who becomes infatuated with a computer nerd. When Billy and his friends set out to steal a treasured Playboy magazine, their plans take an unexpected turn. As Billy befriends Mary Zelinsky, the daughter of the store owner, he must grapple with conflicting emotions and difficult choices. With humour, heart, and technological intrigue, this tale explores themes of young love, friendship, and the challenges of deception.
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Ender’s Game is set in a future where Earth is engaged in a desperate war against an alien species called the Buggers. The story revolves around Andrew ‘Ender’ Wiggin, a young boy believed to possess exceptional military genius. Ender is enlisted in a rigorous training program to mold him into the perfect weapon against the alien enemy. Alongside Ender’s journey, his older siblings, Peter and Valentine, wield their own forms of influence to shape the fate of Earth. As the war intensifies, Ender must navigate complex moral dilemmas and confront the true nature of his training.
Only You Can Save Mankind by Terry Pratchett
Only You Can Save Mankind is the first novel in Terry Pratchett’s Johnny Maxwell trilogy. The story follows twelve-year-old Johnny, who receives a pirate copy of a video game called Only You Can Save Mankind. However, when the ScreeWee Empire surrenders to Johnny in the game, he finds himself transported into the game world in his dreams. He thinks it’s just his overactive imagination until the ScreeWee disappears from everybody else’s copy of the game. With the help of another player named Kirsty, Johnny must figure out how to bring the ScreeWee back home.
One Con Glory by Sarah Kuhn
One Con Glory is a story about Julie, a devoted fan of Glory Gilmore, a lesser-known superheroine from ’80s comics. Julie’s ultimate wish is to obtain a rare Glory action figure. When a chance arises to finally obtain it, she embarks on a quest filled with unexpected obstacles. Along the way, she confronts challenges from fellow nerds and oblivious individuals. This journey forces her to reevaluate her fandom, her life, and even step out of her comfort zone by engaging with others.
Moxyland by Lauren Beukes
Moxyland is a dystopian political thriller set in a corporate apartheid society in a near-future Cape Town, where individuals are controlled by their corporate overlords. Four narrating characters navigate a world shaped by the power dynamics of this oppressive regime and the invasive influence of technology over personal freedoms. As the narrators confront the harsh realities of corporate control and surveillance, the story delves into themes of societal manipulation, resistance, and the consequences of a society governed by profit-driven interests.
Insignia by S.J. Kincaid
Insignia is set in a future during WWIII, the story follows Tom Raines, a seemingly ordinary fourteen-year-old with exceptional virtual-reality gaming skills. When Tom is recruited as a new member of the Intrasolar Forces, his life takes a dramatic turn. Suddenly, he becomes part of a virtual reality military and gains new opportunities and friendships. However, as he embraces his new role as a military drone operator, he soon discovers that there is a price to pay.
The Automatic Detective by A. Lee Martinez
The Automatic Detective is a noir mystery novel that blends elements of science fiction and humour. The story follows Mack Megaton, a robot designed for destruction who works as a cab driver in Empire City. When his neighbour and her family go missing, Mack takes on the role of amateur detective to find them. As he investigates leads and interrogates suspects, he uncovers a sinister plot that poses a threat to humanity.
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Dark Matter centres around Jason Dessen, a college physics professor whose reality is shattered one night. He is abducted and wakes up to find his life is very different. He is no longer a professor, but a celebrated inventor. His wife is not his wife, and his son was never born. Which life is his real life? Struggling to understand what has happened, Jason embarks on a journey filled with unimaginable twists and turns. As he confronts the darkest parts of himself and battles an unbeatable adversary, Jason must unravel the mysteries of his existence and find a way back to the family he loves.
What did you think of our top picks for books like Ready Player One? Do you have any to add to the list? Let us know in the comments!