I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
The Evaporation of Sofi Snow by Mary Weber Series: The Evaporation of Sofi Snow #1
Published by Thomas Nelson on June 6th 2017
Genres: General, Romance, Science Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Pages: 352
Source: NetGalley
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The line between virtual & reality is about to EVAPORATE.
In a world where skycams follow your every move and the details of your life are uploaded each hour, Sofi knows that her eyes are the only caring ones watching her brother, Shilo. As an online gamer, she works behind the scenes to protect Shilo as he competes in a mix of real and virtual blood sport. But when a bomb destroys the gaming arena, she is helpless to rescue him—and certain that his disappearance was no accident. Despite all the evidence of Shilo’s death, Sofi ’s nightmares tell her he is still alive. Could the dreams be truer than what everyone else claims?
For Miguel—a charming young playboy from Earth—the games are of a different sort. As Ambassador to the Delonese, his career has been built on trading secrets. In the aftermath of the bombing, he fears he has lost Sofi forever, even as he wonders if she is really who she seems. Now he’s a target for blackmail. The game is simple: help the blackmailers or lose more than anyone can fathom—or than Earth can afford.
Step into a universe of diverse characters, alien invasions, and high-stakes video gaming. Because when technology reigns, nothing is as true as it seems—and fantasy can become reality after all.
I think we have previously established that I ‘typically’ don’t read sci-fi-ish dystopian futuristic fantasy type novels. That being said, you do realize that this is my 3rd (yes 3!) book of this type this month, the second series I’ve started. I think we have also previously established that I’ve not read any of the wildly popular books of these genres published in this millennium. However. However, when I came across the second book in this series on NetGalley I felt a pull toward reading it. I was super surprised that this one was available there too so it was a twofer! Based on my limited knowledge of pop culture and the wisdom of some friends this book is a cross between ‘Hunger Games’ and ‘Ready Player One’ (which I found out yesterday is a book AND movie like ‘Hunger Games’). You have young adults/teens battling for bragging rights across the 30 Corps yet it’s not with conventional weapons or to the death but with a holographed game environments and coding coding coding to boost the real life player and also create distractions for the other players.
There were a couple of things I wanted to pick at with this book. As a young adult novel I love that there is a blessed lack of cursing and other colorful language. However, the language that was used was so conventional as to become almost trite (gad, heck, etc). This is obviously a couple of years in the future (I mean we’ve had 4 World Wars now) so I think the language could have been less conventional. I will caution that while there are mentions of sex and sexual situations and even sex trafficking they are subtle and in some cases mere illusions. They are there however so reader beware. I also felt like I, personally, would have benefited from more back story, more world building, and a basic understanding of gaming. Some of that falls solely on me and perhaps if I had a better understanding of the later with more exposure to sci-fi dystopian futuristic fantasy -ish novels I wouldn’t have felt the need for the first two things. There ya have it.
Here’s what I did love. A book for young adults without graphic language or gratuitous sex. A strong female lead character who doesn’t have to fall for some guy in order to save the day (though she didn’t save the day – yet – perhaps book 2?). An independent female lead character who doesn’t feel the need to stop and ask for permission to try to save the day (again perhaps book 2?). A well written story that shows the graces and pitfalls of family, the honor of friendship, and that not everything (or everyone) is what it portrays itself to be. Or appears to be. Guys, I don’t know how to say it all pretty and eloquent but I really loved this book. Yes, it’s not perfect. Yes, there’s a few holes and gaps and . . . Show me any book that doesn’t have room for something to fix. BUT. I still just really like this book. You should too 😀
About Mary Weber
Mary Weber is the multiple-award-winning author of the bestselling young adult Storm Siren Trilogy, and The Evaporation of Sofi Snow series (all by HarperCollins). An avid high school, middle school, and conference speaker, Mary’s passion is helping others find their voice amid a world that often feels too loud. When she’s not plotting adventures involving tough girls who frequently take over the world, Mary sings 80’s hairband songs to her three muggle children, and ogles her husband who looks strikingly like Wolverine. They live in California which is perfect for stalking L.A. bands and the ocean.
Mary’s debut, Storm Siren, was featured in the Scholastic Book Fair, and her novels have been endorsed by New York Times bestselling authors Marissa Meyer, Wendy Higgins, CJ Redwine, Shannon Messenger, and Jonathan Maberry.
You can also find Mary’s fun interview in the paperback of Marissa Meyer’s NYT bestselling, CRESS.
Gotta finish this one and a whole myriad of other books.