Reviewing Armada by Ernest Cline

Being a Librarian is awesome. It really, really is. One of the many reasons I love my chosen profession is Advanced Review Copies. I’ve been not-so patiently awaiting the arrival of the new Ernest Cline book, Armada, for months now and I was ecstatic when it arrived last week. Ready Player One blew my mind when I read it a few years ago so Armada had big shoes to fill. Well, I read it in one sitting this past weekend and I’m elated to report that it did not disappoint. Armada is by far the most entertaining, thrilling, and provocative book I’ve read in ages.

Zack Lightman is counting down the days until his high school graduation, biding his time immersed in his favorite video game, Armada, and working his part-time job at a video game store. He constantly dreams of adventure or something exciting to happen in his meager suburban existence. All that changes one fateful day when he he sees a spaceship outside of the window of his math class. But it’s not just any spaceship, it’s an exact replica of the alien ships he sees every day in Armada. Soon Zack is called to put his impressive gamer skills to use and defend the planet from impending invasion. Thus begins an electrifying sci-fi tour de force that has shocking surprises around every turn.

Filled with Cline’s signature pop-culture references, this book is a must-read for anyone who has ever proudly labeled themselves a Nerd, Geek, or Gamer. Cline’s fast-paced and engrossing writing will appeal to anyone who loves an adventure. Armada also has immense YA/Adult crossover appeal. This is a perfect summer reading book for high school-aged boys (everyone’s favorite reluctant readers!) and I see an endless opportunity for library programming tie-ins. With the movie version of Ready Player One coming soon, there will be a huge amount of author interest and I don’t think anyone will disagree with my prediction that this will be an immediate bestseller. Wil Wheaton will be teaming up with Cline again to narrate the Audiobook so be sure to check that out as well!

Ernest Cline, I salute you. And I can’t thank you enough for this phenomenal book.

This title will be available to borrow from your library on July 14th but you can place a hold right now!

Rachel Kray is a Collection Development Analyst at OverDrive and is anxiously waiting for the Earth Defense Alliance to recruit her…