Eve 2.0

Author: Winter Lawrence

Publisher: Melange Books Fire & Ice YA

Release Date: August 14, 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A virtual reality game becomes more than players bargained for when they are put into a coma and wake up inside the game. Video gamers and even those that don’t play will have a hard time turning this one off until the last page, nonstop thrills and action that flies off the page makes Eve 2.0 a must read.

Gwen has spent the last few years isolating herself from those around her and immersing herself in the world of video games. She is one of the best around and her boyfriend, Pete, whom she met playing games but has never actually met in person, can’t wait to try his dad’s newest game. This game has been under lock and key, but somehow Pete sneaks a copy for both of them to try. As soon as they put on the gear they find themselves stuck in a top-secret government simulator called Eve 2.0 with no way out until they complete the objectives put before them. With each minute they are stuck in the game, the A.I. learns from them making it harder and harder for them to defeat the game. In the game with them are Gwen’s ex-boyfriend Ryan and his little brother. Not only does Gwen have to face her ex and the feelings still lurking beneath the surface but also try to get them all out of the game alive.

I was hesitant to read this book at first, I am not big into video games and wasn’t sure if it was going to interest me. I am happy to say that even though I am not into video games I thoroughly enjoyed Eve 2.0. Gwen, Ryan and Pete had a perfect dynamic with each other and the way they had to interact in the game and work together to survive made me ache for them to come out the other side. The world in which they find themselves is described so perfectly I had no trouble picturing them in each game they turned up in. With the knowledge that Pete and Gwen have from their extensive play-time with these games they are able to believably make their way through each obstacle they encounter. I loved the dynamic between Gwen, Ryan and Pete, it was so natural they way they played off of each other and the tension, as well as the humor, was all perfectly placed to keep me engaged and entertained. I am thrilled that this is the first in a series and can’t wait to see how the story unfolds next. I recommend this to readers that enjoy gaming books but that is not a necessary requirement to enjoy the story, gamers and non-gamers will enjoy this thrill ride.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.