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 … 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.
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I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. I was not asked to give a favorable review, all thoughts are my own. This was a very interest YA book. It steps on a lot of things that makes you think. With computers and gaming so much apart of our lives now it makes you think what really could happen. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a book with a great story line to it.
Once in a while a good book comes along that falls into one of two categories. It might be like a fine wine you want to savor over time or it might be like a culinary delight that you have to finish in one setting before you leave the table. The Evaporation of Sofi Snow by Mary Weber is one of those rare books that is both. You will want to read it slowly and enjoy each moment but you also won’t be able put it down because it is such a fun read. It is a science fiction adventure with heart. It is a thriller wrapped in a mystery inside a puzzle. You will revel in the descriptions of the world Mary Weber has created. You will adore the characters that jump off the page, especially Sofi Snow. You will be drawn in by the action. You will seek answers to questions such as: Who are these aliens? What do they want? Who is really in charge? Who is Sofi Snow?
From my standpoint the most important question, the one that resonated with me the most is: What happened to Sofi Snow to rob her of much of the memories of her youth? As a survivor of childhood trauma, myself, I can attest that Mary Weber did a masterful job of creating the character of Sofi Snow. I could identify with so many of her thoughts, fears, weaknesses and even some of her strengths. It brought tears to my eyes and made reading this book an unforgettable experience.
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 😀
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.