Title: Armada
Author: Ernest Cline
First published July 14, 2015
355 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780804137256 (ISBN10: 0804137250)
Rating: 3.54
Overview
Tommy has always been fascinated with the mysteries of the universe. He spends every spare moment reading sci-fi books and playing video games that take him on intergalactic adventures.
But when he starts to see strange things happening in the sky, he realizes that his dreams might not be as far-fetched as he once thought. Suddenly, Tommy finds himself face-to-face with an alien invasion straight out of his favorite video game.
With the fate of the planet at stake, Tommy must use his skills to save humanity. As he fights against the extraterrestrial threat, he can’t help but wonder if all those sci-fi stories he grew up with were preparing him for this moment.
Ernest Cline’s Armada is a thrilling sci-fi adventure that will transport you to a world of danger, excitement, and otherworldly mysteries.
About the Author
Ernest Cline is a multi-talented individual who wears many hats, including that of a novelist, screenwriter, father, and full-time geek. His debut novel, Ready Player One, achieved great success and was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.
It also appeared on several “best of the year” lists and is now being adapted into a film by Warner Bros. and director Steven Spielberg.
His second novel, ARMADA, also debuted at #4 on the NYT Bestseller list and is currently being made into a movie by Universal Pictures. Ernie resides in Austin, Texas, with his family, a time-traveling DeLorean, and a vast collection of classic video games.
Editoral Review
Ernest Cline’s second novel, Armada, is a love letter to sci-fi fans and those who grew up in the 80s. Like his previous novel, Ready Player One, Cline’s newest book is a fast-paced adventure with nods to popular culture, video games, and science fiction.
However, while Ready Player One was a thrilling ride, Armada ultimately falls short of its predecessor. The novel follows teenager Zack Lightman, a highly skilled gamer, who finds out that the video game he loves playing is actually training simulations for a secret government program.
The objective of the program, Zack soon discovers, is to prepare gamers for an imminent alien invasion. As the threat of an extraterrestrial attack becomes more real, Zack must use his gaming skills to save the world.
Cline excels at world-building and his ear for dialogue is impeccable, especially when it comes to capturing the voice of the teenage protagonist. However, where Armada falls short is in its predictability.
The story feels too familiar, borrowing heavily from classic sci-fi stories and video games. There are no real surprises or twists in the plot, leaving the reader without a true sense of suspense or mystery.
Additionally, the characters in Armada lack the depth and development that made the characters in Ready Player One so memorable. While Zack and his fellow gamers are likable, they ultimately feel like one-dimensional archetypes instead of complex individuals.
For those who are fans of Ready Player One, Armada may feel like a step backward. However, for readers who are looking for a light and entertaining read, with a healthy dose of nostalgia and pop culture references, Armada may be a perfect choice.
Overall, Ernest Cline’s Armada is a fun and fast-paced read, but it ultimately falls short of its potential. While the world-building and dialogue are strong, the predictable plot and underdeveloped characters make it feel like a missed opportunity.
However, for those who are looking for a quick escape into a familiar science-fiction world, Armada may be just the ticket. Score: 3 out of 5 stars.
