Ernest
Cline second book didn’t disappoint me. Could anything live up to the crazy
hype which has been generated by his epic first novel Ready Player One? I really
don’t think so. Is Armada as good as Ready Player One? No, not quite, but it’s
a different type of book and was still immensely enjoyable. The hero is likeable,
his sidekicks are interesting, and the story is fast paced and exciting. You
can’t ask for much more out of a novel. Armada takes the best aspects of 80’s
science fiction movies and brings them together. While reading the book, I felt
like I was reading an adaption of a classic 80s movie. If you ever have enjoyed
80’s science fiction action adventure, then you should enjoy Armada.
Armada
follows the journey of Zach Lightman, who has always dreamed of being whisked
away on a grand adventure. He was instantly relatable to me. I spent countless
hours in my youth daydreaming about being taken away and caught up in a
galactic struggle. Like in The Last Starfighter or Star Wars. Granted it wasn’t
in my high school years, but many of my elementary years where filled with this
dream. Lucky for Zach, or so we think at the time, he gets to go on the
adventure. Zach sees a starship from his favorite video game outside of his
school. At first he thinks he is going crazy, but soon learns the Earth will be
under attack. The video games he has
been playing for years are training simulators for everyone on the globe. Zach
is quickly transported to a secret global defense base where he learns about
the aliens and what is at stake.
Armada
is standard classic science fiction adventure. I loved reading the book, and
all of Cline’s pop references to the 80s and current day. Nerds get to save the
earth! What more can you ask for? Well I’m glad you askedJ. Armada does have a couple of issues.
While I loved the quick pace of the book, it didn’t leave much for character
development. Zach has good growth and development, but we don’t get to see him
develop any meaningful relationships with anyone else in the book. I also found it a tad predictable, but that’s
because it follows classic science fiction adventure tropes. I won’t say cliché,
because the book has original thought. I just would have liked one more
surprise or twist thrown in at some point, for no other reason because I’m
greedy.
I
think many could complain about the standard storyline, but if the hero is
likeable and the adventure feels fresh you don’t have to re-invent the wheel. What makes Armada so much fun are the culture
references. I even had to look up a few, just because I’m not as immersed in
some of the gamer culture as I am in the movie and book genres. They fit
perfectly into the book, because they are a part of our hero, and part of us as
a culture. I won’t spoil a main plot point, but the theories put forth by Zach’s
Father, while crazy, are great to lose yourself in. While the book is great fun, it does speak on
a deeper level about us as a culture.
Ready
Player One, I thought had a great message about not living your life completely
through technology. Armada is another coming of age story, but its message
dealt more with the unity of the human race, and what it would take to unite
everyone for a common cause. I don’t
think the main theme is as prevalent as Ready Player One, but it still has a
good message. Maybe the theme will be continued
in another Armada novel.
Armada seems to be setup for a sequel. At
least I hope so. There seems to be more
story for Zach Lightman and his friends. Ready Player One could have a sequel,
but I feel it is a great standalone novel that doesn’t really need one. Armada
seems ripe for a trilogy. I am hopeful, because I want to see Zach and his
friends get fleshed out as characters.
Writing
such a great novel your first time out is a spectacular thing. I can only
imagine how much pressure Mr. Cline felt in trying to write a second novel. He did
a great job, and I loved reading his second offering. If you like Science
Fiction and are a fan of 80’s cinema read this novel!!
My
Rating: Must Read for 80’s or pop culture junkies
My
Top five Favorite 80’s Science Fiction Adventure Movies:
1.
Star
Wars (Duh)
2.
The
Last Starfighter
3.
Explorers
4.
Flight
of the Navigator
5.
Flash
Gordon
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