Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Flatiron Books for accepting my request for an ACR of this book!
2.75/5
“Four levels. Four bosses. Four stars. Four girls.”
Overall, the book did I really good job in really flushing out all the characters. The way that it also showed the group wasn’t the first generation was very interesting, but at the same time I felt it got crowded. There was just so many characters it was easy to care for some more than others. I partially didn’t enjoy the long chapters, because for me it made the story feel longer than it was. Overall, it was a very touching story, but I felt the pacing was slow.

This book is an emotional labyrinth of friendship, grief, and self-discovery, woven into an immersive gaming narrative that feels both nostalgic and haunting. The way it blends reality with the digital world is nothing short of mesmerizing, pulling you into a story where memories, secrets, and longing collide in the most breathtaking way. The friendships are messy, raw, and achingly real, making every moment between these characters feel like a punch to the heart. The writing is lyrical yet sharp, carrying the weight of unresolved emotions and the lingering ache of what was lost. I loved how the story explored the complexities of growing apart, the desperation of holding on, and the bittersweet realization that some answers might not bring peace. This book is an unforgettable journey, and I couldn’t put it down.