L.S. Murphy's Pixelated promised an intriguing dive into a world where digital and reality intertwine, likely involving gaming, virtual spaces, and a compelling mystery or adventure. As a reader who enjoys speculative fiction with a focus on technology and unique concepts, I was drawn to its premise of a blurred line between the real and the virtual. The book certainly has a creative spark and some genuinely interesting ideas.

The strengths of Pixelated lie in its imaginative concept and the unique way it explores the implications of advanced virtual reality or digital existence. Murphy creates a setting that feels both familiar and futuristic, blending everyday life with immersive digital elements. The central mystery or conflict is initially quite compelling, drawing you into the protagonist's journey to understand their reality. There are moments of genuine cleverness and a sense of wonder in the descriptions of the digital world. The themes of identity, perception, and the nature of reality are present.

However, despite its promising premise and imaginative touches, I found that Pixelated didn't quite fully load. The pacing, while attempting to build suspense and wonder, often felt a little uneven, with some sections dragging or feeling overly descriptive, while others rushed through important developments. While the world-building is intriguing, it occasionally felt a bit underdeveloped in certain areas, leaving some questions unanswered or making it difficult to fully grasp the intricacies of this digital-infused society. The characters, while having interesting roles, didn't always feel fully fleshed out, making it a little challenging to emotionally invest in their personal stakes amidst the larger concept. Some of the plot twists, while intended to surprise, could be anticipated.

Overall, Pixelated is an imaginative speculative novel that offers a glimpse into a unique world where the digital and real collide. It's a solid choice for readers who appreciate creative concepts and a focus on technological themes. While it didn't completely captivate me from start to finish, it's a well-crafted story that shows promise for future explorations of its intriguing world.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the opportunity to read and review Pixelated by L.S. Murphy! Piper lives in Clarkton, Iowa and she just moved in with her mother and stepfather while her father takes a new job in Kansas. Piper had to leave all she's familiar with and start her senior year of high school as the new kid in this very small town. Her mother works for the local paper, Clarkton Gazette, and has Piper help as a photographer, since that is her talent and career choice. Piper becomes part of the yearbook staff, thanks to the teacher and despite the yearbook editor, Morgan, who is immediately threatened by Piper. Small town gossip and assumptions make her life miserable. Piper feels as though everyone close to her has been lying to her and she's devastated when she walks straight into her father's lie. Her life is spiraling downward and she feels like she has absolutely no control over anything. A realistic fiction story with all the relationship struggles of real life. 5 stars for this intense book full of angst and clever characters!