Published in 2011, Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline, is a futuristic sci-fi novel that depicts a society scarily similar to our own. The book has also inspired the upcoming movie of the same title, to be released on March 29.

The story is set about 30 years in the future and chronicles a society in which the only escape from reality is through the virtual universe provided to most everybody known as the OASIS. In the OASIS, anyone can be anything. Users can make their avatars into humans, elves, or aliens. They can do and say whatever they want, go to any of the thousands of planets that comprise the virtual reality system, and meet the avatar counterparts of people they would never have met in their dreary existence in the real world.

The novel begins with a bout of world building which sets the stage for the rest of the story. For much of the first few chapters, the protagonist, Wade Watts, explains to the reader much of the history of the words — namely that global warming has wreaked havoc on the environment, quality of life of the average American has decreased significantly, and the only escape from reality was through the virtual reality universe devised in the OASIS. Although the novel picks up several years after the catalyst of the story (the death of OASIS creator James Halliday and the announcement that his wealth and total control of the OASIS would belong to whoever could find an impossibly hidden Easter egg), the plot was unhindered. In fact, the choice to take the time to properly introduce the characters and situation without urgency added to the story itself, making the rush to find the eggs after the discovery of the first clue all the more exciting.

Despite spanning several pages, the backstory never was boring or monotonous. Instead, Cline’s way of writing kept it interesting, as if it too was a part of the actual storyline and not a history lesson. The world building itself was also done well. Although he created several decades worth of history, Cline kept it incredibly realistic to the point that it seemed as though the novel was a window to the future. He even went as far as to tie it all together through the extensive use of ‘80s references built into the storyline.

Cline’s characters also continued to expand his incredibly believable universe. Wade and his OASIS friends, Aech and Atr3mis, are very down to earth characters who are extremely relatable despite living in such different conditions from our own. The three of them, brought together in the hunt for Halliday’s egg, forge an incredible relationship throughout their time as competitors in the hunt, as allies and as friends. While the three of them live in a world where their very existence as top competitors in the hunt are likely to get them killed, they learn to trust each other and form an unbreakable bond in the midst of adversity.

Cline also included the perfect antagonist for the situation — an entire corporation of players not above killing to win the prize. They also pose as an example of people’s ability to bond together in opposition to something that is blatantly wrong, as all hunters would rather someone else win Halliday’s prize instead of the sixers, members of the corporation  that wants to find the egg in order to monopolize the OASIS.

Ready Player One is mainly set apart from other sci-fi novels by the sheer believability of the plot. Virtual reality technology is already becoming more and more prevalent, so the idea of suits and gloves that allow the users to fully interact with an invisible environment seems highly plausible. It also carried on some of our favorite things of the past in the variety of ‘80s references to music, movies, and video games which serves to make the plot even more believable. Cline also nailed the way the society interacted as well. Since the earth had been ravaged by global warming, it left people without money and food, living in ‘stacks’ of trailers and mobile homes that travel high above the skyline. Due to the poverty and easy access to a virtual escape, the people in society are extremely disconnected from one another, something that modern-day parents fear from their teen’s use of cell phones and video games. OASIS users are also prone to making friends with complete strangers who they meet in chatrooms, and, as it is in real life, people aren’t always who they say they are online. The entire novel, while it can be taken as a fun read full of ‘80s references and a fast moving, clever plot, can also be interpreted as a warning of what society could become in the future if we lose our sense of human connection.

Overall, Ready Player One was a very enjoyable read that offered an adventurous twist on what was a clever and intellectually stimulating book. Its film adaptation will hit theaters on March 29. I have high hopes for the film, as the trailer depicts a seemingly action-packed adventure. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film stars both emerging actors such as Tye Sheridan and Olivia Cooke, as well as more household names like Simon Pegg and Ben Mendelsohn. While it doesn’t appear to be exactly like the book, the trailer certainly projects what appears to be an engaging film full of spectacular graphics and futuristic technology. The film seems to do Cline’s universe justice and should be an entertaining watch.