Wildcard by Marie Lu (Warcross book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Warcross, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher of the first book.

“Emika Chen barely made it out of the Warcross Championships alive. Now that she knows the truth behind Hideo's new NeuroLink algorithm, she can no longer trust the one person she's always looked up to, who she once thought was on her side.

Determined to put a stop to Hideo's grim plans, Emika and the Phoenix Riders band together, only to find a new threat lurking on the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. Someone's put a bounty on Emika's head, and her sole chance for survival lies with Zero and the Blackcoats, his ruthless crew. But Emika soon learns that Zero isn't all that he seems--and his protection comes at a price.

Caught in a web of betrayal, with the future of free will at risk, just how far will Emika go to take down the man she loves?” - taken from Goodreads.com

I don't think I have a read a Marie Lu book that I didn't love or the ending didn't to my soul apart. Wildcard was no exception. Once again shocked by how the storyline flowed, the very last page was extremely satisfying. My only question is trying to figure out who exactly Asher is. Don't name drop and leave me hanging. 

Visit Marie Lu’s website.

Warcross by Marie Lu (Warcross book 1)

Player Hunter Hacker Pawn

“For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. Needing to make some quick cash, Emika takes a risk and hacks into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships—only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation.

Convinced she’s going to be arrested, Emika is shocked when instead she gets a call from the game’s creator, the elusive young billionaire Hideo Tanaka, with an irresistible offer. He needs a spy on the inside of this year’s tournament in order to uncover a security problem . . . and he wants Emika for the job. With no time to lose, Emika’s whisked off to Tokyo and thrust into a world of fame and fortune that she’s only dreamed of. But soon her investigation uncovers a sinister plot, with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I loved Lu’s Legend trilogy and Warcross is just as impressive. The worldbuilding that she creates is literally out of this world. Emika Chen is just as strong as June Iparis with a devastating background like Daniel “Day” Wing. Hideo Tanaka is the “boy” genius who created the worldwide obsession that is Warcross and made him rich and famous beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. He does harbor a dark secret but sparks fly between him and Emika early on.

This book is fast paced and unputdownable. A duology, eager fans will be clamoring for the second book after that heartbreaking, jaw-dropping ending. Book two is expected to be out in 2018.

Visit Marie Lu’s website.