Ernest Cline's Ready Player Two has received mixed reviews. The sequel is praised for its nostalgic references and engaging virtual world, but some critics feel it relies too heavily on these elements at the expense of a fresh storyline. Character development and pacing are also noted concerns. While fans of the first book may find enjoyment, it may not satisfy all readers.

Fans of Ready Player One and other dystopian sci-fi narratives like The Hunger Games and Snow Crash will enjoy Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline. This novel appeals to readers who love video game culture, '80s pop culture references, and high-stakes virtual reality adventures. Ideal for those who appreciate a blend of nostalgia and futuristic tech.

In Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline, protagonist Wade Watts discovers the OASIS Neural Interface (ONI), allowing users to fully immerse themselves in the virtual reality world of the OASIS. A new Easter egg hunt, "The Seven Shards of the Siren’s Soul," is announced, leading Wade to race against time to collect them while facing challenges from a digital replica of James Halliday named Anorak. Graphic descriptions of gun violence, terminal illness, and personal trauma are depicted.

Nostalgic / Adventurous / Fantastical / Exciting / Informative

- Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline was one of the most pre-ordered books of 2020, leading to excitement among fans of the original novel even before its release.
- The book continues the exploration of virtual reality and pop culture, which are central themes in Cline’s work, and this time pays homage to a variety of 1980s and 1990s references.
- Ernest Cline hosted a virtual book tour for Ready Player Two upon its release, adapting to the digital format as a nod to the virtual themes present in his storytelling.

**Wade Watts**  
Protagonist and 21-year-old CEO of GSS, the company behind the virtual reality world called the OASIS, who navigates the complexities of leadership and personal growth amidst the challenges he faces.

**Samantha Cook/Art3mis**  
One of the original gunters and Wade's romantic partner, who is deeply involved in debates about the ethical implications of new technologies and prefers real-world experiences over virtual ones.

**Aech**  
A co-owner of GSS and one of the original gunters, known for her role as a supportive friend and for presenting her true self in the OASIS after initially adopting a different persona.

**Shoto**  
The youngest of the gunters, a Japanese teenager with a deep knowledge of pop culture, particularly early Japanese video games, who plays a key role in solving important quests.

**L0hengrin**  
A popular YouTuber and trans woman living in Dallas, she is an influential voice in the OASIS community and serves as an ally to Wade in his adventures.

**Kira Underwood Morrow**  
The deceased wife of Og Morrow, remembered as a skilled game developer whose digital likeness in the OASIS provides context and important insights throughout the story.

**Anorak/James Halliday**  
An artificial non-player character based on the consciousness of the OASIS cofounder, who serves as the antagonist and presents challenges that Wade must overcome.

**Ogden “Og” Morrow**  
The cofounder of GSS and Kira's widower, who remains skeptical of certain technological advancements and wrestles with their implications from a personal and ethical standpoint.

Ernest Cline

Adult

Novel

Ready Player One

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Ready Player Two reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Ready Player Two | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Ready Player Two and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Ready Player Two

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Ready Player Two?

Reading Age

Book Details