Glitch Kingdom: A Playful Adventure with Depth
When I first laid eyes on Glitch Kingdom by Ben Ericson, the cover didn’t pull me in; in fact, it almost deterred me. Yet, the intriguing premise—a world where reality and fantasy merge—echoed themes from one of my favorite YA novels, Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde. Something in me couldn’t resist diving in, and I’m glad I did. Despite a few bumps along the way, this book swept me into its imaginative realm and left me pondering long after I turned the final page.
At the heart of Glitch Kingdom lies a beautifully crafted world filled with acceptance and adventure. The story intertwines elements of gaming and real-life challenges through its diverse cast. I was thrilled to see same-sex marriage normalized and strong female representations across various power dynamics. Notably, one of the main characters is plus-sized, and another uses a wheelchair—elements that I found both refreshing and essential. While I may not be an authority on representation, it felt like the author approached these topics with love and respect. The characters were complex and flawed, their struggles rendered authentically.
However, as my reading progressed, I encountered some drawbacks. A few typos were distracting, but more troubling was how often the plus-sized character was linked to food. While I appreciated her being celebrated for her physicality, the frequent associations with consumption felt outdated and somewhat regressive. It’s a missed opportunity for deeper character exploration; her flaws and strengths were already distinctive enough to shine without these associations.
The tonal juxtaposition between the game world’s stakes and the “real” world diminished the gravity of loss portrayed. In the game, players faced dire consequences, yet the ramifications in reality felt almost whimsical. Once I accepted this narrative choice, I was still deeply invested in the sweet arcs of the characters, allowing their growth and relationships to be the heart of my engagement with the story. This makes the experience feel more like a joyous romp through a fantastical realm reminiscent of Jumanji rather than the tension-heavy landscape of Ready Player One.
Ericson’s writing style was light and engaging, infusing humor and warmth into the narrative. His pacing kept me turning pages, with short bursts of action breaking up moments of introspection, creating a rhythm that felt both fun and reflective. Memorable quotes danced through my mind; they resonated with universal feelings of growth and acceptance, reminding me of our own journeys toward self-love.
In conclusion, I found Glitch Kingdom to be a delightful escapade, perfect for readers who appreciate a blend of gaming and young romance. Its imaginative depth and representation invite thoughtful conversations, making it a compelling read for those seeking an engaging adventure. Though the book is not without its flaws, it delivers enough charm and insight to merit a space on your shelf. If the premise intrigues you, I strongly encourage you to dive in. You might just find a world worth visiting again and again.