Started in the morning, finished in the evening. We didn't need this sequel, which was just okay. It felt like the target audience was Hollywood, not me.

The first third of the story covered years, the last two thirds covered hours. Cline dials down the pop culture references from his previous two books, and yet here they often feel forced. At least they range wider than the first book. But enough about that - to the story!

I "fit the profile" for the first book, computer geek heavily involved in RPGs in the early 80s. One thing I really liked about that story were the clues - I could try to solve the mysteries before the characters did. This book has none of that. Wade takes no part in solving the first mystery, so we the reader are also locked out. After that, the ticking clock reduces the other mysteries to narrative. Conveniently, a character with fore-knowledge of that universe or mystery is available to lead us through the solution. Another reviewer likened it to playing a game by reading the walkthrough - less satisfying. The least fun (and quickest) was Tolkien's Arda.

I'm fine with the bad guy, and exploring the creepier side of Halliday. Wade idolized the guy, so knocking him down a peg makes sense. The climactic battle seemed too quick, but worked for me.

I didn't like Wade much in the first book, and I like him less here. Many who liked the first book speculated that a sequel would have a different perspective - Sam or Aech primarily. This story could have worked with that.

Stepping back, we know that Cline wrote the majority of this after working on the screenplay for the RP1 movie. I wonder how much of this was written for Hollywood instead of the readers. The characters decide to embrace their real appearance, replacing their avatars? Loving adoration of Prince, and Pretty in Pink? Halliday's quests were a challenge, these feel scattered.

Overall rating - 2 stars. A friend said "If you liked the first book, you'll find something to like here" and I did - but barely enough to cover the investment of time. Back to the library you go!