Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. Century, £11.99.

YEARS of abuse to the economy and climate has left the world a bleak, impoverished and famine-struck place.

In 2044, existence has now become virtual and everyone lives and works through OASIS – a utopian concept developed by computer programmers – where you can be whoever you want to be.

One day, OASIS co-founder James Halliday dies with no heir to inherit his empire.

He sets a gaming challenge offering the lucky winner control of OASIS and his fortune if they can find his ‘hidden egg’.

One gamer, orphaned teenager Wade Watts, realises this is his chance to make something of his life. But is Wade prepared to fight for survival in both the real and virtual worlds?

Ernest Cline’s engaging debut takes you on a nostalgic trip, packed with 1980s popular culture references intertwined with potential harsh realities of the future.

Totally awesome!

Julie Cheng