Labyrinth

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2018

Review

Labyrinth is part of a loosely connected series of technology themed stories, titled the Level Up series. In Labyrinth, two teens have signed up to be testers for a brand new computer game. They are referred to only by their screennames and must make it through the increasingly difficult maze of obstacles before time runs out or they forfeit their lives. There is no explanation given for why the choice is "succeed or die", so it exists as little more than an obvious mechanic for tension. Even the book's protagonist has a flimsy excuse for signing up for the game (she feels she's too safe and predictable in her real life). The story is filled with romantic cliches and predictable tropes, ending in an expected and unsatisfying happy ending. The characterization is barely present. Not recommended, even as a hook for reluctant tech obsessed readers.

Overall Book Score: poor