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Eve 2.0: The Ultimate Gaming Experience

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Welcome to the D.O.D.A.I.S . . .

Just when Gwen thought she could beat any video game hands down, her boyfriend goes and gets her stuck in a top-secret government simulator named Eve 2.0. Being trapped within a couple of her favorite video games doesn't seem so bad at first, but as time becomes a factor and the A.I. program begins to get smarter, Gwen soon realizes that winning or losing isn't just about pride anymore; it’s about making it out alive.

Source: NetGalley

338 pages, Paperback

First published August 14, 2019

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About the author

Winter Lawrence

12 books42 followers
Winter lives in the moment and loves nothing more than being surrounded by her family, her fur-babies, and a ton of great reads! When she doesn't have her nose stuck in a book, she's usually thinking up far away, fantastical worlds or she's cooking up a storm in the kitchen!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica.
568 reviews775 followers
November 14, 2019
I received this book for free from TLC Book Tours as part of a review tour.

I give this book 3.5 stars which rounds up to 4.

This was such a fun book! The premise is so cool and makes for an exciting read. The characters get launched into a wide range of video games and it was interesting to see how they adapted to each one.

One of the things I loved about this book was that each chapter of the book had a corresponding song to listen to, so you end up with a whole playlist of songs. I have to say that the selection of music was so good! Some of the songs were “Under Pressure” by Queen, “Livin’ On a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, and “In the End” by Linkin Park.

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I also liked the interlude chapters which gave the point of view of Gwen’s father. Those chapters added a little bit of mystery and intrigue to the story.

Since this is the start to a series not everything was 100% resolved which makes me interested in the sequel.

One thing I didn’t like however, was that the book felt a little long and slightly repetitive. There was a lot of bickering between the characters which happened every time the characters got thrown into a new game. With a little more editing the book could have been more concise.

Overall, if you’re a gamer then you’re sure to like this one!
Profile Image for Mackenzie - PhDiva Books.
415 reviews14.4k followers
November 10, 2019
For a gamer-girl, being trapped in her favorite video games for a while sounds like a dream come true. But when it seems like the program may be linked to illness in her boyfriend and another person, the stakes are no longer about winning, they are about making it out of the game alive…

Filled with adventure and towing that edge between young adult and new adult, this book was a surprising delight for me and one I wouldn’t normally pick up, but I’m glad I did!

Gwen Nielsen doesn’t consider herself the most extraverted person. The daughter of a former beauty queen, she’d take her Xbox any day over make up and a pair of high heels. Gwen’s boyfriend Pete is a fellow gamer who she met online. Pete’s father owns a video game company, and though Gwen and Pete don’t get to hang out in real life, they are able to beta test new games before their release.

When a new game that Pete sends to Gwen to test never arrives, Gwen tries to get ahold of Pete to let him know. Only then does she find out that Pete is in the hospital with a mysterious illness. Within hours, an ambulance arrives at the house next to Gwen where her ex-boyfriend Ryan’s younger brother has slipped into an unexplained coma. When Gwen sees the video game that Pete sent her, she begins to suspect that the game is somehow involved.

As Ryan and Gwen look into the game, they discover that it isn’t a game at all. It’s a high-tech government simulator called Eve 2.0, and it is programmed to lock players into the game until they either win or risk their lives. As Gwen begins to play the game, she realizes that with so much on the line, there’s even more pressure to win the increasingly harder levels to the game. And if she isn’t able to beat it, Pete and Ben might not be the only ones to risk their lives—hers may be at risk as well.

I’m not really a gamer, but I love the way that community can bond so easily over a shared passion. It actually reminds me a lot of the book community! Readers just tend to click well with other readers. Eve 2.0 isn’t a book that I would normally pick up, but I’m really glad that I took a chance. I found it really fun and fast-paced. Lots of action and interesting premise. While this idea isn’t exactly new, the way it was executed is fresh and fun. I think lots of readers, whether YA or adult, will find this book gripping!

I liked the bits of mystery and relationship drama of that love triangle. I also found there to be some really funny moments that were a pleasant surprise. Altogether, this is a fun edge-of-your-seat type of read that you will fly through in a day or so. You’ll want to know what happens to get these kids back out of the game!

Thank you to TLC Book Tours for my copy. Opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Marion Jones.
365 reviews6 followers
December 13, 2019
Eve 2.0: The Ultimate Gaming Experience is not just for gamers. It has action, adventure and mystery. Gwen, her long-distance boyfriend, Pete and her ex-boyfriend Ryan end up stuck in a game along with Ryan’s younger brother Ben. However, this is not just your run-of-the-mill VR game. This game was invented by Pete’s dad as so much more than that. Unfortunately, Pete is not aware of the consequences of ‘borrowing’ this game for him and his girlfriend to play. Now, they are stuck in the game and must complete the objectives before they can get out. In the meantime, in the ‘real world’, being inside the game has had an interesting effect on their bodies. Fortunately, the characters learn to work together to accomplish their objectives, and there is a happy ending involved. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
Profile Image for Katherine Paschal.
2,133 reviews57 followers
October 12, 2019
*For more reviews visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/

Teddy and her long distance boyfriend Pete are occasionally beta testers for Pete's dad's video game company, so when Pete tells Teddy that he sent her a new game she thinks nothing of it. But when her young neighbor falls terribly ill and then Pete does as well, Teddy feels like there might be a correlation- and the correlation is the new game, which her neighbor was delivered by mistake. Teddy realizes that she may have to play the game to understand what happened to the two boys...and hope that she can get out...

I had been wanting to read Eve 2.0 for a while now, since I spotted it months ago in my Goodreads feed but for some reason I just did not get around to it. Well, I am so sad that I did not read this sooner though since it was fantastic! I am a sucker for books about video games, either being stuck in them, creating them, loving them- all it I just enjoy. So the premise of a gamer girl who gets stuck in a virtual reality system that keeps putting her into so many random, pretty stressful games sounded just about perfect. This was like a mash-up of Tron meets Ready Player One meets the teen drama of Sixteen Candles, in the best of ways and I blew through the book in a single day because I could not put it down. As a side note, I am glad that I read this around Halloween since there was some incredibly spooky scenes (a la Silent Hill level of creepy for those who know games) that had me on the edge of my seat. Ok, let's be honest, most of the book had me on the edge of my seat since survival was not guaranteed. Be it the wacky kids games that felt like a mix of Shrek meets some sort of questing game, to the stressful realistic first person shooter, to the puzzle solving creepy RPG, I was there for it all and super stressed out for the characters. Each world was so cool and well thought out, with med packs and weapons and a goal all it's own. On top of the video gaming aspect, the plot was incredibly twisty so I could not predict where the characters were going to be sent next.



I loved watching Teddy evolve as a character through the story. We don't really know her until she is thrust into the game world and her true personality and emotions came out, usually under duress. I liked watching the relationship dynamics between Teddy, her boyfriend Pete who she never actually planned to meet in real life, Ben her cute young neighbor that she loved like a brother, and Ryan the nosy, annoying older brother to Ben who just might be Teddy's arch nemesis. Teddy hates Ryan when the book begins but the reader is not really certain of why- and as the saying goes, there is a fine line between love and hate, just saying.

As per Goodreads, the book is listed as the first in a series but based on the ending I feel like everything was wrapped up nicely and there were no loose ends. But, that being said, I am so there for another book in the series if there will be one! Eve 2.0 was just what I wanted it to be, full of adventure and virtual worlds, with interesting character development as well as a romance that I knew was coming but I still enjoying watching unfold. I would not change a single thing about this story and I recommend it to anyone who loves action, alternate realities, video games, and romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this title.
Profile Image for Becca.
631 reviews55 followers
October 22, 2019


I reviewed Eve 2.0 as a part of TLC Book Tours!

Even though I have some mixed feelings about Winter Lawrence’s Eve 2.0, I must admit that I’m pleasantly surprised with this read. Automatically, I was drawn into the premise: characters being trapped inside a video game. Like — yes, please. Can that be the plot to every single story? Not only do they get trapped into one video game, they also get trapped into a few others — ranging from a child-friendly RPG (role-playing game, for you non-gaming folk) to a FPS (first person shooter). & here’s the kicker, kids — Lawrence even includes a game called Desolation Peak, which is a survival horror game that sounds very similar to my all-time favorite, Silent Hill. Hashtag BLESS.

This adventurous YA novel is a definite page-tuner. I had 0 problems making it through this book in the span of two days. In fact, I found myself needing to know how these kids were going to get out of this situation. I was also curious to how this was going to set-up future books, as it is a series (The Gamer Series). After reading Eve 2.0, I feel like it stands pretty well by itself. I personally feel like I’ve seen enough of this world, but am still curious as to what more Lawrence can add to this created universe.

In general, the main plot & book is pretty solid. But there are, unfortunately, a couple of issues that I had during my read. One, being the dialogue. An early chapter has our main character, Gwen, saying holy moly — listen, I say ‘holy moly’ at times, but it just felt awkward in Eve 2.0. & that’s not the only case of awkward ‘teen’ dialogue. Characters use words like ‘jeeze louise’ & ‘buttmunch'; without using it as a joke — do people, especially teens, still talk like that?

As much as I enjoyed the ship between Gwen & Ryan, I feel like it’s kind of shoved down the reader’s throat. Throughout so many dangerous circumstances in Eve 2.0, they find themselves having conversations about their past, forgiveness, etc. If you’re really into the romance aspect, this might 100% be okay with you! It just wasn’t my thing.

Even though I have my complaints, these minor nitpicks are so easy to ignore once you’re wrapped into the story of Eve 2.0. Taking a step back and looking at the entire picture, I am very glad I read this video game infused novel!
Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books178 followers
October 24, 2019
Not only gaming fans, but action lovers, who enjoy a dash of science fiction, are sure to sink into every page of this fast-paced read.

Gwen, aka Teddy, isn't really a people person. And she definitely wants nothing more to do with her ex-boyfriend and neighbor. When her gaming friend, and maybe boyfriend, sends her the newest development from his father's gaming lab and it's delivered to the wrong address, horrible things start to happen. Her ex's younger brother suddenly lands in comma with no hint as to what's wrong with him. But Gwen soon suspects it has something to do with the new game. Before she knows it, she's transported into the virtual world and must find a way to defeat whatever is thrown at her. She must not only save her life, but those of the two guy's and the poor younger brother as well.

I really enjoyed reading this one and couldn't put it down until I reached the last page. It is definitely an edge-of-the-seat kind of read. Gwen is a girl with heart, who really wants to do anything she can to save— especially— her ex's younger brother. She's determined, takes risks, but doesn't always know what to do. And this is what makes her so likable. She's willing to give up the reigns and realizes she doesn't know everything. Her willingness to work with others and admit she's wrong make her easy to cheer for. But that doesn't mean she should be underestimated either. Gwen packs her own skills.

The story itself feels a little familiar—players accidentally being sucked into the virtual world and forced to play a 'real' game. But the author offers enough unique backstory and a little secret intrigue to give it a different twist. Add a difficult romantic triangle...which isn't as much of a triangle as it first appears...and the tale has several twists and layers to add just enough depth. The main characters are pretty easy to care about. And a super cute dog, who might hold his own surprises, adds a nice touch toward the end. In other words, this is a book to lean back with and simply enjoy the ride.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed reading this even more than I thought I would. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Carolina Colleene.
1,352 reviews40 followers
November 1, 2019
Language: R (64 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
The only two things that Gwen’s boyfriend and her neighbor’s little brother have in common are being in a coma for no apparent reason and playing with a new video game simulation immediately prior to falling into their comas. As Gwen explores this potential cause, she finds herself trapped in a video game with the others. They’re promised by the AI Eve that returning to their bodies is as simple as accomplishing an objective -- but that was before Eve adapted the code programmed into her.
I had fun reading this story, though the obvious strategies the author uses to get the main characters to work out their issues could be eye roll-inducing. When Lawrence’s predictable scenes made arguments and reconciling too easy, I had to force myself to continue before getting lost in the story again. The squabbles between the main characters kept the story lively, but my favorite parts were the scenes that shifted to the perspective of Gwen’s father. All in all, this scifi is enjoyable as long as you don’t take it too seriously. Mature content rating for underage drinking and mentions of sexual acts.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for Michelle.
246 reviews48 followers
October 21, 2019
I wanted to read this book because hey, kids getting stuck in a video game? Sign me up! I really wished I could've liked this, but I just had too many issues with it. I didn't like a single character, so I also didn't care for any one of them. I kept reading just because I wanted to know how the game/program was working, but the characters got in the way. While the kids are stuck in the game, we also get glimpses of their parents and the super-secret government agency in control of the game; I could've done just fine without all that since it was mostly unnecessary to the story. The story dragged on forever I may or may not have skipped some of it. . .

I will say, though, that it made me want to play a lot of my own games and appreciate them!
Profile Image for MoonGarden.
382 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2019
An exciting ride!

Wow, this book was interesting. It reminds me a lot of a book I read years ago called Heir Apparent. Since I love that book so much, I was intrested in reading this one in the first place. It did not disappoint. Such an interesting story such interesting characters and adventures. I really enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for John Purvis.
1,128 reviews18 followers
October 9, 2020
Author Winter Lawrence (https://www.winterlawrence.com/) published the novel “Eve 2.0: The Ultimate Gaming Experience” in 2019. Ms. Lawrence has published two novels. This is the first in her "The Gamer" series.

I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘PG’ because it contains some scenes of Violence. The story is a combination of science fiction, romance, and action.

The primary character is High School student Guinevere "Gwen" or "Teddy" Nielson. Gwen is an avid gamer. Something she has in common with her boyfriend Pete Sampson. She isn't quite sure if he is really her boyfriend as they live hundreds of miles apart. They also have never met face-to-face.

Next door to Gwen lives Ryan, her ex-boyfriend, along with his eight-year-old brother Ben. Gwen tries to avoid Ryan, but she likes the rest of the family. Things become very tangled when all four of the kids end up inside a Virtual Reality game. The game company Pete's father owns developed it for the Department of Defense. Once inside, they go through many trials and tribulations as they attempt to survive. Meanwhile, their bodies have slipped into a deep coma.

I enjoyed the 8 hours I spent reading this 340-page young adult science fiction novel. The plot includes a little romance as well as factors that I don't want to give away as spoilers. While there is action, it is pretty light-hearted and veery much in line with a young adult novel. The Middle School or High School student who is also a gamer would find this book of interest. There is already a second novel to the series in development. I do like the selected cover art. I give this novel a 3.5 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
Profile Image for Jennifer Zamboni.
Author 6 books48 followers
August 20, 2020
LitRPG for the win!

Eve 2.0 was my first LitRPG and it sucked me right in.

Gwen, the main character is an avid gamer who lives next door to her ex-boyfriend, Ryan (who doesn’t game at all) & his little brother Ben (who loves games that are rated too mature for his age). She’s also in a long distance relationship with Pete,another gamer who also happens to be the son of a major game developer.

Enter the problem: Pete steals a top secret game and sends a copy to Gwen. All these teenagers get sucked in, a bit like the new Jumanji movies.

The juxtaposition between the real world and the game world was well done. As a barely beginner gamer myself, I found the story flowed smoothly.
We get the rules of the game world through Ryan, the complete beginner, so even if you’ve never gamed in your life, you won’t get lost.

Like in Jumanji, the characters pick up extra skills and objects they pick up are added to their inventory, rather than having to carry it. That’s where the similarities end. Eve 2.0 is far more sinister. The stakes are higher, not just in the game but in the real world as well. Instead of avatars, the teens remain themselves but with their character’s gear and skills. Eve often deems Ben too young for the game, but don’t worry, he doesn’t get out of it that easy.

With zombie nuns, a German Shepherd that isn’t what it seems, and love triangle, I bought book 2 around 75% of the way in. If you like sci-fi with your teen drama then Eve 2.0 is the name of your game.
Profile Image for Belle.
438 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2020
3.75 stars

From the first 'balls', I immediately thought the author was paying homage to one - Bobby Singer. Then upon reaching the 'Wayward Son' chapter, it was conclusive. I approve! I also think that having an interactive playlist like that is really fun and clever. I was personally looking up every song before I read the chapter. It was interesting to get a gauge, as to the mood and tone the author was trying to project.

I'll be honest, I picked this up thinking that the picture on the front was Eve, the AI. Turns out it's the book's protagonist. I liked the story, it was a bit different to other lit-rpgs I've read. So far as, not just playing the game but actually being sucked into the simulator and being trapped with the AI. I also really enjoyed the secret government element, but wish it had been delved into more and made to feel more realistic. I struggled with some of the father's parts.

I was also left wanting more from the simulator itself, I was really wanting the author to go all out and push the boundaries but it was all pretty tame. Other than that, it was a smidge repetitive. By 70% I'd more than had my share of 'rosy cheeks' and 'parlor tricks'.

Overall, this was a fun read. I would recommend it to younger YA readers and kids interested in gaming.
Profile Image for Hannah Annear.
10 reviews
January 12, 2020
Thank you NetGallery and the publisher for an opportunity to read this.

Eve 2.O is one of those books that grabs you instantly and draws you in. Essentially the concept is kids being trapped in video games and trying to work out how to get out by playing through the scenarios and winning the objectives. Catch Eve the AI in control of the game is self aware and reprograms herself.
The story unfolds from two points of views, the kids in the game and the parents simultaneously which adds an extra dimension to the character building and grounds you that this is the real world they are trapped inside the game.

Overall it was a fun fast and interesting read, the writing was good, the character building was good and the premise. Without spoiling anything in places it was a bit too predictable with situations/discussions being “forced” in order to get the story arc going again which was a struggle for me to read through.

Looking forward to seeing the next in the series!
Profile Image for Rizwan.
318 reviews36 followers
May 3, 2020
I started reading this book excited that it might be more like Ready Player One and nostalgic for the Johnny Quest cartoons I watched as a child but I cannot slog through this any longer.

There are many things wrong here all of which seem to conspire with one another to make this a difficult book to finish.
I think I should start off by saying this might have been a good script for a movie or a few episodes of a TV show because as a novel there are several issues

- Hard to identify with the narrator
- The actual relationships between the narrator and her boyfriend, and her ex seem shallow - in fact the only genuine believable concern I see is in the actions and reactions to the younger brother.
- It feels like a lot more telling, rather than showing by the actions and deeds of the characters
- The description of the in-game experience is quite bland
- The writing feels clunky and the humor does not land

I am thankful for the ARC from Netgalley, but this wasn't my cup of tea.
Profile Image for Rachel.
579 reviews20 followers
January 4, 2020
I really liked the concept of this book, characters trapped in video games, it was intriguing. The chapters are alternated between the parents and the kids POV’ which helps you get to know each character quite well. I think it reminded me of Total Recall where the characters are basically put into unconsciousness and then live in a simulated world. It was really good.
It was well written and fast-paced. I read it in a few days as it was so interesting.
Profile Image for The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V..
443 reviews10 followers
August 14, 2022
Wow. This one sucked me in and didn't disappoint in any way. Absolutely loved this story, especially the military twist on the "get stuck in a gaming world" trope. The relationship situations that developed throughout the story's development were awesome. Winter really engages with very difficult, emotional situations and wove an excellent characterisation through it all. The ending was also extremely satisfying. I thoroughly enjoyed Eve 2.0 and look forward to what Winter will provide next.
Profile Image for Bookaholic.
532 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2020
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this

As a Gamer girl I loved this book could not.put it down. Can't wait for the next one
Profile Image for KarenJo Custodio.
342 reviews15 followers
October 28, 2019
4.5 rounded to 5

An edge of your seat sci-fi thriller, Eve 2.0: The Ultimate Gaming Experience had my heart racing until the end. Winter Lawrence takes readers on a wild, twisty, and fun virtual adventure that will delight even those not familiar with the gaming world.

I honestly loved this book more than I thought I would. I’m not a gamer, but my brother is, so I’ve been exposed to the gaming world ever since I could remember and have played a little before. Reading this book brought back some of my fondest childhood memories when I would watch my brother play Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Final Fantasy, and some other ones I can’t remember. Yes… I was one of those kids who loves being scared and I still do. I love the supernatural, sci-fi and scary movies, and haunted mazes. So, I was definitely excited to read this book, enjoyed the gaming and sci-fi parts of this story, and loved all the thrills and chills that came with it. Even though the concept has been done before, I was very impressed with Lawrence’s creativity and the way she managed to make her story stand out and feel original. I love the writing and the different POVs which made the story even more interesting. The plot is fast-paced, complex, engaging, and filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing throughout the story. I also enjoyed the humor, the lighthearted moments, the mysteries, the family drama, and the scenes that managed to warm my heart. I think the different virtual worlds are amazingly detailed and fascinating. I don’t want to spoil the fun and surprises, but be prepared for anything and everything. There’s just so much awesomeness in this book that it’s best if you experience it for yourself.

The characters are awesome. They’re intriguing, well-developed, and have their own insecurities and strengths that make them relatable and likeable. I like the tension, the drama, the bantering and the romance…okay maybe not the love triangle between Gwen(Teddy), Pete and Ryan, but the romance/OTP I was rooting for turned out to be quite sweet in the end. The story certainly didn’t need any romance, but I still enjoyed it and can’t wait to see more of it in the next book. I think Ben is super adorable and I enjoyed the scenes with him. I really liked how the characters all worked together as a team to beat the game and find a way to get home. Even the parents are interesting, have their own drama, and mission to help their children survive and escape Eve.

An addictive, thrilling, and unpredictable sci-fi story, this book enthralled me until the last page and I’m sure plenty of readers will be too. It’s a bit terrifying at times, but I loved all action, the nail-biting suspense, the tension filled scenes, the humor sprinkled here and there, the family drama, and the wonderful moments that made me smile. Eve 2.0: The Ultimate Gaming Experience by Winter Lawrence is such an entertaining and fun sci-fi thriller, but I also love that it’s also a nice story about bravery, trust, family, forgiveness, and second chances. This book is surprising in the best ways and I loved it. It’s full of adventure, interesting and loveable characters, and an amazing storyline that will keep you turning the pages. I highly recommend this book to everyone looking for a fantastic storytelling and awesome thrills.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review and for participating in a Blog Tour hosted by TLC Book Tours. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Destiny Bridwell.
1,582 reviews25 followers
December 10, 2019
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I requested this book because I am a gamer. It is a book that gamers and non-gamers would enjoy. It is all about Gwen and some "friends" going into the VR game. They have to go from task to task to get out of this game. They have to got work together regardless is going on outside the game. It is impressive. I want to read more of this story and others by this author in the future. 
Profile Image for Alex.
779 reviews19 followers
August 27, 2019
Eve 2.0 The Ultimate Gaming Experience by Winter Lawrence is a LitRPG novel about a girl named Gwen and her friends getting stuck in a new VR game. Gwen’s online boyfriend Pete sent her the game, saying that it was his father’s new project. Gwen was planning to meet up with her boyfriend for the first time inside the game, but Gwen’s ex’s little brother Ben takes the package so he can try out the game for himself. Pete was supposed to be meeting up with Gwen in the game and he also goes into a coma. Now, it is up to Gwen and her ex Ryan to try to go into the game to get Pete and Ben out of the game and the coma.

I loved how this book had little bits of “gamer knowledge” thrown in throughout. Pete and Gwen play video games together quite often and so they know what they should do when they are in a sticky situation inside of the Eve games. Ben is young so he is always overly optimistic about everything, but he still knows quite a bit about games. Ryan doesn’t play games at all, so he knows absolutely nothing about what they should or should not be doing while inside the different games. Gwen has to explain everything to him, from items that will most likely lead to unnecessary side quests to how to fight monsters. Even though this game is an entirely different experience than anything else that they have played, Gwen and Pete still generally know what to do to lead their small team to victory.

At home, Pete’s father finds out that his son took this new game from him and that it has been placing its users into comas. Even though Pete’s father just wants to focus on making sure that his son is safe, his son didn’t really know what kind of game that he stole. The government has to be involved, and Gwen and her friends might be in for a rude awakening if they ever escape from Eve. This was another cool arc in my opinion, as you got to see the characters have some real repercussions for what they do. It isn’t resolved by the end of the book, but I hope it will be in the next installment of the series!

The only thing I didn’t like was the love triangle. If you have read my previous reviews of books with love triangles, you will know that they are one of my biggest pet peeves. It was annoying to see the banter between Pete and Ryan constantly in this book, but I hope that it will die down in the sequel. Hopefully Gwen will finally make up her mind!

Overall, this was a great YA LitRPG! I would recommend it to anyone looking for a new unique YA adventure to enjoy. I will definitely be letting you guys know when this one is published!

I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for DarthVixReads.
176 reviews24 followers
November 6, 2019
Please note: I received a copy of this book through TLC Book Tours in exchange for my honest review of it.

Eve 2.0: The Ultimate Gaming Experience is a light sci fi novel following Gwen and some friends when they get trapped in a virtual reality simulation that ends up being MUCH more than they bargained for.

The only other hobby of mine that I love right alongside reading is playing video games. As an avid gamer, the synopsis of this book sounded just like something I would love. Right off the bat the cover had me thinking I was in for some sort of Tomb Raider, adventure type story. Now I love Tomb Raider but if that isn’t normally your jam, do not fear. Eve 2.0 is definitely not that. I had so much fun reading this book.

I will say that judging from the cover I was expecting the characters to be at least college aged or maybe well into their 20s but two of our main characters were high school students, one was just barely out of high school and the other was a young kid so they read much younger than I originally expected. That aside, this group was fun to tag along with as they handled being stuck in different video games. We get to experience an RPG quest line, first person shooters and survivalist horror.

While this isn’t a deep story that delves deep into our characters minds and relationships fully, we do get a bit of that sprinkled throughout the story that just added to the thrill ride that this book ultimately was. I particularly loved the developments in Gwen and Ryans relationship and also Gwen’s relationship with her mother. I hope to see both of those explored deeper in subsequent novels as I think that this is a start to a series. I cannot wait also to see the whole government conspiracy thing explored as well. Really loved seeing the author pay homage to fun gaming elements like easter eggs and fun things associated with particular genres or games.

For me the video game element mixed in with the teenage angst was a great, fun combo that had me enjoying this book from start to finish. I honestly read it SO fast and I think I read it at just the right time. Work has been heavy and I really needed just a fun, thrill ride book. If you love video games and have ever wondered what it might be like to find yourself in one of your favorite games, give this book a read. I thought it was SO fun and honestly had me wishing I could get stuck in some of my favorite video games. Gwen’s getting stuck in her favorite shooter had me wishing I could get stuck in a multiplayer match of Call of Duty. So. Much. Fun. 4 stars for me and I will definitely be checking out the next in the series.
Profile Image for Jessica Higgins.
1,163 reviews13 followers
October 25, 2019
A virtual reality game becomes more than players bargained for when they are put into a coma and wake up inside the game. Video gamers and even those that don’t play will have a hard time turning this one off until the last page, nonstop thrills and action that flies off the page makes Eve 2.0 a must read.

Gwen has spent the last few years isolating herself from those around her and immersing herself in the world of video games. She is one of the best around and her boyfriend, Pete, whom she met playing games but has never actually met in person, can’t wait to try his dad’s newest game. This game has been under lock and key, but somehow Pete sneaks a copy for both of them to try. As soon as they put on the gear they find themselves stuck in a top-secret government simulator called Eve 2.0 with no way out until they complete the objectives put before them. With each minute they are stuck in the game, the A.I. learns from them making it harder and harder for them to defeat the game. In the game with them are Gwen’s ex-boyfriend Ryan and his little brother. Not only does Gwen have to face her ex and the feelings still lurking beneath the surface but also try to get them all out of the game alive.

I was hesitant to read this book at first, I am not big into video games and wasn’t sure if it was going to interest me. I am happy to say that even though I am not into video games I thoroughly enjoyed Eve 2.0. Gwen, Ryan and Pete had a perfect dynamic with each other and the way they had to interact in the game and work together to survive made me ache for them to come out the other side. The world in which they find themselves is described so perfectly I had no trouble picturing them in each game they turned up in. With the knowledge that Pete and Gwen have from their extensive play-time with these games they are able to believably make their way through each obstacle they encounter. I loved the dynamic between Gwen, Ryan and Pete, it was so natural they way they played off of each other and the tension, as well as the humor, was all perfectly placed to keep me engaged and entertained. I am thrilled that this is the first in a series and can’t wait to see how the story unfolds next. I recommend this to readers that enjoy gaming books but that is not a necessary requirement to enjoy the story, gamers and non-gamers will enjoy this thrill ride.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Profile Image for Witch-at-Heart .
1,246 reviews11 followers
December 2, 2019
I could hardly put this one down. The story pulled me in right from the start and I will deffinatly be on the look6out fir a second book. I really enjoyed this and the idea of being pulled into a virtual reality game is a great concept I thoroughly enjoyed. This book is very well written and I loved both the concept and characters. I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review. I highly recommend this book it's a fun quick read.
Profile Image for Insert Name Here.
287 reviews8 followers
October 17, 2019
Teddy loves gaming and even found her current boyfriend, Pete, on a gaming forum. They now regularly game together and send each other new games and tips. It helps to distract Teddy from her ex boyfriend, Ryan, who lives next door.

Things start to go wrong when her boyfriend, and her ex's brother Ben, fall into unexplained comas on the same day. Teddy discovers gaming equipment in Ben's bedroom and realises that Pete must have sent it to her. When she tries it, she finds herself dragged into the game, shortly followed by Ryan. Now they have to battle through a series of video games, overseen by a constantly learning AI, before time runs out...

What a fun read! At first, it kind of felt like I'd been dropped into the middle of a story, with all the references to Teddy and Ryan's shady past. But as the story progressed it all made sense, so do stick with it if you're worried about that.

I'm a very casual gamer, so I was worried how well I'd understand that part of it. I needn't have. Ryan must never have even read the back of a game box if he couldn't follow the terminology Teddy was using, but it worked well to make sure the audience were following along. I really liked that they worked through different types of games, too, it wasn't just the same thing over and over.

I don't want to give away the ending, so I'll just say that I have my suspicions about some things that happened, and I'm not absolutely sure I understand the end of Pete's storyline, which is dealt with in two throwaway sentences. But I'm sure that the next book will explain it, and I'm looking forward to reading it to see what happens next.

(Oh, and I know the cover makes it look very sexy. That's really not an issue in the actual story.)
Profile Image for Louise Emerson.
45 reviews
August 3, 2019
I chose this book to read because the description and plot were very different. Add this great book to your reading list! You will become hooked :)

Gwen's neighbour's son and her boyfriend are both found in a coma. Despite having the same symptoms and being in different parts of the state, the doctors cannot find out what is wrong with them.

Pete's Dad (Gwen's boyfriend) manufactures games. He has been testing his new top secret game and told Pete to leave alone.

When the only connection to the boys being in a coma, being the same gaming equipment. Could this new 'top secret' game be responsible?

In this book they are a few characters - Pete, Gwen (Teddy), Ryan, Ben, Victoria, Elizabeth, Pete's Dad, Ryan's Dad and Teddy's Dad.. They all come across as realistic and characters we can relate to.

However I cannot get my head around that the fact Ryan - an 18 year old boy. Has never played video games? I don't really know many guys who do not like some sort of game. Whether it be an RPG or Minecraft. His lack of technical knowledge I found odd too. Just because in this day and age - technology is the future.

The chapters are alternated between the parents and the kids. This is great as it is easy for us to follow.

Eve 2.0 The Ultimate Gaming Experience remind me of Jumanji. (which is a good thing)
The author has a great way of describing what is going on - it feels like I am actually there.

I can see why this YA book would be popular with young teens and adults. As it coincides with what most youngsters are interested in.

Therefore I highly recommend this book for a fantastic read.
Profile Image for Celia.
198 reviews17 followers
November 19, 2019
Eve 2.0 is a fantastically written, fast-paced read that will give video game lovers something to look forward to. Non-gamers, like myself, will also find the story of Eve 2.0 intriguing as the world that has been built is full of action and science fiction-like qualities. I found myself with similar feelings as to when I first read Ready Player One.

Gwen/Teddy is a high level gamer who gets thrown into video game after game after her long distance boyfriend introduces her to it. Her journey also involves her ex boyfriend and neighbor...which simply adds to that emotional twisting of the gut we get from young adult novels.

Ultimately I quite enjoyed reading a story that incorporates video games, a heroine, and adventure. It was fun to read and get immersed in the story. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Kari.
3,588 reviews84 followers
October 31, 2019
So I will admit that I am not a serious gamer. However, I do enjoy playing the occasional RPG game. Unlike the main character in Eve 2.0, I prefer the RPG games because I like the puzzles. Eve 2.0 involves Gwen, or "Teddy", as she likes to be called. When her gamer kinda boyfriend sends her top secret gamer equipment from his father's lab, she ends up getting sucked into a game.that will take all of her gaming knowledge to survive.

I ended up really enjoying this book. Once Teddy, Ben and Ryan got sucked into the game, things really took off for me. Unlike some other stories where there is virtual reality, I had no problem being able to picture what they were doing in the games. The author did a wonderful job of setting the scenes and atmosphere for me. Desolation Peak was really creepy, but sounded like something I'd love to play.

More than just a gamer story, this is also a story about friendship and forgiveness. I'll admit, I was rooting for Gwen and Ryan to reconcile with each other. One interesting that I loved about EVE 2.0, the AI, was how she would not let Ben play in parts of the games because he was under age. That was refreshing. I think some kids play games that are too mature for them before they are really ready. The author has set the tone for an enjoyable series. I would recommend this to any YA reader.
Profile Image for Domi.
325 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2019
This book had me finding free minutes during the day where I could read a little bit further. Needless to say I loved this book about 4 people getting sucked into a video game. Gwen, her ex-boyfriend Ryan, his little brother Ben and her current (online) boyfriend Pete.
The pov sometimes switches from Gwen to her dad outside in the real world and that worked real well in my opinion by giving you some clues about what was happening and how they got out. Not everything was explained but as it tunes out there will be a sequel so that makes sense.

As a girl gamer myself I have to say I liked that Gwen wasn't the stereo typical nerd girl you often come across in other books as soon as there is a girl and games and RPG involved.

Ofcourse the love triangle is a pretty standard ingrediënt, but it worked and didn't detract from the story in any way. The adventure and action is fun and this book, while certainly appealing to gamers, is definitely well worth your while if you haven't touched controller ever but do enjoy exciting storylines with realistic characters, lots of adventure and a little bit of mystery.

I'd give it 4,5 stars but upgrade to five since I cannot do half stars.
Profile Image for A_MOTUS.
314 reviews45 followers
September 4, 2019
This was an immersion in games I was not ready for. I'm not a player and I'm not really fond of horror movie to say the last (It just makes me feel realllllly uncomfortable). But when it comes to books, I usually enjoy the experience. And here it was one of the strangest feeling because some parts were so riveting, I had the good of the all: games, movies and book. I guess that's why the "ultimate" and "experience" in the title work so well. And I no point did I feel lost by all the spooky and gaming references. It was just natural with the right amount of explanations so Ryan (and I) could go on.
The characters and their reactions to this adventure were totally believable. We could even guess when something was not making sense that it had a good reason to be like this. And indeed, every time we had an explanation after several clues. There was no loophole in the plot and the story was built brick by brick so we could assemble the clues at the same time as the characters.
Finally, I want to say that this is the first book of a series. But the ending is enough to not be completely frustrated with just a hint of what's coming next. That is refreshing after all the cliffhanger series.
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