It’s Only a Game

Seattle-based 15-year-old Marina Chan carries haunting secrets from her past. But when she plays Darkitect, an online role-playing game, under the username NightMar3 with her intersectionally diverse teammates—Rajesh Mukherjee, who goes by Rock; Andrew Hunt, aka Dreadnaughty; and Tamyra Johnson, or Syldara—she finds a sense of freedom she hasn’t felt in a while. Soon Marina and her team are invited by Cixi, Darkitect’s anonymous developer, to beta-test a new game. Before they begin, they meet the CEO of Apocalypta Games, Darkitect’s parent company, who is unexpectedly shot and killed during their tour of the facility. A message from Cixi informs the teens that they now must beat the new game or risk being charged with the CEO’s murder—or worse. As the team plays for their lives, Marina’s enigmatic past unfolds via alternating chapters. While extensive gaming lingo and depictions of Darkitect’s mechanics and fascinating gameplay add texture, they also occasionally draw focus away from the intricate unraveling mystery. Nevertheless, Yu anchors this whirlwind debut with a smart, courageous, loyal, and caring heroine who easily earns the trust of friends and readers alike. Ages 12–up. Agent: Jennifer Azantian, Azantian Literary. (July)