In Beta by Prescott Harvey
Synopsis:
It’s 1993, and Jay and Colin are small-town geeks. Senior year is nearly over, and they’re still as unpopular as ever.
Everything changes when they discover a disk containing a computer program called The Build, a pixel-perfect replica of their hometown. As the boys tweak its code, they discover they can bend the laws of reality. With godlike power, they react as any teenager would: hacking high school to make it more awesome.
But someone – or something – is watching. And as their friends and neighbors begin acting increasingly strange, they buckle in for an epic battle. Jay and Colin must pull out all their cheat codes to save themselves, their town – and the very fabric of existence.
Review:
Fans of Ready Player One will enjoy this similar feel of a retro, Matrix-like setting, with a very different plot. As Jay and Colin begin manipulating their environment with the help of a video game, other people begin acting strangely. And Jay’s bully begins to catch on that something is off as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced adventure, with plenty of suspense and mystery. I loved Jay and the surprising plot twists. From the retro setting to the engaging characters, this story is one I’ll remember for a long time.