Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the YA tech thriller we needed in 2018 and honestly still need now. Segel and Miller built a VR world that feels both seductive and terrifying—the kind of place that makes you understand why people would risk everything to stay.

The book doesn't pull punches about addiction, corporate negligence, or the darker sides of human desire when consequences disappear. There's profanity, violence, and some genuinely unsettling moments. But it's all in service of a story that actually has something to say about our relationship with technology.

The pacing is relentless in a good way—kids report being unable to put it down despite the 400+ page count. The ethical questions land without feeling preachy, and the adventure framework makes it feel like entertainment first, lesson second.

Is it perfect? No. Some readers found the ending confusing, and the profanity count might be too much for some families. But as a conversation starter about tech ethics, addiction, and what makes life meaningful? It's hard to beat. Especially now that Quest 3s are under Christmas trees everywhere.

Age Fit

Best for 12-16 year olds who can handle mature themes and profanity in service of a cautionary tech tale. The reading level is accessible (HL700L) but the psychological complexity and darker implications make this solidly teen territory. Kids who loved Ready Player One but want something grittier will eat this up.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

68

A cautionary tale about VR addiction that models concern for others (Simon trying to save people trapped in the game), but includes mature themes around indulging forbidden desires, violence within the virtual world, and darker psychological territory. The emotional core is healthy—friendship, courage, protecting vulnerable people—but the setting explores taboo experiences and dangerous escapism. Profanity is present throughout (43+ instances noted in first quarter). Pacing is described as 'nonstop action' which keeps it engaging rather than chaotic.

Imaginative

82

High-concept VR premise that feels prescient given current tech trajectory. The full-sensory virtual world (taste, smell, touch—not just screens) is creatively executed and invites readers to think about immersive technology's possibilities and dangers. Comparisons to Ready Player One and Westworld are apt. The world-building of a consequence-free digital realm where you can 'live your best life' is both alluring and unsettling, prompting genuine curiosity about tech ethics and human nature.

Safe

72

Age-appropriate for the 12-17 target range (Lexile HL700L confirms 12+ readability with mature themes). Contains profanity, violence within the game world, and explores themes of addiction, taboo desires, and people becoming trapped/potentially dying in VR. No explicit sexual content or graphic gore mentioned, but the premise involves characters experiencing illegal or taboo sensations. Common Sense Media parent reviews suggest 11+ is reasonable. The darker psychological elements and language keep this from being universally safe for younger readers, but it's appropriate thriller territory for teens.

Enriching

79

Substantial tech-ethics exploration that's increasingly relevant as VR becomes mainstream. Asks meaningful questions: How much would you sacrifice for perfect virtual experiences? What happens when technology delivers everything you want? The addiction allegory is clear without being preachy. Builds critical thinking about consent, corporate responsibility, and the line between enhancement and exploitation. Fast-paced enough to keep reluctant readers engaged while delivering genuine substance. The 'potent commentary on technology' (EW) lands without feeling like homework.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Prescient tech-ethics story that hits different in 2025—VR headsets are actually here now, making the premise feel uncomfortably plausible
Fast-paced thriller structure keeps reluctant readers hooked while sneaking in genuine questions about addiction, desire, and corporate responsibility
Strong protagonist trying to save people trapped in the game provides emotional grounding amid the high-concept chaos
Perfect bridge for kids who loved Ready Player One but are ready for something with sharper edges and darker implications
The 'no consequences' virtual world setup naturally prompts discussions about ethics, identity, and what makes experiences meaningful

⚠

What to Watch For

Profanity throughout (40+ instances noted early on)—not gratuitous but definitely present
Violence and dark themes around addiction, people dying/trapped in VR, and characters experiencing taboo or illegal sensations in the game
The premise explores what people do when rules disappear—could be uncomfortable depending on your kid's maturity around moral complexity
Some parents report the ending being 'hard to comprehend'—might need discussion to unpack

Conversation Starters

"If you could enter a world with no rules or consequences, what would you want to try? What would make you want to leave?"
"The book shows people getting addicted to VR because it gives them things missing from real life. What do you think people are actually missing?"
"Simon discovers some people can't log out. If you were him, would you risk going in to save them? What would make that choice easier or harder?"
"The company running Otherworld doesn't seem to care about safety. What responsibilities should tech companies have when they create something this powerful?"
"Do you think experiences in VR 'count' the same way real-world experiences do? Why or why not?"

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