review by Alicia Zhang, age 13
The Evaporation of Sofi Snow by Mary Weber
In a world split into corporations, Earth-dwellers and Delonese inhabitants from another planet, a virtual reality programming competition between the aforementioned corporations is the most popular form of entertainment. Nineteen-year-old Sofi Snow and her friend Heller are part of Corporation 30’s programmers, with her brother Shilo as the competitor. When a terrorist bomb set off in the arena kills him, strong-willed Sofi distrusts this information. Plagued by persistent nightmares and the inexplicable knowledge that Shilo is still alive, she sets off to get him back. However, a subplot including a Delonese ambassador, Miguel, suspicious corporation activity, and some Delonese figures in the background of some pictures hint at a much bigger mystery.
Sofi has a strong, sweet, and caring bond with her younger brother. Their sibling relationship made my heart melt and showed that though friends and romantic partners may come and go, siblings are forever. Miguel has a rich backstory and personality which fit together perfectly as the reader progresses. Sofi is stubborn and dedicated towards people she loves, and Heller is a master programmer who seems one-dimensional in the beginning, but his personality gradually fills out later on.
The plot was complicated, however. There is so much action in the book, and a very thick aura of mystery. I had to use my imagination to fill in the blanks when the main character didn’t state a vital piece of information, which gave me misconceptions about possible plots. The middle of the book turned away from the exciting beginning, which promised thrills, and instead veered towards politics. Needless to say, it was confusing, with layers and layers of information being revealed not as a slow unwinding, but as an information dump. However, once I absorbed the information, I enjoyed the ending, which contains thrilling, heart-stopping action, plot twists, and betrayal.
To sum it all up, I think The Evaporation of Sofi Snow is an excellent book with a slow middle. It speeds up at the end and finishes with a cliffhanger, which is perfect for the sequel. I would recommend it to readers who like science fiction and mystery, just keep in mind that though the middle can be slow, the ending is worth it. 3.5/5 stars.
Find this book in our catalog: The Evaporation of Sofi Snow
Call Number: YA SF WEBER,M
339 pages
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