Mirkat Always Reading

I received a free, uncorrected proof of this title as an ebook from Netgalley.  The uncorrected proof was very uncorrected--in that there were formatting issues (missing spaces, capitalization errors, translation problems, etc.).  It was also quite evident to me that the translator must have been from the UK, and I would suggest to the publisher that they consider doing a separate "US" translation of the series, without such usages as "fag" for "cigarette," "nick" for "steal," "lift" for "elevator," and "bloke" for "guy" or "dude."  My receipt of this free ebook does not hamper my ability to provide an honest review.

I am a bit torn about the "star" rating on this book.  It took me some time to get into it, but once I did, I really wanted to see the plot resolve, and I was glad to be able to start Buzz right away, since we do end in a "cliffhanger" place.  On the other hand, I found the main characters a little bit frustrating--especially HP.  At first I thought he was a computer-savvy guy who might fit in with Lizbeth and her fellow hackers in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, but eventually he solidified in my mind as an overgrown (i.e. in his 30s) adolescent who is just a little too impressed with his own sexual prowess and a bit too eager to do whatever it took to rise in the rankings of the mysterious Game.

The other main character is Rebecca.  Eventually, the reader discovers that the two characters are connected, but not in the way that they initially seem to be (two different scenes are juxtaposed in what I can only think is a deliberate misdirection).  Rebecca is a police officer assigned to an official "bodyguard" unit.  She is trying to forget a past relationship that ended very badly, but someone is leaving her notes to make sure she doesn't.

HP enjoys the ever-heightening stakes of the tasks assigned to him via his the cell phone that connects him to the Game, at least until he begins to learn that it has life-and-death consequences.  And even when he does, he continues to be torn between getting out and continuing no matter what he is asked to do.

I will say that I've just finished Buzz, which I flew through and assigned three stars.  I wish that I had Bubble, because I'm eager to find out what happens next.