Exit Game is a science fiction novel in which the distinction between the real and the virtual gets blurred, thanks to a game that becomes a worldwide sensation. However, the producers of the game as well as its mastermind have different plans altogether. Thus, it all comes to Ahmed, the protagonist of the novel, to unearth the truth behind the facade of technological amusement. While the concept was no doubt promising, the conclusion seemed a tad bit too predictable.
Before I dive in, I would like to clarify one point. Yes, Exit Game seems quite similar to Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, as far as the context is concerned. However, both the books are quite different in terms of execution. The main storyline of Exit Game seems engrossed with what happens beyond the world of virtual reality and video games, while the latter cyberpunk classic is devoted entirely to the game itself.
The first reason I actually liked reading Exit Game is the genre. I am a big fan of science fiction novels, although this fact remains invisible on my Instagram feed. I started reading with adventure novels, and then proceeded with science fiction, to which I will remain forever in debt. My love for reading was strengthened by alien invasions (The war of the Worlds), talking automobiles (“Sally” by Isaac Asimov) and the list goes on. So, when I finished reading Exit Game after a week or so, I was actually happy to have read something wholesome as a sci-fi novel, especially by a contemporary Indian author. It is actually difficult to come across decent Indian sci-fi novels these days. Exit Game has the relevant themes to accompany the plot, and a diverse cast to navigate the storyline.
However, the only drawback I noticed was that in most parts, Exit Game seemed predictable. At some point, you could foresee how the story was to conclude, and stealing the thunder of a sci-fi book is something that I do not really like. Yet, judging by the overall concept, Exit Game is indeed a decent sci-fi read which could have become better with more plot twists and suspense! I convey my best wishes to the author for his future endeavours.