In the year 2044, humanity escapes the depressing reality of a planet gone wrong by logging into the OASIS, a virtual universe. For years, people have been trying to decode the riddles left behind by James Halliday - legendary deceased creator of OASIS and ultimate 1980s geek - that led to his fortune.

No one comes close until teenager Wade Watts finds the first key and unlocks a race against corporations hell-bent on obtaining Halliday's multibillion-dollar inheritance. Pop culture references come thick and fast and the action never stops as Wade overcomes each obstacle in his path.

While the nostalgia factor can sometimes feel a little forced, it doesn't detract from the fun of accompanying the characters on their epic quest. If you pine for the days when teen movies were wholesome and video games could still be coin-operated, then you're going to love this novel.