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47 pages 1 hour read

Invitation To The Game

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1991

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Book Brief

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Monica Hughes

Invitation To The Game

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1991
Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Futuristic Earth • 2150s

Publication Year

1991

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

740L

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Super Short Summary

Invitation to the Game by Monica Hughes tells the story of Lisse, a teenager in 2154 who, along with seven other graduates, faces unemployment in a dystopian world where robots have taken most jobs. The group discovers a mysterious program called The Game and, after receiving invitations, participates in a virtual reality that unexpectedly leads them to a new planet, where they must adapt and build a new life. The novel contains references to drug use and violence.

Mysterious

Challenging

Suspenseful

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.3

5,717 ratings

65%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Invitation to the Game by Monica Hughes is praised for its imaginative and immersive world-building, capturing dystopian elements with a compelling narrative. Critics appreciate the thought-provoking themes and well-developed characters. However, some find the pacing uneven and the ending abrupt. Overall, it's a captivating read that raises poignant questions about society and survival.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Invitation To The Game?

A reader who would enjoy Invitation to the Game by Monica Hughes is likely a young adult fascinated by dystopian futures, virtual reality, and societal critiques. They may also appreciate themes similar to those in The Giver by Lois Lowry and Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. The book appeals to fans of introspective, speculative fiction that examines human resilience and adaptation in adverse conditions.

4.3

5,717 ratings

65%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Character List

Lisse

The protagonist and narrator of the novel, who begins as an unemployed teenager with an interest in reading, then navigates life in a city before finding new purpose on another planet.

Lisse’s best friend, notable for her agricultural expertise and close relationship with her family, who adapts to The Game and life on a new planet.

A student from a privileged background who initially secures a job through family connections but later joins Lisse's group as a skeptic about their circumstances.

A collective of unemployed teens with diverse expertise who live together for mutual support and eventually work together to create a harmonious society on a new planet.

A representative of The Government who oversees The Game and symbolizes its interests, interacting with the teens during the initial stages.

Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Futuristic Earth • 2150s

Publication Year

1991

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

740L

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