Plot Summary

Armada

Ernest Cline
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Armada

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015

Book Brief

Ernest Cline

Armada

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Earth • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

Lexile Level

1110L

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Super Short Summary

In Ernest Cline’s Armada, high school student Zach Lightman discovers that the video game he excels at, also called Armada, is actually a government simulation training humans to combat a real alien invasion. After witnessing a UFO identical to those in the game, Zach is recruited by the government, reunites with his presumed-dead father, and plays a key role in defending Earth. The story explores themes of family, duty, and humanity's response to potential threats.

Adventurous

Nostalgic

Exciting

Playful

Reviews & Readership

3.8

142,477 ratings

57%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Armada by Ernest Cline delivers a nostalgic adventure filled with pop culture references and action. Critics appreciate its engaging premise and fast-paced plot but note it heavily mirrors Cline's debut, Ready Player One, without offering much originality. Some found the characters underdeveloped, but fans of video games and '80s culture will likely enjoy it.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Armada?

Readers who enjoy Armada by Ernest Cline typically appreciate fast-paced, sci-fi adventures filled with pop culture references and gaming elements. If you loved Ready Player One or Ender's Game, you'll likely relish the nostalgic and thrilling journey of Zack Lightman, balancing reality and virtual ventures.

3.8

142,477 ratings

57%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Armada by Ernest Cline draws inspiration from classic sci-fi video games and films, paying homage to titles like The Last Starfighter and Ender's Game.

Ernest Cline wrote Armada's first draft while on the road, during his book tour for his debut novel Ready Player One.

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Armada was published in July 2015 and quickly became a New York Times bestseller like Cline's previous work.

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Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Earth • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

Lexile Level

1110L

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