I picked a copy of this up to make up numbers on a three for two deal at Waterstones. It usually retails for £11.99 or currently £6.83 on Amazon.
It is a sci-fi novel set about 50 years from now in which society has become impoverished due to vastly reduced oil reserves. Very few people can afford to travel and live in very close proximity in what are left of large cities. The majority of citizens spend a lot of time hooked into 'OASIS' which is a cross between the internet and a huge role playing game where anyone can do pretty much anything they like across a multitude of virtual worlds.
When the designer of the game dies he leaves a challenge that whoever solves will gain control of the game and all the wealth that results.
This is where our protaganist Wade comes in, a geeky teenager with no family or money but a wealth of knowledge about the 1980s which the game designer has based his challenge on. However there are plenty of other parties who will stop at nothing to gain control of the OASIS.

The book is well written and flows well, I read it in about a week which is good going for me these days due to annoying things like work and grooming! It will appeal particularly to anyone who grew up in the eighties especially those who had any interest in computer games of the time. It avoids overly complicated scientific language which in my opinion can detract from these kind of books.

The novel has been optioned for a movie remake which would be interesting. It seems the author has not written any other full length novels but I will be keeping an eye out for any future releases. Highly recommended.