Battle Royale

WHY IS THIS RATED SO LOW? This dystopian action classic is a modern masterpiece, best known for inspiring FPS games such as Fortnite and PubG. It predates the Hunger Games, and overall has much better writing than its Western counterpart, with darker themes, enthralling characters, and a more grounded arena and setting. Once the games begin, you will be HOOKED. Seriously, its hard to put this book down. Historically, books have had one major issue when it comes to story telling: it is a terrible medium for action. Action is one of the most popular genres in popular media, but it's best captured in video. Inprose, fight scenes are incredibly dry; it's just to hard to visualize combat choreography. Books tend to lend themselves better towards dialogue, description and exposition...but Battle Royale manages to surpass those limitations with the most vivid, blood-pumping gore and action ever read. But violence isn't all this book has to offer. For one, the combination of cunning characters and a well established, mapped-out setting allows for strategy and tactics that is really rewarding to read. Secondly, this book's characters really shine. Whether they are realistic, intriguing, loveably or despicable, there is something to care about for every character. That's one thing, but what's impressive is that there is a cast of FOURTY ONE CONTESTANTS, each with their own story and some chapters dedicated to them. Any other author would fumble this overflowing cast, but Battle Royale manages to keep it understandable while giving us an (almost) omniscient, big-picture spectator view of this blood-fueled spectacle. Finally Battle Royale isn't all about the battle itself. It uses this scenario to tackle themes of violence, oppression, revolution, and the value of a human life. This is personally one of the best novels I've ever read, and its ending will still stick out as one of the most memorable finales I've experienced.