Ernest Cline (born March 29, 1972) is an American science fiction novelist known for his nostalgic and immersive stories heavily influenced by 1980s pop culture, particularly video games and movies. Cline’s writing style is characterized by detailed world-building, extensive references to popular media, and a fast-paced narrative driven by a protagonist immersed in a virtual reality adventure. His background growing up surrounded by books, video games, and movies significantly shaped his creative focus, leading to his success in the science fiction genre.





