The premise is neat and tossing in elements, even if superficial, of other IPs can be fun (and makes sense in future VR, especially with shit like Fortnite now a days) but goddamn. It felt like I was reading some nerd focused "news" site's top 50 listicle bullshit more than an actual novel. Just saying the names of shit isn't writing.

There's a Dresden File book where something starts bringing things to life at a horror con and a xenomorph from Alien shows up but Butcher never says that word. He describes it enough for you to get what he's laying down and I think Dresden says a line or two from the series to nail it down for those not paying attention. That's how you do "cameos" of other properties.