This middle grade sci fi story is interesting and with lots of imagery and imagination, but may fall flat with readers looking for a bit more depth. Character development and pace definitely were areas that could have benefitted from a bit more careful attention in the writing and editing process, however, for the average middle grade reader, that might not be a problem. The excitement and the vivid descriptions may be enough to keep a reader in the age 8-12 range engaged, but reluctant readers may have a hard time staying with it. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book.

**Review: "Lost Between Worlds: Adventures of Varun & Spot" by Soumya Gudiyella**

Rating: 3 out of 5

In "Lost Between Worlds: Adventures of Varun & Spot," Soumya Gudiyella crafts an imaginative tale of mystery and adventure centered around Varun, who awakens in a time-traveling pod with no memories. Accompanied by his loyal beagle, Spot, Varun finds himself transported into a jungle reminiscent of "The Jungle Book," where he embarks on a quest to uncover clues that will lead him back home.

The narrative unfolds with Varun navigating through a lush and perilous environment, encountering not only natural hazards but also formidable adversaries like tigers and hunters. As he delves deeper into the jungle's mysteries, Varun must decipher cryptic clues and unravel the secrets that hold the key to his return.

Gudiyella blends elements of fantasy and suspense, creating a vibrant setting that captures the essence of adventure and exploration. The dynamic between Varun and Spot adds a heartwarming dimension to the story, emphasizing themes of companionship and loyalty amidst adversity.

While "Lost Between Worlds" excels in its evocative world-building and engaging premise, it occasionally struggles with pacing and exposition. The quest for clues and the challenges Varun faces are compelling, yet transitions between plot points may feel abrupt, impacting the overall flow of the narrative.

Furthermore, character development, particularly Varun's journey of self-discovery and his emotional arc, could benefit from more depth and exploration. The evolution of relationships and motivations, while hinted at, could be more fully realized to enhance reader investment in the protagonist's quest.

Overall, "Lost Between Worlds" is a captivating adventure that appeals to readers seeking an escape into a fantastical realm filled with mystery and danger. Gudiyella's imaginative storytelling and vivid descriptions bring the jungle landscape to life, offering a rich backdrop for Varun's quest for answers and his journey towards reclaiming his lost memories.

For fans of adventurous tales and tales of resilience, "Lost Between Worlds" offers an enjoyable exploration of courage, friendship, and the enduring spirit of adventure in the face of adversity.

I was sent this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, for a full review see my Amazon and Goodreads pages.

Fun read, will definitely pick up more books by this author, my daughter was a big fan!

The story in this book was so much fun. I felt like I was being taken on an adventure together into a giant jungle. It was a fun adventure for kids but could also be enjoyed by adults.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read and review this book. Lost Between Worlds is a middle grade sci-fi fantasy story about a kid named Varun who wakes up in a time-traveling pod. He winds up in the jungle, with his beagle Spot with him. He figures out he is stuck in The Jungle Book and has to solve clues to find his way home.

I enjoyed this cute middle grade book. If you like The Jungle Book you will most likely enjoy this story as well.

A really interesting concept and I loved the weaving in of both myth and more contemporary literature. However, I think this books suffers from its shortness - there isn’t enough time to get to know the main character and the main dilemma felt rushed in parts meaning I wasn’t invested in the MC’s journey as much as I could have been. It didn’t feel tense and I think a longer page count to rally explore the dilemma more would have resulted in a better overall atmosphere.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read, especially the integration of Indian culture and elements of the Jungle Book. This was a fun ride for many children. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book netgalley.

Lost Between Worlds, by Soumya Gudiyella has a fun premise and I enjoyed going into the Jungle Book world with Varun and having adventures with him there. The last chapter where we find out something sinister and complicated is going on was very interesting. Overall, a fun adventure I think kids will enjoy.

What better way to reimagine the timeless tale of ‘The Jungle Book’ than introducing a time-machine with a teenager lobbed inside who has to travel through famous story books to escape an evil sorceress and return back to his parents?

It was amazing revisiting my favourite Jungle Book characters like Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheraa and Sher Khan. It was like travelling back to my childhood in my very own time machine (see what I did there) and joining these iconic characters on new adventures. I really loved this book and thought it was filled with heart and adventure and can’t wait to see what story we end up in next.

A cute, new adventure story with a nostalgic aspect. I enjoyed this simple and easy read. A few things felt a little confusing but others were explained in the end. Thanks to NetGalley for the copy!

I enjoyed the fusion of Indian culture, an element of time travel and the inclusion of the characters from The Jungle Book. It was interesting to see how the relationship between the main characters developed.

Yes, this is not my typical read and may be targeted at a younger audience
This was a lovely little read with good descriptors that build a fantastic new world in my eyes.
I really enjoyed the drawings in-bedded in the chapters.

The children really enjoyed this book but it took a little while to get into. Once we knew what was going on, it was just a great exciting story. As an adult it was not my favourite book of the year but the children (the target demographic) would be keen to read the next one.

I loved the plot of this novel, however, the writing was extremely choppy. I was not able to immerse myself in this novel as I could not get past the writing style. The writing did not paint a picture in my mind like books usually do. It was difficult to understand, and I felt like I was struggling to put the pieces together.

Time travel meets a jungle mystery! Varun meets all sorts of danger in his quest to get back home (a tiger, oh my).

The best part of this book is that it is descriptive to the point that you can imagine the whole scene. This book was a great reading level for my elementary school daughter. Her favorite thing about this book was that it really was creative and got her imagination going.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for the e-arc and in exchange for honset review.

This book has many potential to grow more complex and details, but once again it’s mid-grade book. And i think for the stories has every flaw in every set and the adventure itself is just hooked me up. The early chapter sometimes confusing for adv or fantasy book but it get unfolded as we get into the conflict!! The mc is fun to be around too!! Well new journey will begin in the next book perhaps? Can’t wait to begin new adventureeee ^___^

The plot seemed very interested and innovating, the idea of an adventure inside a book is fairly original however i must admit I did not enjoyed it as much as I thought I would, I found it to be too overwhelming sometimes and although I liked the idea of the story I was not able to fully immerge in it.

Thank you Netgalley and Batani Books for my copy. I am grateful but my thoughts are my own.

A book with setting inside the books is interesting premise. Lost Between Worlds got all potential as an amazing adventure children book. I am struggle to step inside the plot at early chapters. The main family conflict kinda confusing too.
But the reading journey become so much enjoyable when the MC met and did all fun activities with characters from the Jungle Book. The ending seem as opening to new journey with Sinbad in book 2.

much thanks ..i loved the story this book was amazing.When my sister told me to read it i was like no but the i did and i feel bad no cause it was worth it

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC :) Lost Between Worlds has one of the best illustrations I’ve see. The color is just so nice it all comes beautifully together. This book is definitely an adventure book and would be for kids about to be in middle school or a grade a little lower. Varun is lost and doesn’t know what’s going on. I would recommend this story 5/5