My thanks for the ARC goes NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | Dutton Books for Young Readers. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy
Language: There are f-bombs and more, but it's not anything high schoolers don't say and hear
Representation: Diverse races
Themes: Coming-of-age

*SUNDERWORLD, Vol. 1: THE EXTRAORDINARY DISAPPOINTMENTS OF LEOPOLD BERRY* is a wild ride! I seriously can see it as a rollercoaster with the ups and downs, and twists and turns.

Does Sunderworld have a Harry Potter vibe? (Noting this because it seems to be the touchstone for children's literature.) It's similar only in that there is magic and regular folks who are kept out of the magical world. No magical schools or houses thus far. And there are plenty of quirky characters.

I DO NOT want to give away any spoilers.

Here's the main plot: Leopold (aka Larry) sees weird stuff happening and is convinced Sunderworld must exist—otherwise he's hallucinating. Larry is trying to find where he fits in the world, but the world keeps smacking him down.

This book truly feels like it's written for a young adult audience. Feelings of not quite knowing who you are and trying to fit in are so much a part of being a teen. This is one of the best ya fantasy books I've read in a while.

Even though I HATE f-bombs, it is on point to have swearing in the book because teens often swear as a form of rebellion—and now days, most everyone uses vulgar language. Thankfully, there's not sex or spice on the page. This journey really focuses on Larry/Leopold's life and his problems.

It ends on a cliff hanger. Will I be here for the next book? ABSOLUTELY!

Happy reading!

What a wild adventure! This story takes us all over L.A. but not in the way you’d expect.

Leopold “Larry” is setting out on an adventure to better understand his “hallucinations” and following the treasure map his mom left him.

There is an entire magical world within the universe that lives parallel to the natural realm.

The ending, now that had me shocked. I’m desperately needing the next book!

5 stars.

If you are a millennial and have nostalgia for what it was like growing up in the '90's and early 2000's , and for things like Jim Henson movies....you need to pick this one up. It is almost like if you took Stranger Things, made it more fantasy and less sci-fi horror and shifted it to being set in like 2001 you would get this book. It evokes the nostalgia many of us grew up with dreaming that we would be whisked away to a magical world coexisting with out mundane existence expertly, but also with a more sinister edge I have come to love and expect from Ransom Riggs. This book also had me surprisingly up in my feels as the main character dealt with his emotionally abusive father, it hit a little close to home in some places. All in other this story has wormed its way into my heart and I can't wait to see what's next for Leopold and friends.


Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for sending me a review copy.

First, I want to say I freaking LOVE this cover. The crazy thing is Barnes and Noble has an exclusive edition that somehow looks even cooler! This was made for my generation and I am eating it up. I saw it on Tiktok and immediately went to NetGalley to see if I could apply. I was so excited when I was approved.
I've never read anything from Random Riggs but I've heard of his other series, so I was expecting something more geared towards kids. This was YA and on the older side of YA. I was grateful. Several f-bombs and while the MC didn't drink or do drugs there were mentions. No sex or sexual tension either.
I felt so much for Leopold. I hate his dad. I'm soooooo glad that his friend plays a role in the story and isn't forgotten and thrown away. I want only good things for him, but it's clear that's not going to happen anytime soon.
My only complaint about the book was it felt a bit short. The ending was a cliffhanger and I want MORE! This book doesn't come out until the end of August so who knows when I'll get the next one 😭 ...I hope the covers match...

With a charming magical system and excellent world building, Ransom Riggs gives reader of his other works a novel that is both familiar but vastly different. Leopold is a complex and misunderstood protagonist who wishes for a fantasy…until it becomes real life.

This is an excellent first step for any young readers into urban fantasy. If I have a criticism, it’s just that first novels take a lot of world building and by the time, I was getting invested into the novel, it needed. Looking forward to a second volume!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

70/100 or 3.5 stars

I liked the world Riggs has created, and I am interested in reading more!
Part of this story did feel a little long, but overall, I think readers will like this!

Sunderworld is a fun and quirky read that blends reality with nostalgia by way of a forgotten 90s fantasy TV show. The story follows Leopold Berry, a relatable teen dealing with grief and strained relationships, who discovers that the magical world from his favorite show is actually real. The world-building is super cool, very unique and dripping with nostalgia making it super easy to get immersed into.

Leopold’s friendship with Emmet adds a lot of heart to the story, and I loved how the book explores deeper themes like loss, self-worth, and choosing your own path. If you enjoy fantasy with a bit of nostalgia, you should definitely check this one out!

I received this book from the publisher but my opinions are my own and completely unbiased. 👾

Sunderworld Vol. 1, out August 27th, was definitely a surprise for me! The book follows Leopold (Larry) Berry, whose obsession with his favorite television show, becomes more than the normal escape that it tends to be usually.
The world that Riggs sets up through this book is frightening and threatening and thrilling. I have read the first three books of the Ms. Peregrine's books by Riggs so I knew I was in for some craziness, but nothing like this. From page like 10, the Sunderworld leaking into the real world becomes engrossing and very interesting.
I also loved the friendship between Emmett and Larry. It reminded me of some of my adventurous buddies that I had in high school and the adventures that we would have together.
I cannot wait for Vol. 2 and will probably now go read the rest of the Ms. Peregrine's books.
Thank you Penguin Young Readers Group, Dutton Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Sunderworld Vol. 1: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry hits shelves August 27th! Keep an eye out for it!

I really wasn’t sure if this book was for me. I opened my kindle expecting very little. Wow. I was totally wrong. Leopold and Emmet grabbed me and wouldn’t let go! I am amazed by the world building in this first book. My only complaint was that the book ended in a bit of an abrupt way. I need more of Leopold and Sunder. Now, please. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin/Dutton for letting me read and review this book. My review is my honest opinion and I wasn’t compensated in any way.

Sunderworld Vol 1: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry follows Leopold, a perfectly average teenage boy who occasionally has odd visions akin to Max’s Adventures in Sunderworld, a television program from the 90s that he found on VHS in his late mother’s belongings. As he continues to disappoint his father, Leopold soon learns that his hallucinations may be more real than he thought.

When I read ARCs, I write the reviews as I go so I capture my feelings better and don’t forget information. With Sunderworld, though, I was far too engrossed in the pages to exit my reading app. Seriously, I adored this book. I was hooked from page one. I instantly connected with Leopold’s voice, and the pacing was great in my opinion.

The worldbuilding in Sunder is very well done, and I love the little quirks of the magic system. It’s not so complex that you would need a glossary, but not so simple that you would find it boring. The tone of it all definitely leans more fantasy than magical realism, but I felt the same awe as when I read MR.

Leopold is great main character. The story subverts the chosen one trope in a really interesting way, and he’s a kid anyone would root for. He has an adorable friendship with his classmate Emmet, and a truly awful relationship with his dad.

The book explores themes of grief and expectations, as well as the idea that heroes are made. It has magic, friendship, mystery, and puzzles—something for everyone.

I was so shocked when the book ended. I need a sequel yesterday. I really recommend this one!

I absolutely devoured this book! The world building was just out of this world and I really love a MC that represents the underdog in all of us. I loved how Leopold was able to connect with his mother through relived moments. This book was executed so well and I can’t wait for the next one!

Having read and enjoyed most of Ransom Riggs’ other works, I had high hopes for this book, and for the most part, it didn’t disappoint.

Leopold (Larry) is a fun protagonist to follow, as are his adventures in a land that may or may not be all in his mind.

Sunderworld was a nostalgic trip of a read, and I’d definitely be interested in Vol. 2.
•
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Larry (Leopold) adored a classic 80s live-action children's show named Sunderworld while growing up. However, ever since his mother's passing, he has been experiencing glimpses of Sunderworld manifesting in real life. Feeling like he's losing his sanity, Larry confides in his loyal best friend, who tries to reassure him but inadvertently stumbles into the Alternate World. Facing his childhood fantasies turning into reality, Larry discovers that he might not be the hero he always believed himself to be... ...or is he?

This was such a strange and unusual book. I really had a hard time not to compare it to Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. I'll admit I had some doubts in the beginning, though the promise of the concept kept me going, and I did get a little lost around the middle.

The more I read, the more I realised this wasn’t for me.

Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.

I was hooked on the intriguing premise of Sunderworld from the moment I read this book's synopsis, but the first book in this new series ultimately delivered a lot of setup for future books without really going much of anywhere in this one. The pacing was all over the place, and the plot jumps between several main objectives at dizzying speeds as the lines between Sunder and Los Angeles begin to blur.

At the end of Volume 1, there are still MANY questions to be answered about the inner workings of Sunder and its magic system and much to still be learned about the promising cast of characters. There was a lot of action without a lot of resolution, but it was interesting and entertaining enough that I'd like to see where the rest of the series takes us. 3.5 out of 5 stars

Shoot, I really wanted to like this and I just- I didn’t. 🥲

Which sucks because the cover rocks and the premise is a banger. I think if you’re into YA urban fantasy you’ll dig this book. I saw this and was like oh hell yeah, I read 1.5 books from the Miss Peregrine series and I’d love to see what else Ransom Riggs has got for us.

It’s my usual complaint for YA, I personally think I am too old to really enjoy it anymore. And let me be clear I am only speaking for myself, I am not speaking for you, dear reader. If you love YA, great, I love that for you!! This book will probably work for you and that’s awesome!

I say the same thing these days but it’s true, I don’t want to be a hater, I want to enjoy this book and have fun! But I simply did not. 17 year old me would have eaten this up and left no crumbs though.

But hope is not lost, maybe the second book picks up and gets better. Despite discovering that I don’t enjoy YA anymore time and time again, I refuse to give up!

Thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Dutton Books for Young Readers for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Leopold Barry (commonly referred to by the rhyming nickname/surname combo of Larry Barry) has been perfectly average all his life. His father tells him so regularly. Other than his somewhat overactive imagination and the tragic premature death of his mother, Leopold has never had a single defining characteristic besides being basic. But when the supposed figments of Leopold's imagination start coming to life for real, Larry Barry may just have a change in fortune and future.

This book is an absolute delight. I felt positively giddy reading it, and cannot wait to explore more of Sunderworld in the continuing series. I was seriously so absorbed in the world building and characters that the ending took me completely by surprise; I couldn't believe I had already finished, and it left me hungering for more. Thank you to Netgalley and Dutton YA for the review copy.

I couldn't put this book down! The world for Leopold that Ransom Riggs created is so detailed! I can't wait for more!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this review copy

Seventeen-year-old Leopold Berry begins experiencing bizarre visions from a long-forgotten 1990s fantasy TV show after his mother’s death, leading him to question his reality and seek help from his best friend, Emmet. As they uncover the truth about the magical world of Sunder, Leopold must confront his insecurities and prove his worth in a battle against darkness that challenges both his courage and self-belief.

HOLY. I was NOT expecting that. I loved loved loved loved this book so very much that I wish I had a paper copy to hug when I finished.

First of all - Leopold is SO freaking relatable that I wanted to be his friend. Emmet!! My sweet angel!!! Isabel - what an amazing person!! Norm - yes!!!!

I cannot even tell you how many times I laughed out loud and hard my heart squeezed reading this book. I got to 27%, stopped, and preordered. It is that dang good.

I could not stop turning the pages and when I realized how close I was to the end I knew there would be a cliffhanger. The action is fantastic. The love and friendship wonderful. The writing is sharp and witty. 100% Ransom Riggs’ best work yet.

No spoilers here, but I am absolutely OBSESSED with this world Ransom Riggs created. I love the friendship dynamics at play here, the chosen hero, and what it takes make your mark on the world. I literally cannot WAIT to get my hands on my copy. Oh and if you preorder, go sign up for a signed bookplate from Ransom Riggs on Penguin Teen!!

*I was provided a digital copy of this book by the publisher, all thoughts are my own*

"The much-anticipated new fantasy series from Ransom Riggs, his first since introducing the #1 global phenomenon Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series.

Seventeen-year-old Leopold Berry is seeing weird things around Los Angeles. A man who pops a tooth into a parking meter. A glowing trapdoor in a parking lot. A half-mechanical raccoon with its tail on fire that just won't leave him alone. Every hallucinatory moment seems plucked from a cheesy 1990s fantasy TV show called Max's Adventures in Sunderworld - and that's because they are.

Not a good sign.

In the blurry weeks after his mother's death, a young Leopold discovered VHS tapes of its one and only season in a box headed for the trash - and soon became obsessed. Losing himself in Sunder was the best way to avoid two things: grieving his mother and being a chronic disappointment to his overbearing father. But when the strange visions return - at the worst possible time on the worst possible day - Leopold turns to his best friend Emmet for help. Together they discover that Sunder is much more than just an old TV show, and that Los Angeles is far stranger than they ever imagined. And soon, he'll realize that not only is Sunderworld real, but it's in grave danger.

Certain he's finally been chosen for greatness, Leopold risks everything to claim his destiny, save the world of his childhood dreams, and prove once and for all that he's not the disappointment his father believes him to be. But when everything goes terribly, horribly, excruciatingly wrong, Leopold's disappointments prove to be more extraordinary than he ever could have imagined.

How do you battle darkness when no one believes in you - not even yourself?

Visionary storyteller Ransom Riggs weaves the familiar with the peculiar in a stunning tale of loss, triumph, friendship and magic, reminding readers everywhere that true heroes are made, not born - and that when you're never the chosen one, sometimes you have to choose yourself.

Welcome to Sunderworld."

Oh my, cheesy vintage TV shows that are all but forgotten and hold a secret is so my jam.

Sunderworld, Vol. I was my introduction to author Ransom Riggs, and I was impressed at how readable the book felt. I'm not the fastest reader, but I felt like I was flying through this one. Leopold, the main character, felt very relatable, and I enjoyed watching him gain confidence over the course of the book. Sunder, the magical world, introduces some bizarre experiences, though entering that world wasn't as strange as I thought it might be. I enjoyed the sense of adventure and mystery this book brought, with a decent amount of action along the way. I did feel like the book ended somewhat abruptly, leaving most things that were going on unresolved. I still have so many questions! I think this was a strong start to a new series, and this first book left me anxious to find out what will happen next.

Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group, Dutton Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for the review copy of Sunderworld, Vol. I: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry! All opinions in my review are completely my own.