There are a lot of books about magic - the genre called fantasy, you know - where magic figures profusely, but after all it is just a literary device, as it stands for something else: exciting world-building, adventure, character development. And then there are books that remind us that there's more to our own world than we thought. That there's, essentially, magic here, too.

So, where do I start? There's a Leopold Berry, known to people around him as Larry. He's seventeenth, prime time to start thinking whether his career will be in law or investment banking - according to his father, at least, who believes anything else would be a disappointment and Leopold has been a disappointment since the day he was born. Leopold moved in with his father five years ago, after his mother's death, to deal with the emotional aftermath of which he binge-watched the VHS tapes of a forgotten tv series from the 90s, The Sunderworld found among his mother's belongings.... until he, apparently, had too much of it, so that he started to have visions of the things and characters from the series on the streets of his native LA. Weird and uncanny episodes: a person pulling out a tooth from his mouth and depositing it into a parking meter before disappearing in a hole in the ground that opened up in response... a raccoon with a tail ablaze perched on a sycamore tree... a weary parking lot attendant with a pair of wings showing from her shoulder blades... Everyone agreed that that should have been his brain's way of processing the trauma, and Larry grew to believe that himself after all. Until he started seeing into Sunder, as he had been calling it, again, now aged seventeen, when the prospect that his apparent hallucinations have returned might have a much more profound effect on his life than when he was a legitimately grief-ridden pre-teen.

If you are holding in your hands a book that is tagged "YA fantasy," you can probably guess that ultimately it should turn out that magic isreal in that fictional world and that Sunder does, indeed, exist, no spoilers in mentioning that. It must have been only waiting for the protagonist to find his way there by proving that he's not one of the perfectly average and unremarkable philistines (all those ETA Hoffmann vibes, if you know what I mean). But yet, even keeping that genre-related expectations in mind, those first 20% of the book while Leopold is still on the fence about the existence of magic, have been a piece of pure magic for me. I would have forgiven the story for going in any direction after that. But that was totally unnecessary from my side, as the author continued to bend the expectations and veer off the downtrodden paths that he himself had delineated by introducing the story from the tv series that had impressed Larry so much back when he was twelve. Won't give away anything about those, so as not to spoil the fun!

I'm not technically the age of the target audience of YA fiction, you know. But I'm pretty sure I would have given a lot to get hold of such a book some twenty years ago, when I was. Yet, it also holds some of the crossover value - at least if you were that teen who would appreciate such a read once upon a time. And that's clearly enhanced by the esthetics of those '90s tv shows with clunky special effects that worked no less effectively than contemporary sleek CGIs to transport the viewer into the world of make-believe.

I have just one thing to complain about: how long should I wait for the second part now? But I could have guessed that from the "vol.1" in the title, I imagine.

Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and Dutton Books for Young Readers for providing me with a free eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a big fan of Ransom Riggs. I loved the Peregrine series (I think I read them all, they sort of melted together toward the end there) and I have high hopes for these Sunderworld books, which I suspect there will be many if this 1st one is any indication.

There's a mix of Neal Gaiman and Harry Potter here in this novel and my 4 star rating is specifically made with the idea in mind that Riggs does a lot of tip-toeing around what the hell is actually going on in this book. Leopold is a cool character and his friends have strong development, but I have to say that there was a lot of space that was taken up with a ton of trope-like chasing around and figuring out how things work and where things go. I think that Riggs could've simplified things a bit and given his audience a lot more to work with if he just explained things more quickly and concisely, but what do I know? I've never written a book and I don't if I've mentioned this before, but I suspect that this will be a very lengthy series. It's an exciting story all said, just a lot of steps to get to one little nugget of info and then another and so on.

One thing I was curious about was Leopold's dad. Richter is an ass. However, he speaks of his dad on some occasions as a good dude. It's very unclear what or who his father was or is before his mother and after. I need more clarification and that ending did not help my confusion. Oh well. I'm definitely here for the ride, so I will jump into the next one. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Really cool of y'all.

Vol I is a great start to a new series by Riggs and I’m very excited to see where the next book takes us. The title says it all about Leopold, his day, week, past 6 years have been extraordinarily disappointing. Is he the disappointment or is he not being given a fair shot? You’ll have to read and make your own judgment.

I love how how Sunderworld overlaps with the real world. I am looking forward to learning more about it alongside Leopold and seeing more on how his friend Emmett fits into the rest of the puzzle.

Thanks to Ransom Riggs and Penguin Dutton for providing me with a copy of this book.
Do you like strange things? Puzzles? Things that are and are not at the same time? You'll like this book. The main character is called Leopold, Larry, and Lunchtray. Throughout the book various characters carry Focusers. What do they do exactly? Still not sure. Other characters use portable holes that can be picked up and moved to get places. Didn't those appear in an old Bugs Bunny cartoon? The main story recounts Leopold escaping from the world of his tyrannical father into the world of an old TV program, Sunderworld. The main action takes place in Los Angeles, whether we are in Sunderworld or not. Leopold's friend Emmet tags along with him. In Sunderworld, various improbable events happen. Some happen using magic. There are lots of chases. Yeah, that's pretty much all I could make of it. Lots of creativity here. Characterization? Not so much. Plausibility? Let's not get into that. But if you are looking for a weird crazy romp, you'll like this book.

(I shared on goodreads a 5 star review but i cant figure out how to share the link of the review) Thank you Netgalley for an ARC! I was so excited for this book as I'm currently really getting into the Miss Peregrine's series and it's amazing to get a copy of this! The story is so great not only have I read the book but I also pre-ordered a copy aswell!

Onto the review! The story follows Leopold(Larry) who is an amazingly average in every way. He isn't good at anything or bad at anything just incredibly average. He starts seeing into Sunderworld which he first heard of after watching the VCR tapes after his mother passed away such as seeing someone put a tooth into a parking meter and going underground or seeing flaming raccoons.
With his best friend Emmett by his side he realizes that Sunderworld is real and it starts an amazing adventure! I cannot wait to see where Emmett and Leopold and friends go next!

Reminiscent of Harry Potter, the author produces a great story of a world hidden from the ordinary world.
There is magic, bad things (Noxums), and political strife.

I loved the story and the blending of the real and the Sunderhill world.

The one drawback that was a bit of a slog to get through was the pages upon pages of references of the Los Angeles places/roads/streets. I don't know LA enough to care and it was a bit boring to get through that.

However, I loved the end and Emmets fascination with puzzles.

This book left me wanting more and I can't wait to see where the author goes with the series.

Ransom Riggs creates a new world for us to wander and I'm all in! At first I was worried about the silliness of the magic, the despair of Larry's life, and questioned my decision to read thus. But Riggs sucked me right in and I was hooked then devastated the story came to an end too soon. Would definitely recommend! Can't wait for Vol. 2!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was really excited to see that Ransom Riggs was doing what looks to be a new series that is steeped in a fictional children's show that begins to cross over into reality through hallucinations the main character has. However, I felt that this was a fairly meandering story. I'm assuming it's set up for a continued series, but by the time I finished it I just felt like I was left wondering what the real point was. There were enough mysteries that make the reader want to keep reading, but despite that I was left not really caring a lot for the next installment.

I was very excited to read this book as I loved Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series by Riggs. This first in the Sunderworld series did not disappoint.! Leopold is a lovable character that is mostly overlooked by his family and lives in his own world with magical happenings. His best friend helps him through the challenges of his real life and keeps him grounded when he observes fantastical occurrences. Leopold's closest ally is his mother, who has passed away and left him adrift. Riggs expertly weaves Leopold's hopes of a magical purpose with his fears of inadequacy and loss. The magical aspects of the story are very visual and intricate, and eerily follow the storyline of an old series that Leopold's mother enjoyed. Leopold's life becomes more exciting and dangerous when he decides that Sunderland is real and begins to see and follow messages he is convinced are from his mother. Riggs masterfully combines the mundane with the peculiar to achieve an extraordinary quest for identity and an adventure foreshadowed by an old television series. This tale is full of the fantastical. But, just because it is unbelievable, does not mean it is not true! Even Leopold waffles between his conviction that Sunderland is real and his worry that he is delusional. This story is so creative and exciting, and I wasn't done come the book's end. It was quite literally like running down a hall and smacking into a wall at the end: What just happened? Where do we go now? What's next? I can't wait for the next in the series, but, alas, I must. Although geared toward a teen or young adult audience, I enjoyed it immensely as an older adult!

Ransom Riggs, you are one of my childhood authors that just continue to improve.

This story lives up to Riggs's other work, particular in the whimsical and fantastical nature of the writing. Is it made for children? Yes. Does the book entertain even the most pessimistic and cynical adults? Also yes. I devoured this book the same way I did Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. I will be buying copies for all the teens in my life to read because it's just that good (okay maybe not all the teens in my life, but definitely my siblings).

4.5 stars
This was such a fun read! I enjoyed the nostalgia it gave me and I really loved the descriptions of some of the places Leopold visited. I want to visit the diner where he gets the token for the Angels Flight Railway. The ending was action packed. I will be on the lookout for the next installment.

It's not just the world building. It's not only Riggs' ability to fashion fantasy that extends way beyond the usual borders. It's not merely the whimsical, almost lyrical parts of the narrative. The thing that puts this book way ahead of so many other books that initially appear to be similar in plot is that Riggs creates characters with presence, personality and heft. In this sort of book, the more fantastical the premise and the action, the more real the characters have to be to keep the reader invested. That was certainly true for the Miss Peregrine series, and it works the same way here. Both Riggs fans and those new to his style should be pleased with this effort.

Leopold, still reeling from his mother's death and struggling with feelings of inadequacy imposed by his overbearing father, finds solace and escape in the obscure TV show, but when bizarre elements from the show start manifesting in real life, Leopold realizes something is wrong. He and his friend Emmet soon discover that the TV show "Max's Adventures in Sunderworld" is not make-believe but real. He is driven by his feelings of inadequacy and his father's constant belittling to change his life and be the hero he knows he can be.

I devoured this book. It was so action-packed, and I love a zero-to-hero kind of story. I loved how this story allowed Leopold to relive cherished moments with his mom. Leopold is impulsive, and the guy who, if he did not have bad luck, wouldn't have any luck. This fact creates a lovable character you are rooting for throughout the book.

The world-building is so off the wall, and anything is possible. I have never read anything like this book before. It is strange and whimsy, but it also takes a deep look at self-doubt and personal insecurities and how that can affect our internal and external battles. The book was skillfully executed and will take you on a wild ride. I can't wait for the next book.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Group, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Dutton Books for Young Readers.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the eARC of this novel.

“Mister Worthington,” Leopold said evenly. “I’m of the opinion that it would be completely irresponsible of us to leave here tonight without first doing some magic.” Emmet nodded seriously. “Stupid, even.” Kaye arrived with the check. “You guys have a coupon, is that right?”

If Ransom knows how to do anything it is write a fantastic modern reality bending fantasy novel series. And this novel is nothing different. We start off this novel meeting Leopold/Larry a devastatingly average person. He is having strange visions of another world that coincides with one a show called Sunderworld that is seemingly lost media. We soon find out that what Leopold is seeing may actually not just hallucinations but he is actually seeing into the magical fantasy world of sunder. With help from his best friend Emmet he starts to unravel the mystery.

Miss Peregrines is one of my all time favorite series of all times so when I saw the announcement that Ransom was releasing this new series I was ready to unhinge my jaw and devour it whole. From the beginning of the novel I could tell this was gonna be a high rated read for me. Ransom just has a way to pull you into the characters story and make you invested into what is happening. This was a fast passed novel that felt high stakes and wanting to continue reading. I wanted to know where the story was heading and couldn't turn the page fast enough. He amazingly sets up for the rest of the series.

The only problem I have with it is that the book is not even published and I am needing the rest now

From the author of the Mrs Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children series, comes a brand new enthralling fantasy series. Sunderworld more than exceeded my expectations! With a unique storyline and even more extraordinary world, Sunderworld felt like I was watching a movie unfold. The details put into it were so creative and I love how everything comes together so perfectly to build the world. Leopold is an ordinary yet extraordinary Boy who get’s swept into a world he once thought to be fictional. It’s a story that has found family, self discovery, and entertaining witty banter to keep you hooked to every word! Ransom Riggs has such a wonderful talent for transporting readers into the books he writes. This book felt like the beginning to an even bigger complex story and I’m so excited to see where it goes!

Sunderworld, Vol.1: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry by Ransom Riggs is a wildly imaginative roller coaster ride that evokes Stranger Things and Ready Player One for me. Leopold, Larry to everyone in his life, is seeing some weird things in real life from a fictional TV series from the 1990s called Sunderworld. He finds out it’s a real place with really scary monsters. His mother who passed away several years ago left him a treasure map that sends him to the heart of Sunderworld and an adventure of epic proportions.

I would recommend this book for young adults and adults young at heart. If you loved Stranger Things, you will enjoy the thrill of riding into the unknown and staring down a scary creature. It’s a touching story about grief and a mother’s love, friendship, and finding the courage to be who you are. I would like to point out that this is Volume 1 and I’m already needing the second book ASAP, please.

Thank you Penguin Young Readers Group and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Penguin Teen for my arc!

Friends! this was fantastic. I laughed, I cried. The ending left me screaming. Ransom Riggs books have become so special to me, I associate them with someone who recently passed away in my life. I read Miss Peregrine the last time i saw them and now I just finished Sunderworld after they've been gone for almost 3 months. This was a very therapeutic read for me especially reading the scenes where Leopold talks about losing his mom. I just really loved this, the story is a classic coming of age with a main character who has been told he's not good enough for most of his life and you really get to see him grow and change those circumstances. I loved the side characters as well. I won't name them though because i want you to be as surprised as I was.

Highly Recommend Sunderworld Volume I

In this start to a new YA fantasy series, Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children’s author Ransom Riggs blends the real world and a magical world in this story about grief, a chosen family, and finding one’s power.

After his mother’s death, our protagonist Leopold (or Larry) discovers a VHS of a 1990s fantasy TV show, Max's Adventures in Sunderworld, among her things. Amidst battling with his dad, surviving high school, feeling lost, and grieving his mother, teen Leopold and his best friend Emmet immerse themselves in this tv series.

When he starts to see impossible things, he realizes that Sunderworld is real. Leopold and Emmet discover Sunder is hidden in plain sight in LA, but the city is in trouble. Leopold jumps into action and tries to follow the clues his mother left him and perhaps fulfill his destiny.

My only disappointment with Sunderworld, Vol. I: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry is that I must wait for Volume 2.

This book was great. Magic, urban world, time travel elements. Really well written and packed with twists and turns. Can’t wait for the next volume. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

This is my first time reading anything from this author but it will not be the last.

I am struggling to write this review because I don't want to give any spoilers. The world of Sunderworld essentially a world within a world is absolutely amazing!

After the death of his mother Leopold "Larry" Berry has these visions of things that can't possibly be real. Family and friends are chalking it up to basically grief psychosis and suggest that he see a professional but something in Larry tells him that what he is seeing is real.

Larry knows a lot about Sunderworld through recorded episodes of the canceled popular television show, he even went on to create extra episodes to continue the story for himself.

This book is absolutely building for book 2. I for one will be waiting on it to be released!