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Sunderworld, Vol. I: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry

A journey of magic, loss, and unexpected heroism

Ransom Riggs author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Dutton Books for Young Readers

Published:16th Aug '24

Should be back in stock very soon

Sunderworld, Vol. I: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry cover

In Sunderworld, Vol. I: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry, a young boy confronts strange visions and his own insecurities while navigating a fantastical world.

In Sunderworld, Vol. I: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry, readers are introduced to seventeen-year-old Leopold Berry, who finds himself grappling with strange visions in Los Angeles. Following the death of his mother, Leopold becomes obsessed with a long-forgotten 1990s fantasy TV show, Max's Adventures in Sunderworld. As his reality becomes increasingly intertwined with the bizarre elements of the show, he encounters peculiar characters and surreal events that challenge his understanding of what is real and what is imagined.

As Leopold navigates his grief and the pressures from his overbearing father, he turns to his best friend, Emmet, for support. Together, they uncover that Sunderworld is not merely a figment of imagination but a tangible realm facing dire threats. This discovery ignites a spark of hope within Leopold, who believes he might finally be destined for something great. However, the path to heroism is fraught with obstacles, and Leopold must confront his own insecurities and the weight of his disappointments.

Ultimately, Sunderworld, Vol. I is a tale of self-discovery, friendship, and the struggle against darkness. Leopold learns that true heroism is not about being chosen, but rather about choosing to fight for what is right, even when the odds are stacked against him. As he faces the challenges ahead, readers are left to ponder how one can battle their inner demons when belief in oneself is elusive.

★ "Riggs’s incandescent storytelling, exquisite worldbuilding, and vivid characterization kick off a propulsive series starter that subverts the chosen-one trope via a self-made antihero who learns to choose himself. If Leopold finds more questions than answers, readers will be heartened by the promise of more adventure and intrigue following this whirlwind opener."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Like the bittersweet Los Angeles it occupies, Leopold's offbeat Sunderworld is a little grimy and a little broken, but the magic is real and will stick with you."—Booklist, starred review

"Riggs' writing is tight and well paced. Some incredible action scenes leap off the pages, and Sunder is a blur of dangerous situations, well-drawn characters, and magical devices. The ending will make readers wish they couldimmediately reach for the second volume.... A fully imagined fantastical world with compelling characters and a nail-biting cliffhanger."—Kirkus Reviews

"This love letter to Los Angeles is brimming with magic, nostalgia, and eclectic characters. Riggs, in addition to creating a wildly imaginative world, handles topics of grief and loss with aplomb.... An intriguing and enigmatic first installment.”—Shelf Awareness

Praise for the #1 Bestselling Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series


“Boy, can Ransom Riggs tell a story.”—NPR.org

“A visually rich literary experience.”—New York Times
  
“Chilling, wondrous.”—People
 
“Pulse-pounding.”—Booklist
 
“David Lynchian imagery, and rich eerie detail.”—Entertainment Weekly
 
“A thrilling, Tim Burton-esque tale.”—USA Today

ISBN: 9780593530931

Dimensions: 217mm x 148mm x 29mm

Weight: 454g

336 pages