'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Friday 10 July 2020

Junior Review: Wonderscape

Arthur has always had a simple, ‘normal’ life. He would go to school; enjoy his science lessons and he’d love to spend time with his father. That was until he and his friends Ren and Cecily discovered a portal to the future.

There had been exploding gnomes outside the house the same morning and Arthur, Cecily and Ren all went in to investigate. Before they knew it, they were transported into the extraordinary game Wonderscape.

This was not just any ordinary game. This was a game where the player was transported into a real dimension. There was a catch though.

Arthur had always lived in the 20th century, but they had now been transported to the 25th century into a live video game populated by characters from throughout history.

And if they stayed in this Wonderscape game for more then three days, they were condemned to turn into snot. To find their way home they had to find the missing Milo, the creator of Wonderscape, and his time key. On the way this small trio met many allies and friends which they will forever treasure.

I loved this book because it gives me a sense of what the 25th century could be like. And I love Jennifer Bell’s writing style. It is both simple and complex at the same time. The way she set out the plot line was perfect moving from excitement to hopelessness to relief. I love this author.

One thing I didn’t like about this book though was the action seemed to start a little too soon, so I didn’t get to properly meet or understand the characters until around halfway through the book.

Title: Wonderscape
Author: Jennifer Bell
Illustrator: Paddy Donnelly
Publisher: Walker Books, $14.99
Publication Date: 4 June, 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781406391725
For ages: 8+
Type: Junior Fiction