Steelwing

Steelwing #1

by Matthew Rollins

*** 2024 winner of the Golden Wizard Book Prize for Children's Literature! ***

Thirteen-year-old Cammie Fields lost her arm in a car accident and thinks her life's story is already written. Even with a new state-of-the-art bionic arm, Cammie still prefers the comfort of Steelwing, her favorite video game, to the real world. But when her mom arrives home with a gift from work, moments later they’re both swept into the game.

Experiencing the game world from the inside is Cammie’s dream, even if it’s with her mom who’s a total noob. But things turn serious when they find out her dad is trapped in the clutches of the unbeatable metal dragon. The world gets even more dangerous when a shadowy villain’s magic spreads, corrupting Steelwing and even her quest. Can Cammie find a way to write her own ending to save her dad and get everyone home?

The quest timer is ticking…

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2023

Reviews

[Shawn M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steelwing is a fun adventure into the world of video games and into the mind of a thirteen year-old girl. Her frustration over being trapped inside her favorite game, where her mom gets to play the hero and not her, is wonderful. Outside the game, Cammie faces all the usual-suspect pressures of a young teen, along with the added stigma of having a prosthetic arm - as if teens aren't self-conscious enough to begin with! Beautifully written, fast paced, and entertaining.

[Louise Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steelwing penned by Matthew Rollins is a work of genius!

The plot-line is simply incredible and the writing style so engrossing that I couldn't resist reading it all in one go.

Without giving away any spoilers, I have to say that the opening of the book is utterly brilliant. It immediately grabs your attention and sets the stage for the greatness that is to come.

One of the things that I love most about Steelwing is the protagonist, Cammie. She is an exceptional character who is both relatable and inspiring. Her journey, especially her perspective on losing her arm and receiving a prosthetic bionic arm, is incredibly well-written. The author has done a fantastic job of portraying Cammie's emotions and struggles in a way that feels authentic and powerful, it's a true testament to their talent.

Every aspect, from the action to the characters to the world-building, is executed perfectly. It's a must-read for anyone, especially young gamers. And the fact that it's the start of a series is just the cherry on top! I can't wait to see what magical adventures await in the next installment.

[Travis Hightower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rollins writes a teenage protagonist with a unique voice that immediately charms and hooks readers. One expects such a protagonist to deal with her own solo journey, but the author pairs the young Cammie (and her bionic arm crusher) with her mother as they navigate a video game world made real. The mother acts as both fish-out-of water fool (or noob if you are a gamer) AND mentor character, and their chemistry elevates the first entry in this series to a higher level (pun intended) than most other science fiction books in the middle grade to lower young adult range. Rollins also skillfully navigates worked building an action for an adventure mashing fantasy and science fiction together, building towards a masterful conclusion. The last page will leave you clamoring for the sequel.

[Mr Bla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a kid, but look - I used to be one, and I enjoyed the heck out of this. I breezed through it, story had me the whole way until the end. Every time I thought I'd take a break and rest my eyes I said - nah, let met read a little more. Finished in one sitting, it's fun to have a book like that. And kudos to Mr. Rollins for knowing that Dr Pepper has no period after "Dr" (some people are idiots), and for including the best drink in the world in this adventure. it's got absolutely nothing to do with the overarching story, just saying....

Off to Cammie and Crusher in Steelwing 2!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My cousin wrote this exciting adventure of a teenage girl and her mom getting sucked into a video game! I appreciate a female hero with a strong mom because it seems like when girls get to be heroes in stories, they usually have only a dad (thinking Disney) or a weak mom (thinking Hunger Games). The video game they are trapped in is described in interesting detail to make it more like a fantasy world than a high-tech world. I can't wait to read Matt's next book!

[Kristofer Schleicher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up at a Writer's Conference after hearing the author read. Rollins spins a fast-paced tale of young Cammie (aka CamFyre), who finds herself lost inside a video game with her mom, seeking to rescue her father. Through their dangerous quests and battles, Cammie learns that there is much more to her mother than she appreciated and she makes peace with her own disability. Great for gamers but accessible for noobs and parents too.

[Jonathan D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compelling story that is definitely made for video game lovers. I am not a gamer, but I couldn't put the book down. It will absolutely appeal to all readers. Definitely a fun ride for teens and adults alike, with plenty of adventure wrapped around a story of a mother and daughter forming a bond in the most unusual of circumstances.

[Rebekah Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun! Steelwing is an adventurous thriller for any middle grade reader - especially ones who love video games! If a video game were a book, this would be it. Seriously, THIS is the book if you want to inspire a gamer tween to read more.

[David Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this at a book signing. Full disclosure, I didn't read it, but my thirteen year old daughters both did, and they loved it. They found the protagonist relatable and enjoyed the action. They liked it as much as Wings of Fire, whatever that means.

[Colin Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inventive premise that's well-written and engaging. Rollins brings the characters to life and puts them in a fantastic storyline.

[Ian Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid gamer myself, I loved this book. I envisioned the world of Final Fantasy 14 while reading and had a blast with it. If you're a young gamer at home, this is a book they will actually read.

[Jim Coke · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a gamer I especially like this book. The gaming universe and mechanics were will done. I wish this was a real, playable game.

The story flowed nicely and kept me engaged until the very end.

[Mark Aeschlimann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun little litRPG story. I really enjoyed Cammie’s development and the world she loves to play in. Will definitely be continuing with this series.

[David Jace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun adventure with some unique twists and elements from a new author. Truly, a compelling story.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters and great plot. Highly recommend this book!

[Helen Dent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced middle grade adventure. When Cammie finds herself living out her favorite game, she has to overcome surprising, challenging obstacles to save her family.