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Sunderworld #1
Sunderworld Vol 1: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry
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?
Welcome to Sunderworld.
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?
Welcome to Sunderworld.
Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2024
314 people are currently reading
21583 people want to read
About the author
Ransom Riggs
54 books23.7k followersHi, I'm Ransom, and I like to tell stories. Sometimes I tell them with words, sometimes with pictures, often with both. I grew up on a farm on the Eastern shore of Maryland and also in a little house by the beach in Englewood, Florida where I got very tan and swam every day until I became half fish. I started writing stories when I was young, on an old typewriter that jammed and longhand on legal pads. When I was a little older I got a camera for Christmas and became obsessed with photography, and when I was a little older still my friends and I came into possession of a half-broken video camera and began to make our own movies, starring ourselves, using our bedrooms and backyards for sets. I have loved writing stories and taking photographs and making movies ever since, and have endeavored to do all three.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 855 reviews
August 23, 2024
This was the strangest story I have read in a very long time. It was a wonderful start to what I hope will turn into a great series. The world building was strange especially since Sunder was described both as the tv show and the reality we eventually step into. the magic is interesting and fairly unique. Leopold has always been called Larry despite his preference not to be Larry Berry. His mother died when he was 12 and after she was gone he discovered a box of VHS tapes of an old show about Sunderland that only had one season. He started to see things that weren’t there but no matter how much he searched the fantasy world never became real for him. He gave up all hope and left the fantasy world behind while he tried to struggle through disappointing everyone. Larry is the most average child who has existed. Until one night he’s given a token to enter Sunder and he knows he’s finally found what he was meant to do. I enjoyed this one quite a bit, I gave it 4.5 stars rounded up for being creative.
September 6, 2024
Ransom Riggs is baaaaaaaaaaack! And I am 100% all in for this.
Like Miss Peregrine before it, this latest series opener from one of the best authors in the YA business follows a boy whose family trauma has shaped him into a depressed young man who doesn’t think he stands a chance in the world. But that’s because the world doesn’t respect him like he deserves, except for his buddy with the strange taste in smokables. (I told my buddy Koda that Emmet resembled him a lot in that respect, but funnily enough, Leopold bears a stronger physical resemblance to Kodes, being six foot plus and lean and rangy.)
This book comes with a pretty retro package and a premise that calls to mind the recent indie film success I Saw the TV Glow, though decidedly from a heterosexual and cisgender perspective, and with more focus on salvaging lost family secrets. But it also functions as an effective allegory for the real world troubles plaguing California, especially LA. The parallel universe of Sunderworld ain’t just a lost 90s show where you gotta Keep Circulating the Tapes - it’s a real place of magic focusing camera lenses, a populace begging for a savior and then making memes out of him when he flops on live TV, magic as a natural resource that used to be in great supply but is now running dangerously low (reminiscent of not only the oil that made LA a big boomtown in the 20th century, but also the water which California never has enough of because the state is slowly turning into a great desert)…
There’s just so much awesomeness in this book, and it wouldn’t be Riggs without a weapons grade cliffhanger that sneaks up with lightning speed and smacks the reader in the face.
I do have to say, though…Richter. Can. CHOKE.
Because if Leopold were my kid, I’d be proud that he can repair his own car and drive stick, and maybe that encouragement would help him come out of his shell sooner.
(And one more thing - did Riggs give Leopold a yellow Volvo wagon as an homage to the Maitlands’ car in Beetlejuice? With the new movie coming out, I’m inclined to think so.)
Like Miss Peregrine before it, this latest series opener from one of the best authors in the YA business follows a boy whose family trauma has shaped him into a depressed young man who doesn’t think he stands a chance in the world. But that’s because the world doesn’t respect him like he deserves, except for his buddy with the strange taste in smokables. (I told my buddy Koda that Emmet resembled him a lot in that respect, but funnily enough, Leopold bears a stronger physical resemblance to Kodes, being six foot plus and lean and rangy.)
This book comes with a pretty retro package and a premise that calls to mind the recent indie film success I Saw the TV Glow, though decidedly from a heterosexual and cisgender perspective, and with more focus on salvaging lost family secrets. But it also functions as an effective allegory for the real world troubles plaguing California, especially LA. The parallel universe of Sunderworld ain’t just a lost 90s show where you gotta Keep Circulating the Tapes - it’s a real place of magic focusing camera lenses, a populace begging for a savior and then making memes out of him when he flops on live TV, magic as a natural resource that used to be in great supply but is now running dangerously low (reminiscent of not only the oil that made LA a big boomtown in the 20th century, but also the water which California never has enough of because the state is slowly turning into a great desert)…
There’s just so much awesomeness in this book, and it wouldn’t be Riggs without a weapons grade cliffhanger that sneaks up with lightning speed and smacks the reader in the face.
I do have to say, though…Richter. Can. CHOKE.
Because if Leopold were my kid, I’d be proud that he can repair his own car and drive stick, and maybe that encouragement would help him come out of his shell sooner.
(And one more thing - did Riggs give Leopold a yellow Volvo wagon as an homage to the Maitlands’ car in Beetlejuice? With the new movie coming out, I’m inclined to think so.)
September 5, 2024
nothing happened? 330 pages that led nowhere, like... at all? talk about Extraordinary Disappointments
July 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for providing a digital review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Wow, what a surprise this book was! I remember requesting the ARC simply for the cover alone, and am so glad I made that decision.
Leopold is a silly, charming, relatable character you can’t help but cheer for. He’s so much like the protagonists you love in other books, but different in little ways that make him unique and unforgettable. The supporting cast is fantastic as well, even if they have very little page time. But where a lot of the magic lies is in, well, the magic– the world. Sunder Hill. The nostalgia a lot of us feel seeing the cover of this book? That same nostalgia practically oozes out of the pages. Ransom Riggs has created a vibrant world full of neon lights, deserts at sundown, diners with your favorite pie, and a city with little bits of magic squeezed into every crevice.
I highly recommend you read about Leopold’s journey as he navigates the extraordinary disappointments of his life because you’ll have a blast, I promise!
Wow, what a surprise this book was! I remember requesting the ARC simply for the cover alone, and am so glad I made that decision.
Leopold is a silly, charming, relatable character you can’t help but cheer for. He’s so much like the protagonists you love in other books, but different in little ways that make him unique and unforgettable. The supporting cast is fantastic as well, even if they have very little page time. But where a lot of the magic lies is in, well, the magic– the world. Sunder Hill. The nostalgia a lot of us feel seeing the cover of this book? That same nostalgia practically oozes out of the pages. Ransom Riggs has created a vibrant world full of neon lights, deserts at sundown, diners with your favorite pie, and a city with little bits of magic squeezed into every crevice.
I highly recommend you read about Leopold’s journey as he navigates the extraordinary disappointments of his life because you’ll have a blast, I promise!
November 25, 2024
First of all, as someone who grew up in the 80s and 90s, I gotta say I love the cover design resembling a VHS tape. I only wish I liked the book as much but unfortunately it fell way short of its potential.
The author wrote the popular Miss Peregrine series and my hunch is due to that success the editor gave him a pass for this book and didn’t force any major changes. The end result is something that reads more like a rough draft than a fully developed story. This is the first book in a series and it needed to pack a punch. The premise is great but the setup is weak and not much happens in this book. Disappointing because the author had a creative idea for a story but it needed more fine tuning before publication.
The author wrote the popular Miss Peregrine series and my hunch is due to that success the editor gave him a pass for this book and didn’t force any major changes. The end result is something that reads more like a rough draft than a fully developed story. This is the first book in a series and it needed to pack a punch. The premise is great but the setup is weak and not much happens in this book. Disappointing because the author had a creative idea for a story but it needed more fine tuning before publication.
August 21, 2024
4.5 stars
I received an ARC, baby!! Thank you PenguinTeen!
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! It was a really great read. The world, characters, relationships, and writing were all spot on. What made Sunder Hill so interesting to me was how it related to the real world and Leopold’s life. That transformed this book into something special.
I will definitely continue this series.
I received an ARC, baby!! Thank you PenguinTeen!
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! It was a really great read. The world, characters, relationships, and writing were all spot on. What made Sunder Hill so interesting to me was how it related to the real world and Leopold’s life. That transformed this book into something special.
I will definitely continue this series.
July 20, 2024
This book is highly unusual. It takes you all over L.A., in increasingly bizarre ways. You will be left to wonder if Larry Leopold Berry is important…or not.
You will probably have the same opinion about Leopold’s father that I do.
Although it’s strange, not unlike how I would imagine a profane Harry Potter on LSD, it’s an intriguing ride on a rickety trolley car, and I look forward to the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Books for Young Readers for gifting me an eARC. My review is entirely voluntary.
You will probably have the same opinion about Leopold’s father that I do.
Although it’s strange, not unlike how I would imagine a profane Harry Potter on LSD, it’s an intriguing ride on a rickety trolley car, and I look forward to the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Books for Young Readers for gifting me an eARC. My review is entirely voluntary.
Want to read
May 1, 2024A new ransom riggs book??
September 5, 2024
**Thank you to Penguin Teen for the eARC. This in no way changed my rating**
I have to believe the high ratings from other users before release are largely due to good will left from Miss Peregrine cause this was not it. I really liked the idea of the book and the COVER! The 80s video cassette was a cool idea! But it felt like a novella that got streeeeeeeetched out to be a series (although I’ll give that the chapters are so short that it took me a while to realize I was more than halfway in and barely anything had happened).
I found Leopold very whiny. He’s upset he’s not a chosen one. He’s upset about his dad (which, fair. He’s a jerk). He’s upset about his junk car. He’s upset about his mom dying. He has siblings who might as well not be in the book for all they matter (I don’t know their names. They don’t matter at all). He’s upset his bestie has other friends. He just spends a lot of the book being upset about everything.
The “Sunderworld” part is so short, I thought I was mistaken when it started. The initial visit is like 5-6 chapters. And then he’s on the run the rest of the time, so you never get to really explore Sunderworld or what makes it appealing in the first place. Wish I could tell you why there’s a mechanical wolf on the cover but that wolf never shows up. That raccoon they mention in the synopsis? Also not part of the plot. Most of the “weird things” Leopold sees before going have no bearing on anything.
Also, the plot changes multiple times from “We need to get to Sunderworld” to “I’m on a scavenger hunt from my dead mom!” to “I need to save my friend.” He doesn’t have a straight forward goal of the book, so it feels aimless.
I’ve also heard a lot about this “twist that’s going to make you want book two immediately.” I finished the book. The twist is not that big a deal. I don’t think I care enough about the “world” or the lack of plot to read another book in this series.
I have to believe the high ratings from other users before release are largely due to good will left from Miss Peregrine cause this was not it. I really liked the idea of the book and the COVER! The 80s video cassette was a cool idea! But it felt like a novella that got streeeeeeeetched out to be a series (although I’ll give that the chapters are so short that it took me a while to realize I was more than halfway in and barely anything had happened).
I found Leopold very whiny. He’s upset he’s not a chosen one. He’s upset about his dad (which, fair. He’s a jerk). He’s upset about his junk car. He’s upset about his mom dying. He has siblings who might as well not be in the book for all they matter (I don’t know their names. They don’t matter at all). He’s upset his bestie has other friends. He just spends a lot of the book being upset about everything.
The “Sunderworld” part is so short, I thought I was mistaken when it started. The initial visit is like 5-6 chapters. And then he’s on the run the rest of the time, so you never get to really explore Sunderworld or what makes it appealing in the first place. Wish I could tell you why there’s a mechanical wolf on the cover but that wolf never shows up. That raccoon they mention in the synopsis? Also not part of the plot. Most of the “weird things” Leopold sees before going have no bearing on anything.
Also, the plot changes multiple times from “We need to get to Sunderworld” to “I’m on a scavenger hunt from my dead mom!” to “I need to save my friend.” He doesn’t have a straight forward goal of the book, so it feels aimless.
I’ve also heard a lot about this “twist that’s going to make you want book two immediately.” I finished the book. The twist is not that big a deal. I don’t think I care enough about the “world” or the lack of plot to read another book in this series.
June 20, 2024
While I was writing this review in my head, I realized so much of what I wanted to say would be spoilers. I don't want to make a review that nobody can read until they read the book, I want to write a review so everyone reads this book. And that's purely for the personal reason of getting a full series of Sunderworld books! So please forgive my vagueness and read the book and enjoy this new world with me.
I was excited to see a new Ransom Riggs book pop up. I read Miss Peregrine's when it first came out and loved it. I shared the series with my step kid and we enjoyed all the books together. The characters were so well written and had such deep, unique stories. This new book and the new characters are written just as well. Leopold is a young adult trying to figure out what he should be doing with his life, still heartbroken from losing his mom, dealing with a controlling and judgmental father....all while seeing things that can't possibly be real. Or can they? Following Leopold through this story was a fun adventure, full of fantasy themes and a lot of friendship. Riggs created a new little world in Sunderworld. We don't see too much of it, but fingers crossed we can later. Leopold is an unlikely hero but is very likeable and charming in his own ways. And the ending? Oh boy, you won't be able to get to it fast enough! Once the action starts, you won't be able to put the book down. I finished it right before bed, then woke up and reread the last part one more time to make sure I got all the details. The way the magic works is unique, no wands or spells here. It's so hard to find new ways to work older things, but Riggs found a few.
I rated this four stars right after finishing it because the beginning felt slow. But after thinking about it, it wasn't slow, it was just setting up the story and that can take time when you're building a new world for readers. It definitely feels like a volume 1 of many more to come.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited to see a new Ransom Riggs book pop up. I read Miss Peregrine's when it first came out and loved it. I shared the series with my step kid and we enjoyed all the books together. The characters were so well written and had such deep, unique stories. This new book and the new characters are written just as well. Leopold is a young adult trying to figure out what he should be doing with his life, still heartbroken from losing his mom, dealing with a controlling and judgmental father....all while seeing things that can't possibly be real. Or can they? Following Leopold through this story was a fun adventure, full of fantasy themes and a lot of friendship. Riggs created a new little world in Sunderworld. We don't see too much of it, but fingers crossed we can later. Leopold is an unlikely hero but is very likeable and charming in his own ways. And the ending? Oh boy, you won't be able to get to it fast enough! Once the action starts, you won't be able to put the book down. I finished it right before bed, then woke up and reread the last part one more time to make sure I got all the details. The way the magic works is unique, no wands or spells here. It's so hard to find new ways to work older things, but Riggs found a few.
I rated this four stars right after finishing it because the beginning felt slow. But after thinking about it, it wasn't slow, it was just setting up the story and that can take time when you're building a new world for readers. It definitely feels like a volume 1 of many more to come.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2024
This was a wildcard that seriously panned out for me! It's weird but I honestly loved it.
This concept of a magic world existing alongside a real city is a favorite for me. And having lived in Los Angeles for awhile, I loved the infusion of magic into all the quirky, old, and odd places that exist there. I also enjoyed it being about an unlikely hero who is entirely average in most ways, but loves fiercely. It's a fun, sometimes zany adventure with a lot of nostalgia. I was fully along for the ride and want to see what happens in book 2. I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
This concept of a magic world existing alongside a real city is a favorite for me. And having lived in Los Angeles for awhile, I loved the infusion of magic into all the quirky, old, and odd places that exist there. I also enjoyed it being about an unlikely hero who is entirely average in most ways, but loves fiercely. It's a fun, sometimes zany adventure with a lot of nostalgia. I was fully along for the ride and want to see what happens in book 2. I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
December 23, 2024
Thank you PenguinTeen, PRH Audio, and Netgalley for my free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Leopold "Larry" Berry is "remarkably unremarkable. Average absolutely to the decimal." Which pretty much sums up this book.
It starts off strong—Larry’s seeing things no one else can: a flaming raccoon, a parking lady with wings, a tooth-activated parking meter, glowing trapdoors—all ripped straight from a bizarre fantasy TV show called Max’s Adventures in Sunderworld.
Then, Larry manages to stumbles into Sunder and discovers it’s not only real, but he might just be the one to save it from destruction due to a dwindling supply of Aether. But here’s the kicker: shortly after entering Sunder, Larry finds out he’s NOT the chosen one. He’s too average for the job, so they kick him out. So now we’re left with a "hero" who has zero clear motivation.
From there, the story felt aimless— there was suddenly a treasure hunt subplot, a save-your-friend-who’s-suddenly-in-danger (but it doesn’t really make sense why) subplot, and a maybe love interest subplot thrown in for good measure.
It was also hard for me to root for the characters. They’re supposed to be in their late teens, but they act more like 9-year-olds. Larry? Forgettable. Emmet? Gone too soon. Isabel? Shows up too late to even matter.
Nothing stood out about Sunder either, except for the fact that they had some cool weapons. None of Larry's "visions" were in this world. There’s talk of an Aether shortage, but no one seems all that concerned about it. Plus, there's only one notable creature, which was hyped up as a threat but turned out to be not much of a problem at all.
It felt like the author set up a bunch of interesting parts but forgot to tie them all together. I was really hoping for something along the lines of Miss Peregrine’s or Stranger Things, as some other reviewers suggested, but sadly, this didn’t come close.
Leopold "Larry" Berry is "remarkably unremarkable. Average absolutely to the decimal." Which pretty much sums up this book.
It starts off strong—Larry’s seeing things no one else can: a flaming raccoon, a parking lady with wings, a tooth-activated parking meter, glowing trapdoors—all ripped straight from a bizarre fantasy TV show called Max’s Adventures in Sunderworld.
Then, Larry manages to stumbles into Sunder and discovers it’s not only real, but he might just be the one to save it from destruction due to a dwindling supply of Aether. But here’s the kicker: shortly after entering Sunder, Larry finds out he’s NOT the chosen one. He’s too average for the job, so they kick him out. So now we’re left with a "hero" who has zero clear motivation.
From there, the story felt aimless— there was suddenly a treasure hunt subplot, a save-your-friend-who’s-suddenly-in-danger (but it doesn’t really make sense why) subplot, and a maybe love interest subplot thrown in for good measure.
It was also hard for me to root for the characters. They’re supposed to be in their late teens, but they act more like 9-year-olds. Larry? Forgettable. Emmet? Gone too soon. Isabel? Shows up too late to even matter.
Nothing stood out about Sunder either, except for the fact that they had some cool weapons. None of Larry's "visions" were in this world. There’s talk of an Aether shortage, but no one seems all that concerned about it. Plus, there's only one notable creature, which was hyped up as a threat but turned out to be not much of a problem at all.
It felt like the author set up a bunch of interesting parts but forgot to tie them all together. I was really hoping for something along the lines of Miss Peregrine’s or Stranger Things, as some other reviewers suggested, but sadly, this didn’t come close.
June 13, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC!
Leopold Berry is just your typical teenager with no outstanding talent; he is about as average as average gets. Losing his mother at a young age, he’s had to endure his dad’s harsh upbringing and constant verbal abuse that he is a failure. The few joys he has in his life are his loyal best friend Emmet, his dear old Volvo Bessie that he inherited from his mother, and of course his collection of antiquated VHS tapes of the show Max's Adventures in Sunderworld. There’s nothing particularly remarkable about Leopold, yet why does he keep seeing strange visions no one else can see? From raccoons and birds catching on fire, to a parking lot attendant adorned with wings, and then even witnessing a man feeding his own teeth to a parking meter; Leopold is either losing it or finally discovering he may not be as unremarkable as he always thought.
So this story was fantastically weird, and I loved every minute of it!! I was kept on the edge of my seat the entire time; the mysteries and the oddities just kept me hooked and wanting more. I definitely loved the retro, eclectic, and nonsensical vibe of this world. The 90’s kid in me found it so nostalgic and magical. I’m looking forward to more adventures with Leopold and Emmet, and hope Ransom won’t keep us waiting too long for the next installment. We're left with so many mysteries by the end of book 1, that I'm restless and dying to get back to Sunderworld already.
Leopold Berry is just your typical teenager with no outstanding talent; he is about as average as average gets. Losing his mother at a young age, he’s had to endure his dad’s harsh upbringing and constant verbal abuse that he is a failure. The few joys he has in his life are his loyal best friend Emmet, his dear old Volvo Bessie that he inherited from his mother, and of course his collection of antiquated VHS tapes of the show Max's Adventures in Sunderworld. There’s nothing particularly remarkable about Leopold, yet why does he keep seeing strange visions no one else can see? From raccoons and birds catching on fire, to a parking lot attendant adorned with wings, and then even witnessing a man feeding his own teeth to a parking meter; Leopold is either losing it or finally discovering he may not be as unremarkable as he always thought.
So this story was fantastically weird, and I loved every minute of it!! I was kept on the edge of my seat the entire time; the mysteries and the oddities just kept me hooked and wanting more. I definitely loved the retro, eclectic, and nonsensical vibe of this world. The 90’s kid in me found it so nostalgic and magical. I’m looking forward to more adventures with Leopold and Emmet, and hope Ransom won’t keep us waiting too long for the next installment. We're left with so many mysteries by the end of book 1, that I'm restless and dying to get back to Sunderworld already.
January 19, 2025
I adored Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children when I was 12/13 and I’m so excited for a new series
August 29, 2024
This was such a fun book, I was hooked from the very beginning. Leopold is a great character to follow and I loved the adventure and magic we get to experience alongside him.
It was touching and emotional seeing 17 year old Leopold still struggle with his mom’s passing five years on. His father’s blunt disapproval is slowly draining Leopold and it was tough to watch. Richter Berry can shove it to be honest!
The magic and world building had me believing I was in the book and reminded me of my favorite adventure movies growing up. Such a cool concept and executed wonderfully. The mystery and clues left by Larry’s mom added an exciting layer to discover and I really loved the connection he had with his mom.
Needless to say, I ate up the short action packed chapters and am dying to read the next installment. This might be my new favorite series ❤️
Thank you Dutton Books for the review copy.
It was touching and emotional seeing 17 year old Leopold still struggle with his mom’s passing five years on. His father’s blunt disapproval is slowly draining Leopold and it was tough to watch. Richter Berry can shove it to be honest!
The magic and world building had me believing I was in the book and reminded me of my favorite adventure movies growing up. Such a cool concept and executed wonderfully. The mystery and clues left by Larry’s mom added an exciting layer to discover and I really loved the connection he had with his mom.
Needless to say, I ate up the short action packed chapters and am dying to read the next installment. This might be my new favorite series ❤️
Thank you Dutton Books for the review copy.
September 4, 2024
How dare you end this book on such a cliffhanger 🥲
This was fantastic!!! I absolutely loved our cast of characters, the plot was great. It did have a least favorite trope but it only lasted about a page and it was dealt with really well so I didn't actually mind having it! (its a spoiler hence the vagueness lol) The only thing I'm sad about is having to wait who knows how long until I can get book two!!! Such a promising series!!!
This was fantastic!!! I absolutely loved our cast of characters, the plot was great. It did have a least favorite trope but it only lasted about a page and it was dealt with really well so I didn't actually mind having it! (its a spoiler hence the vagueness lol) The only thing I'm sad about is having to wait who knows how long until I can get book two!!! Such a promising series!!!
May 12, 2025
Sale Alert 11May25 $2.99
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
Sunderworld Vol 1: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry is the first book in a new series following Leopold, an incredibly ordinary guy just trying to figure out what the next steps in his life are going to be. He has no plan, is completely mediocre in every way and sometimes sees things that aren't there, like that burning racoon outside his interview.
I was really excited to see something new from Ransom Riggs. He has a really interesting imagination and I was excited to see what the author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children came up with for a new story. Well we are off to a good start. Leopold takes us on a journey though a very different LA were certain people can cross over to Sunderworld. He has been seeing this alternate version of LA off and on since he watched some very old VHS videos he found of this place that was supposed to be made up, but might just be real, if you have the right kind of magic.
Leopold is an easy kid to like. He seems a bit broken and is hanging on to anything that he has left from before his mother died. Including a old beat up Volvo. He is a little on the unusual side and doesn't have a lot of friends, but he is completely loyal to his best friend Emmet. You can tell there is going to be so much more to him once he figures out what is going on in his life and why he is seeing some of the characters that were in those VHS tapes in his waking life.
After Leopold finds a book he and his mom used to draw treasure hunts and maps in he is on a brand new adventure that takes him and his best friend, Emmet, in and out of this alternate LA, through dangerous battles and explorations of new magic. It was a fun ride and I had a lot of fun in it. There are discoveries to be made, like is that guy saying he is Leopold's father, really his father or is something more sinister going on there. Who was Leopold's mom really? That treasure map seems extremely magical for something a regular person was supposed to put together. And this girl he found in Sunderworld, well, she seems pretty cool and might even be someone who could have some romantic potential at some point. We will probably get answers to those and many more questions in the next Vol. But what I do know is that our 'remarkably unremarkable' character, well there is a lot of potential there and I'm looking forward to exploring that in next books.
Perfect for readers who are interesting in a trippy Alice in Wonderland type of vibe, with a secret world that seems a little bit on the crazy side, that might also include 'the chosen one' trope. We will see.
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
Sunderworld Vol 1: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry is the first book in a new series following Leopold, an incredibly ordinary guy just trying to figure out what the next steps in his life are going to be. He has no plan, is completely mediocre in every way and sometimes sees things that aren't there, like that burning racoon outside his interview.
"The Executive called me 'remarkably unremarkable'," Leopold said dryly. "Average absolutely to the decimal point. Unspecial by every magical metric,' If we're going to insult my abilities, let's quote an expert."
I was really excited to see something new from Ransom Riggs. He has a really interesting imagination and I was excited to see what the author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children came up with for a new story. Well we are off to a good start. Leopold takes us on a journey though a very different LA were certain people can cross over to Sunderworld. He has been seeing this alternate version of LA off and on since he watched some very old VHS videos he found of this place that was supposed to be made up, but might just be real, if you have the right kind of magic.
Leopold is an easy kid to like. He seems a bit broken and is hanging on to anything that he has left from before his mother died. Including a old beat up Volvo. He is a little on the unusual side and doesn't have a lot of friends, but he is completely loyal to his best friend Emmet. You can tell there is going to be so much more to him once he figures out what is going on in his life and why he is seeing some of the characters that were in those VHS tapes in his waking life.
After Leopold finds a book he and his mom used to draw treasure hunts and maps in he is on a brand new adventure that takes him and his best friend, Emmet, in and out of this alternate LA, through dangerous battles and explorations of new magic. It was a fun ride and I had a lot of fun in it. There are discoveries to be made, like is that guy saying he is Leopold's father, really his father or is something more sinister going on there. Who was Leopold's mom really? That treasure map seems extremely magical for something a regular person was supposed to put together. And this girl he found in Sunderworld, well, she seems pretty cool and might even be someone who could have some romantic potential at some point. We will probably get answers to those and many more questions in the next Vol. But what I do know is that our 'remarkably unremarkable' character, well there is a lot of potential there and I'm looking forward to exploring that in next books.
Perfect for readers who are interesting in a trippy Alice in Wonderland type of vibe, with a secret world that seems a little bit on the crazy side, that might also include 'the chosen one' trope. We will see.
January 8, 2025
cutest fantasy read and honesty reminded me of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children in a way.
Larry oh larry you poor boy being ridiculed and classified as "average" his entire life. but as soon as he's found potential purpose, everyone else makes him second guess if it's meant to be. I enjoyed hte world building and characters (despite finding myself becoming annoyed with now pessimistic others were).
I'm sure I'll continue this series whenever it's released, I'd love to follow along with Leopold's adventures.
Larry oh larry you poor boy being ridiculed and classified as "average" his entire life. but as soon as he's found potential purpose, everyone else makes him second guess if it's meant to be. I enjoyed hte world building and characters (despite finding myself becoming annoyed with now pessimistic others were).
I'm sure I'll continue this series whenever it's released, I'd love to follow along with Leopold's adventures.
July 19, 2024
Ransom is one of my favorite authors. I loved the Miss Peregrine’s series so I was very excited to read another one of his book. Thank you to BookishFirst!
I was captivated by this book. Its unusual nature had me engrossed from start to finish and I couldn't stop reading. Each page turn promised new adventures and answers to intriguing mysteries. The story evoked a strong sense of nostalgia and resonated deeply with me. The nostalgia factor in it scratched all the right itches. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installments in the series to discover what further escapades Leopald and Emmet will embark on.
I was captivated by this book. Its unusual nature had me engrossed from start to finish and I couldn't stop reading. Each page turn promised new adventures and answers to intriguing mysteries. The story evoked a strong sense of nostalgia and resonated deeply with me. The nostalgia factor in it scratched all the right itches. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installments in the series to discover what further escapades Leopald and Emmet will embark on.
October 4, 2024
I didn’t hate it. Or love it. Or really feel anything. This book took place all within legit like four or five days and you FEEL every single minute of it. It very much didn’t get interesting (and I use that term loosely) until the back end of the book. I’m also biased bc I tend to avoid books written by men and any with men as the sole narrator bc I find them boring. I am a bit intrigued by the mystery, however I will forget about it in 24 hours🥸
September 3, 2024
I don't even know if this was a 2 or 1 star, either way, it was not good.
Concept? Good
World building? Shit
Character's? Shit
Writing? Mediocre at best
I don't understand the good ratings for this one.
Concept? Good
World building? Shit
Character's? Shit
Writing? Mediocre at best
I don't understand the good ratings for this one.
September 11, 2024
What the heck was that ending?!!! And where is book 2? I loved the ending it was so shocking and I’m super curious to see where we go and how many books this series will have! No surprised to anyone for me giving a ransom Riggs book 5 stars lol 😂
But seriously ransom or 🐧 teen, where’s book 2? A serious question for me right now
But seriously ransom or 🐧 teen, where’s book 2? A serious question for me right now
Read
April 20, 2025DNF @13% - Not interested
June 9, 2025
Bizar?
September 5, 2024
Wow, what a ride! Such a great read! Very entertaining, quirky, and funny. The characters were likeable and it definitely gave a quicker stranger things vibe. I've never read anything by this author before, but I will anxiously awaiting volume 2 of this series!
August 31, 2024
If I had a dollar for every time I fell in love with a book that was based around a magical world hidden underneath LA I’d have $2. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s something. I loved this one. It’s quick, entertaining, and unpredictable. Leopold is a lovable main character and his bestie, Emmett, is just as enjoyable. If this doesn’t become a major motion picture or series I will be seriously disappointed. My only complaint is they haven’t announced when the second one is coming out and I’m ready for it asap.
July 23, 2025
Ovviamente già sapevo che lo stile di Riggs è pienamente nelle mie corde. La saga dei ragazzi speciali mi ha conquistata con il suo sapore old school che ho ritrovato anche in questo fantasy. In realtà sono molte le analogie. Jacob assomiglia molto a Larry, entrambi outsider, esclusi e isolati per la loro capacità di vedere "altro". Mondo reale e mondo magico interconnessi e liberamente accessibili da chi è in grado di comprenderli. Entità negative che attentano al mondo magico rischiando di farlo scomparire. Mi piace la semplicità della storia. Niente di rumoroso o strabiliante. Una quest, protagonisti in cerca di alleati e di un degno equipaggiamento. Anche qui lo stile è scorrevolissimo, arguto al punto giusto, divertente e senza inutili rimaneggiamenti. Ho paura che Emmet diventi un potenziale cattivo dopo quel lavaggio andato male, speriamo lo ripristino senza traumi. Mi sta simpatico anche solo per il fatto che condivide il nome con il grande Doc. Ho già sul comodino il prossimo di Miss Peregrine. Per fortuna non resterò a secco di storie alla Riggs prima dell'uscita del secondo capitolo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2024
5 ⭐️
Ransom did it again, I was a little skeptical that this story was going to be similar to Miss Peregrines but its not. It was weird and magical at the same time, the plot and whole scenery was something I never read before that it was refreshing and different for me. I can't wait for the second book to come out after that cliffhanger, how dare you Ransom how dare you!
Ransom did it again, I was a little skeptical that this story was going to be similar to Miss Peregrines but its not. It was weird and magical at the same time, the plot and whole scenery was something I never read before that it was refreshing and different for me. I can't wait for the second book to come out after that cliffhanger, how dare you Ransom how dare you!
January 9, 2025
I definitely enjoyed The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry more than Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. This story was more solid and has less useless fluff. My biggest gripe is the monotone feel of the writing; it causes the writing style to be borderline boring. I was for sure mad at Larry's dad a few times, so the author was at least able to evoke emotion. This was a cover buy - I couldn't resist the packaging or retro vibes.
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