As the son of Simtek’s president, Jon Lichfield enjoys plenty of perks, but what he really wants is more time with his dad. When he’s handed a prototype of the company’s newest virtual reality goggles, Jon eagerly logs into his favorite game, Shadowbox.
But instead of a digital quest, he’s mysteriously transported to Erbarne—a bizarre and dangerous world teetering on the edge of destruction. Strange creatures see him as a threat, and allies are hard to find as an unknown enemy closes in.
To save Erbarne’s peculiar inhabitants—and himself—Jon must uncover the truth of how he got there, face his deepest fears, and confront the anger he’s held toward his father.
The Bogs of Erbarne is a thrilling middle-grade fantasy adventure full of mystery, humor, and heart—where magic is explained by science in a world that was never meant to be found.
This isn't just a fun, middle grade adventure book. It has a surprising amount of emotional impact, a strong message of forgiveness and facing fears, and an engaging plot that draws the reader deep into this fascinating story. Jon's relationship with his parents is realistic yet sweet, full of preteen angst but also plenty of healthy affection and conflict resolution. The friendships portrayed are so fun, and the elements of science, video games, and bizarre, fantastical creatures give this story a fresh edge that I believe will engage young readers. A clean, exhilarating read, perfect for the middle grade genre!