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Dragon Ops #1
Dragon Ops
From the beloved author of The Once and Future Geek comes this action-packed adventure set in a futuristic world filled with magic, monsters, and high-tech video gaming.
One wrong move, and it's game over.
Welcome to Dragon Ops, the world's first augmented-reality video-game theme park. Set on a once-deserted island, our three beta players—classic gamer geek Ian; his adventure-seeking sister, Lily; and their too-cool-for-gaming cousin, Derek—have been lucky enough to score an invite to play before the fully immersive experience opens to the public.
But once inside, they find themselves trapped in a game taken over by a rogue AI dragon called Atreus, and suddenly the stakes go beyond the virtual world. With no cheat codes, guidebooks, save points, or do-overs, they'll need all their cunning and video-game hacks to beat the game . . . and survive in real life.
Action-packed and unputdownable, Dragon Ops will thrill gamers and reluctant readers alike with high-tech adventure and electrifying twists and turns.
One wrong move, and it's game over.
Welcome to Dragon Ops, the world's first augmented-reality video-game theme park. Set on a once-deserted island, our three beta players—classic gamer geek Ian; his adventure-seeking sister, Lily; and their too-cool-for-gaming cousin, Derek—have been lucky enough to score an invite to play before the fully immersive experience opens to the public.
But once inside, they find themselves trapped in a game taken over by a rogue AI dragon called Atreus, and suddenly the stakes go beyond the virtual world. With no cheat codes, guidebooks, save points, or do-overs, they'll need all their cunning and video-game hacks to beat the game . . . and survive in real life.
Action-packed and unputdownable, Dragon Ops will thrill gamers and reluctant readers alike with high-tech adventure and electrifying twists and turns.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published May 12, 2020
65 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
Mari Mancusi
64 books2,289 followersMari Mancusi grew up where the north wind meets the sea (otherwise known as Massachusetts), but has since made her home in the great state of Texas, mostly due to her love of summer. (And tacos.) A former Emmy Award winning TV news producer, today she is the author of more than two-dozen books for kids, teens, and adults, mostly of the sci-fi/fantasy variety. In addition to writing, Mari loves traveling, video games, and cosplaying. She is also Mom to an eight year old Frozen superfan who, when recently asked by her teacher to describe her hero answered: “My Mom!” (Okay, fine, she said Kristin Bell.)
You can find Mari online at www.marimancusi.com. She knows several Samanthas.
You can find Mari online at www.marimancusi.com. She knows several Samanthas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 12, 2020
Dragon Ops by Mari Mancusi
Children’s middle grade gamers adventure. With dragons. Disney rated. Ages 8 and up.
Twelve year old Ian, sisterLilli and cousin Derek get trapped in a virtual AI game world of quests and dragons. Suddenly the danger is real and the stakes may well be their very lives.
I’m not a gamer. There were a couple of references I didn’t totally understand but that didn’t subtract from the story. Also because I’m not a gamer, I thought the killing of so many of the creatures that got in the way was excessive. I have to remind myself it’s just a game. Those creatures trying to kill you are not real, so it’s ok to kill or capture them first if you’re able.
A fast moving and engrossing adventure I didn’t want to put down.
A couple of moral lessons which added to the depth of the story.
Loved the wrap up and ending.
Recommended for the young to mid teen adventurer.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Children’s middle grade gamers adventure. With dragons. Disney rated. Ages 8 and up.
Twelve year old Ian, sisterLilli and cousin Derek get trapped in a virtual AI game world of quests and dragons. Suddenly the danger is real and the stakes may well be their very lives.
I’m not a gamer. There were a couple of references I didn’t totally understand but that didn’t subtract from the story. Also because I’m not a gamer, I thought the killing of so many of the creatures that got in the way was excessive. I have to remind myself it’s just a game. Those creatures trying to kill you are not real, so it’s ok to kill or capture them first if you’re able.
A fast moving and engrossing adventure I didn’t want to put down.
A couple of moral lessons which added to the depth of the story.
Loved the wrap up and ending.
Recommended for the young to mid teen adventurer.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
April 13, 2021
This is a fantastically fun MG SF/fantasy adventure that's perfect for any kids who love Dungeons & Dragons, World of Warcraft, or any other fantasy adventure games. The kids in this book get trapped in a virtual reality version of their favorite fantasy adventure game, and the humor of the situation is spot-on (while coming from the clearly loving perspective of a fellow gamer). The adventure is genuinely exciting and full of tension, the characters are great, and the writing is fast-paced and fun. It also includes a lot of thought-provoking questions about artificial intelligence and what actual makes a person or place "real" that started a lot of in-depth conversations with my 11-year-old as we read this one together.
My D&D-loving son adored this book, and I had so much fun reading it with him! We devoured *many* chapters every day until it was finished. My only tiny nitpick was that one AI character who was supposed to be talking to the kids "in a strong British accent" had a total mishmash of different UK dialects, an issue that would normally REALLY bug me in any book - but in this situation, I was able to justify it by telling myself that it had probably just been programmed by a US programmer who doesn't know anything about real British dialects (and neither do the kids, of course, because they're American tweens, so it all makes perfect sense after all).
The moment we finished reading this, my son made me promise to find out if there would be another book in the series - and we immediately snapped up the first book in her last MG series (The Once and Future Geek) to read next. So in other words: highly recommended to any fantasy-game fans!
My D&D-loving son adored this book, and I had so much fun reading it with him! We devoured *many* chapters every day until it was finished. My only tiny nitpick was that one AI character who was supposed to be talking to the kids "in a strong British accent" had a total mishmash of different UK dialects, an issue that would normally REALLY bug me in any book - but in this situation, I was able to justify it by telling myself that it had probably just been programmed by a US programmer who doesn't know anything about real British dialects (and neither do the kids, of course, because they're American tweens, so it all makes perfect sense after all).
The moment we finished reading this, my son made me promise to find out if there would be another book in the series - and we immediately snapped up the first book in her last MG series (The Once and Future Geek) to read next. So in other words: highly recommended to any fantasy-game fans!
August 1, 2020
The narrator, with his sister and cousin, is off to adventure -- at the new virtual theme park based on his favorite video game, Fields of Fantasy, not even open yet.
He meets a girl as they arrive, but is assured there are no beta players still there, and talks with a dragon that he should not have been able to.
Things go haywire, and all three of them are trapped in the game, to face rats, dragons, side quests and sneak quests, heights (despite his fear of them), questions of online identity, and more.
He meets a girl as they arrive, but is assured there are no beta players still there, and talks with a dragon that he should not have been able to.
Things go haywire, and all three of them are trapped in the game, to face rats, dragons, side quests and sneak quests, heights (despite his fear of them), questions of online identity, and more.
October 21, 2022
Ian is over the moon excited to be at the brand new, still in development, in person immersive version of his favorite video game, Dragon Ops. His uncle is a programmer for the new theme park and has brought his son Derek, Ian, and Ian's sister Lilli to be the first teens to test out the park before it opens to the public. Ian is the only one excited to be there. Lilli used to like gaming until a guy she met online turned out to be a jerk, and she quit everything digital. Ian misses gaming with Lilli and really hopes this week will reignite her willingness to play. Derek would rather be anywhere but on this island. He isn't a gamer, and isn't very close to Ian and Lilli (mostly because he isn't very nice to them). Willing or not, all three kids are set up with the special sensuits and goggles that will fully immerse them in the gaming experience. But as they start the game, something goes wrong with the big, bad dragon Artreus's programming and he shuts down their exits, makes their sensuits register full pain instead of just buzzing sensations when they are hurt, and locks their goggles on. To get out of the game they have to beat Artreus, and to up the ante, he kidnaps Derek and threatens to eat him if they don't get to his lair in a few days. With the sensuits and goggles acting weird, the kids are concerned that dying in the game may trick their brains into thinking they are really dying and it could be game over for real. And on top of that, they are starting the game at the lowest level with little in their favor. The only glimmer of hope they get is girl they meet in the game who is willing to help them and has been there a long time so she's built up her player to a high level. But can they trust her? And even with her help, is there any hope of beating Artreus?
Manusci knows how to write an engaging adventure that quickly draws you in and keeps you turning pages. The mix of reality with virtual means that Ian has to actually wield a sword and run, and he quickly discovers that his online gaming skills don't all translate to this version of the game. The friend they meet, Ikumi, is a bit mysterious and that was a good little mystery addition to the story. Lilli's story about why she left gaming eventually comes out and it is a very poignant and important cautionary tale about trusting online strangers, but Mancusi keeps it middle grade safe and doesn't take it to any kind of horrible extreme. It felt realistic and a good warning for kids playing online games. They have this little draconite guide named Yano who is the comic relief for the adventure. He's not exceptionally helpful for the quest, but he helps lighten the mood for readers. The ending of the book has a good resolution to the theme park adventure but the very last page has a tease that will have readers clamoring for the next book. The tech described in the story is just a touch beyond what we currently have, which will spark imaginations and have readers dreaming what if... Hand this to scifi fans, gamers, and sibling/cousin story fans.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Two past deaths are mentioned but not described. Ikumi has an immune system disease that doesn't allow her to leave her house. There's some battles and situations that result in the kids feeling like they are scratched or banged up, but they end up fine.
Manusci knows how to write an engaging adventure that quickly draws you in and keeps you turning pages. The mix of reality with virtual means that Ian has to actually wield a sword and run, and he quickly discovers that his online gaming skills don't all translate to this version of the game. The friend they meet, Ikumi, is a bit mysterious and that was a good little mystery addition to the story. Lilli's story about why she left gaming eventually comes out and it is a very poignant and important cautionary tale about trusting online strangers, but Mancusi keeps it middle grade safe and doesn't take it to any kind of horrible extreme. It felt realistic and a good warning for kids playing online games. They have this little draconite guide named Yano who is the comic relief for the adventure. He's not exceptionally helpful for the quest, but he helps lighten the mood for readers. The ending of the book has a good resolution to the theme park adventure but the very last page has a tease that will have readers clamoring for the next book. The tech described in the story is just a touch beyond what we currently have, which will spark imaginations and have readers dreaming what if... Hand this to scifi fans, gamers, and sibling/cousin story fans.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Two past deaths are mentioned but not described. Ikumi has an immune system disease that doesn't allow her to leave her house. There's some battles and situations that result in the kids feeling like they are scratched or banged up, but they end up fine.
December 19, 2020
Gamer geek (but not LARPer) Ian, his estranged-from-video-games-because-a-gamer-broke-her-heart older teen sister, Lilly, and bully-cousin Derek get the opportunity of a lifetime -- a chance to visit an augmented reality gaming park, Dragon Ops, before it opens.
The first hint that things are going to go terribly, horribly wrong is when the ultimate dragon lord, Atraeus, almost successfully lures Ian over the side of the boat, before they've even set foot on the island!
It's downhill from there. Atraeus goes from big softie wanting belly rubs to evil dragon incarnate out to conquer the entire realm. The kids are locked in the game, unable to take off their headsets.
Derek chooses a terrible character to play -- a bard, with no powers whatsoever -- and gets abducted by Atraeus in a blink. Lilly is pulled into playing reluctantly. And Ian...well, can he help it if he thinks their quest to find the stones they'll need to fight Atraeus -- and get out -- is the coolest, ever?!
With the limited knowledge of their game guide, Yano, and a girl who lives in the game, Ikumi, they manage tostay alive long enough to discover the rules no longer bind Atraeus. Can they beat him, if he won't stay within his programming?
This is a fun, quick read for video game and LARPer lovers, all!
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
The first hint that things are going to go terribly, horribly wrong is when the ultimate dragon lord, Atraeus, almost successfully lures Ian over the side of the boat, before they've even set foot on the island!
It's downhill from there. Atraeus goes from big softie wanting belly rubs to evil dragon incarnate out to conquer the entire realm. The kids are locked in the game, unable to take off their headsets.
Derek chooses a terrible character to play -- a bard, with no powers whatsoever -- and gets abducted by Atraeus in a blink. Lilly is pulled into playing reluctantly. And Ian...well, can he help it if he thinks their quest to find the stones they'll need to fight Atraeus -- and get out -- is the coolest, ever?!
With the limited knowledge of their game guide, Yano, and a girl who lives in the game, Ikumi, they manage tostay alive long enough to discover the rules no longer bind Atraeus. Can they beat him, if he won't stay within his programming?
This is a fun, quick read for video game and LARPer lovers, all!
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
March 6, 2020
This is Ian's dream come true his favorite computer game is now a amusement park. It uses augmented reality so people can come and play the game as their favorite character. Ian is in heaven but his sister Lily and cousin Derek see this as a nightmare and could careless, even though Derek's dad help program the world and that is how they are now getting to play it before the park opens for real guests. But once they enter the game they find themselves trapped by a rouge AI dragon that sends them on a quest they should not be able to do at their level and threatens to eat Derek if they don't do it. And thus begins the adventure of a lifetime.
This book is a wish come true for any gamer to read, it is full of suspense, twists and has action galore, there is even a mysterious player that shows up. I thought this book blew the cool-o-meter right off of the chart, but if you know me you know I love these kinds of books, and I hope you will too. Boy I hope there is more to come like this from the author, maybe even see Ian and the Dragonslayerz again.
This book is a wish come true for any gamer to read, it is full of suspense, twists and has action galore, there is even a mysterious player that shows up. I thought this book blew the cool-o-meter right off of the chart, but if you know me you know I love these kinds of books, and I hope you will too. Boy I hope there is more to come like this from the author, maybe even see Ian and the Dragonslayerz again.
February 14, 2021
You ever read a book that has so many elements you liked, but the elements you didn't like cancelled out the good ones?
That was this book.
Greats: Lilli and Ian's sibling bond, Derek's arc, Ikumi's story, the set up for the next book, interesting final battle
The Not-So-Greats: The boring villain, the painful attempts at humor, weak world building, confusing world building, boring quests, Yano (🤢🤮), the awful fake curse words, toliet humor (gotta get that five year old reading demographic), and relying on cliches a little too much.
Three stars fits this perfectly. I'd read the next book, though.
That was this book.
Greats: Lilli and Ian's sibling bond, Derek's arc, Ikumi's story, the set up for the next book, interesting final battle
The Not-So-Greats: The boring villain, the painful attempts at humor, weak world building, confusing world building, boring quests, Yano (🤢🤮), the awful fake curse words, toliet humor (gotta get that five year old reading demographic), and relying on cliches a little too much.
Three stars fits this perfectly. I'd read the next book, though.
June 25, 2021
I couldn't put this book down! So much fun -- and intrigue. Who is Ikumi really? Why and how is she trapped in the game? What is Artreus's game? Can he be befriended? So much action, so much excitement, so much mystery... Dragon Ops was a wild and exciting ride, thrilling and captivating from beginning to end!
I received a copy of this book from Disney-Hyperion in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Disney-Hyperion in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this book and know kids are going to love it. I am not even a gamer, but this book makes me want to be one. Of course, all the dragons are so much fun! Also, this book has a good message. I am pretty sure there is going to be another book, and I cannot wait!
July 25, 2022
A lot of quests in here for D&D players. It's obvious that the author knows how to play D&D and computer games. I found it very well done and worth reading.
February 24, 2023
Well written and a good read with my 9 year daughter. Enter the advanced gaming mode with fantasy creatures and cranky dragons. It was adorable
December 31, 2025
Amazing! with VR video game adventures somehow life threatening.
July 11, 2022
Ok so my daughter got this for me at her scholastic fair at school because she thought it was about dragons, and I can’t resist dragons… it was really about some crazy VR adventure park.
Well, I guess this book could be fun for some… it is way below my reading level so I shouldn’t judge too harshly… it was simply OK.
Well, I guess this book could be fun for some… it is way below my reading level so I shouldn’t judge too harshly… it was simply OK.
July 5, 2020
You can find my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for a review copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
This book was obviously written for me, because it has all the things: rogue AI, dragon, virtual reality gone wrong, dragon, sibling bonds, glorious gamer references, dragon, wonderfully nerdy references. And have I mentioned the dragon?!
Dragon Ops is basically Sword Art Online for young readers, with an exciting virtual world, many challenges for the team to overcome, and enough gamer references to make my nerdy little heart sing.
This definitely felt like a more middle mid-grade read, where the challenges were solved a little too easily to keep the pace moving right along, but despite that, the book was just so much fun to read. And for all you non-gamers out there: don’t worry. Mancusi has your back. The gamer references are low-key explained, so you don’t have to wander through the book completely lost.
My Thoughts:
- Our main character, Ian, is a nerdy pre-teen gamer who tries hard to be cool, but succeeds only in being himself. Which is why I loved him. I, too, was a nerdy pre-teen gamer once upon a time. I wish I could say I grew out of it, but … y’know. Ian is super excited about the chance to beta test Dragon Ops before it opens … and who the heck wouldn’t be? Ian’s narrative voice is fun and funny, and his excitement for the game is infectious. He’s not just a one-dimensional character, though, and I loved how concerned he was for the characters around him. Ian was great, and I feel like he’d be easy to relate to, regardless of age and gender.
- The secondary characters in this were equally a ton of fun, and they all get their own little arcs. Ian, I didn’t feel like, had much of an arc. That was mostly reserved for the secondaries, and that’s where the real emotion and meat of this book was, because it’s not all just fun and games. Lilli is Ian’s older sister, and she’s clearly going through something, because she had a falling out with her game boyfriend and has since refused to touch any sort of online game. Which is a bummer for Ian, because the two had been really close and always gamed together, and they had especially loved the original Dragon Ops game. He doesn’t understand why his sister is suddenly like this, but he’s doing his best to rekindle the bond they had, and just yes. Sibling bonds is a trope I live for, so seeing them work together in the game was just *chef’s kiss*. My favorite secondary character, though, has to be Yano, the group’s fearless (and oftentimes sarcastic) guide. Because not all AIs have to be rogue to be entertaining. Some are just naturally that way. Yano’s purpose is two-fold. Of course he provides lots of in-game advice and information that the characters (and the reader) wouldn’t otherwise have, but he’s also so freaking funny. His parts are just great.
- Not gonna lie, rogue AI is my favorite AI, but aside from that, this world is just so freaking fun that I’m low-key angry that it doesn’t exist in real life. That was actually a lie. I am wholeheartedly and utterly disappointed by the lack of this virtual reality game. What are game developers even doing with their lives at this point?! I don’t want to reveal too much about the world, because it’s something that should be discovered with the book. Needless to say, though, there were a lot of surprises, and so many cool little elements of world-building that I would 100% love playing a Dragon Ops MMORPG. The author is clearly a gamer, and that shines through pretty well.
- The ending wraps up nicely, but also perfectly sets up the potential for a sequel. It’s not like I’m going to be knocking down Mancusi’s door for a follow-up novel to this, because I thought everything tied up pretty nicely. The very ending, though? Perfect segue for a sequel at some point. I didn’t feel like it needed another book to feel complete, but it's a world I would love the chance to explore again.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for a review copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
This book was obviously written for me, because it has all the things: rogue AI, dragon, virtual reality gone wrong, dragon, sibling bonds, glorious gamer references, dragon, wonderfully nerdy references. And have I mentioned the dragon?!
Dragon Ops is basically Sword Art Online for young readers, with an exciting virtual world, many challenges for the team to overcome, and enough gamer references to make my nerdy little heart sing.
This definitely felt like a more middle mid-grade read, where the challenges were solved a little too easily to keep the pace moving right along, but despite that, the book was just so much fun to read. And for all you non-gamers out there: don’t worry. Mancusi has your back. The gamer references are low-key explained, so you don’t have to wander through the book completely lost.
My Thoughts:
- Our main character, Ian, is a nerdy pre-teen gamer who tries hard to be cool, but succeeds only in being himself. Which is why I loved him. I, too, was a nerdy pre-teen gamer once upon a time. I wish I could say I grew out of it, but … y’know. Ian is super excited about the chance to beta test Dragon Ops before it opens … and who the heck wouldn’t be? Ian’s narrative voice is fun and funny, and his excitement for the game is infectious. He’s not just a one-dimensional character, though, and I loved how concerned he was for the characters around him. Ian was great, and I feel like he’d be easy to relate to, regardless of age and gender.
- The secondary characters in this were equally a ton of fun, and they all get their own little arcs. Ian, I didn’t feel like, had much of an arc. That was mostly reserved for the secondaries, and that’s where the real emotion and meat of this book was, because it’s not all just fun and games. Lilli is Ian’s older sister, and she’s clearly going through something, because she had a falling out with her game boyfriend and has since refused to touch any sort of online game. Which is a bummer for Ian, because the two had been really close and always gamed together, and they had especially loved the original Dragon Ops game. He doesn’t understand why his sister is suddenly like this, but he’s doing his best to rekindle the bond they had, and just yes. Sibling bonds is a trope I live for, so seeing them work together in the game was just *chef’s kiss*. My favorite secondary character, though, has to be Yano, the group’s fearless (and oftentimes sarcastic) guide. Because not all AIs have to be rogue to be entertaining. Some are just naturally that way. Yano’s purpose is two-fold. Of course he provides lots of in-game advice and information that the characters (and the reader) wouldn’t otherwise have, but he’s also so freaking funny. His parts are just great.
- Not gonna lie, rogue AI is my favorite AI, but aside from that, this world is just so freaking fun that I’m low-key angry that it doesn’t exist in real life. That was actually a lie. I am wholeheartedly and utterly disappointed by the lack of this virtual reality game. What are game developers even doing with their lives at this point?! I don’t want to reveal too much about the world, because it’s something that should be discovered with the book. Needless to say, though, there were a lot of surprises, and so many cool little elements of world-building that I would 100% love playing a Dragon Ops MMORPG. The author is clearly a gamer, and that shines through pretty well.
- The ending wraps up nicely, but also perfectly sets up the potential for a sequel. It’s not like I’m going to be knocking down Mancusi’s door for a follow-up novel to this, because I thought everything tied up pretty nicely. The very ending, though? Perfect segue for a sequel at some point. I didn’t feel like it needed another book to feel complete, but it's a world I would love the chance to explore again.
November 18, 2025
This was an interesting book that played with some fun topics. Unlike anything I had read before, I'd say a 8 3/4 out of 10
January 30, 2024
School library copy
Ian and his older sister Lilli loved the video game Fields of Fantasy, so they are super excited when their uncle, who is working on the new virtual reality theme park Dragon Ops, invites them to beta test the game on the remote island where the theme park will open. Unfortunately, they have to put up with their annoying cousin Derek as well. Even before they arrive at the island, Ian has some weird experiences, such as seeing the dragon Atreus, who is not supposed to be part of the game. He also meets a girl named Ikumi, who offers some information but is somewhat standoffish. Lilli hasn't been as thrilled with the game recently, and has, in fact, sworn off all technology, but the opportunity to participate in a game that has virtual reality superimposed upon a real landscape is undeniably appealing. When the guide who is supposed to take them into the game becomes ill, they end up being escorted by one of the coders. After meeting up with Atreus (and giving him some ear scratch 'ems!), the coder goes back to make the dragon more fierce, leaving the children unchaperoned. They don't think it will be a problem until Atreus returns with his "improved" coding and captures and imprisons Derek. Soon, Ian and Lilli, with some help from the elusive Ikumi, are engaged in an epic quest for dragon stones that should save their video game world... and which might help save their lives as well.
Strengths: My video game experience is limited to rapidly extinguishing my worlds in Sim City and Dino Park Tycoon about 15 years ago, and watching my children try to play Runescape on dial up internet, so there were a lot of video game details I didn't quite get. This makes it PERFECT for readers who actually know what is going on. This also had a lot of action and adventure that didn't require video game knowledge. I loved Lilli's reasons for quitting video games, and Ian and Ikumi's relationship was interesting and also had a BIG twist at the end. Like this author's Gamer Girl and Camelot Code, Dragon Ops will appeal to "techies" (as my father calls them) and fantasy lovers alike. I also have a very soft spot in my heart for this author's Princesses, Inc.
Weaknesses: While any novel involving technology is fascinating when it is published, they all run the risk of becoming dated very quickly. Computer dating books, anyone?
What I really think: Purchased this one without having read it and was NOT disappointed!
Ian and his older sister Lilli loved the video game Fields of Fantasy, so they are super excited when their uncle, who is working on the new virtual reality theme park Dragon Ops, invites them to beta test the game on the remote island where the theme park will open. Unfortunately, they have to put up with their annoying cousin Derek as well. Even before they arrive at the island, Ian has some weird experiences, such as seeing the dragon Atreus, who is not supposed to be part of the game. He also meets a girl named Ikumi, who offers some information but is somewhat standoffish. Lilli hasn't been as thrilled with the game recently, and has, in fact, sworn off all technology, but the opportunity to participate in a game that has virtual reality superimposed upon a real landscape is undeniably appealing. When the guide who is supposed to take them into the game becomes ill, they end up being escorted by one of the coders. After meeting up with Atreus (and giving him some ear scratch 'ems!), the coder goes back to make the dragon more fierce, leaving the children unchaperoned. They don't think it will be a problem until Atreus returns with his "improved" coding and captures and imprisons Derek. Soon, Ian and Lilli, with some help from the elusive Ikumi, are engaged in an epic quest for dragon stones that should save their video game world... and which might help save their lives as well.
Strengths: My video game experience is limited to rapidly extinguishing my worlds in Sim City and Dino Park Tycoon about 15 years ago, and watching my children try to play Runescape on dial up internet, so there were a lot of video game details I didn't quite get. This makes it PERFECT for readers who actually know what is going on. This also had a lot of action and adventure that didn't require video game knowledge. I loved Lilli's reasons for quitting video games, and Ian and Ikumi's relationship was interesting and also had a BIG twist at the end. Like this author's Gamer Girl and Camelot Code, Dragon Ops will appeal to "techies" (as my father calls them) and fantasy lovers alike. I also have a very soft spot in my heart for this author's Princesses, Inc.
Weaknesses: While any novel involving technology is fascinating when it is published, they all run the risk of becoming dated very quickly. Computer dating books, anyone?
What I really think: Purchased this one without having read it and was NOT disappointed!
June 23, 2022
Jumanji x Virtual Reality.
This science fiction novel was PERFECT to add to my classroom library. Ian, Lilli, and Derek are going to an island where a video game will come to life ... literally. They get to wear awesome suits and VR goggles that make them feeel like they're in the game, except Atreus- the big bad dragon boss character, traps them.
They have to work together to beat Atreus and hopefully get out of the game, while losing all connection to reality.
This was so original and creative. It made me wonder would I want to play a game in real life with virtual reality technology? The characters are relatable at all ages and even hit you with some important lessons.
This science fiction novel was PERFECT to add to my classroom library. Ian, Lilli, and Derek are going to an island where a video game will come to life ... literally. They get to wear awesome suits and VR goggles that make them feeel like they're in the game, except Atreus- the big bad dragon boss character, traps them.
They have to work together to beat Atreus and hopefully get out of the game, while losing all connection to reality.
This was so original and creative. It made me wonder would I want to play a game in real life with virtual reality technology? The characters are relatable at all ages and even hit you with some important lessons.
April 26, 2020
Thanks for the arc!
This book was everything I didn't know I wanted. I felt like I was with all the characters going on an adventure. I know I can't have my own SensSuit and experience the augmented world of video games, but this was the next best thing.
I also feel that, though this book is meant for a younger age group than myself, there was actually a lot of meaning that could be found within the book.
As an avid reader of Mancusi since I was small, I can honestly say that this was also something readers should be looking forward to.
This book was everything I didn't know I wanted. I felt like I was with all the characters going on an adventure. I know I can't have my own SensSuit and experience the augmented world of video games, but this was the next best thing.
I also feel that, though this book is meant for a younger age group than myself, there was actually a lot of meaning that could be found within the book.
As an avid reader of Mancusi since I was small, I can honestly say that this was also something readers should be looking forward to.
November 11, 2022
I’m actually pretty happy about this. I feel like it’s more like a 4.4 cause it’s not like a must read. I don’t have anything to complain about except that it was a pretty long book and I suppose it was fine. I was always content with reading it. The cover is good and was a pretty good book. I feel like you could read it and not be very disappointed. Let’s see if it wins the SSYRA 2022 challenge though. (It’s a Florida thing)
February 7, 2023
i like the idea of making ikumi dead and putting her brain into the game/ the cloud. i thought that was unique and deserved more credit. but other than that i thought this book was a basic and solid middle grade fantasy. It was creative but also nothing that over the top of a fantasy. Also the VR becoming out of control and taking over was also a great idea but also reminded me of jumanji except with dragons so yea, not that original.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2020
This book was SO MUCH FUN!
I love the idea of a virtual reality theme park based off popular video games, but I will say that if my visit turned out to be like this I probably wouldn’t want to actually go. Still, I had a total blast reading this!
Also, I just saw that there is going to a sequel and I am SO excited for it.
I love the idea of a virtual reality theme park based off popular video games, but I will say that if my visit turned out to be like this I probably wouldn’t want to actually go. Still, I had a total blast reading this!
Also, I just saw that there is going to a sequel and I am SO excited for it.
November 28, 2023
This book may not be my favorite anymore, but dang was it my childhood fave
I got it at a school book fair, and almost didn’t buy it. I read the whole thing in a few days. It was so. good. Maybe I’m biased, but the story is written really well. I turned the last page and immediately started reading it again. SUCH an underrated book, it deserves more attention.
I got it at a school book fair, and almost didn’t buy it. I read the whole thing in a few days. It was so. good. Maybe I’m biased, but the story is written really well. I turned the last page and immediately started reading it again. SUCH an underrated book, it deserves more attention.
January 29, 2024
My daughter is a fan of dragon stories, and gaming. We both enjoyed listening to this middle grade fantasy through our library's connection to Borrow Box. It was a fun story that entertained us on a rainy day. And we were keen to find out what happened in the next adventure so we borrowed book 2 Dragons vs Robots.
October 28, 2022
An enjoyable adventure romp. Though I believe the book could have been cut down some with dialogue and long-winded descriptions, the characters were fun and interesting which really spurred the story.
June 13, 2023
I give this book 5 stars because i think that it is really action packed, with adventure, dragon fights in the whole idea of being trapped inside a video game. This book is truly a work of art. is one of my favorite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2024
This was honestly my favorite book I've ever read. If you haven't read this, you are really missing out on something amazing. It improved my reading a lot and it was just a good story in general. READ IT
February 7, 2021
First book in a series you'll want to hand off to your gamers and dragon enthusiasts!
October 8, 2021
I picked it up because it had dragon in the title if I'm being honest here
May 27, 2022
I read this book aloud to my 5th grade class. I have to admit, I'm not a gamer so they ended up explaining a lot to me. They enjoyed it and it kept their attention for all of it.
July 21, 2022
I usually don't like fantasy books but this was really good. I liked the plot twists and the new idea of being trapped in a video game.
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