WANDER LOST

Fun and games can be life or death.

Life has been anything but usual for 12-year-old twins Rhett and Nash Benson. Their mother, Natalie, moves them around constantly, has unusually draconian rules (like banning board games), and keeps them estranged from their grandfather. The twins’ lives become an unbelievable adventure when Natalie suddenly ends up in danger. Newly reunited with their grandpa, who goes by Ace, the brothers learn that they’ve inherited an ability to jump in and out of board games. Whenever they enter a game, however, a character changes places with them and enters our world—and now the ruthlessly evil Ogden, from the game The Pirate’s Wrath, is here and determined to make trouble. Martin’s rollicking novel is deftly paced and thoroughly entertaining. An easy crowd pleaser that reads like a clever mix of Jumanji meets Wreck-It-Ralph with a dash of the Mr. Lemoncello’s Library series, this imaginative stand-alone title has something for everyone, from animal lovers (thanks to the lovable giant dog and wily guinea pig) to action aficionados, fairy-tale fanatics, and video game devotees. Martin’s worldbuilding is carefully and intricately plotted, creating an immersive experience, much like gaming. A not-to-be-missed author’s note explains her approach to board and video games—and may just inspire brave readers to pick up a board game for themselves. Rhett and Nash read white.

Readers will never look at family game night the same way again.