Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Misfit gamer learns to connect in quirky dual-world fantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Sent against his will to a summer camp where he's a clear misfit, fantasy gaming fan Perry Eckert is desperate to escape before he's humiliated and assaulted any further. When he meets Mortin Enaw, a strange visitor from the World of Other Normals, Perry's catapulted into another universe, where he becomes part of a quest to save a legendary princess and prevent widespread chaos. As he comes to realize that his nerdish enthusiasms have prepared him well for his new role as a warrior, Perry begins to see that his actions in either realm affect the other -- and that he must behave with a greater sense of responsibility.
Is It Any Good?
The author finds new ways to use familiar coming-of-age and epic fantasy elements to create an engaging, enjoyable, and often wise adventure about growing up, fitting in, and dealing with adversity. Perry Eckert's narrative voice is quirky and funny, and his adventures in both realities are well realized, suspenseful, and well observed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it feels like to be a "late bloomer" and how to become more relaxed about making friends and fitting in. What are good ways to get to know someone of the opposite sex? What types of behavior are seen as positive?
What other books or movies have you encountered that explore the idea of an alternate universe?
Why are kids who enjoy games like Dungeons & Dragons sometimes ostracized by their peers?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publication date : September 25, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 17
- Number of pages : 400
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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