Sunderworld, Vol. I: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry By Ransom Riggs

Seventeen-year-old Leopold Berry has always been a disappointment in his father’s eyes, but things take a bizarre turn when he starts seeing visions of a surreal Los Angeles—a man feeding a tooth into a parking meter, a glowing trapdoor, and a half-mechanical raccoon on fire. The images feel oddly familiar, and Leopold soon realizes why: they’re straight from Max's Adventures in Sunderworld, a cheesy 1990s fantasy show he discovered as a child while avoiding the grief of his mother’s death.

Now, those strange visions are back, and they’re happening in real life. With the help of his best friend Emmet, Leopold uncovers that Sunderworld isn’t just a TV show, but a real, magical realm—and it’s in danger. Convinced that he’s destined to save it, Leopold embarks on a journey to prove his worth, despite years of feeling like a failure.

But when his quest goes terribly wrong, Leopold’s disappointments seem bigger than ever. With no one believing in him—not even himself—he must find the strength to choose his own path and fight the encroaching darkness.

Ransom Riggs, known for his Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series, masterfully blends the peculiar with the everyday in this captivating new fantasy series. Leopold’s story is one of loss, friendship, and self-discovery, showing that sometimes heroes aren’t chosen—they have to choose themselves. Full of magic, humor, and heart, this tale of adventure reminds us that even the most extraordinary quests begin with the courage to believe in yourself. 📚❤️