Raegan’s Book Review of Sunderworld
I’m so excited for us to dive into Ransom Riggs’ Sunderworld! This book is an absolute rollercoaster of a read, full of wild twists, unexpected magic, and a retro vibe that just pulled me right in. The story is set in Los Angeles, but not the LA you know—this one’s brimming with the bizarre and the fantastical. Riggs has created a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, and I loved every minute of it. Honestly, my only complaint is that the sequel isn’t out yet because I’m desperate to know what happens next! I can’t wait to hear what you all think of Leopold Berry’s adventure.
Imagine this: Seventeen-year-old Leopold Berry starts seeing some seriously bizarre things around L.A.—a guy popping a tooth into a parking meter, a glowing trapdoor, and a fiery, half-mechanical raccoon that just won’t leave him alone. Turns out, these strange sights are straight out of a forgotten 90s fantasy TV show, Max’s Adventures in Sunderworld. When Leopold realizes Sunderworld is real and in danger, he’s on a quest to save it and prove he’s more than the disappointment his dad thinks he is.
“The Executive called me ‘remarkably unremarkable’,” Leopold said dryly. “Average absolutely to the decimal point. Unspecial by every magical metric,’ If we’re going to insult my abilities, let’s quote an expert.”
Discussion Questions:
✩ How does Leopold’s perception of himself change throughout the story?
✩ In what ways does the book blend elements of fantasy with a more contemporary, real-world setting?
✩ What role does friendship play in Sunderworld? How does Emmet’s character support or challenge Leopold?
✩ How does Riggs use humor to balance the darker elements of the story?
✩ What did you think about the depiction of Los Angeles in the book? Did the city’s portrayal enhance the fantastical elements of the plot?
✩ How does the theme of “choosing yourself” manifest in Leopold’s journey?
✩ What are the different ways the characters deal with disappointment or perceived failures?
✩ In what ways do the 1990s TV show elements contribute to the story’s retro vibe?
✩ How do you think the events of Sunderworld will shape Leopold’s relationship with his father moving forward?
✩ What are your predictions for the sequel? Where do you see Leopold and his friends going next?
You’ll love Sunderworld if you also loved…
? Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan
? Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
