Dragon Ops (Dragon Ops #1)

When avid gamer Ian Rivera, 12, gets the once-in-a-lifetime chance to test out Dragon Ops-a fully immersive augmented reality theme park based on his favorite video game-before its release, he leaps at the opportunity, even if he has to share the experience with his sister, Lilli, and cousin Derek, neither of whom appreciate the visit to the remote South Pacific island on which it’s situated. Shortly after the three gear up to begin their adventure, the game’s end boss, dragon Atreus, traps them inside, kidnapping Derek and assigning Ian and Lilli a quest. They must find and defeat Atreus within three days, "no save points. No do-overs," and any game-side fatality will result in their deaths. Luckily, they have the assistance of an AI guide named Yano, and Ikumi, an experienced fellow player, to compensate when Ian discovers that his in-game experiences haven’t prepared him for the more physical demands of the setting. With this adventure, Mancusi (Geeks and the Holy Grail) employs common gaming tropes, interweaving fantasy and mundane elements to create a world that feels familiar and yet enjoyably dangerous. The concepts-rogue AIs, theme parks gone haywire-may be well visited, but Mancusi successfully delivers a sense of urgency to her entertaining tale. Ages 8-12. 

Copyright 2020 Publisher’s Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 3 Up-Siblings Ian and Lily, along with their annoying cousin Derek, have scored a once-in-a-lifetime chance-they will get to explore the new Dragon Ops augmented-reality video game theme park before it opens to the public. But they haven't even finished their first quest when they realize something has gone wrong. Getting hurt in the game hurts in reality, their goggles don't seem to have an off switch, and suddenly the exit is missing. And if that wasn't bad enough, the game's legendary big bad boss, the dragon Atreus, has issued them a personal challenge. They have three days to find him and fight him, and in this virtual world controlled by the Atreus artificial intelligence, there's no save points or do-overs. In fact, if Ian, Lily, and Derek can't defeat Atreus, it's game over-forever. This book could be described as Ernest Cline's Ready Player One for middle grade readers, complete with old-school video game references. Even reluctant readers are likely to find something to keep them engaged. Despite the book's length, the short chapters help the story fly by. VERDICT A fun, fast-paced read for video game fans, adventurers, and fantasy readers. Highly recommended for any library's middle grade section.

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

An exciting addition to middle-grade fiction that will leave readers contemplating the real world and the virtual.