Celia's Reviews > The Land of Roar

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to review this title ahead of its release date!

This book was imaginative, addicting, and downright fantastical! Here we have Arthur and Rose, two twins who spend the summer at their grandfather's house. Back in the day, they'd play a game called Roar, where they'd get transported to a magical fantasy world with mermaids, dragons, etc. Now at the age of eleven, Rose wants nothing to do with make-belief and Arthur is on the fence. While cleaning their grandfather's attic, they discover toys from their childhood and Arthur is taken back with memories that are a little hazy, but intriguing nonetheless.

When their grandfather is suddenly taken, Arthur finds a way back to Roar to rescue him. With the help of a kid-wizard named Win, dragons, a group of feisty girls, and eventually Rose, they hatch a plan to defeat the wicked Crowky and get their grandfather back. But it's not so simple. Something is happening to the Land of Roar, cracks appearing the ground and disappearances everywhere. Arthur and Rose must figure out why and save Roar forever.

Let's talk about books where the protagonists are transported to magical lands. They are, by far, my favorite type of middle-grade (and YA) books, and this one was no exception. With some hints of Neverending Story and Oz, we get land so engaging I couldn't put the book down. This one has the unique aspect of siblings and how growing apart can be a hard, but natural part of childhood.

Both main character's are POC and there are also illustrations! LAND OF ROAR was a surprise hit for me.