Wonderscape by Jennifer Bell

The best game ever! ...is not so much fun for Arthur, Ren and Cecily, accidentally swept into the largest RPG ever conceived. The kids must work together to solve puzzles and rescue historical heroes before time runs out!

I love this cover; it's bright and cheerful and gives a good idea of what the story is about. Arthur, Ren and Cecily find themselves in the future, skipping from planet to planet to solve puzzles and find the reclusive creator of the game before they're killed by the stress of the time travel. Along the way they have to avoid the inventor's siblings, other players and the dangers inherent in the game itself.

This is such a clever idea. Games are becoming more interactive nowadays, and real life games are becoming popular. This is a mix of both and it makes so much sense. I loved following along the various puzzles, designed to test people in different ways - mentally, physically, working in teams or going it alone. The dastardly plot was just the right level of dastardly, the stakes were beautifully high, and the ending had me on the edge of my seat.

I'd love to read more in this series; the ending does leave it open. For now, though, I'm happy with what we got, and I think this will sell very well.

When Arthur, Ren and Cecily investigate a mysterious explosion on their way to school, they find themselves trapped aboard The Principia - a scientific research ship sailing through hazardous waters, captained by one Isaac Newton.

Lost in the year 2473 in the Wonderscape, an epic in-reality adventure game, they must call on the help of some unlikely historical heroes, to play their way home before time runs out.

Jumanji meets Ready Player One in this fast-paced adventure featuring incredible real-life heroes, from the internationally bestselling author of The Uncommoners series.