Gameworld

In this fanciful adventure, a group of children are drawn into a mystical realm by way of a popular video game, where they must battle dark forces to save the world. Dreadlocked sixth-grader Dylan and his wheelchair-bound best friend Eli are selected as two Game Changers—the best players of the online RPG “Xamaica.” After winning a tournament, they have the opportunity to visit the magical world that inspired the game. Accompanied by famous teenage adventurer Ines Mee, Dylan and Eli venture into an unpredictable and often hazardous land filled with strange creatures and dangers. As Dylan searches for his younger sister, Emma, who went missing after also entering Xamaica, he discovers a startling family secret. Adult author/Wall Street Journal editor Farley’s middle-grade debut draws from Jamaican mythology and beliefs, as well as from other cultures, to weave a fast-paced, whimsical mixture of magic and action. An overabundance of coincidences and logic gaps undermine the story’s strengths, which include a diverse and intriguing cast. Xamaica may bear no resemblance to actual video games, but the setting lends itself well to memorable imagery and a fun experience. Ages 8–12. (Feb.)