Sunderworld, Vol. I: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry BY Ransom Riggs

In his new fantasy series, bestselling author Ransom Riggs takes readers on a thrilling adventure filled with mystery, magic, and self-discovery. The story follows seventeen-year-old Leopold Berry, who starts seeing strange, impossible things around Los Angeles—a man feeding a tooth to a parking meter, a fiery mechanical raccoon, and a glowing trapdoor. These bizarre visions seem straight out of a forgotten 1990s fantasy TV show, Max’s Adventures in Sunderworld, a show Leopold discovered after his mother’s death. At the time, it became his refuge from grief and his rocky relationship with his father.

But now, the line between fantasy and reality is blurring, and Leopold realizes that Sunderworld is real—and in danger. Convinced he’s destined for greatness, Leopold teams up with his best friend Emmet to save this strange world, which he’s long idolized. However, nothing goes as planned, and his journey quickly becomes a spiral of unexpected failures and challenges.

In a compelling blend of magical realism and adventure, Riggs explores themes of loss, belonging, and the pressure to live up to expectations. As Leopold grapples with his insecurities and the weight of being a disappointment, he learns that true heroism isn’t about being chosen—it’s about choosing yourself, even when no one believes in you. Riggs crafts an emotional and action-packed tale where friendship, courage, and self-acceptance become the most potent weapons against the darkness.