Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Champion's Quest: The Die of Destiny

Author: Frank L. Cole

Book Series: Standalone for now

Rating: 3/5

Recommended For...: middle grade readers, fantasy

Genre: MG Fantasy

Publication Date: August 3, 2021

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Pages: 304

Recommended Age: 10+ (scary moments, slight violence)

Explanation of CWs: Some moments might be a bit scary for some readers.

Synopsis: Lucas Silver's life is about to change. He thinks it's because he's made plans to escape from his foster home and make his way to New York, but then he and some unlikely friends find Hob and Bogie's Curiosity Shoppe and agree to play a game of Champion's Quest.

When the four kids walk out the front door of the Curiosity Shoppe, they immediately discover they're no longer in West Virginia, but transported into the game and a wild fantasy world of dangerous goblins, brutish ogres, and a powerful witch.

They must work together as a team, overcome their real-world weaknesses, and believe in themselves and each other if they are to outwit, outplay, and survive their foes in this ultimate quest to defeat a treacherous monster.

Review: For the most part this was a fun read! The book did well with the world building and the story. The book would be a fun read for younger kids and kids who want to get into fantasy.

However, I did think that the characters weren't developed that well and that the pacing was a bit slow for me.

Verdict: It's good! Definitely recommend for younger kids.