Review Detail

Leopold and his best friend Emmet grew up watching and re-enacting episodes from Max's Adventures in Sunderworld. But after his mother's death, Leopold struggles because he sees things that nobody else does. He calls them "episodes" and when a flaming raccoon appears, Leopold worries he's having a relapse. Emmet is there for Leopold no matter what and even tries to help him through these "episodes". Their friendship is a true bond that can't be broken even though Emmet is the popular one and Leopold is considered an outcast.

All through his life, Leopold has believed that he was meant for something more. That he has a calling and things start to come true when he discovers a coin from Sunderworld. When Leopold shows Emmet the coin, he's hesitant, but then grows excited that their childhood dreams could come true. However, things don't go as planned as Leopold makes a fool of himself instead of receiving praise. Cast out of Sunderland, Leopold discovers that something went very wrong with Emmet and will do anything to help him. He also learns that his mother has been hiding so much from him.

THE EXTRAORDINARY DISAPPOINTMENTS OF LEOPOLD BERRY is a young adult fantasy that is full of adventure and problem-solving. I love the characters and this story held my interest the entire way through. I can easily see it becoming a movie or tv show. The friendship between Leopold and Emmet is one to be envious of and Leopold's inner strength sets him apart from others. He's determined to see things through no matter how badly they start to go wrong. There's even the possibility of a romance in the future between Leopold and a girl he meets and I'm here for it if it happens.


Final Verdict: Overall, Ransom Riggs hits another ball out of the park with an intriguing start to a new series. It's unique and perfect for fans of fantasy, magic, friendship, and adventure. I love how it's set in modern times and the elements remind me of the City of Bones series.