The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry is the first book in the Sunderworld series by Ransom Riggs. Released 27th Aug 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Dutton imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
Marketed as a YA fantasy, it's really fine for older middle grade readers and up (12+). The author brings the same whimsy and gifted world building that he gave to readers in the Miss Peregrine series. This is the first book of a duology; book 2 is due out in Oct. 2026 from the same publisher. Fair warning, this one ends on a huge cliffhanger, so for readers who want a clear denouement and self-containment, that's something to be aware of going in.
This is a hidden-world-inside-the-mundane-world adventure. Hapless Leopold has had extraordinarily weird encounters throughout his life, especially when he's stressed, and it's happening again now as an adult. His father is controlling, grey, and steadfastly disapproving, so Leopold retreats more and more into himself and Sunderworld.
This is one for everyone who's felt like an outcast, misfit, or out of step with the world around them. There are strong themes of found family, imagination, meandering without a clear goal (relatable!), and trying to get through life without losing ourselves in the process.
Four stars. It's quite odd in places, there's no real linear plot (it meanders from point to point), and there are a number of unresolved plot points at the end (hopefully resolved in book 2). It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition, or for a buddy/challenge read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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