A few years ago, I was asked to look over an early draft of a book by a relative. I did, and I was able to give some feedback in exchange for a great story. Since then, the book has been published, and now a sequel is hopefully coming out later this year! And in anticipation of that, I decided to reread the completed story and share it with you!

The Dungeon Runner’s Echoes by C.M. Craig is an urban fantasy meets supernatural story about a young boy who, in playing what he thinks is a fully immersive video game, finds that he may have stepped into a world much larger than he asked for. He meets new friends, faces exciting battles, and makes unintended enemies — all while trying to play the game and struggling with the ultimate answers to what is right and wrong.

Parts of the story had changed since I first read that early draft, so in a way, I got to enjoy this story again almost as a first-time reader, eagerly reading chapter after chapter to find out how the story would turn out. Reading this story reminded me of a cross between D&D (for the setting) and a show I watched called Sword Art Online (as an immersive game). The story is mostly told from the perspective of the two main characters in the third person, which I really enjoyed. Though I enjoyed this book as an adult, this YA fantasy book is also appropriate for high schoolers and even some older middle schoolers.

If you enjoy fantasy with a unique twist along with some supernatural elements, The Dungeon Runner’s Echoes is the book for you or the young person in your life. I am eagerly looking forward to the second book later this year, and I hope you will check it out as well!

Blessings to you and yours,

~Madelyn Rose Craig