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Escape from a Video Game #1
Escape from a Video Game: The Secret of Phantom Island
Young gamers control the action in this interactive new series from the bestselling author ofÌý Trapped in a Video Game . With more than 30 endings and an unlockable bonus adventure,Ìý The Secret of Phantom Island Ìýpromises hours of screen-free fun.
Cooper Hawke and the Secret of Phantom Island Ìýis the greatest video game nobody has ever played. The treasure-hunting adventure was supposed to set a new standard for gaming. Then, just one month before its release date, it fell off the face of the earth.Ìý
Now, for the first time, you get a chance to play the mysterious game -Ìý from the inside . As you outsmart enemies, solve puzzles, and explore the island's hidden areas, you'll discover that there's more to this game than the world realized.Ìý
Escape from a Video Game Ìýis an innovative pick-your-plot story that promises two adventures for the price of one! The main adventure builds critical thinking skills by rewarding young readers for solving puzzles and making sound choices with non-stop action and huge plot twists. Once readers beat the video game within the book, they'll get a chance to hunt for every possible ending. Finding all the book's endings reveals a code that readers can use to unlock a secret story online.
This series is both the perfect starting point for new readers of Dustin Brady and a rewarding return for fans of his Trapped in a Video Game series. New readers will quickly come to appreciate the page-turning action and hilarious writing that made Trapped in a Video Game a bestseller. Returning fans will enjoy exploring the world of the original series through a different perspective and uncovering more secrets about the mysterious video game company Bionosoft.
Cooper Hawke and the Secret of Phantom Island Ìýis the greatest video game nobody has ever played. The treasure-hunting adventure was supposed to set a new standard for gaming. Then, just one month before its release date, it fell off the face of the earth.Ìý
Now, for the first time, you get a chance to play the mysterious game -Ìý from the inside . As you outsmart enemies, solve puzzles, and explore the island's hidden areas, you'll discover that there's more to this game than the world realized.Ìý
Escape from a Video Game Ìýis an innovative pick-your-plot story that promises two adventures for the price of one! The main adventure builds critical thinking skills by rewarding young readers for solving puzzles and making sound choices with non-stop action and huge plot twists. Once readers beat the video game within the book, they'll get a chance to hunt for every possible ending. Finding all the book's endings reveals a code that readers can use to unlock a secret story online.
This series is both the perfect starting point for new readers of Dustin Brady and a rewarding return for fans of his Trapped in a Video Game series. New readers will quickly come to appreciate the page-turning action and hilarious writing that made Trapped in a Video Game a bestseller. Returning fans will enjoy exploring the world of the original series through a different perspective and uncovering more secrets about the mysterious video game company Bionosoft.
176 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2020
263 people are currently reading
1,246 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 21, 2020
The one good thing about this choose-your-own adventure book, for me, was that we were instructed to play it through, ideally dying and flicking back to the previous page as little as possible, and then to map it all out � the whole thing is designed as if we're in a computer adventure game, and we're supposed to unlock each and every turn for the bonus easter eggs. Now, in reviewing these things I do map each and every turn, and cover every fork as I go along anyway, so I was only happy to oblige. But would this junior read oblige and entertain me, and the non-reviewing junior me just here for fun?
Well, in a word, yes. I do think the sense of it sarcastically undermining the whole video game concept, by archly taking the mickey, dropped off for a straight drama of infiltration into the baddie's secret lair, but it still didn't lose much. I liked the fact I'd actually got some way before I did die for the first time, and I'd honestly started out in choosing the counter-intuitive route ("I'll just map this side path that obviously kills me because it's so obviously the wrong choice, then go back to the main track � oh, no, I've solved that section�"). Any reader here will find curveballs thrown at them.
What I also liked is the save point structure � die, and you get a piece of the code for the easter eggs, and you get told to go back to the prior key choice � it's not like everyone cheats in these books anyway, and nobody ever starts from page one a second time. That allows for much less frustration here � as does something else. If you are mapping this, the section of the book heavily involving puzzles recycles many of its death pages at multiple times, so you get to recognise the same numbers as end points.
All in all we have a strong COYA for the under-thirteens, where you turn to whichever page entry you're instructed when you get to select an option. There is no use of dice to bring a bit of chance into things, and where there is something like a combat system it's quite a decently novel one. And if a sub-thirteen version of me had had this all those years ago I think it would have gone down rather well � the book does subvert the whole wish-fulfilment thing of wanting to live life as if you're in a computer game, while also providing the immediacy needed of these books, so you think this crazy adventure is happening to you yourself. The fact this can be slightly crazy and coherent at the same time is to its merit, as is the fact this is perfectly self-contained, and purchase of the whole five book set that came before is not needed. So the choice is a pretty easy one � go for it.
Well, in a word, yes. I do think the sense of it sarcastically undermining the whole video game concept, by archly taking the mickey, dropped off for a straight drama of infiltration into the baddie's secret lair, but it still didn't lose much. I liked the fact I'd actually got some way before I did die for the first time, and I'd honestly started out in choosing the counter-intuitive route ("I'll just map this side path that obviously kills me because it's so obviously the wrong choice, then go back to the main track � oh, no, I've solved that section�"). Any reader here will find curveballs thrown at them.
What I also liked is the save point structure � die, and you get a piece of the code for the easter eggs, and you get told to go back to the prior key choice � it's not like everyone cheats in these books anyway, and nobody ever starts from page one a second time. That allows for much less frustration here � as does something else. If you are mapping this, the section of the book heavily involving puzzles recycles many of its death pages at multiple times, so you get to recognise the same numbers as end points.
All in all we have a strong COYA for the under-thirteens, where you turn to whichever page entry you're instructed when you get to select an option. There is no use of dice to bring a bit of chance into things, and where there is something like a combat system it's quite a decently novel one. And if a sub-thirteen version of me had had this all those years ago I think it would have gone down rather well � the book does subvert the whole wish-fulfilment thing of wanting to live life as if you're in a computer game, while also providing the immediacy needed of these books, so you think this crazy adventure is happening to you yourself. The fact this can be slightly crazy and coherent at the same time is to its merit, as is the fact this is perfectly self-contained, and purchase of the whole five book set that came before is not needed. So the choice is a pretty easy one � go for it.
October 22, 2020
Choose Your Own Adventure takes on a new meaning in this exciting tale of adventure, puzzles and oh-so-many twists and turns.
This is the second book put out by Mr. Brady, which follows this CYOA style. I didn't get to read the first one, and that doesn't really matter (except for the fact that I'd now love to grab it up, too). This book goes right down the traditional CYOA alley but with a few new twists. The reader can interact a little more with the tale and is prompted to work out things with puzzles and such. It adds a new dimension and a lot more fun.
The story telling itself is fine...nothing amazing, but then, that's not the point of something like this. The tale does draw the reader in and allow them to become part of the excitement as well as steer in unknown directions. Luckily, if the reader dies, they aren't prompted to have to return to page one (because who does that in a traditional CYOA anyway?) but simply leads them back one step to try the other route. If it wasn't this way, I could see frustration raking in quick...and that's also not the point of a 'fun' read.
The adventure suggests that the reader remember their steps, and there are little prizes along the way. In other words, this is so much more than a simple CYOA, and that's great. It isn't literature at its prime, but this does encourage kids to read while doing so much more. In other words, I'm a total fan and have no doubt middle graders will enjoy this one from beginning to end.
This is the second book put out by Mr. Brady, which follows this CYOA style. I didn't get to read the first one, and that doesn't really matter (except for the fact that I'd now love to grab it up, too). This book goes right down the traditional CYOA alley but with a few new twists. The reader can interact a little more with the tale and is prompted to work out things with puzzles and such. It adds a new dimension and a lot more fun.
The story telling itself is fine...nothing amazing, but then, that's not the point of something like this. The tale does draw the reader in and allow them to become part of the excitement as well as steer in unknown directions. Luckily, if the reader dies, they aren't prompted to have to return to page one (because who does that in a traditional CYOA anyway?) but simply leads them back one step to try the other route. If it wasn't this way, I could see frustration raking in quick...and that's also not the point of a 'fun' read.
The adventure suggests that the reader remember their steps, and there are little prizes along the way. In other words, this is so much more than a simple CYOA, and that's great. It isn't literature at its prime, but this does encourage kids to read while doing so much more. In other words, I'm a total fan and have no doubt middle graders will enjoy this one from beginning to end.
October 27, 2022
Son (8) rated
My review - This is this authors second series that my son and I are reading together because his books are so fun and perfect for his age. This is a fun choose your own adventure book along with some puzzles to figure out to get the correct page number. We loved it! We did get stuck in a loop and couldn’t figure our way out for a bit (that’s why he gave it only 4 stars, haha). You will need to buy this book because you will want to write in it. Excited to move onto the next 2 books in this series!
My review - This is this authors second series that my son and I are reading together because his books are so fun and perfect for his age. This is a fun choose your own adventure book along with some puzzles to figure out to get the correct page number. We loved it! We did get stuck in a loop and couldn’t figure our way out for a bit (that’s why he gave it only 4 stars, haha). You will need to buy this book because you will want to write in it. Excited to move onto the next 2 books in this series!
June 20, 2020
Okay, even though I know this book is supposed to be written for kids, I have happy memories of reading both the Choose Your Own Adventure, and the Fighting Fantasy books as a child. In fact, I don't know if I would be such a voracious reader today if I hadn't become addicted to those books. Home computers were a new thing, and the closed I got to a RPG was Sphinx Adventure on the BBC Micro. I had to pick up this book to relive my past - and I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed the story and playing the game whilst I read the book. I think it would have been a lot easy to enjoy a paperback rather than the eBook version, but that's not Brady's fault. If you are a past reader of CYOA books, or if your kids have never read one of them - buy this. Highly recommended.
June 19, 2020
I’ve always loved the choose your own adventure genre since I was a child, and that compelled me to check this book out.
I think kids will really enjoy this book as it’s filled with adventure and action. The best part is that it’s chock-full of puzzles and brain teasers, which is something I haven’t seen in other choose your own plot stories.
Other than making choices, the puzzles and other activities add to the fun of the story and make it even more interactive.
I would really recommend this book for all kids. Not only does it have a super engaging story, it also has brain teasers, to help them improve their thinking skills.
I think kids will really enjoy this book as it’s filled with adventure and action. The best part is that it’s chock-full of puzzles and brain teasers, which is something I haven’t seen in other choose your own plot stories.
Other than making choices, the puzzles and other activities add to the fun of the story and make it even more interactive.
I would really recommend this book for all kids. Not only does it have a super engaging story, it also has brain teasers, to help them improve their thinking skills.
September 5, 2020
I was really excited to read a choose-your-own-adventure type book as I enjoyed them so much as a kid. This, however, was not the enjoyable read I was hoping for.
The choice to write in second person is never, in my experience, a good one. The end result is either preachy or distanced emotionally from the reader and this book is both. The tale presents readers with puzzles to be solved and also asks them to provide dialogue; the interactive nature is reflective of the supposed setting and not a bad technique, but from a narrative standpoint it does nothing helpful. Ultimately, the book is closer to an activity book than a readable one.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for review.
The choice to write in second person is never, in my experience, a good one. The end result is either preachy or distanced emotionally from the reader and this book is both. The tale presents readers with puzzles to be solved and also asks them to provide dialogue; the interactive nature is reflective of the supposed setting and not a bad technique, but from a narrative standpoint it does nothing helpful. Ultimately, the book is closer to an activity book than a readable one.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for review.
December 26, 2020
The Secret of Phantom Island is a different type of book. Instead of just one story with one ending, you have multiple choices to make different outcomes for your reading adventure. Plus, there are some mini games and puzzles that try to play out like a video game. This could be taken as a good or a bad thing but mainly it feels right at home for gamers like my teenage son. Because it has so many different choices and outcomes, reading the book multiple times will net you a different ending which makes a satisfying read.
July 5, 2020
What a ride!! This book is fun and funny! The choices and the way to escape is surprising but also educational and it's cool to find your beat as you go along (still find yourself dead even when you think you've cracked the code). I would highly recommend this book for anyone with children in their lives that may not be as into reading. I can see this book becoming an easy favorite for any child that picks it up.
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October 21, 2023Logan read this story and it's like a choose your own adventure. There are puzzles scattered through out the story that you have to solve in order to make a choice on where you are going to go next.
Logan said the story was fun to read and thinks most elementary age kids could read this book. He would advise that the reader ask for help from their family or adult to help them solve the puzzles. He thought the secret code was really cool to crack and liked doing it a lot.
Logan said the story was fun to read and thinks most elementary age kids could read this book. He would advise that the reader ask for help from their family or adult to help them solve the puzzles. He thought the secret code was really cool to crack and liked doing it a lot.
December 29, 2023
I read along with my 6 year old son who enjoyed this book so much. It was his first pick your adventure style book and he did not want to put it down. We died several times, but I love that it lets you go back to specific check points. The puzzles were also a nice touch. I really enjoyed spending time with my kiddo doing something we love and having fun and laughing together! I thought we would never find our way out, but we did.
January 20, 2021
Good book. Not great for read-aloud.
My 7 yo liked it, although some of the themes required a bit of explanation from me. The puzzles looked fun, and many could be done while reading aloud, and by sharing the kindle. Many, however, i would have liked to have my kiddo do independently,
My 7 yo liked it, although some of the themes required a bit of explanation from me. The puzzles looked fun, and many could be done while reading aloud, and by sharing the kindle. Many, however, i would have liked to have my kiddo do independently,
May 16, 2022
Aksel (8 years old): this book get double thumbs up!!! I really like that is was different from other books because you got to choose what happened next and flip to all different parts of the book depending on what you choose.
December 31, 2024
I loved Choose Your Own Adventure books growing up. And I appreciate this book has puzzles to figure out too, not just reading and choosing. And! The endings where you lose a life also provide clues to a bigger puzzle.
June 30, 2020
Just like the Choose Your Own Adventure of days past, or living your own Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, this was a fantastically fun book. Highly recommend it.
September 6, 2020
Good book for all gamers.
September 24, 2020
I won this book on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ and gave it to my grandkids. I don't think they liked it very much
October 14, 2020
Cool book!
February 8, 2021
I read this with my 8-year old son and he loved it. It kept him really engaged because it’s so interactive. I enjoyed the puzzles and using the clues to know where to go next in the book. Really fun!
June 15, 2021
This book was very cool. My 10 year old loved the "choose your own adventure" aspect to it. The puzzles kept him interested and engaged. Definitely picking up the next one.
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October 6, 2021Trabajo.
April 4, 2022
I liked it because it was a good book and I liked how I could choose what to do and make your own adventure.
June 17, 2023
We didn’t quite finish the story, but the book kept 3 adults and two kids entertained during a difficult and exhausting trip and for that this book is a 10/10
December 28, 2023
It's tricky to figure out so you might need an adult with you.
August 17, 2024
Er zijn de laatste tijd best wel wat 'choose your own adventure' boeken uitgekomen en ik ben er zo blij mee. Dit was niet de beste die ik las maar heb toch regelmatig zitten gniffelen.
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October 10, 2024A choose your own adventure, with some more interesting choices.
April 15, 2025
It was a fun book because it is not like a regular book. Instead, you make a choice, go to the page of your choice, and eventually, you make it to the end.
May 12, 2023
I would think if you have a boy between 7 and 15 who is into video games, this would be a great book for them. You know, if you have a kid that's into video games this would be a great game for them. It combines the idea of a Choose Your Own Adventure book with the classic decision based games into a fun adventure with limited lives and puzzles to solve.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
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