“Heir Apparent” by Vivian Vande Velde is one great adventure ride from the first page to the last. The main character in the story, 14 year old Giannine, takes us on her adventure as she plays a video game that takes on unexpected high stakes in a game of life and death within a made up realm.
Giannine’s player character must survive many obstacles in order to be crowned King, including barbarians, ghosts, dragons, and conniving relatives who just as soon see her dead. And, that’s just part of her player characters problems. When the machine she’s hooked up to breaks down, it’s either win the game, or die trying, for real.
Vande Velde’s writing keeps the story moving along at a fast gait, but is filled with comedic remarks and situations. There’s even some romance tossed in to keep things interesting.
“Heir Apparent” is a well-told story that will be appreciated by all: girls, boys, gamers, non-gamers, young, and old.
