Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 07/29/2022 Gr 4–8—Clip and Sadie Chu may be siblings, but they have nothing in common—nothing, save for laser tag. But what their friends see as a fun game, Clip and Sadie view as a way to prove who is the best Chu. When the Blackwood Gaming Arena opens, promising the most epic virtual reality laser tag games ever, the siblings compete fiercely to reach the top of the leaderboard first. When they start seeing a strange boy in the laser tag arenas, they slowly realize he's not just part of the game: this boy is trapped in the game, and it's up to Clip, Sadie, and their friends to get him out—if they can get out themselves. Dao is a bright voice in middle grade fiction, crafting characters and plot in a way that feels effortless. The supporting cast is as well developed as Sadie and Clip, and the different laser tag games create vivid, immersive settings throughout. Clip, Sadie, and the dynamics of their Vietnamese American family work are just as engaging as the dramatic laser tag scenes, and the combination of these elements creates a well-paced story where readers are equally invested in the emotional growth of the characters and the action-packed plot. VERDICT A fresh title that weaves elements of sports stories and sci-fi with realism and beautifully developed characters, in a way that makes this story irresistible.—Kristin Brynsvold - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 07/01/2022 This middle-grade fantasy-series starter follows siblings Clip and Sadie Chu as they bond over laser-tag games. Though Clip and Sadie are polar opposites, they both love laser tag more than anything, as it gives them a fun way to spend time with their friends and each other. When the Blackwood Gaming Arena mysteriously arrives in their hometown, Sadie and Clip are ecstatic about the opportunity to compete in VR laser tag, but when a nefarious figure shows up inside the game, they must do everything in their power to save themselves and the rest of their friends. Are the siblings better off working together than seeing who will win? Chapters alternate between sports-loving Clip’s voice and academically inclined Sadie’s point of view as the siblings unravel the mystery in the most challenging—and imaginative—game of laser tag they’ve ever played. Young gamers, and readers who enjoy rooting for a strong sibling relationship full of competition and support, will revel in this fun, fast-paced adventure. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.

Booklist - 07/01/2022 - Copyright 2022 Booklist.