Thrash Force by Raj Sidhu

What worked:

The story is infused with juvenile humor that will appeal to many young readers. Playing with character names is one of the first examples, as Riley, class clown, calls the evil overlord in their Dungeon Brawl role-playing game names like Doodoo-Butt and Doofus. Doomface, in another world, overhears Riley’s insults, and this moment ignites the plot’s main conflict. Doomface transports the kids to his world, where he plans to destroy them. However, to make things more fun, he transforms Riley and his friends into their Dungeon Brawl characters. Riley becomes a red, demon sorcerer, Simon becomes a muscular minotaur, Georgie is a mutating, warrior elf, and her younger brother Jasper is a Mohawked green goblin shredding a magical guitar.

The plot becomes an adventure as Riley and his friends, Thrash Force Inc., try to survive Doomface’s challenge. Success will mean they can return to their home world. Riley must get home before 8:00, so he can keep his parents from learning about his failing report card. Riley begins to reflect on why he’s doing so poorly in school after being a stellar student when he was younger. This internal conflict is a subplot throughout the book. The team gradually learns that they must complete smaller missions to hone their skills and boost their power levels. Riley thinks it's taking too long, and they still might fail. One of Doomface’s rival demons offers Riley a deal, and Riley eventually accepts. However, the deal he’s agreed to may spell doom for everyone in the multiverse.

A couple of intriguing minor characters are lurking in the background, and readers may suspect they’ll have larger influences in the future. Magnus Belfry is a disturbed classmate from Madison Magnet School. He seeks revenge because Riley has snubbed his attempts at friendship for years. Magnus is constantly looking for ways to get Riley in trouble, and he’s inadvertently transported into Doomface’s world, too. There, he continues his efforts to punish Riley. Molt seems to be a subservient character who has the ear of Doomface. He’s often the target of Doomface’s anger and threats, but manages to talk his way out of the situations. Molt contradicts Doomface’s plans and allows Doomface to take credit for the changes. Readers will suspect that Molt has a secret scheme in mind, and his subtle manipulation will continue in the future.

What didn’t work as well:

It would be nice to know more about Riley’s friends. There are hints about their lives, but most of the information is related to the game or Thrash Force. There’s also little variation in their characters’ abilities other than Jasper’s guitar. Riley throws fireballs, Georgie becomes a wolf, and Simon’s minotaur form smashes things. Jasper is the least developed character, but he at least plays different magical songs to create different spells.

The final verdict:

This is a humorous, entertaining adventure for middle-grade readers. It includes messages about self-image and taking responsibility for one’s actions. I recommend you try it for yourself.