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Jitters #2
The Game With No Name
"L.G. Cunningham's The Game with No Name is a thrilling adventure for younger readers about a mysterious board game and a family in peril. The premise echoes its famous predecessor, but the story is highly inventive in its own right, with high stakes, chilling frights, and relatable lessons throughout, fronted by two engaging protagonists. The story has a creepy edge that is just right for the age range, and will keep readers turning the pages, as Cunningham is masterful at building and maintaining suspense. Cinematic and vividly written, the book should easily find an audience looking for a middle grade adventure with a slice of the macabre." -The Independent Review of Books
Izzy Miller has grown out of ‘family-game-night’. As a mature and sporty twelve-year-old, playing boring board games with her family is not her idea of a good time.
But when her brainiac twin, Noah, discovers an ancient board game and casts the dice, he unknowingly sets off a chain of events that freezes time and leaves the twins with a frightening choice - play or never see your family again.
To make it across the board, the Miller twins must face life-threatening (and yet eerily familiar) tasks involving a sweltering jungle swamp, a battleship at sea and a castle with a mystery murderer on the loose.
Will Izzy regret her lack of board game knowledge? Can she rely on her Einstein-like brother to solve the clues?
And what has the grinning skeleton got to do with The Game With No Name?
Izzy Miller has grown out of ‘family-game-night’. As a mature and sporty twelve-year-old, playing boring board games with her family is not her idea of a good time.
But when her brainiac twin, Noah, discovers an ancient board game and casts the dice, he unknowingly sets off a chain of events that freezes time and leaves the twins with a frightening choice - play or never see your family again.
To make it across the board, the Miller twins must face life-threatening (and yet eerily familiar) tasks involving a sweltering jungle swamp, a battleship at sea and a castle with a mystery murderer on the loose.
Will Izzy regret her lack of board game knowledge? Can she rely on her Einstein-like brother to solve the clues?
And what has the grinning skeleton got to do with The Game With No Name?
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2020
9 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
About the author
L.G. Cunningham
2 books30 followersLG Cunningham loves to write scary, spine-chilling, monster filled, ‘my-child-is-not-able-to-sleep’ stories. This term of endearment could be as a result of growing up in an Irish town filled with ghosts, being able to communicate with (and actually see) the dead or more than likely because his family used to rent him horror movies (pre-Netflix and pre-DVDs) when he was very little which had the affect of twisting his brain to the extent that he was - and still is - afraid of his own shadow.
LG Cunningham is the author of the spooky middle grade anthology series 'JITTERS'.
PRETTY PERILOUS PARAKEET & THE GAME WITH NO NAME are out now.
LG Cunningham is the author of the spooky middle grade anthology series 'JITTERS'.
PRETTY PERILOUS PARAKEET & THE GAME WITH NO NAME are out now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 28, 2021
Noah Miller is just the nerdiest nerd I got to love while reading this book.
I didn't realise that this book is a part of a series but it doesn't matter. I haven't read the first book but yes, the story starts with Noah's family shifting to a cheaper place because Noah got a prestigious place to study in a school for the gifted.
His twin isn't happy about it but guess what?
All the adventures lie in creepy places!
This book reminds me so much of Jumanji as it promises. It all started with a mysterious board game, a dice game and the characters (Noah, his twin Izzy, their neighbour, Walter Parkinson) getting involved in a fantastical world of ships; some wax museum in which their mom and their dad are found frozen! And then, they get caught up in a scary jungle. And then, there's this crazy water adventure and some historical characters in a castle! I didn't that murder mystery coming up. I mean what was that?! Damn, Dr Bloom and Professor Prune. Love the adult characters too!
I just love that skull which predicted the different puzzles and adventure scenarios.
They have to solve each puzzle as the scenario represented in order to escape. Well, let me catch my breath!
It's so damn unpredictable where the events are leading to. The writing is so fast-paced and I was struggling to keep up with it!
I love how vocal and happening the characters are. The presence of the characters is as strong as their development and the plot progression.
Four dangerous tasks completed and a blooming young love. Ahem. Izzy, I would love those dimples too ☺️
Finally, a time travel plot unexpectedly. That's so awesome!
The family dynamics is strong and so warm.
Love this book
But it's too short!!!
Waiting for the sequel!
Already!
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
I didn't realise that this book is a part of a series but it doesn't matter. I haven't read the first book but yes, the story starts with Noah's family shifting to a cheaper place because Noah got a prestigious place to study in a school for the gifted.
His twin isn't happy about it but guess what?
All the adventures lie in creepy places!
This book reminds me so much of Jumanji as it promises. It all started with a mysterious board game, a dice game and the characters (Noah, his twin Izzy, their neighbour, Walter Parkinson) getting involved in a fantastical world of ships; some wax museum in which their mom and their dad are found frozen! And then, they get caught up in a scary jungle. And then, there's this crazy water adventure and some historical characters in a castle! I didn't that murder mystery coming up. I mean what was that?! Damn, Dr Bloom and Professor Prune. Love the adult characters too!
I just love that skull which predicted the different puzzles and adventure scenarios.
They have to solve each puzzle as the scenario represented in order to escape. Well, let me catch my breath!
It's so damn unpredictable where the events are leading to. The writing is so fast-paced and I was struggling to keep up with it!
I love how vocal and happening the characters are. The presence of the characters is as strong as their development and the plot progression.
Four dangerous tasks completed and a blooming young love. Ahem. Izzy, I would love those dimples too ☺️
Finally, a time travel plot unexpectedly. That's so awesome!
The family dynamics is strong and so warm.
Love this book
But it's too short!!!
Waiting for the sequel!
Already!
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
July 19, 2022
My thanks to the author L.G. Cunningham for a review copy of this book vis BookTasters.
The Game with No Name is an imaginative, entertaining and fun children’s (or more specifically middle-grade) horror–fantasy–adventure, likely inspired by Jumanji, but also its own story.
In The Game with No Name, twins (not identical) Isabella ‘Izzy’ and Noah Miller have moved with their parents to an actual (but neglected) house, Glenbat Manor, from a cramped city apartment, essentially as Noah has been admitted to an exclusive school for gifted students, St Albert’s. Izzy, who lacks Noah’s intellectual genius but excels at sport, and who is also our narrator, meanwhile is resentful for she has had to leave her old school and friends and move to a completely new place where she may not be accepted or make friends. The book opens with the family trying to clean up the house as best they can in which Izzy bags the living room and Noah agrees to work on the basement. As Izzy is cleaning, a young boy, slightly older than her twelve years appears outside the window and introduces himself as Walter Parkinson, a neighbour, and tells her about the rather strange and frightening history of Glenbat Manor, known locally as Terror Shack. Alongside Noah in his cleaning efforts finds a strange board game, with only two ivory dice and no instructions how to play, and convinces Izzy and Walter to join in as Noah really used to enjoy their family game nights.
Needless to say, this is no ordinary game, and as soon as Noah rolls the dice, a silver skull suddenly materializes and is the pawn in the game. The board is made up of squares, some blank and some with strange pictures. Soon, the three children find that if they land on a square with an image, they are sucked into the game and another world where they must perform a task which puts them in very real danger. Just putting the game away is not possible for the ‘real’ world around them is frozen, and unless each task is completed successfully, they cannot escape the world they’ve been sucked into. From a pirate ship with cannons being fired and sharks circling underneath, to a dense jungle with hippos, and swampy waters, they find themselves faced with a variety of challenges testing them to their limits. But will they be able to meet them all? Can they ever escape the Game with No Name?
This was a fast paced, entertaining, and fun ride all the way through and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. After some brief scene setting in the first few chapters, we are thrown right into the adventure, and the action continues throughout. The children play the game, are drawn into different worlds where they must complete a task (told to them through a riddle) to return. Each of these worlds/challenges is described vividly and one can both visualize and experience them with the children, as we go along. While the premise is broadly inspired by Jumanji, the author has still been very inventive in the worlds that he has created. I loved how he has translated and thereby also paid homage to various real-life boardgames through this.
The book has just the right amount of chills for its intended audience. The premise of being trapped in a game which not only operates by itself but can also read the players and their minds is scary indeed, and we also have the dangers that the children must face (to life and limb) and plenty of imagery like skulls and skeletons, cobwebs and bugs. There is also a bit of a twist in the latter part which one may not see coming.
I thought Noah and Izzy were done very well, very different from each other, yet sharing that ‘twin’ bond and a level of understanding all the same. Noah’s interest in and inclination to see the secret behind the puzzles they are faced with rather than fear the dangers they face, and Izzy focusing mostly on the dangers and having a more ‘normal’ reaction was true to each of their characters. Izzy’s resentment and disappointment at having to move and leave all her friends behind was understandable as well. But despite this, I did find her reactions a little annoying at times. And Walter helps the twins see their strengths and what they may not be acknowledging in the other, and they do come out with a better understanding of each other.
While this is a second in series, the series seems to simply share the ‘Jitters’ theme, with each book being complete in itself, and not connected to the other.
A fun read which can be enjoyed by not only its intended audience but adults who read children’s fiction as well, all the more so if you are fond of boardgames.
4.5 stars
The Game with No Name is an imaginative, entertaining and fun children’s (or more specifically middle-grade) horror–fantasy–adventure, likely inspired by Jumanji, but also its own story.
In The Game with No Name, twins (not identical) Isabella ‘Izzy’ and Noah Miller have moved with their parents to an actual (but neglected) house, Glenbat Manor, from a cramped city apartment, essentially as Noah has been admitted to an exclusive school for gifted students, St Albert’s. Izzy, who lacks Noah’s intellectual genius but excels at sport, and who is also our narrator, meanwhile is resentful for she has had to leave her old school and friends and move to a completely new place where she may not be accepted or make friends. The book opens with the family trying to clean up the house as best they can in which Izzy bags the living room and Noah agrees to work on the basement. As Izzy is cleaning, a young boy, slightly older than her twelve years appears outside the window and introduces himself as Walter Parkinson, a neighbour, and tells her about the rather strange and frightening history of Glenbat Manor, known locally as Terror Shack. Alongside Noah in his cleaning efforts finds a strange board game, with only two ivory dice and no instructions how to play, and convinces Izzy and Walter to join in as Noah really used to enjoy their family game nights.
Needless to say, this is no ordinary game, and as soon as Noah rolls the dice, a silver skull suddenly materializes and is the pawn in the game. The board is made up of squares, some blank and some with strange pictures. Soon, the three children find that if they land on a square with an image, they are sucked into the game and another world where they must perform a task which puts them in very real danger. Just putting the game away is not possible for the ‘real’ world around them is frozen, and unless each task is completed successfully, they cannot escape the world they’ve been sucked into. From a pirate ship with cannons being fired and sharks circling underneath, to a dense jungle with hippos, and swampy waters, they find themselves faced with a variety of challenges testing them to their limits. But will they be able to meet them all? Can they ever escape the Game with No Name?
This was a fast paced, entertaining, and fun ride all the way through and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. After some brief scene setting in the first few chapters, we are thrown right into the adventure, and the action continues throughout. The children play the game, are drawn into different worlds where they must complete a task (told to them through a riddle) to return. Each of these worlds/challenges is described vividly and one can both visualize and experience them with the children, as we go along. While the premise is broadly inspired by Jumanji, the author has still been very inventive in the worlds that he has created. I loved how he has translated and thereby also paid homage to various real-life boardgames through this.
The book has just the right amount of chills for its intended audience. The premise of being trapped in a game which not only operates by itself but can also read the players and their minds is scary indeed, and we also have the dangers that the children must face (to life and limb) and plenty of imagery like skulls and skeletons, cobwebs and bugs. There is also a bit of a twist in the latter part which one may not see coming.
I thought Noah and Izzy were done very well, very different from each other, yet sharing that ‘twin’ bond and a level of understanding all the same. Noah’s interest in and inclination to see the secret behind the puzzles they are faced with rather than fear the dangers they face, and Izzy focusing mostly on the dangers and having a more ‘normal’ reaction was true to each of their characters. Izzy’s resentment and disappointment at having to move and leave all her friends behind was understandable as well. But despite this, I did find her reactions a little annoying at times. And Walter helps the twins see their strengths and what they may not be acknowledging in the other, and they do come out with a better understanding of each other.
While this is a second in series, the series seems to simply share the ‘Jitters’ theme, with each book being complete in itself, and not connected to the other.
A fun read which can be enjoyed by not only its intended audience but adults who read children’s fiction as well, all the more so if you are fond of boardgames.
4.5 stars
February 17, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A family moves into an old house, because one of a set of twins got accepted to a school for gifted children. There's a legend that a family vanished there 100 years before. While cleaning the house, a neighbor boy comes over. When a game is found in a niche in the basement, the genius rolls the dice, and they are drawn into a Jumanji type ordeal.
Pretty good, a lot of suspense, and a twist at the end.
A family moves into an old house, because one of a set of twins got accepted to a school for gifted children. There's a legend that a family vanished there 100 years before. While cleaning the house, a neighbor boy comes over. When a game is found in a niche in the basement, the genius rolls the dice, and they are drawn into a Jumanji type ordeal.
Pretty good, a lot of suspense, and a twist at the end.
January 2, 2021
How I read this: Free ebook copy received through NetGalley
Izzy is unhappy with her family's move to a new location. She's had to abandon her friends and her entire life, and for what? For the sake of her genius little brother who got a star scholarship at a gifted kids school. Izzy loves her brother, after all, they're twins - but at the moment, she can't stand the idea of him. That's because the move has made Izzy feel like she's unimportant, 'the dumb twin' and also totally alone. That's a hard thing to handle, when you're twelve.
Izzy's real problem isn't 'being dumb', though. She's smart enough - what gets in the way of her using the smarts is her quick temper and inability to manage her anger. This comes up quite a lot as the story progresses and the kids get into this Jumanji-style board game with real life pirate battleships and whatnot. The story involves the kids getting sucked into the game and facing dangerous tasks, so it's quite a lot like Jumanji (even to the point that ) But the story is fun to read, and it supports the drama between the main characters. It was a fun, quick read.
About the characters themselves, I enjoyed the story, but I found the 'smart kid', Izzy's brother Noah a little far-fetched and annoying. He's 12, but he talks like he's some ancient wizard in an RPG game, talking pompously and using antiquated words and whatnot. I could practically see his white beard! It's kind of a silly 'smart kid' stereotype. You can be sciencey without sounding weird an ancient. Kids who are into tech and science aren't like that, they're also often into games and youtubers and funny TikTok dances. They'd be the last people to talk like a 70 year old dude who won a Nobel prize in the 60's. I'd rather read about realistic kids than caricatures.
Izzy, on the other hand, comes off as a quite realistic kid, and her character struck me as believable. There is another important character in the story, but I will not go into detail about him because it is closely related to the plot details, and I don't want to spoil.
There was, however, one thing I was quite uncomfortable wih. I wasn't a fan of the kids trying to choke each other way more than I'd like to witness them do that. I mean, sure, kids can punch and kick and do many mean things when they fight, but WHY would you write about kids choking each other? MULTIPLE TIMES? I don't know any normal, functioning person who would seriously choke someone, because that's dangerous. Kids don't seriously do that, do they? (Cause if they do, then my belief in humanity may suffer a serious blow.) Choking is not for a kids book. Choking and strangling is dangerous and absolutely off limits. Have them fight and punch. Keep it soft. Keep your characters' hands off each other's throats!! Or do you want them to read the book and try to choke their little brother..??? (Am I being stupid about this?)
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
Izzy is unhappy with her family's move to a new location. She's had to abandon her friends and her entire life, and for what? For the sake of her genius little brother who got a star scholarship at a gifted kids school. Izzy loves her brother, after all, they're twins - but at the moment, she can't stand the idea of him. That's because the move has made Izzy feel like she's unimportant, 'the dumb twin' and also totally alone. That's a hard thing to handle, when you're twelve.
Izzy's real problem isn't 'being dumb', though. She's smart enough - what gets in the way of her using the smarts is her quick temper and inability to manage her anger. This comes up quite a lot as the story progresses and the kids get into this Jumanji-style board game with real life pirate battleships and whatnot. The story involves the kids getting sucked into the game and facing dangerous tasks, so it's quite a lot like Jumanji (even to the point that ) But the story is fun to read, and it supports the drama between the main characters. It was a fun, quick read.
About the characters themselves, I enjoyed the story, but I found the 'smart kid', Izzy's brother Noah a little far-fetched and annoying. He's 12, but he talks like he's some ancient wizard in an RPG game, talking pompously and using antiquated words and whatnot. I could practically see his white beard! It's kind of a silly 'smart kid' stereotype. You can be sciencey without sounding weird an ancient. Kids who are into tech and science aren't like that, they're also often into games and youtubers and funny TikTok dances. They'd be the last people to talk like a 70 year old dude who won a Nobel prize in the 60's. I'd rather read about realistic kids than caricatures.
Izzy, on the other hand, comes off as a quite realistic kid, and her character struck me as believable. There is another important character in the story, but I will not go into detail about him because it is closely related to the plot details, and I don't want to spoil.
There was, however, one thing I was quite uncomfortable wih. I wasn't a fan of the kids trying to choke each other way more than I'd like to witness them do that. I mean, sure, kids can punch and kick and do many mean things when they fight, but WHY would you write about kids choking each other? MULTIPLE TIMES? I don't know any normal, functioning person who would seriously choke someone, because that's dangerous. Kids don't seriously do that, do they? (Cause if they do, then my belief in humanity may suffer a serious blow.) Choking is not for a kids book. Choking and strangling is dangerous and absolutely off limits. Have them fight and punch. Keep it soft. Keep your characters' hands off each other's throats!! Or do you want them to read the book and try to choke their little brother..??? (Am I being stupid about this?)
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
October 20, 2020
The horror of family game nights is truly exemplified in this book...
Really, it was a fun middle grade novel with enough horror to be satisfying without being frightening for younger readers. I didn't predict the plot twist either, and that's something I'm generally good at! The characters were likable and their conflicts felt realistic and reasonable. Also I discovered that the hungry hippos game is a lot older than I'd thought.
This may be the second book in the series, but as it's an anthology series it needn't be read in order. Definitely recommend as a good choice for a horror novel for kids.
Disclaimer: This book was won in a Goodreads giveaway. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Really, it was a fun middle grade novel with enough horror to be satisfying without being frightening for younger readers. I didn't predict the plot twist either, and that's something I'm generally good at! The characters were likable and their conflicts felt realistic and reasonable. Also I discovered that the hungry hippos game is a lot older than I'd thought.
This may be the second book in the series, but as it's an anthology series it needn't be read in order. Definitely recommend as a good choice for a horror novel for kids.
Disclaimer: This book was won in a Goodreads giveaway. This is my honest and voluntary review.
May 9, 2023
"The Game with No Name" is an enthralling middle-grade horror fantasy adventure that draws influence from "Jumanji" while telling a completely original plot. Izzy and Noah Miller, twins, are relocated from their city flat to Glenbat Manor, an ancient and dilapidated manor. Noah, an academically bright student, enters the privileged St Albert's school, whilst Izzy, an athletic narrator, resents leaving her classmates and fears rejection in her new environment. While cleaning the house, the family discovers a mystery board game in the basement. They decide to play, encouraged by Noah's enthusiasm for family game nights, oblivious of the game's demonic powers. With just the right amount of chills for its intended audience, the book captures the fear of being trapped in a game that operates independently and can read the players' minds. The dangers the children face, from life-threatening situations to eerie imagery, add to the suspense. Unexpected twists in the latter part of the story enhance the thrilling experience.
The book provides a thrilling and entertaining experience from start to finish. After a brief introduction, the story plunges readers into the adventure, maintaining a fast-paced narrative. The vivid descriptions of the various worlds and challenges immerse readers alongside the characters. The story reminded me of the movie Zathura where the kids pick up an old board game and have an a life-time adventure.
As Noah rolls the dice, a silver skull materializes, and the children are transported to a scary world whenever they land on squares with strange images. Tasked with completing dangerous challenges, they must succeed to escape the game's clutches. From battling on pirate ships surrounded by sharks to navigating dense jungles with hippos, they face trials that push them to their limits. To return to the real world, they must conquer each task.
The characters of Noah and Izzy are well-crafted, each distinct yet bound by their twin connection. Noah's curiosity and desire to uncover the secrets of the puzzles contrast with Izzy's focus on the immediate dangers, reflecting their personalities. Izzy's resentment and disappointment about the move are relatable, although her reactions may sometimes irritate her. Through the character of Walter, the twins gain a deeper understanding of each other and their strengths. While part of a series with a shared "Jitters" theme, each book stands alone and does not rely on previous instalments. "The Game with No Name" is an enjoyable read for its target audience and adults who appreciate children's fiction, particularly those fond of board games.
The book provides a thrilling and entertaining experience from start to finish. After a brief introduction, the story plunges readers into the adventure, maintaining a fast-paced narrative. The vivid descriptions of the various worlds and challenges immerse readers alongside the characters. The story reminded me of the movie Zathura where the kids pick up an old board game and have an a life-time adventure.
As Noah rolls the dice, a silver skull materializes, and the children are transported to a scary world whenever they land on squares with strange images. Tasked with completing dangerous challenges, they must succeed to escape the game's clutches. From battling on pirate ships surrounded by sharks to navigating dense jungles with hippos, they face trials that push them to their limits. To return to the real world, they must conquer each task.
The characters of Noah and Izzy are well-crafted, each distinct yet bound by their twin connection. Noah's curiosity and desire to uncover the secrets of the puzzles contrast with Izzy's focus on the immediate dangers, reflecting their personalities. Izzy's resentment and disappointment about the move are relatable, although her reactions may sometimes irritate her. Through the character of Walter, the twins gain a deeper understanding of each other and their strengths. While part of a series with a shared "Jitters" theme, each book stands alone and does not rely on previous instalments. "The Game with No Name" is an enjoyable read for its target audience and adults who appreciate children's fiction, particularly those fond of board games.
October 26, 2020
The Game with No Name is s middle grade fantasy novel by L.G. Cunningham.
It's an adventurous but spooky novel that is a milder version of Jumanji where the levels are actually board games, but instead of fun loving games we get games that could kill with pirates and hungry hippos.
Izzy and Noah's relationship is a typical sibling relationship with one child outshining the other, but I loved how the author proved that every child is unique and smart in their own way and that 'smart' doesn't always mean book smart.
I loved it, although you really need to make sure that your kid doesn't get creeped out by it because they may end up never playing a board game ever again just because of what happens. 😅
It's not "ghost scary" but if you're child has an overactive imagination, it might be too much to handle.
But for adults who are looking for something different and refreshing to read, this is it. Yes it is for children but it's still an interesting take on board games with an evil twist AND we even get a plot twist at the end that I didn't see coming....so yes at the end of it all I would highly recommend this and I wouldn't mind if there was a part two with different games involved.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 9/10
Melina L.
It's an adventurous but spooky novel that is a milder version of Jumanji where the levels are actually board games, but instead of fun loving games we get games that could kill with pirates and hungry hippos.
Izzy and Noah's relationship is a typical sibling relationship with one child outshining the other, but I loved how the author proved that every child is unique and smart in their own way and that 'smart' doesn't always mean book smart.
I loved it, although you really need to make sure that your kid doesn't get creeped out by it because they may end up never playing a board game ever again just because of what happens. 😅
It's not "ghost scary" but if you're child has an overactive imagination, it might be too much to handle.
But for adults who are looking for something different and refreshing to read, this is it. Yes it is for children but it's still an interesting take on board games with an evil twist AND we even get a plot twist at the end that I didn't see coming....so yes at the end of it all I would highly recommend this and I wouldn't mind if there was a part two with different games involved.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 9/10
Melina L.
November 5, 2020
This book reminds me of Jumanji, a family game night turns into a wild ride, it's an adventure.
A spooky, well-written, humorous adventure that was hard to put down.
A great book for children and adults. Even though this is the 2nd book, you can read and enjoy it.
My first time reading from this author and I enjoyed it.
A spooky, well-written, humorous adventure that was hard to put down.
A great book for children and adults. Even though this is the 2nd book, you can read and enjoy it.
My first time reading from this author and I enjoyed it.
February 27, 2025
This book is more like Jumanji.
A family and their neighbours ,a board game and the adventure begins.
This is part of a series.
But never mind. You can go anywhere .
The book is short but it is full of adventures.
Reader will wait what happens next when the dice rolls.
Overall good attempt.
If you have seen zumanji you know what I am talking about.
A family and their neighbours ,a board game and the adventure begins.
This is part of a series.
But never mind. You can go anywhere .
The book is short but it is full of adventures.
Reader will wait what happens next when the dice rolls.
Overall good attempt.
If you have seen zumanji you know what I am talking about.
September 21, 2020
I saw so much potential in Liam Cunningham’s work for engaging young readers and would love to put this book in the hands of middle grades students. Humor, adventure, and sparking dialogue punctuate the pages.
August 19, 2022
The game with no name was an incredible book. Noah and Izzy have to work together to face a game that has paused their reality. They meet Walter who aids them to help solve the games they played before with a twist. Everything is not what it appears to be and their limits are put to the test in this new take on family game night.
September 5, 2020
Great book, bought it for both my nephews who love a good spooky story. I ended up reading it myself and found it good for adults too. If your kids enjoy scary, chilling, well written stories, then they are sure to enjoy this. Hopefully not too long until the third book is released.
February 21, 2025
The game with no name tells the story of a big Adventure that follows Izzy and Noah on a bunch of challenges and mysteries.
The writting of this book is super fast-paced and action-packed making us invested in Learning more about the story.
It’s a super fun read and the development of the characters and their relationship is great to follow.
I highly recomend this book!
The writting of this book is super fast-paced and action-packed making us invested in Learning more about the story.
It’s a super fun read and the development of the characters and their relationship is great to follow.
I highly recomend this book!
August 24, 2022
Izzy Miller and her twin brother, Noah, settle into their new creepy house, Glenbat Manor. Izzy isn’t happy about it. She left all her friends behind and it’s all her brother’s fault. He’s been accepted by St. Alberts Academy for the Gifted. Only thirty kids a year are accepted. Now she has to start seventh grade at a new school as his not-so-clever twin and her parents expect her to be supportive!
Izzy volunteers to sweep up the layers of dust in the living room and sticks her brother with the job of tackling the basement. He has no problem with it, as long as she promises to take part in the family’s Friday evening game night. Playing a game with Noah is the last thing she wants to do. Luckily the box with all the board games is nowhere to be found. What she doesn’t know is that sending Noah to the basement is something she will regret.
With Mom making dinner and Dad setting up his studio, Izzy sweeps dust from the spacious living room, texts with her friends, listens to music, and stews over the fact that she won’t be seeing her friends. A noise startles her. It’s a pale kid staring through the dirt-crusted window. He waves. She opens the window a crack and asks what he’s doing hanging around her house. He is surprised she actually would move into the Terror Shack and introduces himself as Walter Parkinson, a neighbor.
She invites him in out of the cold and Izzy's mom is happy to see she’s making a new friend and invites him to stay for dinner. Then Noah walks into the living room announcing game night is saved.
Izzy introduces Walter as the kid who came over to warn them that the previous family had disappeared without a trace a hundred years ago. Walter asks what Noah is holding. He shows them a game he found in the basement. Izzy is not thrilled as her brother sets up the game carved with strange symbols and designs. Walter thinks it will be fun. With no other real options for something to do on a Friday night, Izzy agrees to play for half an hour.
The game has no instructions and no game pieces. Noah opens his hand to show two dice but without instructions, no one knows what to do. Noah tosses the dice on the table and starts to talk about something else. A tiny silver skull materializes on the board at “start” and it moves along the spaces! Izzy figures it’s some kind of parlor trick and takes her turn. Instead of another game piece appearing, the silver skull moves again. Time freezes. If they ever want to see their family again, they have no choice but to finish the game.
L. G. Cunningham’s Game with No Name is book 2 in the JITTERS series following Pretty Perilous Parakeet (Book 1). It’s a thrilling adventure that centers around a mysterious game with no name. Some turns whisk all players away from Glenbat Manor into dangerous life-threatening quests where they must work together to solve a riddle. If they don’t, they could die. When Izzy finds herself on a pirate battleship the first thing she does is blame her brother. But to solve the riddle they must get along and work together.
This entertaining spooky adventure story is a perfect choice for young readers and tweens who like stories with danger, uncertainty, and magic. It’s scary but not too scary and it builds on how working together to solve the clues is important on the ship, in a jungle swamp, in a creepy castle, and more. I give this book 4 stars. In some ways I thought it predictable, but in others, it delivers unexpected twists. I recommend The Game with No Name to those who enjoy Zathura or Jumanji: Picture book of children's growth, or who like reading ghoulish stories with a happy ending.
As Book Hookup, I am a longtime book reviewer, and I received this book as a free review copy and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. This review is posted in collaboration with #BookTasters.
Izzy volunteers to sweep up the layers of dust in the living room and sticks her brother with the job of tackling the basement. He has no problem with it, as long as she promises to take part in the family’s Friday evening game night. Playing a game with Noah is the last thing she wants to do. Luckily the box with all the board games is nowhere to be found. What she doesn’t know is that sending Noah to the basement is something she will regret.
With Mom making dinner and Dad setting up his studio, Izzy sweeps dust from the spacious living room, texts with her friends, listens to music, and stews over the fact that she won’t be seeing her friends. A noise startles her. It’s a pale kid staring through the dirt-crusted window. He waves. She opens the window a crack and asks what he’s doing hanging around her house. He is surprised she actually would move into the Terror Shack and introduces himself as Walter Parkinson, a neighbor.
She invites him in out of the cold and Izzy's mom is happy to see she’s making a new friend and invites him to stay for dinner. Then Noah walks into the living room announcing game night is saved.
Izzy introduces Walter as the kid who came over to warn them that the previous family had disappeared without a trace a hundred years ago. Walter asks what Noah is holding. He shows them a game he found in the basement. Izzy is not thrilled as her brother sets up the game carved with strange symbols and designs. Walter thinks it will be fun. With no other real options for something to do on a Friday night, Izzy agrees to play for half an hour.
The game has no instructions and no game pieces. Noah opens his hand to show two dice but without instructions, no one knows what to do. Noah tosses the dice on the table and starts to talk about something else. A tiny silver skull materializes on the board at “start” and it moves along the spaces! Izzy figures it’s some kind of parlor trick and takes her turn. Instead of another game piece appearing, the silver skull moves again. Time freezes. If they ever want to see their family again, they have no choice but to finish the game.
L. G. Cunningham’s Game with No Name is book 2 in the JITTERS series following Pretty Perilous Parakeet (Book 1). It’s a thrilling adventure that centers around a mysterious game with no name. Some turns whisk all players away from Glenbat Manor into dangerous life-threatening quests where they must work together to solve a riddle. If they don’t, they could die. When Izzy finds herself on a pirate battleship the first thing she does is blame her brother. But to solve the riddle they must get along and work together.
This entertaining spooky adventure story is a perfect choice for young readers and tweens who like stories with danger, uncertainty, and magic. It’s scary but not too scary and it builds on how working together to solve the clues is important on the ship, in a jungle swamp, in a creepy castle, and more. I give this book 4 stars. In some ways I thought it predictable, but in others, it delivers unexpected twists. I recommend The Game with No Name to those who enjoy Zathura or Jumanji: Picture book of children's growth, or who like reading ghoulish stories with a happy ending.
As Book Hookup, I am a longtime book reviewer, and I received this book as a free review copy and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. This review is posted in collaboration with #BookTasters.
August 9, 2022
# Book Review: The Game with no Name
**Note: I received a free copy of this e-book through Booktasters in return for an honest review.**
The Game with no Name is the Second book in the Jitters Series by L.G. Cunningham. This book isn’t the follow-up to the first one but both these books share a common theme “Children’s Horror” more along the lines of Goosebumps if I must add (Goosebumps is the only Horror Series I read as a child, not the entire collection but a couple of them may be) and to safely say the books are really engaging even for an adult like me.
***Author:** L.G. Cunningham **Language:** English **No. of Pages:** 142 **Format:** eBook **Genre:** Children’s Horror*
Noah Miller is the nerdiest one in the family more than his Twin sister Isabelle aka Izzy. The Millers moved to a new neighborhood since Noah was presented with an opportunity to pursue his education in the most Prestigious of Institutions for gifted individuals, whereas the parents are happy but not his Twin sister.
As per the norm of a Horror Genre, the family who we would get to know about usually make some dumb decisions and so do the Millers by purchasing a Manor which was available at a dead cheap price in the Market, they grab the opportunity. The Millers have a tradition of playing Board games as a family to work on their bond. Naturally, the brilliant Noah is fond of the game but Izzy isn’t. Fortunately for Izzy their regular Board Games go missing so they decide not to pursue it further but Noah who was sent to clean the basement *Wink* *Wink* (Cue to something drastic happening) and voila Noah finds a very old and damp Board game that doesn’t have a Name.
While Noah was in the Basement the Millers come across Walters Parkinson (Who is going to be a major character in the book). While the Three pre-teens were in the pursuit of identifying what the game is all about, the parents are busy with their own chores. Thus begins the interesting part of the story. The story resembles more of the “Jumanji Movies” (Just realized they are Picture books released in 1981) with the way it was treated but with a tiny twist.
As I mentioned earlier, the book is very engaging, even though we know the heroes will win at the end it has some nail-biting sequences where we don’t know if they will win. It was clever of the author to set some traps and make us believe certain things until the very end. When that twist was revealed it is surprising and also all too familiar at the same time.
I see a visible pattern already in his books with making Genius guys being a reason for creating a conflict whereas their not-so-brilliant sisters travel with them and sometimes save the day. I might be finicky it might all be too evident owing to the number of content kids consume these days, the Writers should be clever enough to try different means and ways to entertain their niche. I’d highly recommend this book for Young Readers to pick it up.
Have you read any such Horror novels during your childhood? If, so please do comment about it. Would love to read them.
Happy Reading 😈
**Note: I received a free copy of this e-book through Booktasters in return for an honest review.**
The Game with no Name is the Second book in the Jitters Series by L.G. Cunningham. This book isn’t the follow-up to the first one but both these books share a common theme “Children’s Horror” more along the lines of Goosebumps if I must add (Goosebumps is the only Horror Series I read as a child, not the entire collection but a couple of them may be) and to safely say the books are really engaging even for an adult like me.
***Author:** L.G. Cunningham **Language:** English **No. of Pages:** 142 **Format:** eBook **Genre:** Children’s Horror*
Noah Miller is the nerdiest one in the family more than his Twin sister Isabelle aka Izzy. The Millers moved to a new neighborhood since Noah was presented with an opportunity to pursue his education in the most Prestigious of Institutions for gifted individuals, whereas the parents are happy but not his Twin sister.
As per the norm of a Horror Genre, the family who we would get to know about usually make some dumb decisions and so do the Millers by purchasing a Manor which was available at a dead cheap price in the Market, they grab the opportunity. The Millers have a tradition of playing Board games as a family to work on their bond. Naturally, the brilliant Noah is fond of the game but Izzy isn’t. Fortunately for Izzy their regular Board Games go missing so they decide not to pursue it further but Noah who was sent to clean the basement *Wink* *Wink* (Cue to something drastic happening) and voila Noah finds a very old and damp Board game that doesn’t have a Name.
While Noah was in the Basement the Millers come across Walters Parkinson (Who is going to be a major character in the book). While the Three pre-teens were in the pursuit of identifying what the game is all about, the parents are busy with their own chores. Thus begins the interesting part of the story. The story resembles more of the “Jumanji Movies” (Just realized they are Picture books released in 1981) with the way it was treated but with a tiny twist.
As I mentioned earlier, the book is very engaging, even though we know the heroes will win at the end it has some nail-biting sequences where we don’t know if they will win. It was clever of the author to set some traps and make us believe certain things until the very end. When that twist was revealed it is surprising and also all too familiar at the same time.
I see a visible pattern already in his books with making Genius guys being a reason for creating a conflict whereas their not-so-brilliant sisters travel with them and sometimes save the day. I might be finicky it might all be too evident owing to the number of content kids consume these days, the Writers should be clever enough to try different means and ways to entertain their niche. I’d highly recommend this book for Young Readers to pick it up.
Have you read any such Horror novels during your childhood? If, so please do comment about it. Would love to read them.
Happy Reading 😈
February 4, 2025
“The Game with No Name” by L.G. Cunningham is a fantasy thriller for children, which would also be equally enjoyed by adults. I loved this book so much, that I read it in one sitting!
We meet Izzy and Noah, two non-identical twins, who have moved town as Noah is a mini-Einstein and has been accepted at a prestigious school for gifted pupils. The family moves to a house called, Glenbat Manor, which has an eerie feel as it has been neglected for 100 years.
Izzy is very athletic and was popular in her old school, but is now very unhappy and resentful about her brother for having to move and restart her life in a school, without knowing if she will be accepted by the other children.
The family are trying to clean the house when a series of mysterious events unfold. Noah is sent to the creepy basement and uncovers a very old and weird board game. At the same time Izzy is startled when a young boy, Walter, appears outside her window and introduces himself as the neighbour. Walter befriends Izzy and questions their sanity on choosing to live at the ‘Terror Shack’, recounting tales of the unexplained disappearances of other families.
Noah returns to the living room to find that Izzy is talking with Walter and shares the news on finding a board game. Izzy is unimpressed, as she no longer enjoys participating in family game nights. Noah and Walter convince her to give the weird looking board game, with blank squares and a creepy skull, a try.
As they roll the dice, so starts their adventure, when the blank squares come to life and the creepy skull starts speaking in riddles. The children are swept off into darkness and soon find themselves upon their first game against the board, set on a pirate ship, but with a twist, as they will now need to start a real-life game of Battleships. Upon completing their first task in this Jumanji-style game and magically returning home, they realise that time in essence has stopped, as they find their parents and surroundings, frozen in time.
In order to finish the game, the three children will need to face a series of challenges within the creepy game, which will give them jitters and see themselves turning on each other.
Cunningham is a great storyteller and provides a very vivid and entertaining read. The different scenarios, games and challenges throughout the book will give the reader a nostalgic feeling, as many treasured board games are represented, but with a twist.
I highly recommend this book, full of thrills, adventure and a twist which you will not see coming!
This book would make a wonderful gift.
We meet Izzy and Noah, two non-identical twins, who have moved town as Noah is a mini-Einstein and has been accepted at a prestigious school for gifted pupils. The family moves to a house called, Glenbat Manor, which has an eerie feel as it has been neglected for 100 years.
Izzy is very athletic and was popular in her old school, but is now very unhappy and resentful about her brother for having to move and restart her life in a school, without knowing if she will be accepted by the other children.
The family are trying to clean the house when a series of mysterious events unfold. Noah is sent to the creepy basement and uncovers a very old and weird board game. At the same time Izzy is startled when a young boy, Walter, appears outside her window and introduces himself as the neighbour. Walter befriends Izzy and questions their sanity on choosing to live at the ‘Terror Shack’, recounting tales of the unexplained disappearances of other families.
Noah returns to the living room to find that Izzy is talking with Walter and shares the news on finding a board game. Izzy is unimpressed, as she no longer enjoys participating in family game nights. Noah and Walter convince her to give the weird looking board game, with blank squares and a creepy skull, a try.
As they roll the dice, so starts their adventure, when the blank squares come to life and the creepy skull starts speaking in riddles. The children are swept off into darkness and soon find themselves upon their first game against the board, set on a pirate ship, but with a twist, as they will now need to start a real-life game of Battleships. Upon completing their first task in this Jumanji-style game and magically returning home, they realise that time in essence has stopped, as they find their parents and surroundings, frozen in time.
In order to finish the game, the three children will need to face a series of challenges within the creepy game, which will give them jitters and see themselves turning on each other.
Cunningham is a great storyteller and provides a very vivid and entertaining read. The different scenarios, games and challenges throughout the book will give the reader a nostalgic feeling, as many treasured board games are represented, but with a twist.
I highly recommend this book, full of thrills, adventure and a twist which you will not see coming!
This book would make a wonderful gift.
August 14, 2021
I really liked the book. I really loved, how the book is written and really appreciate author writing style. It always gave me goosebumps whenever the characters rolled the dice, to move on in the game. It really made me think what task will be given next and what place. And I really loved how at the end of the book a twist was given, I didn't really expect that and was really surprised too. If I talked about the main characters of the story.
Isabella Miller: A simple girl who is unhappy with moving into Glenbat Manor because she had to leave her city life as her twin brother got offered from St. Albert. In the starting she was not very happy with her family too, as they moved out from their previous home due to her twin brother. When her twin brother found the board game and they transported to the another place she just blamed her(which was kinda true) but her brother didn't know what the game does. Whenever they transported to another place she always freaks out and panics instead of trying to complete the task. But at the end of the story she realised what she was doing to her twin brother wasn't right(realisation is virtue).
Noah Miller: Twin brother of Isabella, calm, content, positive, smart and intelligent. I really liked his character in the book. Most of the task hints were given by him. He actually tried to solve the task instead of being in panicked mode. He is the one who found the board which they called "The Game With No Name". He is the one who started everything in the book like "we say curiousity kills the cat" but they won the game. In the entire game he was very excited to explore.
Walter Parkinson: The weird neighbour kid who comes in the new neighbour's house at night to say "Hello". In the starting of the story he was calm and mannered guy who helps other in the need, like he helped Izzy, from falling of the ship or helping her out from the swamp. But story started to change when he started to appreciate Izzy and calling names to Noah. When he started this thing I thought he wanted to impress Izzy but calling names to Noah for that wasn't cool. But in the end of the story I got surprised when he told he is the creator of the game "The Game With No Name" and he was intentionally creating distance between Izzy and Noah because he wanted any of them kills other one due to jealousy. But at last Izzy and Noah won the game and defeated the game.
Isabella Miller: A simple girl who is unhappy with moving into Glenbat Manor because she had to leave her city life as her twin brother got offered from St. Albert. In the starting she was not very happy with her family too, as they moved out from their previous home due to her twin brother. When her twin brother found the board game and they transported to the another place she just blamed her(which was kinda true) but her brother didn't know what the game does. Whenever they transported to another place she always freaks out and panics instead of trying to complete the task. But at the end of the story she realised what she was doing to her twin brother wasn't right(realisation is virtue).
Noah Miller: Twin brother of Isabella, calm, content, positive, smart and intelligent. I really liked his character in the book. Most of the task hints were given by him. He actually tried to solve the task instead of being in panicked mode. He is the one who found the board which they called "The Game With No Name". He is the one who started everything in the book like "we say curiousity kills the cat" but they won the game. In the entire game he was very excited to explore.
Walter Parkinson: The weird neighbour kid who comes in the new neighbour's house at night to say "Hello". In the starting of the story he was calm and mannered guy who helps other in the need, like he helped Izzy, from falling of the ship or helping her out from the swamp. But story started to change when he started to appreciate Izzy and calling names to Noah. When he started this thing I thought he wanted to impress Izzy but calling names to Noah for that wasn't cool. But in the end of the story I got surprised when he told he is the creator of the game "The Game With No Name" and he was intentionally creating distance between Izzy and Noah because he wanted any of them kills other one due to jealousy. But at last Izzy and Noah won the game and defeated the game.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2023
I am so grateful to have received this amazing book from the author Liam Cunningham and also thankful to Booktasters for giving me a chance to review!
Genre:
Fiction, Children, Horror, Series
Plot:
Twelve-year-old Isabella Miller, fondly called as Izzy’s whole world changes upside down when she and her family is forced to shift to Glenbat Manor so that her genius twin brother Noah can attend St. Albert’s School for Gifted. As they undertake mammoth task of cleaning the centuries’ old house, neighbour kid Walter drops in and reveals that the house is named as “Terror Shack” amongst the locals.
When Noah finds a dusty old board game in the basement, the three kids decide to give it a go. Soon, they realize it was probably the worst choice that they made. As they roll the dice, getting sucked into unfamiliar yet dangerous places – will they be able to solve the riddles and finish the game safely? Will they be able to return to their families?
Or will they be stuck in the game forever?
Review:
This is the second book in the series Jitters and I haven’t read the first book. I actually love such adventure/horror books. A cup of coffee and I could just dive into the author’s world.
The story is pretty breezy and moves quickly. Starting with the family moving in and the events happening in succession feels natural and nothing out of place. The story and characters feel quite relatable. The riddles these three kids need to solve and the dangers which they face due to their adventures was enjoyable to read.
There are limited characters in the book so following along is very easy. The author has developed the characters well. Izzy’s struggles with shifting, the sibling rivalry, Noah’s clever thinking, excitement, and curiosity and Walter’s nature was fun reading.
The ending was predictable but pretty good. It reminded me of Goosebumps books!
Since it’s a board game-based horror/adventure book with kids, comparison to Jumanji is inevitable. Although it feels familiar to Jumanji, the author has tried to infuse something new in his book, which is much appreciated.
If you love Goosebumps and Jumanji, this book will be right up in your alley. This book can be gifted to young adults for a fun read!
Genre:
Fiction, Children, Horror, Series
Plot:
Twelve-year-old Isabella Miller, fondly called as Izzy’s whole world changes upside down when she and her family is forced to shift to Glenbat Manor so that her genius twin brother Noah can attend St. Albert’s School for Gifted. As they undertake mammoth task of cleaning the centuries’ old house, neighbour kid Walter drops in and reveals that the house is named as “Terror Shack” amongst the locals.
When Noah finds a dusty old board game in the basement, the three kids decide to give it a go. Soon, they realize it was probably the worst choice that they made. As they roll the dice, getting sucked into unfamiliar yet dangerous places – will they be able to solve the riddles and finish the game safely? Will they be able to return to their families?
Or will they be stuck in the game forever?
Review:
This is the second book in the series Jitters and I haven’t read the first book. I actually love such adventure/horror books. A cup of coffee and I could just dive into the author’s world.
The story is pretty breezy and moves quickly. Starting with the family moving in and the events happening in succession feels natural and nothing out of place. The story and characters feel quite relatable. The riddles these three kids need to solve and the dangers which they face due to their adventures was enjoyable to read.
There are limited characters in the book so following along is very easy. The author has developed the characters well. Izzy’s struggles with shifting, the sibling rivalry, Noah’s clever thinking, excitement, and curiosity and Walter’s nature was fun reading.
The ending was predictable but pretty good. It reminded me of Goosebumps books!
Since it’s a board game-based horror/adventure book with kids, comparison to Jumanji is inevitable. Although it feels familiar to Jumanji, the author has tried to infuse something new in his book, which is much appreciated.
If you love Goosebumps and Jumanji, this book will be right up in your alley. This book can be gifted to young adults for a fun read!
May 27, 2021
Thank you so much to GoodReads and L.G. Cunningham for giving me a free copy and the opportunity to review it.
"The Game With No Name" isn't horrible, but it feels like a first draft that needs work.
Izzy Miller is a girl who just moved to a mysterious old house with her family. Everyone is excited except for her. Though, it isn't the house she objects to as much as having to move to a new place because her genius twin brother, Noah, got into a special school for gifted kids. Izzy is a moody 12 year old girl, jealous of her twin brother receiving praise. She is also sick of her family's game nights. That all changes when a new neighbor boy shows up named Walter , and a mysterious board game appears.
The writing is fine, and very readable. This book is meant for a younger audience, and for the most part, the writing is clear. However, I didn't know Izzy was a girl until chapter two, as no hints about her gender were given in chapter one. I thought she was a boy, with her talk of basketball and her twin brother.
The neighbor kid, Walter, just shows up out of nowhere, without even a knock at the door. Izzy even thinks he's a ghost at first. He just appears in the house, which is odd. Then when they discover the game, the story kicks into a lot of action and fantasy sequences a little too fast. There are no set ups, and I didn't feel like I got to know the characters well enough.
The fantasy sequences also feel a bit disjointed. One minute they are in a jungle with a rhino and the next they are in a haunted manor and the next they are in Monopoly for some reason. Then there's a twist which I didn't really get and a backstory to Walter. That's a lot to stuff in 207 pages and doesn't really allow anything to develop on a deeper level.
I could see this being a good lower middle grade novel, but this felt like a first draft. I don't think L.G. Cunningham is a bad writer, and I think he could be a really good kids writer with a couple more drafts, but this needed some work. Two stars.
"The Game With No Name" isn't horrible, but it feels like a first draft that needs work.
Izzy Miller is a girl who just moved to a mysterious old house with her family. Everyone is excited except for her. Though, it isn't the house she objects to as much as having to move to a new place because her genius twin brother, Noah, got into a special school for gifted kids. Izzy is a moody 12 year old girl, jealous of her twin brother receiving praise. She is also sick of her family's game nights. That all changes when a new neighbor boy shows up named Walter , and a mysterious board game appears.
The writing is fine, and very readable. This book is meant for a younger audience, and for the most part, the writing is clear. However, I didn't know Izzy was a girl until chapter two, as no hints about her gender were given in chapter one. I thought she was a boy, with her talk of basketball and her twin brother.
The neighbor kid, Walter, just shows up out of nowhere, without even a knock at the door. Izzy even thinks he's a ghost at first. He just appears in the house, which is odd. Then when they discover the game, the story kicks into a lot of action and fantasy sequences a little too fast. There are no set ups, and I didn't feel like I got to know the characters well enough.
The fantasy sequences also feel a bit disjointed. One minute they are in a jungle with a rhino and the next they are in a haunted manor and the next they are in Monopoly for some reason. Then there's a twist which I didn't really get and a backstory to Walter. That's a lot to stuff in 207 pages and doesn't really allow anything to develop on a deeper level.
I could see this being a good lower middle grade novel, but this felt like a first draft. I don't think L.G. Cunningham is a bad writer, and I think he could be a really good kids writer with a couple more drafts, but this needed some work. Two stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2021
Twelve-year-old Izzy Miller is not having the best time. Settling into her new home—a dusty, ancient manor that is close to her twin brother Noah’s new school for the gifted—is not easy. She cannot help but feel slighted by all of the sacrifices she has had to make to permit Noah to attend a new school...without her. When an attractive new neighbor named Walter shows up at their door, what began as a tiresome evening of cleaning becomes something altogether different. The three tweens decide to play a mysterious game Noah finds in the basement, finding themselves on a terrifying thrill ride from which they might never escape.
This second book in the Jitters series by L.G. Cunningham blends strategy and suspense in a well-crafted, easily accessible narrative. Written for a middle grade audience, this story limits swear words and sex, but the intensity of the fear element is strong. Fans of stories like Goosebumps will love the similar feel of this tale, which will make readers of all ages think twice before beginning their next family game night.
Similarities to Jumanji abound in this creepy tale of a board game that becomes uncomfortably real. Ties to other classic games like Clue and Battleship make family game night seem more sinister than wholesome. Unexpected twists and turns coupled with a malevolent game master will keep readers on the edges of their seats throughout this story.
A suspense-driven plot propels this story from one chapter to the next while the damaged relationship between Noah and Izzy provides a wholesome thread tying everything together. Though the second in its series, this book stands on its own and requires no background knowledge from the first book. However, readers who have not yet read book one will no doubt reach for it after finishing this compelling story. Readers who enjoy things that go bump in the night are sure to devour this thrilling tale.
I received an ARC of this book from Reedsy and chose to leave this review.
This second book in the Jitters series by L.G. Cunningham blends strategy and suspense in a well-crafted, easily accessible narrative. Written for a middle grade audience, this story limits swear words and sex, but the intensity of the fear element is strong. Fans of stories like Goosebumps will love the similar feel of this tale, which will make readers of all ages think twice before beginning their next family game night.
Similarities to Jumanji abound in this creepy tale of a board game that becomes uncomfortably real. Ties to other classic games like Clue and Battleship make family game night seem more sinister than wholesome. Unexpected twists and turns coupled with a malevolent game master will keep readers on the edges of their seats throughout this story.
A suspense-driven plot propels this story from one chapter to the next while the damaged relationship between Noah and Izzy provides a wholesome thread tying everything together. Though the second in its series, this book stands on its own and requires no background knowledge from the first book. However, readers who have not yet read book one will no doubt reach for it after finishing this compelling story. Readers who enjoy things that go bump in the night are sure to devour this thrilling tale.
I received an ARC of this book from Reedsy and chose to leave this review.
May 18, 2021
Thank you to @booktasters on Twitter for connecting me with the author! I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Game With No Name is a children's book with a premise similar to that of the Jumanji films. I found it quite enjoyable and inventive as well, especially . There was a fun plot twist I didn't see coming, and I enjoyed the way the book emphasized Izzy and Noah's sibling rivalry. I like that the main characters are distinct enough as they work together as a team to get through some tough situations.
However, there are some things I felt could've been done better. In my opinion, the characters could've been developed further, rather than just having Izzy be the popular, sporty twin and Noah be the nerdy, brainiac twin. I also felt that the sibling rivalry arc isn't properly resolved by the end. Maybe I read it too fast and I missed it though, so that might be my bad.
All in all, I think this book delivered what it promised, and I found it a quick, fun read. I would recommend it to the intended audience (which I'm assuming is ages 8-12). My rating is 3.5/5 stars, rounded up to 4.
The Game With No Name is a children's book with a premise similar to that of the Jumanji films. I found it quite enjoyable and inventive as well, especially . There was a fun plot twist I didn't see coming, and I enjoyed the way the book emphasized Izzy and Noah's sibling rivalry. I like that the main characters are distinct enough as they work together as a team to get through some tough situations.
However, there are some things I felt could've been done better. In my opinion, the characters could've been developed further, rather than just having Izzy be the popular, sporty twin and Noah be the nerdy, brainiac twin. I also felt that the sibling rivalry arc isn't properly resolved by the end. Maybe I read it too fast and I missed it though, so that might be my bad.
All in all, I think this book delivered what it promised, and I found it a quick, fun read. I would recommend it to the intended audience (which I'm assuming is ages 8-12). My rating is 3.5/5 stars, rounded up to 4.
June 4, 2021
Review of 'The Game with no Name' by L.G. Cunningham.
This is a children's book which is another iteration of ever so famous Jumanji. This book delivers a new spin on the trope by choosing connected challenges and an eerie ending. For the first 30-40 pages, I was very confident that I knew where the plot was going, and that is alright because it was written in a simple and brief manner. After a few pages, however, the book hits rock bottom, which I won't disclose, and I was feeling that a drag awaited me at the end. After the 100 page mark, however, it picked up and it was as good as any children's book with the soft action, emotional connection and an unexpected ending. All in all, the plot, while generic at first, gets very interesting towards the end and I certainly enjoyed it as a casual read.
The characters are its weakest part as they are of many children's books. Noah is a very cliched 'nerd' and Izzy and Walter are used almost as many times. The fact that it is a children's book means that it is not as important to focus on cliches, and it shows.
On the other hand, it has a much better plot than many modern children's books. Even though it is highly inspired by Jumanji and Zathura, it is a book that can stand on its own, without relying on the readers' memories of those classics.
All in all, I think that for a children's book, it is very nicely compiled,if we forget a few cringe-worthy dialogues here and there. I can recommend this to any child looking for something to read in a day and enjoy it.
That is all for the review! I received this book from the author through Booktasters.
This is a children's book which is another iteration of ever so famous Jumanji. This book delivers a new spin on the trope by choosing connected challenges and an eerie ending. For the first 30-40 pages, I was very confident that I knew where the plot was going, and that is alright because it was written in a simple and brief manner. After a few pages, however, the book hits rock bottom, which I won't disclose, and I was feeling that a drag awaited me at the end. After the 100 page mark, however, it picked up and it was as good as any children's book with the soft action, emotional connection and an unexpected ending. All in all, the plot, while generic at first, gets very interesting towards the end and I certainly enjoyed it as a casual read.
The characters are its weakest part as they are of many children's books. Noah is a very cliched 'nerd' and Izzy and Walter are used almost as many times. The fact that it is a children's book means that it is not as important to focus on cliches, and it shows.
On the other hand, it has a much better plot than many modern children's books. Even though it is highly inspired by Jumanji and Zathura, it is a book that can stand on its own, without relying on the readers' memories of those classics.
All in all, I think that for a children's book, it is very nicely compiled,if we forget a few cringe-worthy dialogues here and there. I can recommend this to any child looking for something to read in a day and enjoy it.
That is all for the review! I received this book from the author through Booktasters.
August 30, 2022
This is the second book from the Jitter series but it's definitely my first.
If you're fan of Jumanji, Goosebumps and Journey then this book is for you.
The Game with No Name is a thriller for young adults even for middle grader.
This story is about twin brother Noah & sister Noah, who newly shifted to a vacant house with their parents as Noah has been admitted to a school for gifted students.
While settling down in their new house Izzy met Walter from neighbour and get to know about the rumours people talk about the house. Meanwhile, Noah found a board game from the basement.
Noah is curious about everything and looking at the board game he remembered how they always play board game on Friday night. He later on convinced Izzy and Walter to play the strange board game with two ivory dices and no such instructions to play.
The game is no ordinary game because as soon as Noah rolls the dice, a silver skull suddenly appears and pawn in the game. It's made up of squares, some blank and some with strange pictures.
Soon, the three of them realize that if they land on a square with an image, they are sucked into the game, another world where they must perform a task which puts
them in very real danger.
Putting the game away is no solution for the 'real' world around them is frozen, and unless each task is completed successfully, they cannot escape the world they've been sucked into.
From a pirate ship with cannons being fired and sharks circling underneath, to a dense jungle with hippos grabbing watermelons, and swampy waters and a castle with a mystery murderer on the loose.
Now the question is can they ever escape the Game with No Name? You need to read this book for that and I'll highly recommend it. The twist in the end is mind boggling and somewhat paranormal... Go for it!
I loved how fast paced the story is.
The book promises the right amount of chills and adventure for the intended readers.
Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Thank you @booktasters_ for the #arc in exchange for a honest review.
If you're fan of Jumanji, Goosebumps and Journey then this book is for you.
The Game with No Name is a thriller for young adults even for middle grader.
This story is about twin brother Noah & sister Noah, who newly shifted to a vacant house with their parents as Noah has been admitted to a school for gifted students.
While settling down in their new house Izzy met Walter from neighbour and get to know about the rumours people talk about the house. Meanwhile, Noah found a board game from the basement.
Noah is curious about everything and looking at the board game he remembered how they always play board game on Friday night. He later on convinced Izzy and Walter to play the strange board game with two ivory dices and no such instructions to play.
The game is no ordinary game because as soon as Noah rolls the dice, a silver skull suddenly appears and pawn in the game. It's made up of squares, some blank and some with strange pictures.
Soon, the three of them realize that if they land on a square with an image, they are sucked into the game, another world where they must perform a task which puts
them in very real danger.
Putting the game away is no solution for the 'real' world around them is frozen, and unless each task is completed successfully, they cannot escape the world they've been sucked into.
From a pirate ship with cannons being fired and sharks circling underneath, to a dense jungle with hippos grabbing watermelons, and swampy waters and a castle with a mystery murderer on the loose.
Now the question is can they ever escape the Game with No Name? You need to read this book for that and I'll highly recommend it. The twist in the end is mind boggling and somewhat paranormal... Go for it!
I loved how fast paced the story is.
The book promises the right amount of chills and adventure for the intended readers.
Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Thank you @booktasters_ for the #arc in exchange for a honest review.
January 16, 2023
I don’t usually start book reviews like this but one word comes to my mind with regards to The Game With No Name: Fun. I think it probably did because of other children’s books I have read recently. A kind of comparison, in a way.
Fun is a very simple descriptive word but it doesn’t completely cover everything about this book. There are so many amazing elements used within the story that it would be hard to choose just one word to encompass it. The book has some similarities to Jumanji and if your child loves this kind of adventure, then this would be a perfect read. The narrative is very expressive and detailed and it really brings the story alive. For example, if you want to know what it feels like to ride a hippo, then you will most certainly find your answer here.
The children’s personalities are okay and it means that you would be just happy enough to follow them on their adventures. Could you root for one or the other, though? No, I don’t think so but then it doesn’t feel that it would be something you’d be needing to do for this book anyway. The characters just fit right in so perfectly that it feels it would be wrong for them not to be there in that kind of situation. Does that make sense?
The ending was a surprise; there was no indication during the entire book that this is how it would all turn out. A very enjoyable and gripping read from start to finish.
Fun is a very simple descriptive word but it doesn’t completely cover everything about this book. There are so many amazing elements used within the story that it would be hard to choose just one word to encompass it. The book has some similarities to Jumanji and if your child loves this kind of adventure, then this would be a perfect read. The narrative is very expressive and detailed and it really brings the story alive. For example, if you want to know what it feels like to ride a hippo, then you will most certainly find your answer here.
The children’s personalities are okay and it means that you would be just happy enough to follow them on their adventures. Could you root for one or the other, though? No, I don’t think so but then it doesn’t feel that it would be something you’d be needing to do for this book anyway. The characters just fit right in so perfectly that it feels it would be wrong for them not to be there in that kind of situation. Does that make sense?
The ending was a surprise; there was no indication during the entire book that this is how it would all turn out. A very enjoyable and gripping read from start to finish.
July 2, 2021
Many thanks to L.G. Cunningham and Booktasters for providing a copy of this book for an honest review. The Game With No Name (Jitters #2) is a thrilling non-stop adventure that had me turning the page to the story's satisfying conclusion.
Izzy Miller isn't happy. Having left her school and friends behind to move to dust-laden Glenbat Manor, she feels unimportant and pushed aside. Her parent's attention and focus on her brainy twin brother Noah whose invitation to St. Alberts Academy for the Gifted prompted the move. She relishes the care and attention next-door neighbor Walter Parkinson gives her.
When Noah comes upon a board game hidden within the wall, it sets off a chain of events none of them could have imagined. Like something out of Jumanji, popular games come to life with Izzy, Noah, and Walter fighting for survival. For things to return to normal, the trio have no choice but to finish the game.
I was so enthralled with this nail-biting page-turner; I read the entire book in one setting. Five stars, I recommend adding this story to your collection and look forward to reading more of L.G. Cunningham's work in the future.
Izzy Miller isn't happy. Having left her school and friends behind to move to dust-laden Glenbat Manor, she feels unimportant and pushed aside. Her parent's attention and focus on her brainy twin brother Noah whose invitation to St. Alberts Academy for the Gifted prompted the move. She relishes the care and attention next-door neighbor Walter Parkinson gives her.
When Noah comes upon a board game hidden within the wall, it sets off a chain of events none of them could have imagined. Like something out of Jumanji, popular games come to life with Izzy, Noah, and Walter fighting for survival. For things to return to normal, the trio have no choice but to finish the game.
I was so enthralled with this nail-biting page-turner; I read the entire book in one setting. Five stars, I recommend adding this story to your collection and look forward to reading more of L.G. Cunningham's work in the future.
July 22, 2022
We enter a world of inter-dimensional travel where the gamers are playing for their lives, and the lives of loved ones back in the ‘real world’ – a Twilight Zone, if you will.
Twelve year old twins Noah and Isabella are, for the first time in their lives, at odds. Noah has been accepted in a school for gifted children which required the family to uproot their lives and move. She is angry and hurt, acting out at home and against him. Against that background, they find themselves “in a lose-lose situation with terribly low odds of survival” as she puts it. You cannot cheat the game. The only way out is to play the various board games which are inherently stacked against them. Our young adventurers have to rely on their wits, ingenuity, and Noah’s ‘Brainiac capacity’ to win. They have to learn to trust each other again.
The author has crafted a fable with just enough horror in it to keep even the youngest enthralled, with just the right amount of ethical pointers, and an HEA to top it all off. Absolutely recommended.
Twelve year old twins Noah and Isabella are, for the first time in their lives, at odds. Noah has been accepted in a school for gifted children which required the family to uproot their lives and move. She is angry and hurt, acting out at home and against him. Against that background, they find themselves “in a lose-lose situation with terribly low odds of survival” as she puts it. You cannot cheat the game. The only way out is to play the various board games which are inherently stacked against them. Our young adventurers have to rely on their wits, ingenuity, and Noah’s ‘Brainiac capacity’ to win. They have to learn to trust each other again.
The author has crafted a fable with just enough horror in it to keep even the youngest enthralled, with just the right amount of ethical pointers, and an HEA to top it all off. Absolutely recommended.
September 20, 2022
Imagine you are 12 years old and just moved into a new house. A neighbor just informed you the house is called the “Terror Shack” by the townspeople. It is Friday, game night in the Miller household, but the box of games has not yet arrived. So Isabella and her twin brother Noah decide to play a game Noah found in the basement.
The game transports them to other worlds in which they have to solve riddles in real life games such as Battleship, with real life ships and cannons firing real ammo, a real life game of Clue with real creepy people and a murderer, and a real life game of Monopoly, in which they are sent to jail (no get out of jail free card in this game) and must obtain a sum of money to be given passage out of the game.
The book was a delightful read. The prose read smoothly and the characters were relatable. I felt like I knew them in real life. I highly recommend this book, especially for teens and young adults, but even for those of us older folks. You will enjoy the delightful adventures of Izzy, Noah, and Walter, the neighbor boy.
The game transports them to other worlds in which they have to solve riddles in real life games such as Battleship, with real life ships and cannons firing real ammo, a real life game of Clue with real creepy people and a murderer, and a real life game of Monopoly, in which they are sent to jail (no get out of jail free card in this game) and must obtain a sum of money to be given passage out of the game.
The book was a delightful read. The prose read smoothly and the characters were relatable. I felt like I knew them in real life. I highly recommend this book, especially for teens and young adults, but even for those of us older folks. You will enjoy the delightful adventures of Izzy, Noah, and Walter, the neighbor boy.
April 12, 2023
The Game With No Name, by L.G Cunningham, has shades of Jumanji and Goosebumps. The story centres around twins playing an ancient board game (with no name) that warps Time and Place. In the hopes of seeing their family, they have no choice but to roll the dice and play the game.
Our heroic duo, too-cool-for-school and board games Izzy and her genius brother Noah, ride hippos, brave jungles and face sinister threats in a castle. With tests of courage and self-understanding, Izzy and Noah have to question their own relationship and place in life.
The Game With No Name is a compelling tale, vividly and entertainingly written, with likeable and relatable characters. The high point is, indeed, 'The Game with No Name' and the creepily bizarre situations it imposes on the twins. These are enough to make me want to turn the page and discover what happens next.
Frightening enough to hold most children's attention, though ultimately wholesome in its overall morality, I highly recommend this book for imaginative young pioneers with nerves of steel.
Our heroic duo, too-cool-for-school and board games Izzy and her genius brother Noah, ride hippos, brave jungles and face sinister threats in a castle. With tests of courage and self-understanding, Izzy and Noah have to question their own relationship and place in life.
The Game With No Name is a compelling tale, vividly and entertainingly written, with likeable and relatable characters. The high point is, indeed, 'The Game with No Name' and the creepily bizarre situations it imposes on the twins. These are enough to make me want to turn the page and discover what happens next.
Frightening enough to hold most children's attention, though ultimately wholesome in its overall morality, I highly recommend this book for imaginative young pioneers with nerves of steel.
May 14, 2023
The story follows twins Noah and Izzy who move into a new home ready to start a new life together I particularly enjoy the authors way of describing things that happen. Especially inhaling a dust ball in the first chapter when they move home.
The family dynamics are believable between the family members and navigating around new things including making new friends and beginning a new school. Just as everything starts to be in order, they find an old game board. What’s the worst that can happen? Pretty much everything as it turns out! A boy called Walter stops by to tell them it was known as the Horror Shack by residents nearby.
They find a game called battleships and get transported into it! However the story takes on many more challenges than the children expect. Noah and Izzy must work together to figure out how to escape the games and get home safely.
This book is highly entertaining to read and I’m eager to read more from the author.
Beautifully written it transports you to place of wonder and scares.
The family dynamics are believable between the family members and navigating around new things including making new friends and beginning a new school. Just as everything starts to be in order, they find an old game board. What’s the worst that can happen? Pretty much everything as it turns out! A boy called Walter stops by to tell them it was known as the Horror Shack by residents nearby.
They find a game called battleships and get transported into it! However the story takes on many more challenges than the children expect. Noah and Izzy must work together to figure out how to escape the games and get home safely.
This book is highly entertaining to read and I’m eager to read more from the author.
Beautifully written it transports you to place of wonder and scares.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2021
The Miller’s family just moved into Glenbat Manor because Noah, Izzy’s twin brother was accepted into St. Albert’s school for the gifted. It all felt like a dream for the Miller parents getting a whole house at such cheap rate. Living there looked promising until Noah, “the genius twin”, finds a game in the basement and Izzy gets a visitor, Walter, who lives in the neighborhood. Game night begins when Noah dropped the dice for the Game With No Name, and a world of unknown terror is revealed to the them based on past games played by the Millers. Can Izzy and Noah save their parents by completing this game of horror?
Initially it kind of looked like “Jumanji” to me, until the plot twist which included them experiencing games they’ve played in the past and the evil Walter. An amazing book for everyone, not just kids.
An wonderful book by Liam Cunningham. A creative, well thought out and interesting story which will keep you in suspense till the every end.
Initially it kind of looked like “Jumanji” to me, until the plot twist which included them experiencing games they’ve played in the past and the evil Walter. An amazing book for everyone, not just kids.
An wonderful book by Liam Cunningham. A creative, well thought out and interesting story which will keep you in suspense till the every end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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