SOLVED. YA Fantasy series. Boy enters game that is a real world. Read 2010-2013. [s]

[Fearn]

Heya, I am looking for a book series that I read during primary school in New Zealand (between 2010 - 2013). My memory is very shaky but from what I do remember; the main character is a boy (possibly orphan?), who enters a competition run by his favourite game designer, during the competition it is uncovered his favourite game world is real and he enters it alongside some other children. I remember creatures similar to dementors, and also a lady with tiger features? Gold coins were also important somehow. He completes quests of some kind. I'm assuming it was a Young Adult / Fantasy series.

[Becca]

The Karazan Quartet by V. M. Jones? The first book is The Serpents of Arakesh.

[Fearn]

Oh my goodness it is!!!!! Thank you so much!!

[Kris]

Glad you found your book series, Fearn.

The Serpents of Arakesh (book 1) of the Karazan Quartet series by V.M. Jones - Becca's find.