SOLVED. Kids who go into a computer game or other dimension [s]

[Hannah]

Hi, hope someone can help me, but I only really have a vague sense of this book.

It was a children/young adult fantasy/sci fi book. There were maybe four kids, at least two of whom were brother and sister. They somehow went into some kind of other dimension or computer game, using something like a 'sky hook' or 'star hook' or 'star net' or something and they were doing something there but it was dangerous.

POTENTIAL SPOILERS

At one point, they all went in and got got by traps and one kid was running around trying to do whatever it was and escape, which would have saved the others. I remember reading that he sees the sister (of him or his friend) caught in a plant/vine trap and her blonde hair is all tangled or something like that.

I realise that isn't much to go on. Just hoping it jogs someone's memory. Thanks!

[Michelle Mulford]

Hmm. Perhaps User Unfriendly? I remember a trap scene. The danger comes from the fact that they're playing a pirated virtual-reality game, which has bugs and glitches.

*edit* There's a sequel, Heir Apparent, which I absolutely love.

[D.M.]

There's also Epic and Saga if we're talking about MMO-style games.

[Laura]

Hannah, I think i remember that book. If it was the same one, this is what I remember. Anti-bullying was a big theme - one of the characters was being bullied by his new step brother, one by his older brother. The four main characters were Mario, Ben, Andrew and Elaine. I think it was Australian, and whatever the device to get into the game was,that was the title - but I can't remember the title! It was qute old as the game came on a floppy disk. I hope someone can remember!

[Laura]

Okay, just googled. If yours is the same as mine, it is by Gillian Rubenstein and it is called Space Demons. The sequel is Skymaze.
Space DemonsSkymaze

[Hannah]

Oh my goodness! Laura, It's Skymaze! I recognise the front cover! I never thought I'd find out what this book was. Thank you so much Michelle and Dmdutcher, too. You have saved a portion of my sanity!

Solved!