Get gamers reading with Janelle McCurdy's debut, Mia and the Lightcasters

December 28th 2022

About Janelle McCurdy Janelle began her professional writing journey at just sixteen years old. Mia and the Lightcasters is the first book in her junior fiction fantasy series, Umbra Tales, and it was named as one of Books for Keeps magazine's books of the year in 2022. When she's not writing, she enjoys cosplaying as her favourite characters at comic cons and gaming events. DISCOVER Books by Janelle McCurdy

Looking for inspiration to engage reluctant readers? Books inspired by video games or other media are a great gateway into reading. We spoke to author Janelle McCurdy about her latest book Mia and the Lightcasters and how her love of gaming inspired this junior fiction fantasy. It follows siblings Mia and Lucas on their journey through a fantastical world to save their parents from the clutches of the dangerous Reaper King...

Tell us what you love about video games

What I love about gaming is the sense of fear and adventure all mixed into one. I also love being fully immersed in the game’s story and the world. The big, beautiful, and sometimes scary open worlds that you find yourself in when playing a video game is something which has inspired me massively. Games like Pokémon, Final Fantasy and Tomb Raider are all games I loved as a child, and now as an adult.

Janelle cosplays as her favourite video game and anime characters, such as Krul Tepes from Seraph of the End (left) and Mileena from Mortal Kombat (right).

So, how can Mia and the Lightcasters engage with young gamers?

Mia and the Lightcasters was born from my love of gaming. I want gamers like me to feel the same magic when reading Mia and the Lightcasters as they do when playing a video game.

I’ve incorporated elements of gaming into the story; the action and martial arts scenes, for example, are something that will get the attention of fellow gamers. Those who love fighting games, like Super Smash Bros and Tekken, will especially enjoy those scenes!

For those who love horror games as much as I do, Mia and the Lightcasters is sprinkled with horror elements. The presence of the dangerous Reaper King lingers over the story; his minions are at the forefront, ready to attack Mia; and unknown dangers constantly await the characters around every corner of their trek across the nightmare plains. I hope all these elements leave readers on the edge of their seats, just like a horror game would.

Watch the BookTrust's interview with Janelle, where she recommends the best books for gamers:

What other themes have you explored which will engage with reluctant readers?

Through Mia’s perilous adventure, I wanted her, and readers, to realise that it's okay to be afraid. You can push through your fear, especially with the help of your friends and family. You're never alone. Mia’s friends and her little brother encourage her to be brave and push through her fear to save her parents and everyone in the city.

I think readers will also relate to the strong family bonds in Mia and the Lightcasters. Mia and Lucas's relationship is the heart of this first book. Whilst, like any brother and sister, they can annoy each other and fight, Mia will always be protective of her little brother and will fight anyone and anything to protect him. I’m sure those with siblings can relate!

Lastly, can your character Mia give us any top tips on how to tame the fantastical creatures of her world, umbras?

One: never try to tame an umbra alone! Two: stay calm, because you got this. Don't be a chicken like I was. And three: learn martial arts, because you’re gonna need it if the umbra tries to fight ya!

Mia and the Lightcasters Just like playing a video game, it is very easy to become immersed in Janelle McCurdy's debut novel. Our team praised this fantasy for its 'imaginative writing' and the 'courageous and determined' Mia. With great characters and fabulous moments of tension, this is a top read for children who love action-packed, immersive adventures. DISCOVER

📚 READ NEXT: AUTHOR KATHARINE ORTON ON READING AND WRITING MAGIC