Escape Room Adventure Awaits in Gabriella Page's Debut Novel The Nardi Puzzle

#BOOKREVIEW: The Nardi Puzzle, Gabriella Page (author), Wombat Books, 2026.

Blurb:

Thirteen players. Thirteen hours. One extraordinary prize.

When 12-year-old Sebastian Walker is invited to legendary game-maker Elisabetta Nardi’s mansion in Sardinia, he imagines a chance to escape his troubles.

However, he soon finds himself plunged into a real-world escape game, where the grand prize has the potential to change his life forever.

Teaming up with Lali, a vibrant personality, and Vita, an intelligent strategist, Sebastian must navigate a maze of hidden clues and obstacles.

Time is against them, and the constant pressure of elimination looms large, making the quest even more exhilarating.

Review:

Page's novel is a gripping page-turner that crafts a rapid-paced adventure, drawing readers from one intriguing room to the next in the sprawling mansion. Middle-grade readers, in particular, will find themselves enchanted by the high-stakes challenges that *The Nardi Puzzle* offers, all centered around a tantalizing prize that keeps the suspense alive.

Gabriella Page, who has ties to both Perth and Italy, brings her passion for puzzles, music, and game development into her debut novel. Through a well-crafted narrative, she successfully interweaves these elements, creating an adventure brimming with excitement and imaginative twists reminiscent of Roald Dahl's *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory*. This story features an international cast of diverse characters along with a mysterious host who, while extraordinary, is distinctly relatable.

The elegant game-maker, Elisabetta Nardi, has selected thirteen promising participants from around the world for a celebratory event to unveil her latest game design at her opulent mansion. Sebastian, a major admirer of Nardi's creations, seizes the opportunity to escape his family dilemmas just when he needs it most. As he partners with the energetic Lali and the astute Vita to piece together clues scattered throughout the mansion, he embarks on an impactful journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Page’s ability to create a richly detailed world within the mansion is impressive. She constructs vivid imagery that spans various eras, incorporating antiquities, renowned historical figures, and theoretical innovations. Additionally, her nods to Italian culture—such as the Fibonacci sequence—offer educational nuggets interwoven within the entertaining fabric of the plot. The combination of art, architecture, and the constant pulse of suspense surrounding clue-hunting and the threat of elimination crafts an immersive reading experience that surprises and delights.

While I won’t divulge specific plot twists, suffice it to say that the book concludes with a resolution that satisfies both the heart and mind. Readers will likely feel eager to explore further adventures in the realm of game-making and escape experiences for Sebastian, Lali, and Vita. The impact of their retrospective journey lingers, inviting imaginations to run wild with possibilities.

Takeaway: *The Nardi Puzzle* encapsulates themes of resilience and teamwork, making it an exciting choice for readers who appreciate puzzles and quizzes. It's a rewarding adventure that demonstrates how collaborative efforts can lead to personal growth and triumph.

With its strong themes and dynamic characters, Gabriella Page's debut is not just an engaging read but also a thoughtful exploration of strategy and emotional intelligence in a competitive environment—one that's perfect for curious minds and aspiring puzzle-solvers.

Review by Romi Sharp.

For more insights about *The Nardi Puzzle*, check out the author interview with Gabriella Page.

Visit Gabriella Page's website: https://www.gabriellapage.com/ and connect on Instagram.

*The Nardi Puzzle* is available for purchase via Wombat Books.

Join the exciting campaign celebrating the thrilling adventure of *The Nardi Puzzle* with Gabriella Page!#thenardipuzzle #adventure #mystery #gaming #middlegrade #booksontourpr #justkidslit

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