Judy Liu

Two sisters stumble across an old vending machine and find themselves transported to an alternate universe, by debut author Judy Liu

Sisters, Mel and Sage, are walking home from school one day when they take a detour through the Old Town, and stumble across an old vending machine in a bus shelter. The vending machine is out of order and the sisters try to grab a snack by shaking and kicking the machine. Suddenly, the floor beneath them disappears and the girls are transported to an unknown park in an alternate universe. When a uniformed officer approaches the girls, a strange boy named Lewis leads them away and saves them from being captured. The girls visit Lewis’s home, where they learn more about the strange world and the strange people that inhabit it. They manage to find another vending machine and a portal back home, but when their mother gives them a peculiar old key that belonged to their grandfather, they believe there is a connection to the alternate world, and decide to go back to explore further. The girls find Lewis and go on a journey to learn more about their grandfather’s connection to the mysterious world, its memory-enhancing technologies, and the dark secrets of the government.

The Vending Portal by author Judy Lui is a magnificent, sci-fi adventure, set in a strange, alternate universe. Judy Liu presents an interesting perspective on the utopian/dystopian society, seen through the eyes of two young girls. This is a fun, fast-paced novel for teens, and will appeal to those who enjoy sci-fi, adventure and fantasy stories. With a captivating plot, well-rounded and likeable characters, and an intriguing multi-verse world, this book will entertain readers of all ages.

Star rating: 5 Stars

Summary: A magnificent, sci-fi adventure, set in a strange, alternate universe, this book will entertain readers of all ages.