What if you could change your reality?
Eighth-grade Nole is invisible. Shy. Nerdy. Overlooked. The kind of boy who girls ask out on a dare. The kind who can only watch as his crushes date his peers.
Everything changes when his dad brings home a copy of Zenix. A vast online fantasy world of moonlit forests and seaside cities, of yetis in the snow and pirates on the water. The kind of place you never want to leave. But for Nole, it’s something more: a chance to be someone new.
In Zenix, he can fit in anywhere. A jack-of-all-trades. Someone with friends. Like Dapple, all sunshine and trouble. And Kia, the one who feels like home. For the first time, he belongs.
But no matter how amazing Zenix is, it’s just a game. And eventually, Nole has to log out. What happens when the life on screen starts to matter more than the one off it?
A heartfelt coming-of-age story about three kids, three screens, and three bonds made online that are just as real and fragile as anywhere else. Warcross on the surface, Stargirl at the heart, set inside the world of an MMO.
Book 1 of the Zenix Online series. Book 2, Mayfly, launches June 16, 2026.
Read what people are saying about Kianola:
“Roth does a seamless job of weaving a narrative that shows friendships and romance in the real world and the gaming universe” The US Review of Books
“A compelling story about finding one’s voice and learning to face life’s challenges with authenticity and bravery” Reader’s Favorite
“Educational and empowerment strengths aside, Kianola is quite simply a rollicking quest through self-improvement, friendship-building, and adventure” Midwest Book Review
“A messy, heartfelt exploration of adolescence, identity, and the allure of online worlds” Independent Book Review
“A must-read for middle-grade readers, young gamers, or anyone who has ever felt like they don’t quite fit in” Literary Titan
“Let me tell you, this book had a hold on me, and I was the first to be surprised” Amanda
“If I could give this more than five stars I would” Sandra
“The kind of book that takes you by surprise” Alexandra
“I absolutely loved this book. It is a heartfelt ode to middle schoolers everywhere” Debbie
“I absolutely adored this story. It was so relatable even as an adult” Katie
“Looking forward to more from Mr. Roth” Angela
“I didn’t realize that I would be completely absorbed in a matter of minutes” Shannen
“Surprisingly enjoyable story, especially for someone who doesn’t game” Sharon
