The Door Within

First-time author and middle-school teacher Batson leads young readers to a fantasy realm (filled with unusual names) where faith and sacrifice serve as essential tools in an epic battle between good and evil. Sound familiar? It will to many fantasy fans, as well as those familiar with the Bible. Aidan has a tough time when he moves from Maryland to Colorado with his parents so they can care for his grandfather; he hardly relishes starting high school as the new kid. But things take a bizarre turn when he ventures to his grandfather's basement and discovers some ancient scrolls containing what Grampin knows as "the Story." The scrolls encourage Aidan to believe—the key to the Door Within—and to follow the light of the everlasting King of the Realm. Though God and the Bible are never mentioned by name, the comparisons are clear and sometimes more than obvious (Aidan's family name is Thomas, as in doubters; a traitor and warrior is named Acsriot, an anagram of Iscariot; an evil lieutenant goes by Lord Rucifel, an anagram of Lucifer, etc.). Christian readers will likely draw the parallels as an interesting puzzle and perhaps an introspective exercise. And readers of any faith can enjoy the layers of action and adventure here, replete with knights, dragons and powerful swords in what is the first of a planned trilogy. Ages 10-14. (Sept.)