Albion's Dream

When Edward discovers a mysterious old board game in his family's ancestral home in Wessex, England, he ignores warnings that it may be more than just a toy. The boy and his cousin Hadley begin to play, but before long they find themselves embroiled in an age-old struggle between good and evil. Despite its slow, old-fashioned start and somewhat misleading title--this is no horror story--Norman's debut novel packs a surprising punch. Edward's adventures go much farther afield than is usual in tales of role-playing games; rather than providing a dangerous escape from reality, the competition offers insight and a new perspective on day-to-day life. This subtle and rewarding fantasy adroitly evokes Masefield's Box of Delights. Ages 12-up. (Sept.)