cover image The Twilight Realm

The Twilight Realm

Christopher Carpenter. Pacer Books, $14.95 (237pp) ISBN 978-0-448-47771-8

Unemployed or starting college, Paul and his friends are uncertain what life holds for them. Their weekly meetings to indulge in role-playing games are a peaceful escape, until one night they step through a mirror into another world and the game becomes real. In Xhandarre, each of the five possesses special powers that complement their earthly attributes. These are powers they need in their quest to free the land from the despotic sorcerer Avron Kromar. Water serpents, birdbats, human wolves and deep dungeons lie in wait for them, but so do Prince Jarmassad (the rightful heir to the throne) and his loyal wizard Meldorion. This pleasant fantasy-adventure is distinguished by its characterization: the friends remain fallible people who must conquer their own weaknesses as well as magical foes. (11up)