Review: Quick read, promising start to a fantasy series
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 29, 2011
This book jumps almost immediately into the action, with a very brief introduction where we meet Phinnegan Qwyk, age 12, bookworm, who is also the school misfit due to his love of books- and not just any books, but fantasies and fairy tales.  Hardly "appropriate" behavior for a 12 year old boy, right?  But his family, in particular his father, nurture his love of reading.That same night, Phinnegan hears a strange noise in his father's study.  On exploring he finds a rather colorful figure sniffing his dad's tobacco.  One shout and PHinnegan is whisked off into a strange world of...fairies, or "fae", gholems, trolls (not what you expected, a sexy beautiful troll) and other creatures from common mythology.In short, Phinnegan's journey is not a mistake.  Despite being brought here by the fae, Periwinkle, there are greater powers at work who have schemed to bring Phinnegan into their world.  He is not just "any" human, but one who has the ability to tap into a source of great power.  And what greedy evil fae doesnt want to be omnipotent?I give this book 4 stars because it has a good blend of action, characters and emotion.  Phinnegan certainly behaves much like any confused 12 year old boy would act in a strange world.  He also is chagrined (rightfully so) when he finds out all he learned from reading fantasy books doesn't automatically qualify him as an expert in this realm.  While this book thankfully does not contain any sparkly vampires or even any hint of love triangle/teen love angst, there is some description of fae "partying" which involves potent liquor (Phinnegan gets plastered) as well as a risque nude pixy.  But otherwise this is entirely appropriate for the kids to read or to have this read to them.n.b. I received a complementary copy of this book to review.