Adventurers Wanted, Book One: Slathbog's Gold
When Alex sees the sign “Adventurers Wanted: Apply Within” in a shop window, he can’t help but inquire. He is soon steamrolled into his first adventure by the shop owner, finding himself packed off to a fantasy world as the eighth member of a group going after the dragon Slathbog. This first novel plays out like a game of Dungeons and Dragons, with the reader in the role of Alex as he learns to play, making the story entertaining but disappointing in its lost potential. Nearly every genre cliché since Tolkien is present, yet Forman does nothing new with his cool premise; the quest and Alex himself are led through predictable paces. While Alex is an agreeable character, he is too perfect to be credible: after the umpteenth time praise is heaped upon him for something that he did accidentally or much too easily, readers will be rolling their eyes. Still, the laws in the Adventurer’s Handbook that govern the group are an entertaining remix of the laws that govern RPGs, and the camaraderie among the group members is a strong draw. For those looking for a straightforward, uncomplicated quest, this will do the trick, and the series potential is limitless. Grades 5-8. --Krista Hutley--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.