- Paperback: 240 pages
- Publisher: iUniverse.com (1 Aug 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0595282741
- ISBN-13: 978-0595282746
- Product Dimensions: 23.3 x 15.3 x 1.6 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 5,601,946 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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The story is set around the turn of the century in our world, but Earth and the magical realm of Annwfn soon collide as the irascible yet likable goblin scholar Bugbear and his gambling-addicted cousin Tudmire acquire a mysterious scroll in a game of Noggle Stones. While fleeing the enraged but dim-witted ogres, they happen upon Manchester, who is a human, of all things. Bugbear takes Manchester as his apprentice to teach him the empowering ways of non-logical thought.
The party comes upon the small town of Willow Prairie, and soon must set to work gaining the trust of the citizens and helping them to prepare for war, for the two worlds were originally split to entrap a shadowy terror who fights with armies of the undead. And lately, there have been so many disappearances of both people and animals...
Radcliffe crafts a believable world that is a joy to discover. His two biggest strengths in the work are in his characters and dialog. The characters practically leap off every page, and one can imagine Bugbear at Radcliffe's elbow, nagging him during the writing to make sure every detail is correct. The reader ends up caring a great deal for the characters by the end of the book, hoping that Tudmire redeems himself, longing for Bugbear to be healed of his mental prison, and sharing in the tender love between Manchester and the fiery dragon-bride Maga.
The snappy dialog is a joy to read and adds to each character's unique quirks. When Tudmire complains "Oh, my aching back," Bugbear retorts "There's nothing wrong with your back that a spine wouldn't cure!" The names of the obstructionist town authorities also undergo considerable humorous permutations when lambasted by Bugbear.
This novel is suitable for all ages, although it may be enjoyed most by elementary and middle school readers. This is a beautifully crafted work that leaves plenty of room at the end for a sequel. I, for one, am eagerly anticipating it.
-Bill Pottle, Author of DreamQuest
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