I'm posting four stars for Denis Markell's second YA book from the perspective of the twelve-year-old within me. It was just the kind of fast-paced, clever adventure novel that I would have absolutely gone crazy over as a kid. I especially appreciate the elements of community and portrayals of realistic adolescent friendships that Markell conjures in the story, and how paper-and-pen gaming has long been and remains a tonic for the sometimes rough and lonely phases of growing up with geeky tendencies – no matter what stripe of geek that might be. It's also a fine introduction to the essence of role-playing games and will surely serve as a temptation to get readers into the hobby if they are not already totally on board.

Though the book might fall short from an adult perspective, I am fully aware that we are not its target audience. Even so, however, the warmth and enthusiasm that Markell infuses within the story is not only evident, but gratifyingly tangible. ( )