Quantum Physics is not usually a topic for light reading. However, in this popular series, it’s the bread and butter and very interesting. The premise is based on a number of alternate realities, of which ours is the 1st or Prime reality. Each reality is a strange take on our own with alternate versions of all the people in our reality. The heroes use a variety of high-tech gadgets and certain people can control a power which works a bit like the Force in Star Wars. This force congregates around people and places where great choices have taken place.
The plots are very clever, with the heroes having to solve a variety of strange riddles, which are enough to scratch the head, but not enough to hopelessly confound. The characters are varied and interesting, and provide a constant stream of snappy dialog. What I enjoyed most about the series thus far, was that the ideas seemed fresh, and I didn’t feel like I had read it before. The artwork accompanying the series is also intriguing, and adds to the overall appeal.
The series should appeal to a wide age group from Middle Grade to Young Adult (and, well, I liked it as a adult as well)
There is a fourth installment which comes out in 2011. I’ll be picking up my copy.
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I’m a big fan of both Sci Fi and Fantasy literature and love when authors tastefully combine the two. Berin has down a great job on this task, in a fiction debut that had me anticipating the series that is sure to come.
In “The Dragon War Relic”, Berin takes the role of an American Douglas Adams in crafting a humorous Sci Fi/Fantasy epic. There are so many little touches and allusions for the longtime Sci Fi/Fantasy reader (This book will probably appeal most to a reader who is two parts Trekkie and three parts Tolkienite.) I love what he did with creative and witty chapter titles, such as one of the final chapters “The Scouring of the Desert Table” which points to the final section of “The Return of the King” called “The Scouring of the Shire.”
He also does this funny short of running joke where he pokes fun of product placement by creating off brands of popular products to put in his books. Things like “Pizza Cottage” and my personal favorite “the Zboz” with its hit game “Havoc”. Another nice touch is the author’s inclusion of an original song called the “Havoc Stomp” which he works into the plot. He includes the words in the back and even has a version you can listen to on his website. http://berinstephens.com/
“The Dragon War Relic” follows a pair of unassuming “Earthers” Jared and Doug, who find themselves tangled up in a galactic plot after Jared is given a pair of strange objects to look after by a strange man. Just after he is entrusted with these objects , the man who gave them perishes in a mysterious explosion. Jared finds himself as Earth’s representative on the galactic council and teamed up with elves, angels, ogres, and others in order to untangle the riddle of the objects Jared has been entrusted with.
In short, a hilarious, enjoyable read. Set your course for the nearest bookstore.
Engage.
Books by Michael D. Young 