What is courage? What is honor? What does it feel like to have friends you would give your life for? And what role do fear and apprehension play when a person is faced with life-changing choices? Slathbog's Gold, the first book in an exciting new YA epic fantasy series, sends fifteen-year-old Alex Taylor on the adventure of a lifetime. Right at a time when Alex is wishing his life could change, he sees a sign in Mr. Clutter's bookshop window: "Adventurers Wanted. Apply Within." The sign seems to be referring to him. Moreover, not just anyone can enter Mr. Clutter's bookshop. But Alex does, and the adventure begins. Alex is the eighth man needed to complete a band of adventurers seeking the lair of Slathbog the Red - and evil dragon with a legendary treasure. Along the way, Alex learns about honesty, integrity, honor, and, most importantly, friendship. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Fifteen-year-old Alex Taylor spots a sign in a window that reads "Adventurers Wanted" and walks straight into a world of elves, dwarves, magic-and evil, treasure-hoarding dragons. Forman's first novel, the beginning of an epic fantasy series featuring a contemporary young man and his adventuring companions from a strange, magical world, has straightforward appeal for fans of sword and sorcery, fantasy role-players, and online gamers of all ages. Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

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 cliche 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.--Hutley, Krista Copyright 2009 Booklist From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.