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Title: Wizards of the Game
Author: David Lubar
type of book: YA Fiction (with science fiction and fantasy elements)
call number: YA/Fic
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This book is strong in character, story and setting.
Summary:
Mercer Dickensen, an 8th grader who loves playing the fantasy
roleplaying game "Wizards of the Warrior World" with his character
warrior-mage Shath'dra in the world of Zule, hopes to bring the Wizards of the
Warrior World convention to his town by way of a school fundraiser for his
middle school. The proceeds would go to a local homeless shelter. After
visiting the shelter to make sure the money should go there, Mercer finds
himself stalked by a group of strange homeless people who think he is a REAL
powerful magus (mage/ wizard). They tell him they are trapped on Earth and need
his help to return to their own world.
Meanwhile, a group of students who believe the role playing game
promotes evil because of its use of sorcery and spell casting, are protesting to
the school not to let the gaming convention / fundraiser happen. Soon, the local
press and church groups follow and begin to protest. A school board scene has
people from both sides of the issue quoting from the Bible to support their
views about the game. However, Mercer soon finds out that the homeless stalkers
are not crazy and the fantasy role playing game becomes a REAL battle with REAL
wizards.
I would recommend this book!
Why?
This is fast-paced and very funny. It is reminiscient of the whacky humor
found on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV show. It deals with a serious issue of
censorship and how to talk about the issue and come to an agreement. The ending
is a shocker - and really exciting!
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Other suggested reading:
Flip by David Lubar
Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde
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Look for these and other titles in our !
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Employee Initials: KS
Review Date: March 2004
Read other YA reviews by this staff member.
