The Book of the King

October 15, 2007
Although this isntovertly religous, when one of the authors of the best-selling Left Behind bookscoauthors the first in a new childrens series (The Wormling), readers will findspiritual elementsif they look for them. Friendless teen Owen Reederlives with hisundemonstrative fatherabove their used bookstore. Then, with the appearance of an elderly man and a mysterious book, Owens life changes: he realizes his destiny is to journey pastmonster-protected portals under the shop and into another world, where he will unite the Highlands and the Lowlands.However, aferocious dragon andits devilish minions will go to any lengths to destroy Owen and end his quest. The authors are an active part of the narrative, asking questions of the reader andpointing out nuances. This technique is effective up to a point;used after longer periods of exposition, it seems intrusive. The battlebetween good and evil provides plenty of frightening moments, which are sure to continue and intensify as series continues.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)