M. L. Forman
Shadow Mountain
Release date: February 4, 2009
List price: $17.95 (432p)
ISBN: 978-1606410295
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Review - "Adventurers Wanted: Slathbog's Gold"
Reviewer: Cori Vella
Rating:
When Alex Taylor spies a sign in a bookshop stating, "Adventurers Wanted. Apply Within," he does not know that his world is about to be totally rocked. Did you know that by simply responding to a sign that no one else can see will get you sent not into a mental institution, but straight into a fantasy conventioneer's wet dream?
That is really all that Adventurers Wanted: Slathbog's Gold is: glorified fan-fiction. It could very well be the ugly love child of Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. Slathbog's Gold is a typical quest in which Harry Potter — I mean, Alex — goes on an adventure with Arconn — I mean, Legolas — and Thrang — I mean, Gimli — man, what's the point in summarizing it? If you've read Harry Potter and/or Lord of the Rings (or seen the movies), you've read Slathbog's Gold. It offers no unique perspectives or insights, no compelling or redeeming characters, and no creativity or anything it can truly call its own.
Alex goes on a quest to slay a dragon. Insert various magical creatures with no personalities, stolen scenes from other popular fantasy references, a couple dei ex machinas, and you've got the trifecta of bad speculative fiction. There is even a magical ring involved (why am I not surprised?).
Yes, I realize this book is meant for the kiddies. But that brings about an important question: Why settle for the watered-down, bastardized version when you can read the originals? Harry Potter can be read and enjoyed by all ages. In fact, I'd recommend it.
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