Andre Norton and Jean Rabe, Return to Quag Keep

Return to Quag Keep

Andre Norton and Jean Rabe

Tor, Jan 2006, $24.95, 304 pp.

ISBN: 0765312980

In Greyhawk, the magnificent seven completed their quest (see QUAG KEEP) with each one surviving the perilous adventures, but they go their separate ways. Not long afterward the Priest Deav Dyne, Ingrge the Elf, Yevele the Warrior woman, Wymarc the Bard, Milo and Naile learn from the seventh member Gulath that he is dying and wants to go home. They all now remember their past, which is that they come from a technological advanced earth with no magic or fantasy creatures. During the escapade they forgot their past, but Gulath desires to die in Toledo, Ohio, as a game playing nerd not some fantasy medieval world in which he questions his sanity.

The other six fear their own deaths on this realm and want to go home too. However, each vows to seek the passage back, if there is an exit in that direction for the sake of their former companion. As they begin the new quest questioning the validity of their past efforts, they are stunned to meet another earth traveler, and go on a grand quest starting with guarding a merchant's wagons that soon involves saving two realms, this one and earth.

The original tale, written over twenty-five years ago, is widely considered the first novel based on a fantasy role playing game (D&D). The sequel, though a standard epic fantasy adventure, is a stronger tale, as the key cast seem a bit more multi-dimensional, and the storyline is loaded with non-stop action. Fun for young adults and D&D players of all ages, RETURN TO QUAG KEEP also pays homage to the late great Andre Norton, who was one of the best at entertaining teens.