L. B. Richards, The Adventures of Charley Tooth

The Adventures of Charley Tooth

L. B. Richards

Vortex, Sep 2004, $9.95, 320 pp.

ISBN: 0843951362

Charley Tooth of the Tooth family (or should that be Teeth family?) believes his Connecticut neighborhood is safe and familiar. Thus when one minute he is in the school cafeteria and the next he is at a party, Charley is a bit surprised because the attendees are different species including a few not even humanoid. Everyone present believes Charley is the Squire of Grimfir Boldrock, an intelligent reptilian who speaks several languages fluently.

The would-be squire comes to the attention of the magician Onnser the Semi-Magnificent when the teen opens his carriage door by stretching and manipulating his fingers to undo the magical locks. Onnser takes on Charlie as his apprentice, teaching him the tricks of the trade in hope that the lad will defeat the Orphans Lords Dix and Dax who hold the world of Nivlag in an iron grip. Charlie may not have resolved how he got where he is, but believes he must end the reign of terror or his new friend will die.

THE ADVENTURES OF CHARLEY TOOTH will appeal to the fans of all ages of Harry Potter. The protagonist is a bewildered lad who has no idea where he is or that he possesses magical abilities. Initially he just wants to return to his home as a Connecticut Yankee, but as he comes to know some of the people of Nivlag, he realizes he needs to help his new friends even though that means risking his life. L.B. Richards has written a delightful fantasy that has the vigor of youth spellbinding the audience.

Harriet Klausner