| The world of the Realm takes
place in a land called Azoth. It is a land of magic, full of races such as
trolls, dwarves, elves, ogres, night creatures, and others yet to be seen.
It is a world where magic reigns yet a new
form of knowledge is coming into the grasp of those who seek it…a
knowledge called science. A world where great religions bring people
together yet tear nations apart, a world where conquest and ambitions
bring dreams to some and nightmares to others. A world where it seems
nature itself can be twisted in the service of the dark mages.
Four teenagers (Alex, Dominic, Sandra, and
Marjorie)from a modern day suburb are taking a day trip to a remote cabin
that was once owned by Alex’s eccentric uncle who had died months earlier.
They find a special chest, and upon opening it, they are mysteriously
transported to a different world. The Realm.
Unknown to them, Alex’s uncle has made the
journey as well. He made it a long time ago with three of his friends but
only Alex’s uncle returned. Through out the story, it is revealed that the
four previous humans have made dramatic impacts on the world of the Realm.
One became a goddess, one became the Lord of the Dragons, one brought
science to the Realm, and the fourth mysteriously disappeared. The
confusion of the teens in this strange world is magnified as they find
traces of Earth scattered through out the land, yet they realize they are
certainly in a different plane of existence. But they seldom have time to
ponder this as they are led from one adventure to the next in the quest to
find a way home. The forbidden library may hold the key, but it is so
forbidden, that no one seems to know anything about it.
Upon arriving, the group is attacked and
the two girls are abducted by the Slave Raiders of Drohm. The boys,
rescued by the warrioress, Silverfawn, journey to get their companions
back and are led around the continent of Azoth to find their way home. On
the way, they are joined by new companions who will become friends: The
older and experience, Diggorous, a dwarf who wields a mean battle axe; the
halfing Grappo Pilden- a thief; Letha Kazan- an exiled member of an elite
royal guard unit; Nilson Radeer- member of the forest patrol; and others.
As the group remains in the Realm, it soon
becomes evident that perhaps the desire to go home isn't’ as strong in
everyone as it was at the beginning. Returning back is the major goal of
Alex, yet Dominic begins to enjoy this world. Marjorie has discovered a
religion that she becomes an adherent of, and Sandra finds sanctuary in
her captivity as she is treated like a Queen. Can Alex convince the others
to continue on their quest to return home? Or are they destined to stay
there forever and become citizens of the Realm? |