Mishio Fukazawa

Reviewed by Carrie Spellman for TeensReadToo.com

Sixteen-year-old Duan Sark is an adventurer; it's all he's ever wanted to be. He would dream about it when he was stuck in bed through his sickly childhood. They let him in the Adventurer's Club, even though he failed the physical test, because he was smart and he had desire. Now it's a year later and he can't seem to get past Level 2, the army seems to have deserted him, he's lost in the forest, and he's starving. His only friend is Check, a baby grinia (sort of like a mini-dragon).

Things start to look up for Duan when he encounters Olba, an experienced adventurer and fighter. The last thing Olba wants is a tag-along, but it's looking like he doesn't have much choice. Life gets even more interesting when the two guys run into Agnis, a beautiful seventeen-year-old witch, and her snow leopard K'Nock. Agnis has attitude, a short temper, and an odd habit of fainting.

Conveniently, if not happily, Olba's quest and Agnis' mission coincide. The strange group set out to find the witches' castle, in the enchanted forest which is designed to get them lost. Before they can get to the witches, though, they have to get past some crazy obstacles. Not the least of which are themselves.

This is a great fantasy adventure that is fun, exciting, and laugh out loud funny. It's written in a way that you can almost see it happening in front of you, like a movie. The characters are real and entertaining, even the small ones. There's even a Mini-Pocket Monster Encyclopedia at the end, complete with pictures. A great book all around, and perfect for transitioning from Manga to novels.… (more)