Reviews

Anthony's Apprentice Adept series takes place on a world inhabited simultaneously by two separate spheres of being: the science fictional Proton's technological Earth colonists and the fantasy Phaze's magical natives including dragons, demons and goblins. An imbalance that has developed between the aspects now threatens both and wreaks particular havoc with the lives of robotic Mach of Proton and human Bane of Phaze, who are the only contact between realms. For that reason, the zealous Adverse Adepts seek to control the pair by kidnapping their lovers, the alien Agape and the unicorn Fleta. This tepid reworking of A Midsummer Night's Dream from the usually boisterous Anthony becomes a series of contests, from a lovers' bakeoffcomplete with brownie recipeto an Olympics whose events include storytelling and word games. (April)

In this sequel to Anthony's Out of Phaze , two pairs of star-crossed lovers hold the fates of magic-based Phaze and its sister-world Proton in their hands as Adverse Adepts and Contrary Citizens plot to gain control of an all-knowing computer and its magical analog. Fans of games, logic problems, and mental conundrums will appreciate the plot permutations that highlight the adventures of four feisty heroes in this sf/fantasy blend. JC