The premise of his brilliant Guardians of the Flame saga is simple and may at first seem rather typical.  The novel begins when a group of college students are transferred by one of the college's professors to a fantasy world.  The professor, Deighton by name, acted as the dungeon master in one of their evening games of dungeon and dragons.  Now, I admit that such an idea is old and used up.  And not very original.  Unless you're Joel Rosenberg.  There is something about this story that makes the idea work.

There is a distinct human element to this series.  Joel understands human nature intimately.  I could easily relate to Karl Cullinane because I have some of the same traits in my personality that he has.  Certainty not the inclination to kill someone, but some of his personality difficulties are in me, too.

Joel Rosenberg did a splendid job of meshing poignant thoughts and observations about human nature with action packed battle scenes.  And he did it without being trite.  The mark of a brilliant writer.  I can't recommend these books enough.  Why do I have the feeling I've said that before?  There are a lot of good books out there.  These are not ones to miss, guaranteed.

You will never forget the dragon Ellegon.  Ahira the dwarf.  Karl Cullinane, the man set on destroying slavery in a world that has lived with it for centuries.  This is a roller coaster ride worth the price of admission.  So, go out and buy them!  If you can't find them in the bookstore, go to http://www.sfbc.com.  They will have them.  Oh, and if you do go to the Science Fiction Bookclub, tell them I sent you.  They give free books to people who introduce other people to the club.  And I need more books so I can write more reviews!
 

Review written by Chad Cottle