This book is just a fun romp in the world of fantasy. No, wait, it's more than a romp: for me it was an introduction to a new author and to a series I'll be reading this Summer at the beach (if I can hold off that long). It seems to start out as the typical 'guardian' story, complete with talking cat; but the author has a healthy dose of irreverence for the genre and a very nice touch for outside references. Oh, and one wicked sense of satire and humor.

Sure, there's the obligatory "portal to Hell" in the basement (with the handyman sleeping in the next room), and the ghost our heroine releases from his lockup in the attic, and the evil ex-guardian permanently asleep in her living quarters. ...but there's also one heck of a story line working here. ...and mice in frock coats and tricorn hats. No, really! ...and by the time the author gets through working you over and you reach that point, you're just nodding your head and moving to the next paragraph.

Yes, she walks a little to close to the "magic ray gun" solution, but just when you're sure that weapon is about to be used to solve all the plot twists ("Captain Marvel reached into the Vault of the Ancients, pulled forth the mighty Weapon of Doom and destroyed the Fleet of Gargus the Dead") she tightens up her grip on her created reality and ...

Nope, your going to have to read it. ...and the next one too, I suspect! Go for it: this one's a nice blend of fun and fantasy with plot intricate enough to keep you hooked.

Publisher: DAW; Reissue edition (May 1, 1998)
Language: English
ISBN: 0886777844