Witches' Forest - Mishio Fukazawa

Witches’ Forest
The Adventures of Duan Surk, Book 1
Mishio Fukazawa
TokyoPop/HarperCollins

Young Adult/ Fantasy

At 16, Duan Surk is a Level 2 Fighter impatient to move up in rank. As a card-carrying Adventurer, he’s permitted to wander the forest and fight the monsters there. But, in two years, he’s only made it to Level 2, and he wants more. He’s about to get his wish, in a big way.

First, Duan joins forces with Olba, who, at 24, has made it to Level 13 as a Fighter. As a more experienced Adventurer, he’s hesitant to take on a younger partner. He usually likes to go it alone. But there’s a quest he wants to complete, and he’s going to need help to do it. Legend says that twin witches watch over the forest from their hidden home deep within it. Legend also says that the witches’ home hides an enormous treasure. Many have attempted to find it, but so far, none have succeeded.

The two Fighters soon meet young Agnis. Agnis, at 16 is a Level 3 Witch, but she has amazingly strong powers for someone so young and inexperienced. She also travels with her familiar, a snow leopard. Agnis wants to join the Fighters on their quest, but she won’t say why. Trying to discourage her, Olba requests payment. Agnis offers her share of the treasure as payment. It’s clear that there’s something she’s not telling them.

Based on a role-playing game, this novel, written for young adults is very much an RPG game in book form. Each main character is introduced with a character sheet; and there are sidebars throughout that contain other information, recipes, etc. This is the first in a planned series of four. Duan Surk’s adventures should interest anyone who enjoys RPGs and fantasy.

Rating: 7
October 2006
ISBN# 1-59532-870-X