Beyond World's End Book Summary and Study Guide

    After his last save the world success (see Bedlam's Bard), musician Eric Banyon looks forward to quiet time studying the flute as an adult-student at Julliard. While Eric plays the student flautist, avaricious research scientists have discovered some drugs that turn individuals into beings with magical capabilities. Being of a non- ethical bent, the coven of scientists plan to use their drug to develop an army of slaves that will make them so rich Gates will seem like a pauper.

However, in the Elven realm of Underhill, Prince Aerune mac Audelaine learns of the new enhancing drugs on the mortal side of the portal. He sees this as an opportunity to use Manhattan's abundance of street people to conquer first the island and then the human world. Only, Eric and his guardian cohorts (Beth and Kory on a return engagement) stand in the way of the Dark prince succeeding in his endeavor.

    BEYOND WORLD'S END is an entertaining fantasy sequel that works because of the concrete presence of contemporary Manhattan providing a powerful anchor to the tale. Because of numerous references to the previous adventure (see Bedlam's Bard), those who have not read it should to gain the full flavor and understanding of Eric and his band of saviors. The secondary cast makes the novel work as they either provide insight into the elven realm or are part of modern day Manhattan, which in turn gives the tale its subtle strength by making this fantasy seem real.

Harriet Klausner

The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner