The Adventurer's Guild

Jaikus and Reneeke are ordinary lads whose dream in life is to become members of The Adventurer's Guild. But to become a member, they must be able to lay claim to an Adventure, and not just any adventure. To qualify, an Adventure must entail the following:

1-Have some element of risk to life and limb.
2-Successfully concluded. If the point of the Adventure was to recover a stolen silver candelabra, then you better have that candelabra in hand when all is said and done.
3-A reward must be given. For what good is an Adventure if you don't get paid for your troubles?

Jaikus and Reneeke soon realize that becoming members in the renowned Guild will prove much more difficult than they thought. However, when they learn that a party of experienced Guild members are about to embark on an Adventure and are in need of Springers, they quickly volunteer only to later discover that a Springer's job is to "Spring the trap."

If they survive the ensuing ordeal, membership in the Guild is assured.

The book's introduction begins, "Rumor has it that the great city of Reakla had its beginnings nearly a millennium ago." The author immediately transports the reader into Reakla's fascinating world with what seems a cross between an adult fairy tale and a history lecture by a teacher who makes history come alive.

"The Adventure Guild" is the story of two young lads, Jaikus and Reneeke, who set out to be adventurers. They've heard wily tales of battles won and lost by adults who dared to earn their living by embarking on dangerous excursions requested and paid for by various citizens of Reakla. Finally, Jaikus and Reneeke manage to get accepted as "springers" in an explorer group bound for a bog inhabited by glow-moths, trolls, and other formidable creatures. Little do the boys know what is involved in being a springer, but they will soon find out!

Charka is the leader of the group. He cares for his flock, but he can eye them down in an instant. Charka's powerful demeanor is always in control, yet he is like big teddy bear at heart.

The wry, sly Seward loves to instill fear in the boys, but he is often the first to respond in battle, putting his life on the line. Seward is loyal to Charka, though one wonders if that is primarily for self-gain. In some ways Seward resembles Jaikus, but with a more mature vision earned by experienced calamities.

Kate, the powerful magic one, is firm but tender-hearted with the boys, seeing the best in them, warding off Seward's fear tactics, and advocating for them with Charka when possible.

Reneeke is the mature and laid back lad, with a more solid bravery than Jaikus's impulsive one. He develops excellent leadership qualities on the trip, and his insights even excel Charka's at times toward the end.

Jaikus is the immature and impulsive lad with big dreams. He is a good kid, fun-loving, ambitious, and on his way to growing up. Jaikus will have some great stories to tell some day of how he started out so foolhardily and got knocked down a few notches at times. But in the end.... Well you'll just have to read the book to find out!

While the book is written for adults, it is sure to be a hit with adventure lovers of all ages. I read this as a 62-year-old grandmother, and loved it. My 10-year-old grandson was also intrigued by the story.

Reakla is a magical place, with dangerous missions and occasional descriptive language of creatures that attack or are slain. For me, it is reminiscent of fairy tales I enjoyed as a child, only much more sophisticated. There is always a feeling that the boys will survive the mission in the end, and be even better for the lessons learned. I found it suitable for my grandson, but the book is primarily written with adults in mind. You may want to review it first if your child is easily frightened.

This story is carried along in an upbeat and positive way that transports the adult reader into a reprieve from daily cares, while it teaches responsible behavior to youngsters who may read these adventures. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good adventure.