Quickie Book Series Review: "The Door Within" Trilogy

Author: Wayne Thomas Batson
Published: 2005 - 2006 by Transit/Thomas Nelson

Synopsis: Aidan Thomas is bummed.  Just when he was about to start high school, his family announces they're moving into his grandfather's house, leaving his old home and all his friends behind.  Out of desperation, Aidan wanders into his grandfather's basement, and sees these ancient scrolls with fantastical stories...but they're so detailed, he knows there's no way they're fiction! Mom and Dad won't listen, but Grampin knows exactly what Aidan is talking about...because he went there himself.  Before he knows it, Aidan finds himself in a land known as the Realm, where Eliam, the good king of Allende, is at war with the evil Paragor.  Will he be able to succeed, or will the dark forces crush him?

My Review: Whew; what a ride! A wonderful allegory with great writing and a convoluted plot.  Even though these are "juvenile" books, I'd imagine many adults would enjoy them, too! This trilogy is definitely an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride, and an amazing one at that.  What's not to like?

Content Concerns:

• Sex: None. 5/5
• Nudity: None. 5/5
• Language: Some mild name-calling. 4.5/5
• Violence: Fantasy violence is present throughout the series, and there is some slight bloodshed. 3/5
• Drugs: Cigarettes get a brief mention, though the kid says she "is too smart" to smoke them. 4.5/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: A few scenes have characters nearly dying.  The scene where a father lunges at his child may be too much for some readers. 3.5/5

Score: 4.5/5