World's End

Gr 5—9—Sleepwalking hero Alfonso Perplexon is on a school trip to France. It's been three quiet years since the 15-year-old discovered that he is a Great Sleeper of the land of Dormia, capable of heroic feats that he would never attempt in waking life. Suddenly, he awakens to discover that he has stowed away on a ship bound for Alexandria, Egypt. Upon arrival, he finds a strange clue in an ocean cave, narrowly escapes an attempt on his life, and reunites with his old friend Bilblox, a tough, now-blind longshoreman with a seeing-eye wolf. Alfonso wants to go back to Dormia, though he's not quite sure why. Might his long-missing father still be alive? Gradually, the details of his latest quest become clear-he must journey underground to try to find the ancient Dormian city of Jasber. Accompanied by his uncle Hill, his friend Resuza (who is now taller and much more attractive), and Bilblox, Alfonso embarks on an expedition that involves constant danger and a villainous enemy. Intricately developed and interweaving plotlines, strong characterizations, and a zestfully imagined fantasy world make for a pleasurably meandering and satisfying read. Fans of the first book will enjoy this second volume, and the story's cliff-hanger ending will have them impatiently awaiting the next installment.—Hayden Bass, Seattle Public Library, WA