The realm

This quest tale by Peck (Fear Itself) and his collaborators, which is set in an imagined era after magic has returned to the world, follows genre form without fresh takes. Will Nolan, a bodyguard and guide for hire, is on a gig is to protect and lead a party of four west to Kansas City. The group includes Molly and Laszlo, who are soldiers, and scientists Doctor Burke and David. The exact purpose of their trip is unknown to Nolan, who hides a mysterious secret of his own. Additional protection is provided by the mysterious Rook, a masked and deadly warrior. On their journey, they're pursued by orcs and goblins commanded by Eldritch, a sorcerer in communion with a dark power. The protagonists gather other allies as they travel, with plenty of action and mayhem ensuing along the way. The dim color palette adds to the gritty feel of the story, but the foes look like less-frightening versions of denizens of the "Misty Mountains" from Peter Jackson films. Viewpoint jumping doesn't add more than confusion to the story. It's a decent fantasy that may improve as the series develops, but it's not top-flight material. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.