The Rise of the Wyrm Lord by Wayne Thomas Batson Published by: Tommy Nelson (2006) 329 pages Rating: 9/10 Buy it Now:    Also by Wayne Thomas Batson: The Door Within The Final Storm Isle of Swords

The second book in The Door Within trilogy is, in many ways, very similar to the first. A young teenager discovers the secret to traveling to the land of Alleble, trains as a knight in the King's service, and goes on a special mission for the King.

But the similarities end there. On Earth, Aidan Thomas (hero of the first book), despairs of contacting his former best friend, Robbie, and telling him of the King. Then he makes a new friend, Antoinette, who also believes as he does. Realizing that Antoinette is being called to go to Alleble, Aidan suggests that she find and "convert" Robbie's Glimpse twin, since whatever happens to a Glimpse happens to their twin on Earth (and vice versa).

Antoinette accepts Aidan's charge, and the King's, joining a group of knights on a special mission. Their job is to find out why some of King Eliam's closest allies are threatening to leave. Meanwhile, Paragor, the enemy, is seeking the release of an ancient beast, the Wyrm Lord.

With this second volume of the trilogy, the scope of Batson's story becomes much more clear. The Door Within was merely an introduction to the primary story which spans books two and three (in fact, this book ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger), and it's a story that's much larger than a few special missions by teams of knights. In fact, it's a story that's larger than just one world. The ties between Alleble and Earth are defined a little more this time, the connections are stronger, and what's done in one has profound effects on the other. Everything is building toward a most promising climax.

Speaking of Earth, the scenes that take place there are much more convincing this time around. The characters feel a little more real, although the concept of "belief in King Eliam and the Realm" is still rather vague compared to what you'd expect for an allegory for Christianity.

At the same time, the alternate world is growing darker. The back cover copy asks, "Who will survive the rise of the Wyrm Lord?" and it's not a rhetorical question. The stakes are high and growing higher.

This second part of the trilogy is much better than the first, and is leading toward what could be even better. The anticipation for the final chapter is extremely high. At last younger Christian fantasy fans have something worthwhile to look forward to! Highly Recommended.