This time, they are joined by Morwen's nine magical cats, who are finally allowed to give their full voice to the story (although only some of the characters can actually understand their cat language), and also by the good-hearted but annoying Killer. Our heroes are also back to counter the dastardly plan-Queen Cimorene, King Mendenbar, Kazul the King of the Dragons, Morwen the witch, and Telemain the magician. The troublemaking wizards are back again, despite multiple meltings in the past, and are once again trying to increase their power by draining and stealing the magic of the Enchanted Forest. Yet again, Wrede has produced an interesting, funny, thoroughly enjoyable work of fantasy. This is not mindboggling fantasy like the Lord of the Rings trilogy: this is fun. I have not really sampled a lot of the adult fantasy by Piers Anthony and Anne McCaffrey and such, but I doubt they can compare with the Enchanted Forest Chronicles. Needless to say, this series is one of the best ever. Unlike the Douglas Adams' Hitchiker's Guide series, which got progressively worse, each book in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles compares to the original, as fresh and brilliant as ever. Not many authors can create an entire world that entices the reader so greatly. The Enchanted Forest and its surrounding is a world I want to know about. Oh, and what about a book from Antorell's perspective? That would make for an incredibly funny story.

And perhaps Kazul's book could be somewhat of a prequel. I wish the series was not concluded, because I'd love to see Telemain's book. And nowhere else have I seen as unique a discussion of magic in its many forms as in these four books. The characters are some you would like to know personally. She writes in a style that incorporates intelligent fantasy with enjoyable humor. The chapter headings induce chuckles immediately, simply by their existence.

Cimorene, Mendanbar, Kazul, Morwen, Telemain, Daystar, Shiara.and let us not forget Zemenar and Antorell. It's like 'Mixed-Up Fairy Tales' or something, but funnier, more engaging, and ripe for repeat reading (I just graduated from high school, and I just finished reading the entire series for the third time in a matter of days). What? Only five stars?!? I need more to do this series justice! Patricia C.

Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede