“Spellsinger” by Alan Dean Foster

 Foster swings back to fantasy -- 4 stars

As you may have noticed, I’m on a bit of an Alan Dean Foster kick lately. After “For Love of Mother-Not” crept more into traditional Sci-Fi territory (or, at least, the super human genre), Foster’s “Spellsinger” swings things back around to the realm of fantasy. And, as with “For Love of Mother-Not,” this book is the first in a much beloved series.

In “Spellsinger,” young twenty something Jonathan-Thomas Meriweather finds himself sucked into a magical, medieval realm of anthropomorphic animals -- which includes an otter with a heavy Scottish accent, a sorcerous turtle, and a communist dragon.

Jonathan-Thomas -- nicknamed “JonTom” -- soon discovers that he is a “Spellsinger,” a legendary figure who channels magic through music. While his newfound abilities frequently land him and his companions in precarious situations rather than resolving them, the author cleverly uses these moments to weave classic songs into the narrative.

While the book overall feels as though it leans toward Young Adult territory, I was a little surprised that it does not shy away from adult elements -- characters curse when situations warrant it, romantic entanglements unfold naturally, and certain herbs known as “Mary Jane” make occasional appearances. Still, I felt the story strikes a nice balance for teen readers already navigating fantasy worlds or those ready to discover what the genre truly has to offer.

On the one hand, based on a little side research, it sounds like you won’t need a roadmap to navigate this series -- there is no labyrinth of prequels or tangled webs of spinoffs standing between the new readers and the story. Just one book after another, like stepping stones across a clear stream. On the other hand, I was also surprised that this first book is only half of the initial story -- apparently, the second book, “The Hour of the Gate,” finishes the story that “Spellsinger” begins.

Overall, I enjoyed “Spellsinger.” I wasn’t crazy about the “cliff hanger” element, but as time rolls by, I believe I’ll pick up a copy of “The Hour of the Gate” and find out what happens to JonTom next.