Walker of Worlds

Chronicles of the King's Tramp #1

by Tom De Haven

Jack, a Walker, has learned a secret-one that could mean the end of all the worlds, not just his own. He has earned an enemy-and the Mage of Four, Mage of Luck, is a powerful enemy indeed. Jack must flee to our world, where he gathers a small group of unlikely, sometimes unwilling allies. In the ultimate confrontation, their efforts will determine the fate of the universes.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, German Literature

342 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1990

About the author

Tom De Haven is the author of five novels: Freaks' Amour, Jersey Luck, Funny Papers, Derby Dugan's Depression Funnies, and Dugan Under Ground; a collection of three related novellas, Sunburn Lake; and a three-novel series, Chronicle of the King's Tramp, which includes Walker of Worlds, The End-of-Everything Man, and The Last Human. His latest novel for young adults, The Orphan's Tent, was published in 1996, and his latest graphic novel, Green Candles, in 1997. He has previously published two young adult novels, two graphic novels, and various other innovative fiction projects.

De Haven has a richly varied experience as a writer, having worked as a freelance journalist, an editor, and a film and television scriptwriter. His book reviews appear regularly in Entertainment Weekly and The New York Times Book Review. His awards include a fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and he has twice won fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts. Before joining VCU's faculty, De Haven taught at Rutgers and Hofstra University.

Reviews

[Sylvain · Rating 3 out of 5]

La 4ieme de couverture m'a fait penser aux Princes d'Ambre, bonne lecture de plage. Je vais chercher la suite si elle existe.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well written book. I enjoyed the descriptions of homelessness in New Your City and the gritty realism of the majority of the characters as they deal with the magical and unrealistic situations that they are encountering. It was thoroughly enjoyable.

[Elerwen · Rating 1 out of 5]

terribilmente noioso, illeggibile.
un pessimo romanzo

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd book, interesting though.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for literally 10 years... much to my regret, now!!! I had no idea this book was that good. De Haven's writing skill is incredible, and his techniques of moving the plot along while switching from one character's perspective to another's is almost like a movie switching camera angles, but better.

Plus, his overall storyline and concept are great! This is a fantasy novel that 90% happens in the real world: it's not all about magic, nor are the names all crazy and unpronounceable. Since this was intended as a trilogy, De Haven is able to really develop his characters, instead of trying to squeeze it in while rushing through the plot. I don't know if that stays true in the second book (based on the end of the first, it might not), but I've ordered it already!!!

Looking forward to seeing what happens in the rest of the trilogy.

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, they say that "the third time's a charm" and with this book, for me, that proved correct. I had a difficult time keeping all the different names straight at first. I kept thinking that Master Squintik and the Mage of Four, Mage of Luck were the same individual. Guess I should not have read the back cover. *grin* According to what was written there, Master Squintik was an evil mage for whom Jack, a Walker worked. I did not find Squintik evil at all. In fact I found the Mage of Four, Mage of Luck to be far worse. At any rate, once the action picked up I was enthralled. Mr. De Haven does a great job at showing the interactions between all the characters. I am glad that I gave this book another chance rather than just tossing it on the pile of books to go to a used book store.

[Allen Garvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently re-read. I don't remember the first time I read this. Many years ago. A marvelously inventive, fast-paced fantasy that reminds me a little of Gene Wolfe in places. Remains quite fresh today. Two more in the series to go, and I don't have the slightest recollection how the end.

[Brett]

Fantasy

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

oops, finished this about a week ago & forgot to update...3.5

[Marzell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich habe ein Buch bei BookCrossing.com registriert!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13201096

[Marzell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich habe ein Buch bei BookCrossing.com registriert!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13201111