Just read: "Erec Rex: The Dragon's Eye" by Kaza Kingsley
"Erec Rex: The Dragon's Eye" is actually a Young Adult novel --- not my usual fare, but the author recently joined my discussion group and was kind enough to send me a copy of the book for review.  Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this one.  Even though the author doesn't like the comparison, the novel actually will really go down well with people who read and enjoyed the Harry Potter series.  There are a number of surface similarities --- young boy living with adoptive parents, finds out there is more to his world and heritage, ends up in another/parallel world with many other kids, participating in various competitions.  At the same time, despite these few similarities, it's a completely original story set in a very different world, with a different magic system and, well, an entirely different premise.  When I say it'll go down well with people who enjoyed Harry Potter, I simply mean that I think those readers will enjoy it --- but I want to make clear that it's anything but a Potter-copy!  The novel is very light-hearted, at times extremely funny, although it will also make you care about the characters and draw you into their story.  It's just a plain fun read.  I tore through this in record time, just because it was so entertaining I couldn't put it down.  I look forward to reading the sequel, but first...

Next up:  "A Forest of Stars", the sequel to "Hidden Empire" by Kevin J. Anderson