A young boy discovers his special powers when he accidentally stumbles into a magical realm on the brink of war a war he must help resolve. When Elliott Orion moves to New Orleans to live with his grandfather, his greatest concerns are his sickly mother and fending off the neighborhood bullies who make fun of the strange markings on his hands. It isn't until his grandfather encourages him to check out his new basement that Elliott realizes there's more to his appearance than meets the eye; he is transported to a fantastical world called Pangrelor where he meets gargoyles, wizards, neanderthals, and a friendly bigfoot. As his journey progresses, he discovers his unkwn connection to Pangrelor, and embarks on a quest to save its greatest civilization. Success may also help him save his mother, who remains terminally ill back home. Seventy pen-and-ink illustrations by Marvel Comics Geof Isherwood add an extra dimension to Smith's vivid descriptions. A Kirkus Reviews Critics' Pick. Original. 10,000 first printing.