The Homeward Bounders

Diana Wynne Jones writes some of the most imaginative and intriguing fantasy available, and at the same time it can be some of the most complex. This stimulating offering is no exception. It mingles the Promethean legend with war gaming, ley lines and I know not what else. Jamie, a kind of Heracles figure is a pawn in the games played by 'Them' on their boards in the glass places, but then so is everyone else a pawn. What makes the hero and his future companions exceptional is that they are randoms, who may fairly freely tread the bounds between the games (or universes) and, if they do not lose hope, may eventually get back home. Jamie manages to destroy this kind of servitude by the very fact that he does lose hope and upset 'their' plans. It's uncompromising, it's demanding and never less than challenging --- but what a dreary cover!