Take places like Tambluff Castle, Feechiefen Swamp, Bonifay Plain and Greasy Cave. Now mix them with characters like Aidan Errolson, Dobro, King Darrow, Bayard the Truth Speaker, a contingent of scheming Pyrthens and you have The Bark of the Bog Owl, the first book of Jonathan Rogers' Wilderking Trilogy.

In this series Rogers retells the story of David from the Old Testament. However, with the exception of the main plot line there is little else predictable about the story. The reworked characters have been transplanted to a medieval fantasyland which has a more-than-passing resemblance to Rogers' native Georgia — as the jacket notes describe it: "a fantasy-adventure story told in an American accent."

The book is a lively read. Twelve-year-old Aidan, his new friend Dobro, the Feechiefolk, Aidan's brothers and the Pyrthens mix it up in play, celebration, arguments, hand-to-hand fights and a genuine battle. The action and adventure are also delivered with generous doses of humor in silly songs, rhymes and Mr. Rogers' droll way with words.

Themes that come out in this tale are love of God and country, bravery, honor and on Aidan's part, a thirst for action and adventure.

Though we get to know Aidan best, there are other interesting characters as well — the mysterious Dobro, Aidan's somewhat jealous and condescending brothers and my favorite, Bayard the Truth Speaker.

It is Bayard's wisdom, delivered in the mysterious voice of an authentic but weird prophet that had me, adult that I am, reaching for my highlighter. "Live the life that unfolds before you," he tells Aidan on their first meeting. Later he reassures him, "Do not ask, 'Am I being a fool?' Ask, 'Am I being the right sort of fool?'" It is this sage foundation that anchors the story and gives it a value which extends beyond hours of entertaining reading.

Kids in Grades 3-6 will enjoy this series. If I were the parent though, I wouldn't give it to them to read. Rather I'd read it aloud to them myself and join in the fun.