Book Review: Confessions of a Part-Time Sorceress

Confessions of a Part-time Sorceress: A Girl's Guide to the D&D Game

by Shelly Mazzanoble

Shelly Mazzanoble had heard of Dungeons & Dragons, but like most people who have never played the game, she thought that D&D was played in dank basements by social outcasts wearing dark cloaks. So when she started working for Wizards of the Coast and was convinced to give D&D a try, she approached her first game with trepidation. What she discovered is that D&D is an enjoyable way to spend an evening. It didn't take long for her to get into the spirit of the game and to discover her inner sorceress.

Confessions of a Part-Time Sorceress serves as both encouragement for the hesitant, and a gentle introduction to the game. It's an entertaining and humorous look at the game, with anecdotes from Shelly's excursion into D&D interspersed with simple, easy to understand explanations of the basics. If you're curious about Dungeons & Dragons, but unsure if you want to venture there, this book will get you started. Even if you aren't thinking of playing, but just want to know more, it's a fun book to read.

There are a few adult references in the book, so it's probably most appropriate for older teens and adults. Parents of younger teens and tweens may want to preread before giving it to their child.

Publication date: September, 2007

I interviewed Shelly Mazzanoble at BEA and will be posting the interview soon.