Twilight of the Past: A Rift in Time By Michael Parziale Nightengale Press (2006) Review by William Phenn for Reader Views (3/06)

Mr. Parziale is a young man that is headed for greatness. His imaginative narration of Newl Rift (main character) and his adventure thru these mystical lands, will keep you glued to your seat. His experience with Role Play Games (RPG) has led to a very fast moving adventure.

Newl Rift is a very resourceful character. He does things that even fantasy characters would have trouble keeping up with. But then, he, too, is a fantasy character. He is also a man, one who likes his women and will do what ever it takes to aid a damsel (or in this case damsels) in distress. This dual attribute of his character puts him in some precarious positions, in particular, traveling with the likes of Mishell and Amate Luminata, the two beautiful sisters and rulers of Sactraz, a neighboring country.

Newl is a fighter, a leader for his people that many look up to. His adventures are a kin to Gulliver's Travels in many ways. He travels with a mixed bag of military, royalty, and friends on his quest to bring peace to his beloved Gutra De and the world (Aldure). The forces of evil invade his inner circle and he is faced with the reality of someone's trying to kill him. The irony of the intrigue is that the assassin is an unexpected individual, one Newl would never have suspected.

"Twilight of the Past” is fast paced, very complex and detailed to the point of exasperating. Mr. Parziale, in his efforts to be thorough, gets into such detail, that he goes so far as to explain how Newl's communicator is attached to his tailbone, a detail I didn't really need to know....The book would benefit from a key for all the varied and colorful characters, which would make it easier for the reader to remember them all.

I believe that "Twilight of the Past” would make a great RPG game. I wouldn't be surprised to see it in software stores soon. "Twilight of the Past” is a continuing saga and there is more to come from Mr. Parziale. I look forward to seeing what happens next to the adventurous Newl Rift. "Twilight of the Past” is an RPG game in book form, gamers will love it.