This new Ravenloft novel is true to the D&D experience in delightful ways; the characters and scenarios feel like they are taken straight from a well-played game. The setting and antagonist, Stradt, are disturbing, of course, but they never strip the colour and fun from this story. Readers who love Stradt and Ravenloft will relish the chance to experience them but the adventuring party here has enough novelty and approachability to make this a great gateway into Dungeons & Dragons, even if it's a bit more unhinged than most novels.