The Merchant of Death

The Merchant of Death

The Merchant of Death is a science fiction novel written by D.J. MacHale. It is the first book in the Pendragon series, which follows the adventures of Bobby Pendragon, a young boy who becomes a Traveler, tasked with protecting the balance of the universe.

Plot

The story begins with Bobby Pendragon, a seemingly ordinary fourteen-year-old boy, who discovers that he is a Traveler, a chosen individual who can travel through time and space to different worlds known as territories. He is introduced to his mentor, Uncle Press, who explains that there is a war raging between two factions: the peaceful inhabitants of the territories known as the Travelers, and the evil forces led by Saint Dane, the titular "Merchant of Death."

Bobby's first mission takes him to the territory of Denduron, a medieval-like world on the brink of a civil war. He must navigate the political landscape and unite the warring factions to prevent Saint Dane from gaining control and plunging the territory into chaos. Along the way, Bobby encounters various allies and enemies, and learns about the responsibilities and sacrifices that come with being a Traveler.

Themes

The Merchant of Death explores several themes, including the concept of destiny and the power of choice. Bobby Pendragon is thrust into a role he never asked for, but he must learn to accept his responsibilities and make difficult decisions that will impact the fate of entire territories. The novel also touches on the consequences of war and the importance of unity in the face of adversity.

Reception

The Merchant of Death received generally positive reviews from critics and readers alike. It was praised for its fast-paced storytelling, engaging characters, and imaginative world-building. The novel's blend of science fiction and fantasy elements appealed to a wide range of readers, and it quickly gained a dedicated fanbase.

Legacy

The Merchant of Death launched the Pendragon series, which consists of ten books in total. The series continued to follow Bobby Pendragon's adventures as he travels to different territories and battles against Saint Dane's machinations. The Pendragon series has been praised for its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes.

See also

• D.J. MacHale
• Pendragon (series)

External links

• Official website of D.J. MacHale
• Pendragon series on Simon & Schuster