In this episode of David Narrates Books, David Sheley reads a snippet from Chapters 4 and 5 of Dance of the Nutcracker by Paul Thompson, and then a bit from Crazy Faith by Michael Todd. The snippet from Dance of the Nutcracker follows Fritz, who has escaped from prison, as he hears men betting on when he will try to escape. Fritz then has an unpleasant encounter with Malregent in the dictator's throne room. The snippet from Crazy Faith is about exercising child-like trust in one's life.

In Chapter Three of Paul Thompson's Dance of the Nutcracker, Fritz experiences the slow passage of time as he works on a building site with other prisoners. One day, General Bazra arrives, and the soldiers guarding the site take Anthony away to be a gladiator. Fritz is left with a feeling of dread and promises to tell Anthony's family what happened to him.

In Chapter Two of Paul Thompson's Dance of the Nutcracker, Fritz learns a little bit more about the antagonist of the story: Malregent. Just who is this guy? And why is he so interested in gold? It seems to be an obsession that extends beyond pure wealth.

In Chapter One of Paul Thompson's Dance of the Nutcracker, Fritz finds himself in another world. Is he in the Watcher's Realm, or is this somewhere else? Will he find new friends here or new enemies?

In this first podcast episode, I'll read the prologue from Dance of the Nutcracker, book three, in Paul Thompson's Nutcracker Trilogy. If you like stories about magic and wizards and alternate worlds, you don't want to miss this stunning conclusion to the series.