Title: The Witch Port Video Game
Author: Leonard Bassed
Publisher: Leonard M. Bassed
ISBN: 978-0-6207-7484-5
Pages: 108
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy
Reviewed by: Carol Davala

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In this modern day fantasy, three teenagers are unexpectedly caught up in an enticing video game that draws them into a world of conflict and sorcery. Here the rules are simple – use and obtain power, trust no one, and stay alive. Leonard Bassed’s The Witch Port Video Game presents an occult invasion into a fictional suburbia where seemingly ordinary individuals are confronted with a challenge to survive.

In the pleasant town of Cradle Creek, high school friends Martin Robinson, Francesca Dubois, and Mackenzie Hollister are in their junior year at St. Phillips Academy of Performing Arts. Smart, cautious, and fastidious Martin hopes to attend Julliard. Francesca, is a blonde, blue-eyed ballerina type, and counterpart Mackenzie, a likeable, hardworking, bohemian harbor dancer’s aspirations. Unfortunately, when the three sneak off to an elite NY establishment, they are soon introduced to an unusual gaming device that connects them to a web of dark sorcery. Back at school, the arrival of a handsome substitute teacher, Logan MacQuoid, with his younger brother, Crayton, quickly sparks a battle ground between witches and warlocks, rapidly transforming what was thought to be a game into a new, present day reality. With the help of Dr. Chambers, an English teacher with her own command of the occult, these classmates come to recognize their own special gifts, as they enter a shadowy landscape and face enemy forces.

From friendship and angst, and nudges of sibling rivalry and parental control, to a never-ending fashion parade marked by nuances of designer pink golf shirts and leopard stilettos, Bassed weaves many of the traditional, relatable themes into this adventurous teen drama. Such elements speak to the constants of high school years, no matter where they occur, though here the story that comes to life both within and around the halls of academia is creatively heightened by opposing forces of good and evil, a history of witchcraft, and the significant ramifications of abusing otherworldly powers. The lesson behind the affirming magic is clearly, “It’s all about the intentions.”

Like most tales of sorcery, much of the artistry comes through in the details. From spoken incantations and a special “Hasta Veneficus” (spear of the wise) symbol used to block witch or warlock powers, to the use of a special brown powder that demonstrates the ability to drop an evil opponent to his knees, the pages are intertwined with fantastical elements. Whether demonstrated through premonitory visions, hailed in mid-air body slams, or highlighted with flowers bursting into flames, Bassed showcases the unique abilities of these newbie teen sorcerers. In this contemporary realm even modern technology holds its place in the atmosphere of potent wizardry, as narrator Martin makes use of the World Wide Web to track down a dangerous, yet protective talisman sold through the proprietor at Betty Boo’s Parlor of Magic.

As a nod to the popularity of witchcraft in the entertainment arena, Bassed’s characters liken their newfound situation to the 1990s TV show Charmed, where three sisters discover their own supernatural abilities. With the same intention they suddenly realize their daily academic schedules are now being compromised by a “Harry Potter thing … going on after hours.”

In terms of formatting, the book’s smaller print sizing may be a bit disconcerting for some readers, but should be less problematic for the intended hawk-eyed, young adult audience. However due to the paragraph structure of the narrative, with all dialogue blended directly into this framework, it can often take a moment to decipher which character is speaking. The confusion comes about particularly in group conversations.

While the book’s final moments leave us with a rather sudden, enigmatic ending, an end note does indicate a sequel Witch Port Igniting the Coven on the horizon. For those who enjoy the entertaining literary chemistry that results from inquisitive teens and their foray into the mysterious world of sorcery, Bassed’s venture should prove an intriguing reveal.