This first book in Wieler's popular trilogy introduces Rhan Van, a 15-year-old kid with a foot in two worlds. As RanVan, the powerful knight of the video arcade game Stormers, he maneuvers through endless tunnels, braving insect-like attackers at every turn. In this world, he can save the Princess from the Dark Lord and justice will prevail -- if he plays well and masters the rules.

The rules aren't as clear when he's plain, motherless Rhan Van, living with his grandmother in a shabby Vancouver apartment. One night a sleek silver car pulls up and ejects a real-life damsel in distress: Thalie Meng. He's never met anyone like her. She's beautiful, brash, smart, and mysterious. Like the noble knight in his favorite video game, Rhan takes it upon himself to pursue the Dark Lord in Thalie's life with a single-minded resolve. In the process he confronts the darkness in his own past.