Your gaming will never be the same after reading Richard T. Balsley’s book Castle Builder Volume I: Strongholds. The first of a ten-part series, Strongholds will give both the seasoned gamer and the novice an original perspective in exploring and understanding the how-tos and whys of creating buildings, the importance of their locale, and the essential roles that they play.

Balsley’s work is inventive, well-written, and clear. He goes to great lengths to reveal the stronghold not just as edifice but as a living, dynamic, and significant part of any game. Readers will be struck by the amazing detail with which Balsley has written this book. He will take you brick by brick (or possibly flesh or solid air, fire, or elemental water as building materials if you are so inclined) into implementing a well laid out edifice that fulfills its mission and complements any game. His coverage of the various types of strongholds and their attributes is comprehensive--such that everything from size and cost and quality of construction to staffing, accommodations, maintenance and more are included. Such detail, however, does not exclude readers from adapting this work to their particular game or need. Balsely is careful to assure that his book and its application in his readers’ games are accessible and easily incorporated.

Balsley has previous authored other RPG books, including Gary Gygax's Cosmos Builder, and his passion for gaming and creating original and fantastic realms is evident. Not only does he offer his own creativity but he encourages it in his readers as well and challenges them to truly utilize their imagination and enhance their games in new ways. Balsley illustrates that he is a master at his craft and takes his gaming very seriously. There is much to be discovered in the pages of Castle Builder Volume I: Strongholds, and after reading this volume, not only will you be a fan of Balsley’s work, but you, too, will be looking forward to the books to follow in what promises to be an excellent series.