A Map of Nowhere centers on Nick Miller's uneasy relationships with groups of friends and family members who represent different moral choices.

Nick is the most intriguing character because he changes radically by the end of the novel. At the outset Nick is not concerned with morality at all. He is not evil in character as much as he is immature, morally undisciplined, and adrift. Nick feels left out because his school's fantasy-game club is shut down and his brother Terry's bikers usually pay him no attention. Returning Joseph Fisher's wallet opens up exciting prospects for Nick. He notices that it contains a metal fantasy figure and the notes for a strange adventure game.

Although Nick and Joseph think alike when it comes to a choice of pastime, they initially have little else in common. Joseph is sincere, polite and serious, and he is...