The principal characters of the Everworld novels are David, Jalil, Christopher, April, and Senna. David Levin narrates the first novel, Search for Senna. He is about sixteen years old and says, "I have a rep as a fairly tough guy." He likes being "tough" but dislikes the fact that other people expect him to be stupid because of it. As he tells the tale of Search for Senna, he reveals a good, logical mind—one that is well suited to military logistics. Whether his companions like it or not, they often need his ability to spot weaknesses in an opponent's defenses, as well as his talent for finding something to do when all hope appears lost.

Ever the man of action, David is eager to knock heads and defeat foes. As he works an oar of the Dragonshield, a Viking longboat, he notes...