A review by synoptic_view
The Many-Colored Land by Julian May

Good popcorn reading. It is a perfect example of a "D&D story": it follows a small party of adventurers who are all broadly drawn archetypes (some might say stereotypes). The party finds itself thrust into an adventure with stakes that could include the end of the world. The characters have differing skills, jobs, and interests that ensure they will all have a role in the adventure. There is even a classic side quest to obtain upgraded weapons.