THE EXPLORERS GUILD by Kevin Costner and Jon Baird is a grand adventure, an epic adventure in truth, spanning continents and otherworldly places. Think Jules Verne and HG Wells, mix it all together with movie-like storytelling, and you have one interesting book. It might sound a bit too much, but it’s a wonderful mixture. And I go back to the word “epic”; it’s a truly epic story in scope.

Before I go any further, I need to describe the book itself. Beyond the main tale, THE EXPLORERS GUILD is a richly illustrated work, part graphic novel and full-on adventure from page one. It’s as though you as the reader have been invited to hear a story; it’s not always believable, but it’s always entertaining.

"If you have a penchant for adventure tales, THE EXPLORERS GUILD deserves a spot on your shelf. There’s something very wild and compelling about the story, and, at the same time, quite comforting in the way the adventure unfolds."

With World War I as the backdrop, members of the secretive Explorers Guild --- intrepid explorers, aristocrats and some downright braggarts --- start a search for the great mystical Buddhist city of Shambhala. But bring together a group of men with a need to prove they are the bravest and strongest, and the city --- or at least its legendary status --- will be uncovered. Each person seeks the city for different reasons --- some very personal, some for glory, and some for truth and enlightenment. What they find along the way is an answer to all their personal quests; some of these objectives are answered, others are left open for another undertaking.

An amazing cast of characters fill the pages and take you on a voyage from the North Pole to the desert expanse of Mongolia. From the heart of war to the halls of grand homes, at each new stop a piece of the puzzle drops, leading everyone to an eventual conclusion but very far from a simple ending.

What I enjoyed most about this story is the art work. It’s amazingly illustrated by Rick Ross and in all the right places, making the adventure incredibly grand, dangerous and mystical at the same time. The language, which is so reminiscent of the aforementioned Jules Verne, makes the story feel comfortable, yet you’ll find yourself waiting breathlessly for the next secret to be unveiled. It’s as though you’ve been invited into the Guild hall, handed a cup of tea, and offered a seat in front of the fireplace. The stage is set, and you’re ready for an evening of storytelling that won’t disappoint.

If you have a penchant for adventure tales, THE EXPLORERS GUILD deserves a spot on your shelf. There’s something very wild and compelling about the story, and, at the same time, quite comforting in the way the adventure unfolds. I didn’t feel as though I was on this adventure, but rather I was being told about it by someone who lived it. It feels embellished, exaggerated and larger than life. It’s a story to be enjoyed slowly and possibly shared with others.