Dungeons & Dragons Pocket Expert (Book Review)
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Let’s face it: Dungeons & Dragons is a game that can be a little complicated, especially for younger and first-time players who don’t know the difference between a halfling and a hobgoblin. Fortunately, there’s a way add a proficiency bonus to your D&D knowledge thanks to the new small but mighty Dungeons & Dragons Pocket Expert.
The 80-page tome (which was just released on October 8th, 2024) contains a basic primer to the lore of D&D and the world of the Forgotten Realms, without getting bogged down with any of the rules. Its’ available now from book shops, local game stores and on Amazon.
So what’s included in in these pocket-sized pages? Below, we flip open all the details.
What is the Dungeons & Dragons Pocket Expert?
The new Dungeons & Dragons Pocket Expert is an 80-page, small format book from DK Publishing and Wizards of the Coast. It offers a high level overview of the various characters, locations, species, factions, monsters and magic items from the game, with a focus on the world of the Forgotten Realms.
Each page is essentially a short description around a particular topic. For example, one page offers a brief explanation of what a beholder is along with illustrations. The book, however, focus entirely on the lore of the Forgotten Realms and doesn’t get into any of the mechanics.
Who is the D&D Pocket Expert for?
The book is really designed for younger kids within the 7-9 age range. That being said, if you’re an adult who’s new to Dungeons & Dragons (or know somehow who is), it’s also a great way to get a general sense of the overall lore and vibes of D&D. And while the focus is on the Forgotten Realms, much of what’s included can apply to just about any D&D campaign setting. For example, the book offers a breakdown on the various core DnD species, which are found in most campaign settings.
If you’re already familiar with the lore and legends of D&D and the Forgotten Realms, however, you’re probably not going to find much value beyond having this as a collector’s item, and all of the art featured in the book is really recycled from existing DnD 5e books.
Who is D&D Pocket Expert author Stacy King?
Stacy King is a Canadian fantasy author with a focus on middle grade and young adult audiences. Most notably, she wrote the Dungeons and Dragons’ Young Adventurers Guide series which is similar in tone and content to the Pocket Expert book.
Additionally, King co-authored the 2023 publication The Dungeons & Dragons Ultimate Pop-up Book , which was also written by her husband Jim Zub, who has also been a long time D&D contributor and comic book writer.
How much is the D&D Pocket Expert?
The Dungeons & Dragons Pocket Expert retails for $7.99 USD, while a Kindle version is available for $4.99 USD. It’s not a bad price for a book that’s slightly tall and narrower than your standard mass market paperback.
You may also be able to find copies for a little cheaper online or at your local game store, but again, compared to the cost of a newer DnD sourcebook, this is a pretty affordable option.
Is the Dungeons & Dragons Pocket Expert worth picking up?
If you’re thinking of picking up the new Pocket Expert book, there are a few things you may want to consider.
Pros
- Kid-Friendly Intro to D&D: The content is tailored for younger readers, making it easy for kids to grasp the basics of D&D lore.
- Compact and Portable: Its small size makes it easy to carry around, perfect for travel or quick reference (you could easily see this being passed around a school’s D&D club)
- Affordable Price: it’s budget-friendly option for players looking to dip their toes into D&D, but who don’t want to drop $50 for the new Player’s Handbook or new Dungeon Master’s Guide
Cons
- Limited Scope: The book focuses solely on the lore of D&D and the Forgotten Realms, leaving out basic rules and mechanics, which new players might be interested in learning about.
- Recycled Art: The D&D Young Adventurers Guides featured a ton of original art. Sadly, what’s featured here is illustrations we’ve already seen before.
- Short Length: At only 80 pages, it provides just a high-level overview, which may leave readers wanting more in-depth information.
Final Thoughts & Review Score
More cynical fans may look at the Dungeons & Dragons Pocket Expert as a cash grab, but the fact is that if you have a child between the ages of 7-10 looking to cut their teeth on Dungeons & Dragons, then this can be a great entry point to ease them into the world and get them interested before hitting them with the rules of DnD 5e. It’s also something that even first-time adult players might find interesting, particularly if they have almost no knowledge of D&D.
Of course, no one reading this book is going to become a “D&D expert” (whatever that means), but as a cheap entry point into the lore of the game, it’s a short and sweet option.
Final Review Score: 16 out of 20
You can pick a copy of the Dungeons & Dragons Pocket Expert now from your local book store, game store or on Amazon.
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Ollie Delano is a Staff Writer who lives in Chicago, Illinois where he majored in Journalism at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He’s been playing Dungeons & Dragons for over 10 years and currently plays in a weekly game group where he rolls way too many natural 1s and chugs way too much Mountain Dew. His favorite D&D campaign setting is Eberron and his favorite character to play was a Tiefling rogue named Draxiss who enjoys both literal and figurative backstabbing.
