Never Deal with a Dragon by Robert N. Charrette is the first volume of Shadowrun: Sectrects of Power. In this futuristic tale the world is ruled by mega-corporations who take care of their employees from the cradle to grave. Technology has reached unheard of levels, people work in true virtual worlds, and crime is almost non-existant. But extrodinary things are happening to ordinary people, something that has been hidden for countless generations has come out. Magic has returned to the world.

Enter Sam Verner, an average Joe that works as a researcher for the Renraku Corporation. Then his sister disappears, the corporation tells him that she's turning into an Ork and will be assimilated into the society of the magical creatures that have returned to the world. But that is all that he is told and they will not allow him any contact with her. During all this he is also implanted with a data jack so he can directly connect with Renraku's computer.

Then he is transferred to the Seattle branch of the company, which is as good as being retired in the corporation. Things start happening to Sam even before he touches down in Seattle. His plane is hi-jacked by Shadowrunners, people who work on the fringes of society. After that he starts seeing a ghost in the machine, a man who was on the plane with him dies and Sam thinks he sees his icon after it should have been de-activated.

He starts digging and soon he's running from the corporations. Along the way he learns the unexpected about himself and the corporation he'd always trusted.

This book has just the right blend of science fiction and fantasy. I loved the way magical creatures used technology to further their own goals and play with the mighty corporations. The character of Samual Verner was complex and soon earned my sympathy and support. I reccomend this book to people who enjoy both scienct fiction and fantasy.