"St. Nick and the Cane of Power," a fantasy novel by Phil Snyder, playfully and ingeniously melds the historical bishop of the early Christian church with the modern-day, mostly secular icon. The character that emerges is a type of Christ, who is both reverent and relevant. "Nick," as he is known to the "story-teller," Peter Cottontail, is attacked by adversaries bent on destroying, not only him, but Christmas, Easter, and any vestiges of Judeo-Christian traditions worldwide. Nick, Mrs. Claus, and their two adopted children set off on a thrilling adventure that is part "Star Wars" and part "Piercing the Darkness," yet one-of-a-kind in its uniqueness. "St. Nick and the Cane of Power" is full of engaging plot twists, and a surprise ending like none other.