An exciting fantasy adventure set in Marion Zimmer Bradley's popular world of Darkover Court life for Prince Gareth Elhalyn, grandson of the legendary Regis Hastur, has become unbearable. In a desperate attempt to escape, Gareth appeals to his powerful grandmother, Linnea, and with her blessing, disguises himself and travels to the barbarous, warlike Dry Towns where no one will recognize a prince. In the Dry Towns, Gareth overhears rumors of deadly, illegal Terran blasters and stumbles upon a terrible reality no one could have suspected. Meanwhile, Linnea has never ceased to search for her lost daughter, Kierestelli, whom she and Regis were forced to send into hiding with the native chieri. Almost by chance, Linnea reconnects along the telepathic relays with Kierestelli, now called Silvana of Nevarsin Tower. Silvana, convinced that her parents abandoned her, rejects her mother’s overture and returns to her hidden home among the chieri. But the chieri once roamed the stars themselves, and they have no forgotten the terror of warfare in space--lessons that they pass on to Silvana. Unknown to the ruling Comyn, danger now fills the skies above Darkover, and Silvana holds half the key to protecting their world. Gareth holds the other half, if he can only stay alive long enough to discover where that key is....

Praise for Darkover:

"Richly textured, well thought out, involving." ―Publishers Weekly

"Fans of Bradley will certainly want to read this flashback into Darkover history.... It is quite suspenseful, powerfully written, and deeply moving." —Library Journal

"This is the best Darkover novel in a long time.... It's a tale of culture clash, in classic Darkover style, a delightful return to a fascinating world, and a great read." —Locus

“For sheer skill in storytelling and worldbuilding, for wit, for strikingly intelligent development of the concept of telepathy, above all, for continuous concern for people, Bradley has put some more famous sagas in the shade." —Chicago Sun-Times

"[The Alton Gift] is a must for fans of the series, and reads as if Deborah has been channeling Marion's spirit.” —Center City Weekly Press

Autorentext
Marion Zimmer Bradley is among the most famous, highly respected, and bestselling fantasy authors in our genre. The Avalon books and the Darkover novels are considered by many to be her finest achievements. Deborah J. Ross is the author of the Seven-Petaled Shield series, and a protégé and long-time friend of Bradley.