The Alton Gift

June 4, 2007
The late Marion Zimmer Bradley's influence can still be detected in her posthumous Darkover "collaborations" with Ross. This opener to the Children of Kings trilogy (after 2004's A Flame in Hali, which concluded the Clingfire trilogy) focuses on a chilling threat: the resurgence of trailman's fever, a disease that could wipe out Darkover's population. The key to a cure is Jeremiah Reed, a Terran battle survivor whose memories were wiped by Lewis-Kennard Alton via the Alton Gift of forced rapport. As the medical crisis worsens, Mikhail Lanart-Hastur, Lew's son-in-law and Regent of Darkover, must fend off a political takeover by his power-hungry rival, Francisco Ridenow. Meanwhile, Mikhail's son, Domenic, finds himself torn between romances with Alanna, his unstable cousin, and lovely Illona, a Gifted under-Keeper. Though a slow start and arcane historical references might dissuade new readers, the teasing resolution will excite anticipation in those familiar with the memorable land of the Bloody Sun.

June 15, 2007
After the death of Regis Hastur, who labored to save his planet from exploitation by the Terran Federation, political tension heats up as Domenic Alton-Hastur, heir to the Hastur rule, faces opposition from longtime rival Francisco Ridenow, while unknown to all but a few, an ancient threat rears its head, wreaking havoc among Darkoverians of all ages and classes. Approved by the late Bradley to continue her Darkover novels, Ross remains faithful to Bradley's vision in this sequel to "Traitor's Sun", creating a story filled with memorable characters, agonizing decisions, and powerfully subtle psychic forces. Suitable for all libraries, but particularly appropriate where the series has a following.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2007
In the sequel to Traitors Sun (1999), the Terrans have left Darkover, and little of their technology remains. Remnants of the Comyn are finding that governing the planet takes more energy and personnel than they have. Changes are needed, but squabbling over what changes continues.Its dream of a Terran-less world fulfilled, the conservative faction strives to restoreits unquestioned lordship of the Domains. Domenic Hastur, heir to lordship of the Comyn, travels the Domains to assess the peoples problems. When his father, the regent Mikhail, is assassinated, Domenic must assume the lordship just as a plague strikes Thendara. Sure to please Darkover fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)