SF screenwriter Zicree (The Twilight Zone Companion
) teams with Philip K. Dick Award–winner Wilson (The Chronoliths
) for the rousing, if overly long, conclusion to his Magic Times fantasy trilogy. Since the Change, which nudged the universe into another dimension thanks to a U.S. government agency's snafu, unpredictable magic has replaced modern technology worldwide. Former New York lawyer Cal Griffin leads a courageous band out West in search of his sister, Tina, while another stalwart member of the group, Herman Goldman, looks forlornly for his lost sweetheart, Magritte. The saga's lawyer-dragon villain, Ely Stern, whose iridescent scales are gaudier than ever, provides the biggest plot surprise. As Cal and company attempt to destroy the evil that caused the Change, the authors effortlessly move the action from New York to Chicago and the old West, where buffalo still roam, a few guns still fire and simulacra of Indians and Calamity Janes lend a helping hand. Some readers may find the heroes' repetitive adventures tiresome, but most will applaud the upbeat message about humanity's survival, if without cell phones or TV. Agent, Chris Lotts at Ralph M. Vicinanza. (Dec. 1)
