Beyond the Gate

Weak writing and a lack of clarity make this book less focused than its predecessor, The Golden Queen, though fans should get a charge out of the continuing adrenaline-packed adventures of the ever-charming Gallen, Maggie and Orick, the talking bear. Gallen rushes almost directly from his wedding to Maggie through the World Gate so that he can protect Ceravanne, a youthful Tharrin whose genetic enhancements are still no match for the powers of the diabolical Inhuman, who seeks to rule humanity through psychophysiological manipulation. Meanwhile, the alien Dronons that Gallen defeated in the first book are seeking him, hoping to destroy him and Maggie in a rematch. While this novel flirts with more complex moral choices than its prequel, Wolverton eventually drops the ambiguities and opts for a book more notable for brisk action than for philosophical fine points. (Aug.)