The Stars Asunder

Set 500 years before the five other Mageworld books (The Price of the Stars, etc.), this prequel explains the origins of the Magewars and the apprenticeship and growth of Arekhon Khreseio sus-Khalgath sus-Peledaenm, aka 'Rekhe, a Mage and major series character. Combining magic, space opera and time travel, the plot offers some surprises, though less suspense and action than expected. The universe is literally split, and a Mage, Garrod, believes that other planets lie beyond the Void, so he brings together a Circle to transport him magically into the unknown, then to follow by starship. 'Rekhe becomes leader of the Circle, balances two love affairs and rescues the mission from disaster--for now. The wars on both sides of the Void, cultural differences, imbalances of power and actions of the Mages on first contact (including stealing a ship) all foreshadow further war. Easily read apart from the preceding volumes, this novel offers added foreboding for the series reader. Where can the series go from here? (June)