In this delightful blend of fantasy and space opera, the ninth in Stasheff's (The Warlock in Spite of Himself) Rogue Wizard series, Gar Pike and his colleague, Alea, must reunite a lost planetary colony, apparently consisting of Scots, who no longer possess the parts, fuels and know-how to keep a technological civilization going. While the colony has spread, society has broken down into constantly warring clans equipped with muskets. Add to this mix two intelligent, alien species, each with six limbs. In the more evolved species, the fairies, two of the limbs have become wings. Their ground-dwelling cousins, elves, are equipped with two sets of arms. Fairies, elves and humans exist in an uneasy truce. The humans have learned to avoid the deep forests, while the fairy and elves avoid the farms and the ill-kept roads threatened by outlaws and traveled mainly by peddlers and priests of a religion that has largely fallen into disbelief. On occasion lovers from feuding clans take up residence near the fairy mounds or clearings protected by the aliens' psychic powers and herbalism. The various conflicts and plot twists will keep new readers happily turning the pages, while established fans will probably find of most interest the evolving relationship between Gar and Alea. The author of several other series (Starship Troupers, the Warlock's Heirs, etc.), Stasheff shows once again that he's the master of easy, entertaining fantasy. (July 23)
