Description

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The long-awaited continuation to Marion Zimmer Bradley's popular science fiction Darkover saga

After generations of struggle to protect the unique native culture of Darkover from the ambitions of the ruthless Terran Federation, the Terrans have finally been forced to abandon Darkover due to interstellar civil war.
 
As Lew Alton—returned home to the world of his birth after decades spent in exile as the Darkovan representative to the Terran Senate—wrestles with the dark shadows from his past, his daughter Marguerida’s psychic Gifts warn her of impending danger. But danger to whom? Her husband Mikhail, as powerful head of the Hastur Doman is her most obvious worry, for many would stand to gain from his demise.
 
Meanwhile, unknown to Marguerida, her son, Domenic, searches for his place in a world of shifting loyalties, torn by love for two very different women, and troubled by his destiny as the heir to Hastur.
 
But while Darkover’s powerful rulers face their personal demons, desperate refugees flood the streets of Thendara, Darkover’s capital city, for in the mountains an ancient menace is once again on the rise—a power against which neither sword nor the psychic sorcery of Darkover can prevail.

About the Author

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Marion Zimmer Bradley is among the most famous, highly respected, and bestselling fantasy authors in our genre. The Avalon books and the Darkover novels are considered by many to be her finest achievements. Deborah J. Ross is the author of the Seven-Petaled Shield series, and a protégé and long-time friend of Bradley.

Praise For…

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Praise for Darkover:

"Richly textured, well thought out, involving." ―Publishers Weekly

"Fans of Bradley will certainly want to read this flashback into Darkover history.... It is quite suspenseful, powerfully written, and deeply moving." —Library Journal

"This is the best Darkover novel in a long time.... It's a tale of culture clash, in classic Darkover style, a delightful return to a fascinating world, and a great read." —Locus

“For sheer skill in storytelling and worldbuilding, for wit, for strikingly intelligent development of the concept of telepathy, above all, for continuous concern for people, Bradley has put some more famous sagas in the shade." —Chicago Sun-Times

"[The Alton Gift] is a must for fans of the series, and reads as if Deborah has been channeling Marion's spirit.” —Center City Weekly Press