The second book in the magnificent Majipoor Cycle, the bestselling saga conceived on a truly epic scale. The extraordinary story continues in this volume of the bestselling Majipoor Cycle that began with Lord Valentine's Castle. By night he dreams of imminent dangers that threaten peaceful Majipoor. By day Lord Valentine rules a world fragile in its diversity, and his deep, dark vision of treachery and wizardry make the burdens of the crown and sceptre heavy. Then he learns that the evil Shapeshifters are planning to recapture their lost world, forcing Valentine to act. He must surrender to his enemies or plunge his people into war. The scope of its society and the detailed history Silverberg has created for this world is breathtaking. Against this, his deep, dark vision of treachery and wizardry make the burdens of the crown and sceptre heavy for Valentine and exciting for the reader.