The second book in the "Drums of Chaos" trilogy, this was the last book Jo Clayton completed before her death. It continues on much like the previous book – it shows the situation unfolding on the linked worlds of Iomard and Glandair mosaic-fashion, with brief sections, quickly intercut, from a large number of characters' points of view. However, we gradually get to know two talented young people well – Cymel and Breith, friends, although they don't actually interact much in this book. Cymel goes away to school, on her own for the first time, runs into some prejudice and trouble, but finds an older mentor who introduces her to a bohemian lifestyle – and tutors her in her magic. Breith, meanwhile, as it is forbidden in his homeland to be a boy with magical talent, runs away from home to protect his family – but soon ends up victim to slavers and is sold in a foreign land... As all this is going on, a web of plots for different factions' power is in effect throughout both worlds... Again, well-done, but not really quick-moving, and I did wish that more had "happened" by the ending - which features an annoyingly rushed "showdown" scene... ( )