SciFi from 80s about parallel worlds of tech and magic (but not Anthony's Adept)
Talk Name that Book
Join LibraryThing to post.
This topic is currently marked as "dormant"—the last message is more than 90 days old. You can revive it by posting a reply.
1JCK
Back in the late 80s, early 90s, I read a book (probably a series) about parallel worlds of tech and magic. I know it sounds like Piers Anthony's Adept series, but it's not.
There are two worlds, one tech, one magic, connected by a number of gates. The magic world is dangerous enough that they trade magically created goods (mostly drugs, IIRC) to the tech world in return for slaves to fill out their population.
The magic world is based on reality warping - its default state is a sort of formless fog, and some people naturally have power in that world. Weaker magicians have limited powers -- the ability to create illusions, polymorph other, throw flame, etc. The strongest magicians have just about unlimited versatility to impose their will on the fog, and the very strongest magicians are "gods" who create city states where instead of fog, there is an area with characteristics set by the god's desire. (One goddess choses to manifest as a moving tapestry, for example).
The protagonists are sold as slaves from the tech world to the magic world, and the lead protagonist discovers that she is a powerful magician. At some point, they get sucked into a larger conflict.
It sounds a little like Piers Anthony's Blue Adept, but it's not. In tone (female protagonist, exploration of the new world, etc.), it reminded me a little of Varley's Titan. Thanks!
There are two worlds, one tech, one magic, connected by a number of gates. The magic world is dangerous enough that they trade magically created goods (mostly drugs, IIRC) to the tech world in return for slaves to fill out their population.
The magic world is based on reality warping - its default state is a sort of formless fog, and some people naturally have power in that world. Weaker magicians have limited powers -- the ability to create illusions, polymorph other, throw flame, etc. The strongest magicians have just about unlimited versatility to impose their will on the fog, and the very strongest magicians are "gods" who create city states where instead of fog, there is an area with characteristics set by the god's desire. (One goddess choses to manifest as a moving tapestry, for example).
The protagonists are sold as slaves from the tech world to the magic world, and the lead protagonist discovers that she is a powerful magician. At some point, they get sucked into a larger conflict.
It sounds a little like Piers Anthony's Blue Adept, but it's not. In tone (female protagonist, exploration of the new world, etc.), it reminded me a little of Varley's Titan. Thanks!
2peanuts1966
Hi, could it be Triplet by Timothy Zahn? The story is set on an extraordinary group of linked planets: at the start of the novel there are believed to be three of them, hence the name "Triplet". I don't believe this is a series, however. Hope this helps, Joe
3JCK
Thanks - I like Zahn, so I'll check that out.
After some googling, it turns out to be Spirits of Flux and Anchor and the subsequent books. From the reviews, it might not be as good as I remember, though . . .
After some googling, it turns out to be Spirits of Flux and Anchor and the subsequent books. From the reviews, it might not be as good as I remember, though . . .
4peanuts1966
You're welcome. I think you'll like the Zahn book. Haven't read those particular Chalker books. Some of the other Chalker's didn't appeal to me, so i never tried Flux and Anchor. Regards, Joe
