From Publishers Weekly
This volume kicks off a new series dedicated to the travels of Magnus d'Armand, who is rebelling against his famous father, Rod Gallowglass, hero of several Stasheff novels (The Warlock in Spite of Himself). Magnus, under the alias of Gar Pike, travels to the island of Pirogia on the planet Petrarch, which he wishes to convert into a democracy. There, he befriends Gianni Braccalese, the son of a leading merchant. Gianni's attempts to trade his father's goods with other lands are impeded by the Stiletto Company, mercenaries in the employ of one Prince Raginaldi. (At one point, to disguise themselves from marauding soldiers, Magnus (as Gar) suggests that he and Gianni call themselves Giorgio and Lenni-and does several riffs on rabbits, just in case the reader misses the point.) During his quest Magnus encounters several competing factions-with more than one originating off-world-to be overcome. But battle scenes are either described after the fact or rendered in lackluster exposition, and too many familiar names are invoked (Vladimir; Estragon; Feste) but generally ill used. While this series may develop into something interesting, this first volume doesn't bode well.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Magnus Gallowglass, scion of technological warlock Rod Gallowglass, leaves the shelter of his father's reputation as he sets out for distant planets in need of delivery from oppressive governments. On a distant planet, Magnus encounters a complex web of political intrigue and despotism that has been made worse by the ill-informed meddlings of a rival group of intergalactic interventionists. As a spin-off from the author's popular Warlock novels (begun in 1969 with The Warlock in Spite of Himself), this series opener should find a built-in readership. Stasheff has a knack for crafting a lighthearted, action-filled tale.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
