THE FAR KINGDOMS

First hardcover outing for the authors of numerous paperback fantasy collaborations. Young trader's son Amalric of the port city of Orissa must soon depart on his test-of-character voyage, known as Finding His Tradewind. With warrior-scholar Janos Graycloak, Amalric decides to search for the fabulous Far Kingdoms. One small complication: They must take along one member of the local magician's guild, or Evocators, in this case the weak and treacherous Cassini—who, true to type, betrays and abandons them in a far, perilous land. Returning to Orissa, Amalric and Janos find Cassini stirring up the Evocators against them, while Amalric's father lies dying. Later, their second expedition falls foul of Cassini and the hereditary enemies of Amalric's family. Escaping from vile magical imprisonment, Amalric and Janos return to Orissa, this time to overthrow the Evocators and triumphantly mount a third expedition. Finally, they reach the Far Kingdoms, which are indeed rich and powerful with magic. Amalric sees plenty of opportunities for trade with Orissa, but Janos, meanwhile, becomes obsessed with Far Kingdom magic and eventually loses his soul to the Dark Seeker; Amalric is forced to kill him. Churning but undistinguished.