A gripping fantasy novel set in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover universe.
Regis Hastur was the heir to the most powerful domain on Darkover. When his grandfather died, he would inherit the title Hastur of Hastur, Regent of Darkover—king in everything but name. But ironically, this mantle was the last thing Regis had ever wanted. For he dreamed of a different kind of life—a life with the freedom to live and love like an ordinary man, without the expectations and responsibilities of his position.
Yet even Regis recognized Darkover’s desperate need for strong, rational leadership—leadership only he had been trained to provide. But now that his time was at hand, was Regis willing to make the personal sacrifices necessary to lead his world? Or would he turn away from his destiny and finally make his real dreams come true? For on his grandfather’s deathbed Regis learns that he has a brother—an older half-brother who could finally relieve Regis of the burden of title he had never wanted…. Would Regis finally let himself be free to be the man he had always dreamed of being?
Praise for Darkover:
"Richly textured, well thought out, involving." ―Publishers Weekly
"Fans of Bradley will certainly want to read this flashback into Darkover history.... It is quite suspenseful, powerfully written, and deeply moving." —Library Journal
"This is the best Darkover novel in a long time.... It's a tale of culture clash, in classic Darkover style, a delightful return to a fascinating world, and a great read." —Locus
“For sheer skill in storytelling and worldbuilding, for wit, for strikingly intelligent development of the concept of telepathy, above all, for continuous concern for people, Bradley has put some more famous sagas in the shade." —Chicago Sun-Times
"[The Alton Gift] is a must for fans of the series, and reads as if Deborah has been channeling Marion's spirit.” —Center City Weekly Press
