This used to be a favourite when read years ago but when re-read, again some years back, found it and the sequel a bit wearingly angst ridden, so no longer have them. ( )

Story was difficult to follow, especially at the beginning and the end; computer jargon not convincing to me, shows author not really familiar. ( )

What is truth? Not really what I want to be dealing with right now. ( )

For me, this book started off really slow. I was interested in the world presented, but it took me a long time to warm up to either the characters or the story. After a while, though, my interest picked up quite a bit.

The story is set in an alternate world where magic still exists, although its influence is starting to fade. Many people aren’t sure if magic is even real, and technology is become more prevalent. A programmer from our world is kidnapped and taken to this alternate world where she gets caught up in events there. It’s too difficult to explain what those events are without spoiling the story, so I’m not even going to try.

The book starts off focusing on a character who wasn’t terribly interesting to me. The focus eventually shifted over to a couple other characters who I found more interesting. The story was published in the 80’s and it does have a slightly dated feel, particularly in its occasional discussions of real-world technology, but not unpleasantly so. I did think it failed to be as twisty as the author seemed to want it to be, maybe just because it relied on tropes that have become familiar to me and so it was easier for me to predict certain things. Plus I found it impossible to buy into the idea that Antryg Windrose was the real villain when a four-book series is named after him.

The ending is a complete cliffhanger. Although most of the main questions are answered, nothing is resolved, and our main characters are in jeopardy. I liked this book well enough by the end that I’m going to continue on and read the next book, so I can find out what happens. ( )

The main character is a computer programmer, but don’t let the self-insert feel fool you—yes, she’s targeted by and then transported to a magical realm, and yes, her meanie ex-boyfriend turns out to be in league with evil, but it’s a great story with a serious plot. I can’t wait to read the rest of the trilogy! ( )