This cosmological romance is divided into two roughly equal parts, originally published separately. All the mind-bending revelations and universe-shattering events take place at the end of part one, which gives part two a distinct air of anticlimax. Once you've destroyed one universe and revealed the cosmic destiny of mankind, what do you do for an encore?
In part one Renark von Bek, with two friends and a chance companion, explores the Shifter, an anomalous planetary system which drifts at right angles to the multiverse, appearing for hours or days in any given plane before moving on to the next. Renark has gotten some Very Bad News about the fate of the universe and hopes to find a solution. The Shifter is a chaotic environment in which the laws of physics are in constant flux, driving men mad. Much is made of Renark holding self and psyche together through sheer will.
Renark and friend Asquiol form an unmistakable Eternal Champion/Loyal Companion pairing. Uniquely among Companions, Asquiol will graduate to E.C. status in part two, after Renark meets his ultimate fate.
The system is explored. Clues lead from one planet to the next. Cosmic secrets are revealed. There is much Capitalization. Here's a good example.
"It was believed," said the metazoa, "that those whom we call the Doomed Folk had passed away in a distant galaxy in our original universe, and that galaxy - which had known great strife - was quiet again in readiness for the Great Turn which would be the beginning of a new cycle in its long life. We and other watchers in nearby galaxies saw it shift like a smoky monster, saw it curl and writhe and its suns and planets pour in ordered patterns around the Hub and out around the Rim, reforming their ranks in preparation.
"The Dance of the Stars was a sight to destroy all but the noblest of watchers, for the weaving patterns depicted the Two Truths Which Bear the Third, so that while the galaxy reformed itself to begin a fresh cycle through its particular Time and Space, it also cleansed its sister galaxies of petty spirits and those who thought ignoble thoughts.
...
"When at last the Dance was over, the Hub began to spin, setting the pattern for the new Cycle. And slowly, from the Hub outwards to the Rim, the suns and planets began to turn again in a course that would be unchanged for eons."
...
"You witnessed a galaxy reorder itself by its own volition!" Renark sensed at last that his most important question was close to being answered.
I can't say much about part two without spoiling part one even further. It involves psychic combat, called the Blood Red Game, with an alien race. Two underused characters from part one reappear and are finally given something (but not much) to do.
Yes there's some clunky dialogue and awkward exposition, and it really works better if you think of it as two linked stories rather than a novel. But so what? It's good pulpy cosmic fun.
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