November 1, 2002
Told from the perspective of Rupert Venables, a Magid from planet Earth who keeps the "Multiverse" in balance, Diana Wynne Jones's Deep Secret (1997) follows Rupert's efforts to find his own replacement after his mentor dies and Rupert moves up to take his place. "What might first be perceived simply as mere embellishment and rich detailing prove to be adroitly handled story elements of an intricate plot," wrote PW.
March 1, 1999
Keeping the multiverse in balance requires Magids--powerful magicians who are sensible, pragmatic and often very busy. One such Magid, Rupert Venable, is sorting out a crisis in the Koryfonic Empire while, on earth, he must locate the proper replacement for a recently deceased fellow-Magid. The Empire needs Rupert's talents to help locate missing heirs, and good Magid candidates are hard to track down. These plot strands tie neatly at a fantasy/SF convention--the fictional PhantasmaCon in the equally fictional Hotel Babylon of Wantchester, England. Anyone familiar with such "cons" will appreciate Jones's accurate and wryly fond depiction. The setup works admirably as the plot thickens, for the con hotel is situated on a magical "node" of power; the appearance of a handsome wounded centaur brings little more than comments like "Fantastic costume!" As readers are hurtled toward a conclusion involving the guest of honor's speech, Imperial troopers and a bush-goddess, what might first be perceived simply as mere embellishment and rich detailing prove to be adroitly handled story elements of an intricate plot. Throughout, Jones (Charmed Life, etc.) combines strong writing, high fantasy heroics and delightfully dark humor to sparkling effect.