Book excerpt: As a devastating war is forgotten, an all-consuming madness takes its place in this epic sci-fi fantasy series from the Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author. Destined to rule over Majipoor, Prince Prestimion was shocked to see a charismatic rival usurp his throne. Only after a bloody conflict consumed the entire planet did he emerge victorious. Now, after finally attaining the Starburst Crown, Prestimion orders a spell of oblivion to erase the horrors of war from the memory of all but a select few . . . With peace restored, Prestimion seeks a just punishment for his wartime enemy, Dantirya Sambail. But how can this be achieved when his treachery is forgotten? Before Prestimion can solve this riddle, Sambail escapes. And as Prestimion’s search extends across Majipoor, he discovers a strange madness overtaking his people . . . “An enchanting travelogue filled with a sense of wonder.” —Locus “A tour de force of imagination, a marvel of inventive detail.” —SFSite.com