Unicorn Point

AUTHOR’S NOTE

For those readers who have inquired what happened to the Author’s Notes in these novels, an answer: THERE HAVE NEVER BEEN AUTHOR’S NOTES IN THE ADEPT SERIES. But, having established that, here is an exception, because I have a couple of credits to give, an explanation to make, and a question to hedge.

My thanks to “Cutter John” Griffith, whose comments on USENET helped me organize the Adepts; I was having trouble remembering who was which.

Likewise to Thornas A. McCloud, for the Dragon Duel notion and the Add-a-Game device; I adapted from his in formative letter to assemble that sequence.

For those interested in structure, yes, it is true: there are eighteen different viewpoints in this novel, one for each chapter. They move rhythmically across the three generations: elder, middle and younger, so that every third chapter relates to the same generation. Also, the odd chapters relate to Phaze, and the even ones to Proton, except for Chapter 6 when Nepe breaks the rule. Nepe is irrepressible! Now the question that some others will be asking: is this the end of the series? Certainly there remains much to tell, as the kinks are worked out of the merged frames and merged characters. One reader suggested that the Brown Adept be given a romantic interest; indeed it is possible that she has had a richer life than has been seen here. There is also the possibility of a new generation of children with extraordinary science and magic abilities. The rest of the Galaxy can hardly be ignorant of the advantages of magic; an invasion for pur poses of ruthless exploitation seems likely. This would of course have to be resisted. So yes, there may well be more, in due course. Don’t rush me. I will get to Phaze Doubt when I’m ready.