Catastrophe's Spell

Mayer Alan Brenner wrote 4 books back in the early 90's. They were a crossover science/fantasy series that combined the magic and smart-aleck wit of Stephen Brust's Jhereg series with the heroic characterization that typified Roger Zelazny's works and the advanced science/speculation of Greg Bear. A bit like Jack Chalker's works, but without the kinky dominance/submission and gender-crossing. No, for titillation Brenner instead relied on tight plot, counter-plot, counter-counter-plot, twists, turns, counter-twists, counter-turns, and smart talented individual characters you could believe in. And it worked. The books were good--darn good. Re-reading good. Re-re-reading good. And rumors are they are to be re-released soon. None-too-soon for me, as my copies are wearing out.

What can I tell you? Read this guy! I don't know what he's doing or where he is now, but the series is more than worth it. If you like Douglas Adams, Robert Rankin, Roger Zelazny, Greg Costikyan - well, you'll love Mr. Brenner.