The first book of the Elven Ways series introduces the very detailed and well-drawn world of Kerith, in which four different peoples coexisted since the end of a devastating war, until a magestorm from another world brought a fifth people, the Vaelinars. Their powers, once they got over the shock of transition, proved great enough to rule the four established peoples. Now, after generations of rule, feuds are breaking out among the Vaelinar lords, and the discontented among the conquered peoples seek to overthrow them all. As hostilities escalate, fate throws up Grace, rescued from a river and with no memory of her past, and Sevryn, who has also had 20 years of his past wiped out. The two youngsters just may be formidable enough to deal with the land's foes, if their memories can be healed. Rhodes' use of detail will please those who like richly drawn settings and intricate plots but may confuse others whom the appended glossary and character list will help. Frieda Murray. Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved