Unicorn Point

Final entry in the second Apprentice Adept trilogy (Robot Adept, 1988), much the best of the three and approaching the standard of the first trilogy - in energy and complexity if not inventiveness. What with all the exchanging of bodies, minds, frames, etc., it's hard to keep everything straight. But heroes Bane (of magic-world Phaze, now usually to be found in Mach's robot body on science-world Proton) and Mach (vice versa) have, for reasons of love, allied themselves with the Adverse Adepts (Phaze)/Contrary Citizens (Proton), who're plotting to take over both Phaze and Proton. Meanwhile, the aging Blue Adept of Phaze, a.k.a. Stile of Proton, has evolved a complex strategy to delay the bad guys involving the children of Bane and Mach. Another problem for Stile to resolve: the frames of Proton and Phaze are coming unravelled. However, Stile is preparing a vast and cunning stratagem to defeat the opposition and heal the breach between the worlds, involving the introduction of new characters and a magic flute made of platinum. Mostly plot; however, Anthony has put forth genuine effort, the formula returns to workability, and Adept fans will snap this one up. (Kirkus Reviews)