The Fortress of the Pearl

Addition to the series featuring Elric, the albino sorcerer-prince of Melnibone, who carries the demon-possessed black sword Stormbringer and at present roams the "multi-verse" in search of true justice. After wandering lost and alone in the desert, an emaciated Elric struggles into the fabulously rich city of Quarzhasaat, which once fought a disastrous war with Melnibone and is now given over to self-indulgence, cruelty, and intrigue. Elric is immediately tricked by Lord Gho, who feeds him an elixir that yields temporary strength followed swiftly by addiction and horrid death. In order to obtain Gho's antidote, Elric must recover the Pearl at the Heart of the World. The Pearl's location is known only to Varadia, the girl-seer of the desert nomads; yet she now lies in an impenetrable magical trance. Only a "dreamthief" might penetrate the trance; so Elric will team up with the lovely Oone, and with her journey through the overlapping realities that form the multiverse - with still a long, difficult, sorcerous road to travel before Elric can seize the Pearl and return to wreak vengeance on the unspeakable Gho. Inventive though not extravagantly so, with numerous boggy philosophical interludes; but literate, thoughtful, and well-turned, thus several notches above the usual sword-and-sorcery folderol. (Kirkus Reviews)