The Reigning Pontifex Lies Dying, and Korsibar, Son of the current Coronal, has become embroiled in the schemings of his twin sister and her ambitious cabal. Their plot is to seize the power of the Coronal from Prestimion, the designated successor, capture the crown, and rule Majipoor. With the aid of the sorcery that has become prevalent during the reign of the current Pontifex, Korsibar's plan works. But as he dons the mantle of power, he begins to realize that the traditions are not easily ignored -- and the burdens of crown and scepter are more costly then the simple act of possessing them.

Robert Silverberg's most popular and successful works have always been the books in his Majipoor saga. The prequel to his previous Majipoor novels, Lord Valentine's Castle and Valentine Pontifex, this fantasy adventure is the first in an exciting new trilogy of Majipoor novels that is sure to be a hit with his many fans.