From Library Journal
As a force of unknown origin sweeps across the universe, depopulating human-colonized planets in its wake, linguist Lutha Tallstaff travels to the planet Dinadh in search of noted adventurer Leelson Famber, whom she believes may be able to help. Set on a planet where mysterious religious practices hide a terrifying covenant between its inhabitants and the godlike power they worship, this novel offers disturbing insights into humanity's place in the cosmos. Strong characters with personal dilemmas-whose resolutions have far-reaching consequences-add depth and immediacy to the story. Another elegant piece of work from master storyteller Tepper (Beauty, LJ 8/91), this volume belongs in most libraries. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
With such world-building epics as A Plague of Angels , Tepper has secured a reputation for uniquely combining elements of science fiction and fantasy that she maintains in her latest novel by delving into both mythmaking and original scientific speculation. It tells the story of Dinadh, an isolated, human-populated world surrounded by dead planets. A century ago, an unknown force or race known only as the Ularians mysteriously wiped humanity off all the planets within several light-years of Dinadh. Now the unseen Ularians have returned, and the Earth-led Alliance is asking Lutha Tallstaff to return to Dinadh to track down her missing former lover, Leelson Famber, who alone may hold the key to the Ularians' identity. Tepper makes brilliant use of alternating first- and third-person narration and also of fanciful supporting characters, such as Snark, a criminal whose punishment as a "shadow" involves constant, full-sensory monitoring by the Alliance. Although not one of Tepper's best, Shadow's End shows that her skill at inventing new cultures and their citizenry remains impressive. Carl Hays

ANNOTATION

A century ago, a mysterious force wiped out human life on all surrounding worlds, leaving the planet of Dinadh untouched. Now, humanity's only hope for survival lies with a woman who'd give anything not to get involved. 2 cassettes.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The fragrant, sun-checkered canyon lands of the planet Dinadh seem to be a peaceful backwater of the universe...except for one thing. A century ago, a mysterious force wiped out human life on all surrounding worlds, leaving Dinadh untouched. Every team sent to investigate vanished. Every attempt to contact survivors met with a devastating silence. Now the unknown force is back - and this time humanity's only hope for survival lies on Dinadh...with a woman who'd give anything not to get involved. Lutha Tallstaff is a brilliant linguist, a devoted mother, and a reluctant emissary to Dinadh. Her mission is to locate the famed adventurer Leelson Famber, who has disappeared, taking with him what may be the only clue to the nature of the deadly threat. But for Lutha, finding Famber, who also happens to be her estranged lover and the father of her child, is the last thing she wants to do. At Lutha's side on this perilous quest is her strange and beautiful young son, a boy whose father denies his humanity but whose bizarre abilities will soon have far-reaching consequences. Reunited on Dinadh, the threesome find themselves traversing a planet dazzling in its cool springs and blossoming fruit trees, dangerous in its fountains of fire and rapacious winged wraiths. Yet only when they approach the planet's holiest place will Lutha discover the truth about her child, about the savage Ularians, and about the future of humankind. For she, her lover, and their son figure in a pattern of cosmic importance that will shake the universe - and their understanding of life, love, good and evil - to its very foundations.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal