The Darkling Wind

The majestic conclusion of the original Inquestor Series, S. P. Somtow's classic masterpiece of the fall of a galactic empire, returns in a new edition in time for the publication of new novels in the series.




What is it like to rule over a million worlds, to uphold a civilization that has not changed in twenty thousand years? Haunted by the spirit of a sentient star. in the grip of the Throne of Madness, Kelver has tried to lead a revolution - but has godhood corrupted him?




Published for the first time with Theodore Sturgeon's specially written introduction, this edition of The Darkling Wind completes

the reissue in new paper, hardcover and digital editions of an iconic series which is now growing in breadth as a second trilogy emerges in the twenty-first century.




In the long dark age that followed, the High Inquest would be remembered as a golden age. For the Inquestors had harnessed the unfathomable power of the heart of stars, sailing the overcosm in their delphinoid ships and tachyon bubbles to dance on the faces of suns.




But the Inquest had its darker side as well. For these beings played a ruthless game with billions of lives, snuffing out worlds as

chessplayers take pawns. Waging an unending war on the false utopias that tempt mankind, they sought to free humanity by enslaving it.




At last, after countless centuries, the Inquest was torn apart. This is the story of the fall of that great empire, and of the rebel Inquestor who hastened its end.