Jim Grimsley, The Ordinary

The Ordinary

Jim Grimsley

Tor, May 2004, $24.95, 368 pp.

ISBN: 0765305283

The ocean contains the Twil Gate that connects the two diverse planets. Whereas the Hormling of Senal depends heavily on technology, engineering and science, the agrarian Erejhen of Irion believes in magic. Even how the two races understand the Twil Gate varies. The Hormling know that the gate had to have been developed by an unknown technologically advanced culture; the Erejhn believe the gate is a magical portal created by some wizard in a distant past.

The two planets have thrived on a brisk trade between them, as the Hormling sell manufactured goods in exchange for Erejhen farm products. However, the Hormling believe that the Erejhen are a backward race and decide that they can increase profitability and solve their over-population problem by colonizing Irion. A diplomatic team is sent to Erejhen, but instead of working on a pact, they are the advanced mission of a Hormling invasion. War is now the product moving through the gate.

Two things about this tale are that it is not ORDINARY and that fans of science fiction and fantasy will appreciate this smooth combo mindful of Piers Anthony's Adept tales. The story line is action-packed with key cast members form both planets seeming genuine in their concerns for the future. However, the reason Jim Grimsley's book is superb is that the two diverse cultures appear genuine so that readers will believe in the technological wizardry of Hormling and the magical wizardry of Erejhen.

Harriet Klausner