The Accidental Magician
The world Fane lies on the outer reaches of explored space, long forgotten by mankind. The planet's peculiar electromagnetic
fields inevitably destroy electronic devices, but in compensation they enhance psychic abilities. Over the centuries humans and the
aliens with whom they share the planet have evolved into clans of wizards and masters, dullards and incompetents.
One person who seems
destined to be relegated to one of the latter groups is Grantin, the nephew of a powerful, but harsh, magician. In a last ditch effort
to salvage something of his family's honor, Grantin's uncle gives him an important but simple task, which Grantin promptly
manages to screw up in a most dangerous way. Only vast good luck or the appearance of some heretofore hidden magical talents are likely
to save him. Luckily for him, Grantin is, unknowingly, on his way to becoming The Accidental Magician.
An earlier version of this
novel was published by Pocket Books/Timescape Books under the original title, Fane, under the author name: "David Alexander."