The King of Dreams

*The King of Dreams* plunges readers back into the richly imagined world of Majipoor, a planet teeming with political intrigue and ancient magic. Following a hard-won peace, Coronal Lord Prestimion prepares to abdicate, intending to pass the Starburst Crown to Prince Dekkeret and assume the role of Pontifex in the sacred Labyrinth. However, this transition is violently disrupted by the resurgence of a terrifying force from the past. Decades prior, Dekkeret’s own dreams were stolen, leading him to discover a helmet capable of invading sleeping minds – a weapon later wielded by Prestimion to defeat the tyrant Dantirya Sambail. Though believed destroyed, this potent mind-invading technology has been reanimated by Mandralisca, Sambail's ruthless former lieutenant. Mandralisca unleashes a devastating plague of the mind, filling the dreams of Majipoor's citizens with madness and horror, and the corruption now threatens the very heart of the Coronal's power, even reaching into the Labyrinth itself. This novel rightfully belongs on a list of Robert Silverberg's best works due to its masterful blend of sprawling epic fantasy and deeply personal psychological horror. Silverberg excels at creating vast, intricate worlds with layered histories and complex political structures, and Majipoor is a prime example. *The King of Dreams* showcases his ability to weave a gripping narrative that explores themes of memory, power, and the fragility of the mind. The return of the dream-stealing technology, a potent symbol of violated consciousness, adds a chilling dimension to the already high stakes. Fans of Silverberg's intricate plotting, his exploration of moral ambiguity, and his profound insights into the human psyche will find this a compelling and unforgettable installment in the Majipoor saga.