In 1985, Mary Gentle exploded onto the science fiction scene like no other first author in years with the bestselling Golden Witchbreed. Now, after four years, she returns with Ancient Light, her most spectacular achievement yet. HC: NAL. YA-- This sequel to Golden Witchbreed (NAL, 1985) is well written and spellbinding. The planet Orthe is a post-technological society which has survived a holocaust; this plot revolves around the native Ortheans who resist the use of Earth technology to improve their lives. There is internal dissension as some Ortheans want the weaponry, if nothing else, to change the balance of power on this pacifist planet; and there is pressure from a multi-planetary corporation that wants to trade the technology for relics of Orthe's preholocaust technology. There is romance between Earthwoman Lynne Christie and Orthean Blaize Meduenin. The alien world comes to life as the planet Dune did, and readers will wish the book were longer. - Dorcas Hand, Episcopal High School, Bellaire, TX Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. The PanOceania Company's interest in ancient artifacts discovered on the planet Carrick V, also called Orthe, brings special advisor Lynne de Lisle Christie back to confront her past and to uncover the secrets of the legendary race known as the Golden Witchbreed. Intricate plotting, a large cast of characters, and a complex historical background create a richly textured story that complements the author's earlier novel, Golden Witchbreed . Recommended for sf collections.-- JC Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.