Rock of Ages - Softcover

Literate farce is still a scarcity in science fiction. That's why this third volume in the continuing series (after The Crown Jewels and House of Shards) about Majistral, the Number One-rated allowed burglar in the Human Constellation, is such an amusing find. In this adventure, Majistral is taking a vacation from burglary and is spending his leisure time on Earth. Unfortunately, no one believes he is not on the planet to steal something. His unusual profession does not deter several women from suing for his hand, including Roberta, the Dutchess of Benn, and Nicole, an intergalactic celebrity. They are both attractive women (and relatively intriguing characters), and what would be a most pleasant dilemma for Majistral is only overshadowed by the deadly duels to which his wealthy hosts keep challenging him. Moreover, his unswervingly loyal Khosalisk servant, Roman, is in a rotten mood because he's molting. But it is not until his father's coffin?from which the deceased manages to retain a tenuous grasp on current events?is stolen that things really become absurd. The plot moves briskly from underwater palaces to holy Graceland (a marvelously silly land practically overflowing with Elvii of all species, genders and sizes), and the whirlwind pace helps keep the novel entertaining, if not intellectually overtaxing.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Maintaining one's status as the galaxy's top-rated "allowed burglar" can have its share of annoying drawbacks, as Drake Maijstral quickly discovers in Williams' third adventure featuring the planet-hopping, aristocratic playboy. While vacationing on Earth at various regal comrades' estates, Drake falls victim to an unknown conspirator who robs each host of a prized possession and implicates Drake in the crimes. Besides fending off the ensuing challenges to duels to the death, Drake must contend with the kidnapping of his father's cryogenically preserved but still very outspoken corpse. Determined to rescue his sullied reputation as well as his father, Drake and his retinue of alien bodyguards and current love interests warm up his burglary skills and track his foe to--of all places!--the now vastly expanded, quasi-religious sanctuary of Graceland. Williams deftly juggles a medley of colorful plot elements, including a bizarre brotherhood of cloned Elvises. Carl Hays