The story takes place in the fictional Kingdom of the Isles, (among other places). And initially, it follows the exploits of an orphan keep boy named Pug, who during a cermony that is something like the Sorting, is chosen as the apprentice to a magician at the court. The magician took him on, purely out of sympathy, but it is discovered that he *does* have some magical talent. However, try as he might Kulgan (the master magician), can't seem to teach him anything...
Then come the aliens, a race from another world that call themselves Tsuranni. They're a war-like race that have travelled across space by means of a rift. They came to Pug's world seeking metal, which is *extremely* rare on their planet. The armies of the Kingdom attempt to push back the invaders, and thus the Riftwar begins. Later in the war, Pug is captured, and taken to the Tsuranni world, where he finally discovers the root of his magical power, and how to control it....
I don't want to give away more here, but I encourage everyone to read this if you like a good fantasy. The saga encompasses a 4 or 5 book set, and is followed up by two other novels...
*Has* anyone ever read this series? If so, what did you think?
Steve