Originally published in two parts in Science Fiction Adventures 1962–63. First book edition in 1965. Also known as The Blood Red Game.
Revised edition in 1992.
Dorian Hawkmoon... Corum Jhaelen Irsei... Elric of Melniboné. Over the
years, Michael Moorcock has captivated readers with his unending
versions of the Eternal Champion, the timeless warrior who serves the
Cosmic Balance in the ongoing battle that rages between Law and Chaos
through the many planes and levels of the multiverse. But what is the
multiverse and what are its origins? In this essential novel, Michael
Moorcock provides readers these critical answers.
World War
Three has come and gone, and humankind has survived its brutal past to
assume its place among the stars. Yet their existence is endangered
nonetheless, as their entire universe is threatening to collapse. All
their hopes rest on the shoulders of Count Renark von Bek, a nobleman of extraordinary psychic abilities and carefully guarded secrets.
Aided by his companions, von Bek will delve into the Sundered Worlds, a
mysterious galaxy outside the space-time continuum that has materialized on the edges of known space. Inside this roving galaxy, they will
uncover the secrets of the multiverse and embark upon a last desperate
gamble to save humankind.
But as they will soon discover, even survival comes laden with danger, as the solutions to their dilemma may also hold the final keys to their destruction…