While I have always enjoyed her scientific fiction, especially as a teenager, I have never been a fan of Norton's fantasy novels. However, in most cases, where she does combine magical fantasy and sci-fi, she usually does a good job. I think she did so here also.
I can't imagine how I missed reading this book until this time in my life as I always checked the bookshelves for her novels. I suspect that this book was planned as a first book in a series, but I don't think that series happened.
As for the rip-off of the plot for the TV show, if that really happened, all that was ripped off was the title (and the gate), as the plots have no similarity.
When Kincar s'Rud, of mixed Gorthian and Star Lord blood, followed the Star Lords through the shimmering gate that led to alternate universes, he found himself on a Gorth entirely different from the world he had known.
At first the Gorthians appeared to be the same, but his former friends turned out to be his enemies. For they were the people his friends might have been, had they made different choices at crucial moments in their lives.
And soon Kincar and his real allies would have to confron their own evil, might-have-been selves. . .
Excellent classic young adult sword and sworcery.
