Heritage and Exile (Heritage and Exile, 1)

The first in a series of omnibus volumes of Marion Zimmer Bradley's best-selling Darkover series, Heritage and Exile includes the two most powerful and important novels in this groundbreaking saga.
Nominated for a Hugo Award, and described as "Bradley's best [Darkover] novel" by Locus, The Heritage of Hastur tells the complex and compelling tale of the early life of Regis Hastur, Darkover's greatest monarch. It also spins the terrifying and heartbreaking story of those who sought to control the deadly Sharra Matrix, and of how Lew Alton met and lost his greatest love, Marjorie Scott.
The most dangerous magical implement on all of Darkover was the infamous, legendary Sharra Matrix. The Sharra Matrix had been exiled offworld in the protective custody of Comyn Lord Lew Alton. But when Lew was called back to Darkover to contest his rights, he had no choice but to bring this dangerous matrix back with him. Once the Sharra Matrix was back, her flaming image spread far and wide, setting in motion events which would change the lands, the seven Domains, and the future of Darkover forever.
"Literate and exciting." (The New York Times Book Review)