STORM CONSTANTINE. Tor, $24.95 (384p) ISBN 0-312-87306-9

The author of the popular Wraeththu Trilogy opens a new trilogy with the epic shattering of a kingdom and the loss of powerful elemental magics as the water-aligned Palindrake family falls to Cassilin, the King of Fire, and to the magic of the fire dragon god Madragore. To contain the elemental power of the unpredictable Sea Dragons, Gassilin takes the Palindrake heir Valraven into his household, branding the boy with the binding mark of Madragore. Five generations later, the dwindling Palindrake line lives on in three children: serious elder sister Everna and her twin siblings, sister Pharinet and brother, Valraven. Following tradition, Valraven must travel to the Madragore court and train as a soldier with the other young lords of the land. Meanwhile, Pharinet is initiated into the secrets of the mysterious Sisterhood of the Dragon, learning the dangerous magics needed to serve the ancient Dragon Queen Foy. Manipulated and betrayed by the Madragore emperor's ambitious son, Bayard, Valraven and Pharinet unw ittingly sacrifice Valraven's wife to the Dragon Queen's daughters and release dark magics that shadow the land for years-until Valraven's next wife uncovers the secrets of the past and must learn to wield the water magic of the sea dragons herself. Constantine's new fantasy setting is finely textured, full of fierce and powerful magic, compelling characters and tangled intrigues. It should draw many new readers to the already crowded ranks of her fans. (Feb.)