Deep Secret is Diana Wynne Jones' multiverse novel. The narrator, Rupert Venables is a Magid, a wizard who oversees multiple worlds but is based on Earth. His mentor dies and as junior Magid, it's his job to find a new junior Magid. Strangely enough, he's given a list of people who're all on Earth, rather than any of the other worlds he oversees. The explanation in universe is that because Earth is so non-magical, the strongest magical users come from there.
This is all tied in with another empire in a different world that's collapsing, and the way Rupert chooses to interview all his potentials is to gather them all in a science fiction convention. Along the way, his neighbor, and one of the potential's relatives get involved. The whole thing then becomes a send up of science fiction convention fans, the trite panelist answers about writing, and Rupert being in over his head.
None of the characters are particularly sympathetic, and the romance between two of the characters doesn't even make sense --- they're just told that they're going to be married, while the inner narration by each individual character doesn't say anything.
I'm coming to the conclusion that I'm just not a fan of Diana Wynne Jones. I couldn't get into anything she wrote other than The Tough Guide to Fantasyland.
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