Humans find themselves at the bottom of the food chain in this space opera series debut from a Nebula Award–winning author.
“[A] stellar launch [that] delivers action, engaging characters and credible fantastic worlds in spades. . . . Sizzles with a fast-moving plot woven tightly with vivid characterizations. . . . Not to be missed.” —Publishers Weekly
In our galaxy's distant future, humans are one of three known intelligent races. Having had the ability to navigate star travel for only a few centuries, we are considered “the new kids on the block” in a long-established universe. The second intelligent race is the Ildirans, who are ruled by their Mage-Imperator; and the third race, the Klikiss, seems to have vanished and left behind a world full of artifacts and remarkable technology, which humans are now beginning to find and utilize.
One such piece of technology is a device that has the power to turn a gaseous and useless supergiant planet into a small sun, thereby creating a new solar system in which humans can live. But when the device is tried for the first time, it awakens the wrath of a previously unsuspected fourth race, the Hydrogues—and a galaxy-spanning war that threatens all life begins.
“Full of battles, chases, and hairbreadth escapes . . .an intelligently conceived and executed nailbiter.” —Booklist
“Adynamic space opera featuring political intrigue and intense personal drama. Anderson's skill in delivering taut action scenes and creating well-rounded human and alien characters adds depth and variety to a series opener that belongs in most sf collections.” —Library Journal