On a planet decimated by plague and political upheaval, young Vel has survived by living on his wits. A seasoned con man who has learned to think only of himself, Vel is forced to choose sides in a civil war. But the choice is made more complicated when Vel learns the truth about a mysterious alien race that predated the settlers of Hera.
It turns out that Vel may not be who he thinks he is.
"Stephen Chambers deserves to be feted. Once you begin reading this novel...you just keep reading."
Chicago Tribune
"A clever piece of work, a page turner that keeps you going all the way to the end. You won't want to put it down."
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
"Chamber's first novel uses the trappings of fantasy to depict a world separated from its technological roots and governed by fragments of lost knowledge. Adventure and intrigue combine with the story of a young man's search for his place in the world."
