The 20th anniversary edition of groundbreaking space opera that launched Gear’s sci-fi career
First contact between two disparate space colonies—one run by genetically-altered humans, the other by mysterious native warriors—has the power to destroy them both.
In the future, most of the the human race lives on space stations controlled by the The Directorate—genetically-altered humans permanently linked to the massive computer network containing all information about the planets and space stations claimed by humankind. For centuries, the Directorate has ruled over countless star systems, its authority absolute and unquestioned. But now rebellion stirs across the far-flung commercial empire.
The Directorate discovers a planet out beyond its farthest reaches, a place known only as World, occupied by the descendants of crash-landed humans. The World’s inhabitants have survived by becoming a race of warriors—a race led by its Prophets, who can see the many possible pathways of the future. They have already foreseen the coming of the Directorate’s Patrol ship Bullet and have prepared their warriors for first contact. And even one wrong choice could destroy both World and empire . . .
First contact between two disparate space colonies—one run by genetically-altered humans, the other by mysterious native warriors—has the power to destroy them both.
In the future, most of the the human race lives on space stations controlled by the The Directorate—genetically-altered humans permanently linked to the massive computer network containing all information about the planets and space stations claimed by humankind. For centuries, the Directorate has ruled over countless star systems, its authority absolute and unquestioned. But now rebellion stirs across the far-flung commercial empire.
The Directorate discovers a planet out beyond its farthest reaches, a place known only as World, occupied by the descendants of crash-landed humans. The World’s inhabitants have survived by becoming a race of warriors—a race led by its Prophets, who can see the many possible pathways of the future. They have already foreseen the coming of the Directorate’s Patrol ship Bullet and have prepared their warriors for first contact. And even one wrong choice could destroy both World and empire . . .
Book Details
Format:
eBook
Price:
9.99 CAD / 8.99 USD
Published: 2008-07-01
ISBN: 9781101666951
Imprint:
DAW Books
Page Count: 400
Praise for the author:
“What a ride! Excitement, adventure, and intrigue, all told in W. Michael Gear's vivid, compulsively readable prose. A terrific new science-fiction series; Gear hits a home run right out of the park and all the way to Capella.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo Award-winning author of Quantum Night
“A marginal colony on a living world—where human life and human will are tested to the limits. An intriguing and inventive new work from Michael Gear, first of a trilogy. Recommended!” –C. J. Cherryh, Hugo Award-winning author of Downbelow Station
"Mike Gear does for science fiction what J.R.R. Tolkien did for fantasy, and he does it with panache and elan." —Rave Reviews
"Flowing imagination, storytelling marvels. The Gears have a fine time drawing the various interclan rivalries and clashes of cultures." —Kirkus
"Galactic intrigue combines with military SF in a tightly woven, intricate storywith strong male and female characters.... Highly recommended." —Library Journal
"Gear has managed to develop a vivid world, and in it set in motion a sweeping conflict." —Locus
"Gear handles characters and plot twists with equal ease.... The different alien species are distinctively drawn and interesting." —Science Fiction Chronicle
