For the Directorate had spent many centuries breeding initiative and the capability for violent action out of the human race. And only on the lost colony of World did true warriors of spider still exist. But would the Romanans willingly join the cause of the star men who had once attempted to destroy their world? And even if they did, could warriors so newly exposed to the weapons of deadly technology defeat a world and a leader ready to utilize legendary tools of destruction more lethal than any humankind had ever known?
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