The controlled cosmos is bracing for colossal changes: age-old foundations are collapsing, the Confederation is shaking. Intrigues are being woven and the greedy oligarchs, power-hungry local rulers, and criminals of every kind are preparing for a fight for a place among the stars.
Far from Yarra, Gai Cormac is confronted with one of his worst nightmares—and to get back home, he will have to overcome himself, break free into freedom, and pass through new, astonishing worlds; deal with old enemies and find new friends. The third book of the Atlantic Sector cycle, in which His Majesty the half-horse, half-crocodile, Gai Jedediah Cormac continues to get into trouble, grumble, demonstrate his lack of a sense of humor, and—of course—crush skulls.