The New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award-winning author of Once a Hero continues her epic saga of war, power, and loyalty in the cold reaches of space…

After proving herself in battle, Esmay Suiza is continuing her RSS Fleet training alongside her erstwhile love Barin when she meets Brun—the ebullient daughter of Lord Thornbuckle—who idolizes her as a reluctant hero. But Esmay cannot abide Brun's highborn airs. And when their shared affection for Barin ignites a rivalry between them, Esmay is exiled to remote duty. Crushed by the rebuke of her friendship, Brun leaves the facility—and enters a nightmare.

For the enemies of civilization are on the move. The savage New Texas Militia, driven to spread their fanatical dogma, has been stealing the Familias government's own weaponry to use against them. When Brun accidentally witnesses their depredations, her life is all but forfeit. Taken by the Militia, she is subjected to inhuman torment as Esmay is blamed for the disastrous situation and the galaxy prepares for inevitable conflict.

With the life of Brun and the dominance of the Familias Regnant both in peril, Esmay must go into action once again against a brutal, deranged enemy who would rather die than face defeat…



Elizabeth Moon grew up on the Texas border, served three years active duty in the USMC (1968-71), and now lives with her husband of almost sixty years, also a veteran, near Austin, Texas. She has written more than twenty-five novels, including Nebula Award winner The Speed of Dark, Hugo Award finalist Remnant Population, the Vatta's War and Serrano Legacy space opera series, and the books of the enduring epic The Deed of Paksenarrion, multiply awarded as one of the 100 Best Fantasies of All Time. A New York Times bestselling author, her work has been published in twenty languages and sold four million copies. When not writing, Moon enjoys photographing native plants and wildlife, knitting socks, and cooking.