"In an unusually masterful first novel, physicist Asaro combines hard speculative science and first-rate storytelling to look at the galaxy's distant future...Asaro innovatively blends computer technology and telepathy into the electrifying, action-rich drama she creates. This is one of the best SF first novels in years." -Booklist

"Catherine Asaro, a physicist, has done a fine job of rationalizing her scenario through genetics and psionics, and her hard SF speculations are a neat contrast to the plot's fairy-tale aspects...A good read and a promising debut for Asaro." -Starlog"Catherine Asaro brings the feel of science back into science fiction. Her FTL drive, which rotates a ship around the lightspeed singularity, is based on pleasant mathematical concepts. Fourteen-year-olds who read this book will probably go out and build a starship when they are twenty-seven." -Donald M. Kingsbury

The Skolian Empire rules a third of the civilized galaxy through its mastery of faster-than-light communication. But war with the rival empire of the Traders seems imminent, a war that can only lead to slavery for the Skolians or the destruction of both sides. Destructive skirmishes have already occurred. A desperate attempt must be made to avert total disaster.