An infinite, sweeping saga of interstellar war — the first SF classic for the 21st century. The empire of the Shaa lasted 10,000 years. Years of terror, infinite violence and oppressive, brutal order. Now the Shaa are no more, but the terror and violence are only beginning… The Shaa, rulers of the universe, began to commit ritual suicide when it became clear that their minds — profoundly intelligent but limited — would accept no further information. Near immortality was their one, great mistake. And so began the war between the Naxids, oldest client race of the Shaa, who believed themselves inheritors of the empire, and a frail alliance of other races, including humanity. Gareth Martinez and Caroline Sula are two of the characters through whom we see this mighty, calamitous war and its aftermath. And so, the story of a dread empire's fall begins…

The alien Naxids have won a shattering victory at Magaria, a victory that clears the way for an advance on the loyalist capital, Zanshaa. Lord Gareth Martinez comes to help save Zanshaa, but finds himself entangled in intrigue, first by political enemies and then by his own brother.

There are only two people who can defeat the Naxids and save the Empire — and neither is looking hopeful. Sula is on the ground trying to start a revolution with an army of three. Lord Gareth Martinez is with the Fleet raiding into enemy territory when he uncovers a murderous plot to see him and the Fleet destroyed.