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Publisher Description
Analog SF called the first two books in the series: "Fine thrillers with many resonances for today’s world." In a bombastic, thrilling ride Johnston's new book brings war to space.
The sequel to The Widening Gyre and Blood-Dimmed Tide praised by Locus, ScienceFiction.com, Booklist, Library Journal and more!
As the Zhen Empire descends into civil war, Tajen, Liam, and Katherine each have their own part to play in the final conflict between the human race and the Zhen Empire. As Tajen searches the outer regions in an attempt to find and recruit Zhen deserters to his side, Katherine heads for Marauder space to seek out technology their Tabran allies need. Liam, believing his two best friends dead, must keep the human fleet alive as it is pursued across the Empire by Zhen forces. As the final battle approaches, each of them will be tested to their limits.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePress
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Johnston concludes his space opera trilogy (after The Blood Dimmed Tide) with this action-packed jaunt. Fresh from rebuffing the Zhen Empire's attempt to crush human resistance to its reign, heroic pilot Tajen Hunt learns from his fellow soldier Katherine Lawson that a sentient nanite swarm—a remnant of the Tabrans, an alien civilization destroyed by its own technology—has taken over the Zhen leader. With help from other aliens, Tajen and Katherine hatch a plan to free the leader and pave the way for human freedom: Tajen searches for a hidden Zhen ship whose crew is likely to support their efforts, while Katherine crosses into violent Marauder space to retrieve lost Tabran technology—but after being captured by Marauders, she must prove her worth in a dangerous mission. Meanwhile, Tajen's husband, Liam Kincaid, who believes Tajen to be dead, assumes control of a human fleet—but when their interstellar jumps keep landing them in Zhen traps, he becomes convinced there are traitors on board. The plot careens from fight to fight before all threads converge for the final showdown with the Zhen. The breakneck action meshes with moments of clever worldbuilding and thoughtful diplomacy. Fans of nonstop space battles and high political stakes will enjoy this series ender.
