Gunrunner empress Hail Bristol must navigate alien politics and deadly plots to prevent an interspecies war, in this second novel in the Farian War space opera trilogy. In a surprise attack that killed many of her dearest subjects, Hail Bristol, empress of Indrana, has been captured by the Shen -- the most ruthless and fearsome aliens humanity has ever encountered. As she plots her escape, the centuries-long war between her captors and the Farians, their mortal enemies and Indrana's oldest allies, finally comes to a head. When her captors reveal a shocking vision of the future, Hail must make the unexpectedly difficult decision she's been avoiding: whether to back the Shen or the Farians. Staying neutral is no longer an option. Will Hail fight? Or will she fall? Praise for the Farian War trilogy: 'An exciting dose of space opera and political intrigue peppered with hard choices. Highly recommended.' Booklist 'Action and emotion-packed, folding political tension, personal relationships, and trauma into a vivid space opera that does not pull any punches.' Library Journal 'A rare balance of action . . . tension, and quiet moments, keeping pages turning while deepening the portraits of Hail and the friends and foes around her.' Publishers Weekly 'Perfectly executed . . . Science fiction with brains, and a buckload of heart.' The Eloquent Page