Published: June 11, 2012
Words: 106,939 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781476475165

Short description

For Andrei Mironenko, the colony world of Belarus is the fulfillment of his dream to resurrect the glory of Imperial Russia. But floating around this supposedly pristine planet are strange artifacts, evidence of an ancient civilization. The builders of these artifacts are not extinct, and they are a species without mercy. Cruelty is their highest art form, and Humans their favorite prey . . .

Extended description

It is a planet ripe for a new vision -- of a glorious past. For Andrei Mironenko, a powerful and charismatic magnate in the galactic Republic, it is the fulfillment of his dream. As the honorary Tsar of Belarus, Mironenko will resurrect the glory of an imperial Russia that once was -- and could have been.

He believes it to be uninhabited and unspoiled. But floating in orbit around this supposedly pristine planet are strange artifacts, evidence of an ancient civilization. To Mironenko, blinded by glory, they prove nothing, they arouse no suspicion, and they pose no threat.

But he isn't digging deep enough. Unbeknownst to Mironenko and the people of Belarus, the builders of the mysterious artifacts are not extinct -- merely in hiding. And they are a species without mercy. Cruelty is their highest art form, intricate steps in a brutal Dance. And what better creatures to dance with than their uninvited guests?

When night falls on Belarus, so will the human race . . .

Tags

serial killer, science fiction, dystopia, far future, mystery action, aliens adventure

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Reviews

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Review by: Sky Barnes on Feb. 16, 2013 :
This unexpectedly combined several genres I read: Far future space opera done with logical strangeness and well-written humanity and world building mixed with espionage-laced-intrigue and a serial killer mystery. Even a hint of romance. It has it all and it delivers, with a word count that allows it not to skimp. This was one of Ms. Devenport's works that I hadn't read upon its original release, but the quality of writing is as good as all of her other works. I look forward to reading the novel, Enemies, for which this is a stand-alone prequel, when and if it is e-released.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: A G on July 01, 2012 :
Brilliant AND amazing value (I bought it for $1 US)! Believable characters, sweeping scope, several nice twists, and the way is left open for more.
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

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