New York Times bestselling author Simon R. Green's Deathstalker series continues in this "incredible romp through a wonderful universe of space opera, filled with outrageous and incredibly powerful heroes and villains, swords and disruptors and more lethal creatures than you can imagine" (SF Site).
Owen Deathstalker's greatest love—Hazel d'Ark—has been abducted by the Blood Runners, a culture dedicated to the extremes of genetic scientific experimentation. Stranded in a mission on Lachrymae Christi, Owen busies himself with the task of ensuring the survival of the leper colony living there, awaiting an opportunity to rescue Hazel...or avenge her death.

Meanwhile, the Empire remains in the chaos of a continuing war. Threatened by various enemies, Humanity once again turns to Owen to lead them, unaware that he has lost the powerful abilities granted to him in the Madness Maze. Even if he hadn't, Owen can no longer sacrifice his life for the Empire. And with Hazel's life in the balance, the choice is an easy one...or is it?