"The thrilling sequel to Pretender"--Cover.

In the aftermath of civil war, the world of the atevi is still perilously unstable. Tabini-aiji, powerful ruler of the Western Association, along with his son and heir, and his human paidhi, Bren Cameron, have returned to the Bu-javid, their seat of power. The usurper, Murini has escaped to the lands of his supporters, but the danger these rebels pose is far from over. The world of the atevi has fragmented into two antagonistic political camps: the forward-thinking, pro-space, open-to-change Western Association, headed by Tabini, and the forces of the traditionalist East: anti-space, opposed to change, distrustful of humans. Ilisidi, Tabini's grandmother, the aiji-dowager, has returned to her ancient castle in the East, for though she supports the rule of her grandson, she also has powerful ties in the lands of the rebels, and she seeks to muster whatever support she can from among those enemy strongholds.

Not AR rated