Set in Earth's far future, the fourth novel by consummate stylist Ian McDonald is a stunning vision of violent conflict and healing love.

It begins in the village of Chepsenyt, a peaceful, self-sufficient enclave whose inhabitants rely on their genetic-engineering skills to live in harmony with nature. In Chepsenyt, people of two religions, Confessors and Proclaimers, live side by side in peace - until the day the Emperor's troops discover two rebel soldiers being hidden by a local sympathizer. Now the streets run with blood, as Chepsenyt becomes part of a greater conflict ripping the nation in two.In the midst of the fighting young Mathembe Fileli is separated from her parents and brother and cast on an epic journey through her tragic, beautiful land.

During the long days of her desperate struggle to survive, she is compelled by only one thought: That in a land divided against itself, her family, at least, must be made whole again.