Forced to watch the senseless execution of a husband and wife, Shane is provoked to commit a small act of defiance that has repercussions for the entire world. Because Earth is only one of countless worlds the Aalaag have captured, there is a dismal certainty that humans are destined to serve a superior race from the stars, and Dickson uses his protagonist, Shane Evert, to convey these empty emotions. Yet underneath the fear and submission is an unquenchable desire for rebellion, despite certain defeat and annihilation. Shane's duties as courier require him to traverse both human and Aalaag worlds, and it is also through his eyes that readers catch glimpses of a remarkable alien culture. Based on military traditions handed down through the ages, Aalaag society is structured by its chain of command.
Every individual has a designated rank and assigned duty.
Honesty and obedience are expected of everyone, master and servant alike. There are multiple levels of conflict within this story, which keeps the plot moving at a fast clip and generates plenty of tension. One complaint is that some scenes feel as if they were contrived to intentionally steer readers toward wrong conclusions. There's nothing wrong with using this technique to maintain suspense, but it shouldn't hinder story credibility. Fortunately, appealing characters and universal ideals round out this exciting tale of survival, while a gentle twist at the end gives added punch to a thought-provoking story.