A new-cover reissue of the fifth and final book in the bestselling sf series created by the world-famous author of the Thomas Covenant chronicles -- and acclaimed as the 'best work of his career'. One of the most exhilarating space epics ever told comes to a shattering climax in a thrilling tale of high adventure, powerful emotion and labyrinthine intrigue. As the conflict between humankind and the Amnion aliens heads for crisis, Morn Hyland, cyborg Angus Thermopyle and the survivors on board the crippled starship Trumpet must return from deep space to Earth. Only they can prevent the titanic struggle between UMCP director Warden Dios and Holt Fasner, the corrupt head of the UMC, from precipitating all-out war with the Amnion -- and leaving humanity to pay a terrible price. As Dios in Earth's orbit and Morn in deep space both make far-reaching decisions, the Amnion act with swift fury, and suddenly Earth stands threatened with fiery destruction...