Jack McDevitt is that splendid rarity, a writer who is a storyteller first and a science fiction writer second. In his ability to absolutely rivet the reader, it seems to me that he is the logical heir to Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke -- Stephen King An interesting futuristic space odyssey filled with a delightful twist Midwest Book Review Surprising and involving Kirkus Reviews McDevitt's energetic, character-driven prose serves double duty by exploring Earth's future political climate and forecasting the potential dangers awaiting humanity among the stars Booklist Book Description A Nebula Award and Campbell Award finalist for Best Novel from the multi-award winning SF master Jack McDevitt. Fifth in the acclaimed Academy series.