The next chapter in the Stratification saga that ?delivers all the right elements.?( Sci Fi Weekly ) On the distant world of Cersi, Om?ray Aryl Sarc and her supporters have been exiled from the rest of their people. Finding refuge in the mountains, they work to rebuild the ruined village of Sona, even as they try to discover what happened to the original Sona Clan. But Sona has a history among all three of Cersi?s races?a history that may soon threaten the future of Aryl?s newly founded clan.... Exiled from her people, the Om'ray, for her use of her forbidden talent, the ability to manipulate the mysterious force known as the M'hir, Aryl Sarc leads a small band of followers, including a human ambassador from the Trade Pact worlds, to find temporary safety with the Grona Clan. But realizing they cannot stay, the group sets out for a new home and discovers the mysterious ruined village of Sona that may not be abandoned after all. The author of "The Trade Pact Universe" series ( A Thousand Words for Stranger; Ties of Power; To Trade the Stars ) continues her linked "Stratification" series ( Reap the Wild Wind ) with a tale of persistence in exile. Aryl and her companions make up a courageous and varied band of heroes, each with his or her own strengths and weaknesses. Libraries possessing other series titles as well as those where the author has a following should add this to their sf collections. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Julie E. Czerneda  is a biologist and writer whose science fiction has received international acclaim, awards, and best-selling status. She is the author of the popular "Species Imperative" trilogy, the "Web Shifters" series, the "Trade Pact Universe" trilogy and her new "Stratification" novels. She was a finalist for the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. Her stand-alone novel,  In the Company of Others , won Canada's Prix Aurora Award and was a finalist for the Philip K. Dick Award for Distinguished SF. Julie lives with her husband and two children in the lake country of central Ontario, under skies so clear they could take seeing the Milky Way for granted, but never do. You can find her at www.czerneda.com.