War is coming. The daring rescue of Cristen Morra may have strengthened Maxim Darius' grip on power, but it's also radicalized the frontier worlds. More than seven hundred planets have joined the breakaway Alliance of Independent Systems under the leadership of Richard Martel. Their improvised battle fleet is stronger than anything the Commonwealth can set against them. When they strike, the Commonwealth - and Maxim Darius - will be pushed to the brink. The second in a four-book series, Rise of the Alliance chronicles the last, desperate efforts to avoid war and the opening volleys of a conflict that could devastate known space.