Rhodan and several survivors from the Tosoma are running from the Naats when they make unexpected allies on the icy planet of Snowman. Could their new companions' ambitious-yet dangerous-plan to flee the planet work?

At the same time, Bull leads a bold effort to escape the Naats' clutches, while Michalovna and Crest attempt to leave the Web, but neither is without its risks.

Far from home, Manoli finds himself imprisoned in the despot's zoo, where inmates are forced to fight each other and brave a series of environmental hazards. Along the way, he encounters a familiar face, while on a distant planet, a group of researchers digs into an ancient Arkonide civilization. Informed of a "god" lying dormant below the surface, they go searching in violation of their orders to evacuate. Will their discovery be worth the risk to not only their careers, but their lives?