Does power shape the user, or does the user shape the power? Life is difficult for the Ly Kai refugees abandoned by Araxis' betrayal. Starvation and death loom over the tower refuge of Kryie Karth. For Kaphri, the lone surviving child, it's even worse as she confronts the other survivors' hatred and resentment every day. But Ly Kai tradition reigns above everything. Two days before Kaphri's eighteenth birthday, when she is designated to take over leadership, their current leader inexplicably dies and suspicious eyes turn to her. Accusations fly and secrets erupt in long pent-up fury and fear as Kaphri discovers that everything she knows about her Birthstar is a lie. Terrified that she is destined for evil, she disavows her star power and flees out into an alien world with her tiny dragon companion, Gemma.When three Geffitzi warriors capture her, they believe they have the key to repairing the damage her evil uncle, Araxis, did to their world. Kaphri doesn't dare tell them she may be exactly the opposite—the means for him to restore his power and renew his reign of terror.
