Perrin and Mahrree’s sense of security is shattered. Not only have the Guarders returned, they’ve been after Mahrree and the Shins’ children.

Captain Shin, in violation of army rules, barged into the forests after the Guarders, which earned him warnings from Idumea, the increased hatred of Chairman Mal, and a slashed back.

It''d be helpful to have a little inside information, and the forest agrees. So it''s sending an insider named Shem Zenos: a volunteer soldier who’s brawny, charismatic, and conveniently loves babies.

All of which leaves Chairman Mal wondering: just who is this “Quiet Man” who’s told his Guarders he has Captain Shin under control, and exactly what kind of “help” is he providing?

Lieutenant Colonel Perrin Shin is not happy.

Not happy about the changes he''s seen in Edge since he arrived sixteen years ago. Not about his daughter and son turning into teenagers. And certainly not about the Guarders turning the village teens into thieves, or the world not noticing anything but the latest entertainment.

Which also means no one’s noticing the ever-tightening control of Chairman Mal and the Administrators.

While Perrin and Mahrree notice, as does their claimed brother Shem Zenos, there''s nothing that two soldiers and a school teacher can do about those who rule the world.

So when a disaster hits Edge and half of the world, then Perrin receives an urgent message demanding that he return immediately to Idumea–Well, he’s not sure what''s worse: the fact that he has to leave his village that desperately needs him in order to face the government he hates, or that his wife and children are going with him.

The problem with Shem, Mahrree–with everyone, Perrin concluded–was that they couldn''t see what he did.

Shem said his mind was confusing him. Mahrree said it was nightmares. His children said nothing. But he knew the truth: he was surrounded by Guarders, masquerading as cats.

Perrin is right: the Guarders are closing in. But on the edges of the forests another army is assembling, wearing green and brown mottled clothing.

Because they have plans of their own for the wounded falcon in the barn.

Captain Perrin Shin, assigned to village Edge of the World, is out to do more than command the new fort. He’s determined to uncover the mystery of the Guarders: where they live, why they attack, and what they want. Suspiciously, none of their behavior has ever made sense.

Mahrree Peto, a teacher in Edge, is also growing suspicious. Of the Administrators who promise to eradicate the Guarders, and of the arrogant captain they sent to protect Edge. It’s hard to know who to trust.

The most powerful man in the world is also fascinated by trust, and precisely what it takes to destroy it. He’s looking for research subjects, and up in Edge a brash captain and a nosy teacher have caught his attention. Let the experiment begin.

Part fantasy, part adventure, part humor, part romance, part mystery all equates to a wholly entertaining and unique family saga.

Think you know who to trust?

Think you know the color of the sky?

Probably not . . .

Perrin and Mahrree’s sense of security is shattered. Not only have the Guarders returned, they’ve been after Mahrree and the Shins’ children.

Captain Shin, in violation of army rules, barged into the forests after the Guarders, which earned him warnings from Idumea, the increased hatred of Chairman Mal, and a slashed back.

It''d be helpful to have a little inside information, and the forest agrees. So it''s sending an insider named Shem Zenos: a volunteer soldier who’s brawny, charismatic, and conveniently loves babies.

All of which leaves Chairman Mal wondering: just who is this “Quiet Man” who’s told his Guarders he has Captain Shin under control, and exactly what kind of “help” is he providing?

Lieutenant Colonel Perrin Shin is not happy.

Not happy about the changes he''s seen in Edge since he arrived sixteen years ago. Not about his daughter and son turning into teenagers. And certainly not about the Guarders turning the village teens into thieves, or the world not noticing anything but the latest entertainment.

Which also means no one’s noticing the ever-tightening control of Chairman Mal and the Administrators.

While Perrin and Mahrree notice, as does their claimed brother Shem Zenos, there''s nothing that two soldiers and a school teacher can do about those who rule the world.

So when a disaster hits Edge and half of the world, then Perrin receives an urgent message demanding that he return immediately to Idumea–Well, he’s not sure what''s worse: the fact that he has to leave his village that desperately needs him in order to face the government he hates, or that his wife and children are going with him.

The problem with Shem, Mahrree–with everyone, Perrin concluded–was that they couldn''t see what he did.

Shem said his mind was confusing him. Mahrree said it was nightmares. His children said nothing. But he knew the truth: he was surrounded by Guarders, masquerading as cats.

Perrin is right: the Guarders are closing in. But on the edges of the forests another army is assembling, wearing green and brown mottled clothing.

Because they have plans of their own for the wounded falcon in the barn.

Captain Perrin Shin, assigned to village Edge of the World, is out to do more than command the new fort. He’s determined to uncover the mystery of the Guarders: where they live, why they attack, and what they want. Suspiciously, none of their behavior has ever made sense.

Mahrree Peto, a teacher in Edge, is also growing suspicious. Of the Administrators who promise to eradicate the Guarders, and of the arrogant captain they sent to protect Edge. It’s hard to know who to trust.

The most powerful man in the world is also fascinated by trust, and precisely what it takes to destroy it. He’s looking for research subjects, and up in Edge a brash captain and a nosy teacher have caught his attention. Let the experiment begin.

Part fantasy, part adventure, part humor, part romance, part mystery all equates to a wholly entertaining and unique family saga.

Think you know who to trust?

Think you know the color of the sky?

Probably not . . .