When Bohica, a mining colony in the far reaches of the galaxy, suddenly loses all communication, Thomas McCormick, newly elected representative of the planet Mitzul to the Union of Humanity, is tasked with traveling to Bohica and reporting back to the Union's Director. McCormick has a vested interest in what is happening on Bohica as his wife's sister is a resident of the colony. Though Thomas doesn't want to go on this mission, he agrees. What follows is a mystery. The entire planet has disappeared without a trace, and it is feared that Fire Lizards are responsible for the disappearance, even though one has to wonder why they would be. McCormick discovers that Fire Lizards have a unique way of controlling humans, who they consider mere animals. But even though the Fire Lizards are fierce, they underestimate the loyalty humans have for each other and find in them a formidable enemy.

Robinson's futuristic world is an intriguing one in which humans have become second-class citizens in the vast universe. There are few places they can live above ground, but they retain the human spirit of survival and ingenuity. The author does a good job of creating an interesting world with fascinating creatures. He hooks the reader from the beginning with the mysterious disappearance of an entire planet and the orders for McCormick to investigate. The author's description of the future is truly inventive and terrifying. Robinson has a knack for storytelling and world-building. This is science fiction at its best, with plenty of plot twists to keep readers interested throughout. This entertaining and thought-provoking novel provides a story that one won't soon forget.

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