A 20-something student from a world not quite the same as ours, August Seebeck tumbled into a vastly larger universe, and learned that he and his turbulent siblings, and the kbreathtaking Lune and others still stranger, are Players in the Contest Worlds. They are mysteriously transformed humans whose ancient task is an enigmatic battle with the dread, passionate K-Machines. Now crisis deepens.

Empowered with a potent killing device, August finds himself flung from world to world world in a brutal and baffling game, with entire universes at stake and very little idea of the rules. Only two things are clear: his beloved Lune is not who she seemed, and August's pivotal role is no accident.

A prize-winning author throughout his career, Damien Broderick received the 2005 Distinguished Scholarship Award of the International Association of Fantasy Authors. He Lives in San Antonio , Texas .