Idris Telemmier has uncovered a secret that changes everything ? the Architects? greatest weakness. A shadowy Cartel scrambles to turn his discovery into a weapon against these alien destroyers of worlds. But between them and victory stands self-interest. The galaxy?s great powers would rather pursue their own agendas than stand together against this shared terror. Human and inhuman interests wrestle to control Idris? discovery, as the galaxy erupts into a mutually destructive and self-defeating war. The other great obstacle to striking against their alien threat is Idris himself. He knows that the Architects, despite their power, are merely tools of a higher intelligence. Deep within unspace, where time moves differently, and reality isn?t quite what it seems, their masters are the true threat. Masters who are just becoming aware of humanity?s daring ? and taking steps to exterminate this annoyance forever. Praise for Adrian Tchaikovsky: ?One of the most interesting and accomplished writers in speculative fiction? ? Christopher Paolini ?[Adrian] writes incredibly enjoyable sci-fi, full of life and ideas? ? Patrick Ness, author of The Knife of Never Letting Go ?Brilliant science fiction? ? James McAvoy on Children of Time ?Full of sparkling, speculative invention? ? Stephen Baxter, author of the Xeelee Sequence on The Doors of Eden