The Arch Authority snatched the child away before his doom was sealed, and the speaker curses that quick thinking. If the lad had remained with the others, the suffering would have ended years ago.

Now the child has been found again, living in a world of isolation and innocence. He does not know the twists and turns of his life so far, or the path planned for his very short future.

He is left to discover the truth and learn the secrets of Strata’s five nested worlds. His struggle will be watched as amusement, and facing him will be both horrible and wonderful.