2023 Firebird Award Winner in Dystopian, Science Fiction, & Speculative Fiction

A genetically engineered colony on a new world. A baby born different than everyone else. A mother who will do anything to save him.

On planet Eamine, twenty-one-year-old Alina must protect her baby when Mandin is born with a remarkable DNA anomaly. Mandin's uniqueness makes him as a target for exploitation. Trained by the Expeditionary Academy, Alina knows how to survive Eamine’s harsh environment and seeks to keep Mandin safe.

While Alina tries to uncover the truth, she finds herself relying on Kiean, a gruff pilot who protects her from threats in the midst of her new surroundings. As an upcoming rebellion brews, Alina must discover who she can trust. Dangerous forces are searching for her and her son, leading Alina to unravel what Mandin's capabilities really mean to those who want him.