A peacekeeper hunts a fugitive across a war-torn artificial world, only to uncover a biological threat that endangers all life. The lucidor, a law enforcement officer on a colossal artificial world, abandons his post to pursue a criminal responsible for a past atrocity. This fugitive, too valuable to be punished, has been sent to the front lines of a war, where he uses his unique talents against the enemy. The lucidor's pursuit takes him across disparate, rarely-contacting regions of the world, where he discovers a dangerous biological entity that genetically alters flora and fauna into killers. He is the only one who understands the fugitive's desperation and can capture him, but he is hunted by his own government, friendless, and without resources.

The Washington Post Book World praises Paul J. McAuley's "War of the Maps" as a top-form hard science fiction novel with heart. The novel is recognized for its intricate world-building and compelling narrative, centering on a determined lucidor's pursuit of a fugitive. Critics highlight the blend of intense action with deeper thematic explorations of justice and survival. The story's unique premise, involving a biological threat on an artificial world, is noted as a key element of its appeal. This work is considered a strong example of McAuley's skill in the genre.