The fragile stability of the human exiles in the Pliocene epoch shatters as King Aiken Drum faces the return of his most formidable rival, Marc Remillard. Aiken must navigate the treacherous political landscape of a world dominated by the Tanu while preparing for a confrontation with a man whose psionic capabilities threaten the very foundation of galactic order. The narrative utilizes a multi-perspective framework to track the shifting allegiances of humans and aliens alike, emphasizing the high stakes of a power struggle that spans both time and space. As the threat of the Adversary looms, the physical and psychological constraints of the Pliocene environment force characters to push their latent mental talents to dangerous limits.

This work is widely regarded as a definitive conclusion to the Saga of the Exiles, praised for its ambitious scale and the complexity of its world-building. Readers often highlight the author's ability to balance intricate political machinations with high-concept science fiction elements. The characterization of the antagonist is frequently cited as a highlight, providing a compelling foil to the protagonist's own rise to power. The narrative pacing is noted for its density, rewarding those who have followed the series from its inception with a satisfying resolution to the long-standing tensions between the Tanu and the human exiles.