A wild boy, Danlo, stumbles into the legendary City of Light, Neverness, carrying a forgotten memory that could alter the course of civilization. Raised by Neanderthal cave-dwellers, Danlo is the sole survivor of a plague, a result of his engineered immunity. He discovers this disease was created by the Architects of the Universal Cybernetic Church, who now possess a cure for his people but are also engaged in destroying stars in a region known as the Vild. Danlo's primitive mind and a single, long-lost memory are his only tools against a technologically advanced, corrupt church and the existential threat they pose to the universe.

This novel introduces readers to David Zindell's expansive world of Neverness, a city where advanced technology and spiritual exploration intertwine. The premise sets up a conflict between a primitive protagonist and a technologically advanced, malevolent organization, suggesting a narrative rich in world-building and philosophical undertones. The story appears to explore themes of genetic engineering, faith, and the clash between ancient knowledge and future aspirations. The intricate setting of Neverness promises a complex backdrop for Danlo's quest to save his people and potentially alter the fate of civilization.