A thrilling standalone sci-fi novel set in Neal Asher's acclaimed Polity Universe. When a far-flung colony is attacked by powerful alien raptors, its inhabitants will be forced to fight back, even as war changes them in monstrous ways. A bright new future for humanity - or a dark and inescapable past. With the advent of new AI technology, Polity citizens now possess incredible lifespans. Yet they struggle to find meaning in their longevity, seeking danger and novelty in their increasingly mundane lives. On a mission to find a brighter future for humanity, ex-soldier Ursula fosters a colony on the hostile planet Threpsis. Here, survival isn't a given, and colonists thrive without their AI guidance. But when deadly alien raptors appear, Ursula and her companions find themselves forced to adapt in unprecedented ways. And they will be pushed to the very brink of what it means to be human. As a desperate battle rages across the planet, Ursula must dig deep into her past to save humanity's future.