In the shadow of an imminent ice age, Elena's nation of Praetoria is locked in a decade-long war with the Socialist Republics Directorate (SRED). On the surface, it is a war for dwindling resources, but in reality it is a life and death struggle for survival. Elena encounters Alexandra, the SRED ace of aces, first in the skies above her homeland and then again during a chance meeting in civilian life. Elena's friend and mentor, Grigori, cautions against getting involved with her. Bryn, Alex's wingman and confidante, advises the same. However, Elena and Alexandra are drawn together by a singular event and start an ill-fated relationship. Try as they might, the four friends find themselves drawn into a tangle of intrigue, betrayal and heartbreak as nationalistic pride and religious fanaticism set their worlds on a spiraling path to destruction.—Aaron D. Martin