The Imperium is under siege. While creatures alien even to the many species of the Nether appear in greater numbers, Sam must learn his purpose in the greater whole of the Nether, by learning of the House of Time and Matter. His boyfriend and girlfriend have their own demons to fight. Rilan and Origon must gather the forces of the Great Assembly, while Mandamon comes to terms with what the destruction means for his future. The secrets of the Nether and the Dissolution will be laid bare in this final book of the Dissolution Cycle!