First Book in the Tears of the Chosen Trilogy. In a future time, humans struggled under the oppressive rule of the elves. The ultimate war of man's technology versus the magic of the elves has left planets desolate and destroyed. Only a scattered remnant of the human race remained. With a hope for peace and a cry for help, they waited. The story begins with Jai, a young Resident anxious to join the fight after his father is killed in battle. In his rush to grow up, Jai realizes that he isn't as ready as he thought. He is suddenly swallowed up by the vastness of a universe at war with fighting on all sides. Through the chaos he finds friends in unexpected places and realizes he's not alone.