The Crucial Step, the next book in the series after One Step Away, considers the believable reality of a coexistence between worlds and the actions of after-world dwellers as they fight to slow down global warming impact on Earth. As those on Earth struggle to come to terms with the growing evidence of global warming and the dilemma facing nations in competition, those in the after-world watch. They are one step beyond death but realise their immortality is at threat with both worlds being linked in the cycle of life. With earth world dilemmas slowing the progress to reduce climate change, after world dwellers take matters into their own hands. They do so whilst upholding the realm laws, that their existence should remain a secret on Earth. A secret, that if realised, may be even more devastating than climate change itself. James, Alana and their friends, part of an ancient race of Harpies, embark on powerful adventures in between worlds and the dark realms to discover alternative energy sources to provide the Collective, the orchestrator of all world's balance, with the energy it needs. The unfathomable question driving this, is why the Collective continues to overpopulate Earth, accelerating its demise? A way must be found to distract it.