Muungano is a star-faring society of mostly weusi (black peoples) who have left behind the imperialistic control of Old Earth (O.E.).  But since the first book, they have found themselves under attack from different directions.  Their leadership was assassinated, one of their commando-type ships was lured into a trap on the other side of a wormhole and then stranded there, and the starship that was to protect their wormhole was compromised by an insidious plot.

As the story opens, the gbeto have restyled themselves as Reapers (although at least one of them wanted to be a space pirate) since they have lost contact with Muungano and currently have no way to return to their galaxy. They will have to have new policies to navigate an unknown galaxy. They will also need to find new purpose to keep them together.

Wachiru (who thought he'd be the next Camara) now finds himself on O.E. in Indianapolis trying to find a way to rescue weusi left behind by the diaspora and still subject to prejudice from white folk.  Captured by O.E. he is sent to a hellhole prison in an attempt to control Muungano.  They may not like the results of that; Wachiru is not without resources.

Stacia, still aboard The Cypher and now on the other side of the wormhole after a desperate leap of faith, is understanding better how she had been manipulated into this action, looking for a cure for her son.  And just to make matters worse, the ship is propelled millions of years into the past and Stacia is already struggling to keep the crew together, as Muungano.

Ezeji and Maulana are in the Dreaming City, awaiting a public trial of Ezeji's childhood friend, Matata, who betrayed them.  They are also under pressure from O.E. to form an alliance against the encroaching alien threat.  There is still the question of whether they are actually aliens or another manipulation by O.E.

Amachi is on Mars with her new teacher, Nehanda.  They are trying to understand and control Amachi's birthright power.

And behind all that is the question of Maya, the computer presence that is intrinsic to all Muungano life.  Maulana found that Maya was keeping information from him; apparently on his word, which he doesn't remember.  Stacia has Maya on her ship but without contact with Muungano, she is starting to wonder if her Maya is becoming something else.

There are still many balls in play and Muungano isn't out the woods yet; hence, at least one more book.  Maulana has to find a way to unite Muungano and be the Camara they need. Stacia needs to find a way home for her ship and crew before they fracture beyond repair.  I'm still waiting to understand Amachi's role as she had little to do in this story.  And then there's the mysterious aliens and whether they are the ones sabotaging Muungano's first contact efforts or if everything Muungano is experiencing is due to O.E.  And I want to learn that there is a bigger purpose behind the events than just jealousy of Muungano's success.  I'm hoping for a really big payoff for such an epic story.

Again, this was not an easy read.  I didn't completely reread it but I did skim through all the chapters once more.  In anyone else's hands, the action would have taken over the narrative but Broaddus is attentive to showing the broader picture. I think he sees the true story to be how Muungano reacts to outside threats and how it may change them.  And I, for one, am totally fascinated.  I am so looking forward to the third book of this trilogy.   ~~ Catherine Book

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