Destroyer of Worlds (Fleet of Worlds series Book 3)

Destroyer of Worlds is set in 2670, ten years after the events of Juggler of Worlds. Intelligent species from worlds near the galactic core have learned of a core explosion and are fleeing in an armada of ramscoops toward the Fleet of Worlds. These refugee aliens pose a significant threat, having left devastated worlds in their wake—some stripped for supplies, others attacked to eliminate rivals, and some destroyed out of xenophobia. The Puppeteers possess the resources to confront this danger, but their philosophical nature prevents them from taking direct action. Instead, they seek intermediaries to investigate and act on their behalf. They turn to New Terra, their newly independent former slave world, to provide these agents.