Whistling Past the Graveyard: Prequel to the Saga of Shadows

Nine years after the Elemental War ends, humanity works to recover. The Terran Hanseatic League has become the Confederation, and King Peter and Queen Estarra attempt to repair divisions within human factions and restore relations with the alien Ildiran Empire. Trade Minister Rlinda Kett undertakes a mission to locate human colonies lost during the conflict. Her journey takes her to Happiness, a planet hosting an isolated neo-Amish settlement where Prince Daniel was exiled. Meanwhile, the Roamer clans face internal conflict between those favoring traditional practices and those pursuing new business methods. Some clans resume skymining operations on gas giant planets, harvesting their clouds while facing the constant danger posed by the hydrogue aliens. This book serves as a prequel to the Saga of Shadows trilogy, which includes the Hugo Award nominee The Dark Between the Stars.