In 1954, Ensign James Cortell wakes up from a coma with memories of an alien scientist who had visited Earth some 50,000 years ago. Years later, he realizes this knowledge should not be taken to his grave. Earth’s extraterrestrial visitors altered Homo sapien DNA to produce modern humans. Soon the industrialist overlords among the alien race realize that genetically altered humans offer a source of cheap labor. A galactic slave trade is born.

The skilled thieves of the Takers Guild plot to overthrow the kingdoms of Baelon, but when their plans are thwarted by a prescient woman and her brooding daughter, they must turn to the League of Assassins for assistance.

They call it dark energy or chaos or the Warp. It leaks into our universe at an unpredictable rate. Those sensitive to it can wield its immense power in unimaginable ways. In the Imperium of Mankind, anyone born with such a gift is labeled a psyker and outlawed at every level of society.

Saham’a’iel, an Eternal Seraphon of The Realms of Light, is tasked with guarding the barrier that holds chaotic Dark Matter at bay. But, he grows curious about The Dark and betrays his Eternal Mission. The effects of his toying with Dark Matter bring changes to the Mortal Realm and all reality. Determined to find redemption for his transgression, Saham’a’iel sets off on a dangerous mission to destroy all beings touched by The Dark.

The body of a blonde young man found in the canal is discovered to be that of a journalist who had been claiming he was onto the story of a lifetime. The area where he was murdered turns out to be subject to a land dispute. A young woman is adamant she remembers a childhood twin brother, but her father swears she’s an only child. And now a second young blonde is missing. Rachel King and her East Manchester CID team must determine what links this all together - or are they being led to draw connections which aren’t there? And if so, who is pulling their strings?