It's about to go hot.

On the dry world of Arkin, the Zinj are taking over. A technologically-competent strain of Islam that make ISIS look like the Amish, they're challenged only by the nations of the West - and a divided West without much will to fight.

Among those who do have the will are fighter pilot Egan O'Connor, a working-class kid from a tough neighborhood, ready to test himself and serve his country. He's a chivalrous rookie ready for an honorable battle.

Jimmy Newland's a cavalry NCO who's earned his spurs. He's ready to fight but he doesn't want to; he's seen enough skirmishes to know how bad it can be. But he'll do his job if the cold war gets nastier - as it's about to.

And there's nothing chivalrous at all about Air Marshal Elisabeth Jaeger, a career intelligence officer promoted to field command. Twenty-five years ago she saw her husband murdered by the Zinj; she's spent the time since avenging him. As she's about do on a scale just a little bit broader than spywork.