Synopsis: The strange races of the planet Ilia were created by the Venn, genetic engineers banished from Earth for tampering with human lives. Centuries later, the people of Ilia have begun the struggle for control of their own destiny. In a world torn asunder by war and rebellion, a courageous young woman of mixed heritage holds the key to Ilia's future as the last of the Shapers face justice at the hands of their creations. (from the back cover of the Bantam Books first edition)