Ten years ago, the rebel angels under Apollyon seized control of the Holy Galactic Imperium, slaying the emperor and his family and scattering the human defenders of the galaxy. While the human citizens of the Imperium chafe under the unholy rule of their conquerors, some dream of freedom. But what man can fight against the angels when an angel's mere presence immolates a human? When the gladiator Starke survives an act of terrible angelic justice, he draws the attention of human and angel alike. As shadowy powers, holy warriors, opportunistic mercenaries, and angelic agents grapple for control of this new champion and the powers within his grasp, Starke himself formulates his own ideas about his destiny. The galaxy soon discovers that the ramifications of its new hero's choices can irrevocably save or damn them all. As the fires of war blaze across worlds both beautiful and terrifying, the humans who dare to find a way to fight - priests and prodigals, nomads and knights - must contend against threats from within and without their ranks. The ensuing conflict will forever shake the foundations of heaven....