The Microcosm, Volume II of the Throw a Little Light trilogy, is only superficially an action-packed skiing adventure in the Carpathian mountains during the post-communist era. It's really about the nature of the Universe as the young might see it. Miss Ramana Belfont, Michael's 'muse' in Vol I (Beyond the Wall), now moves center stage as a talented skier. They encounter many hazards on their skiing adventure, and just happen to discover the secret of eternal life in passing.