The story takes place on a planet where the inhabitants are descended from humans who were transported there centuries ago. The society is divided into two main groups: the Lords and the Commoners. The Lords hold power and wealth, while the Commoners are forced to live in poverty. A young man named Kinnally Colver, a member of the Commoner class, becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow the ruling Lords. He discovers that he has a unique ability that makes him a key player in the rebellion. As the story unfolds, Kinnally's actions have far-reaching consequences for both himself and the planet as a whole. The novel explores themes of social hierarchy, power struggles, and the impact of individual actions on society.
By H. Beam Piper · First published 1950 · Genre: Science Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Mystery