In the far distant past the Earth was seeded with genetic material by an alien race; material which prompted the evolution as life as we know it. In the 21st Century these aliens have decided to return to bring Earth into their community and help humanity reach their potential.

But much to the chagrin of Earth's political leaders these alien beings first make contact to an Indian woman named Jaya Nihalani, a failed revolutionary and a member of the hated Untouchable caste (in this India where the Caste system is fully restored). Added to this Jaya is dying of a disfiguring, degenerative disease causing her body to age prematurely.

Once news of the alien contact spreads various interested parties begin their struggle to make the most of these events. Her former enemies want her dead, the Indian government want to keep other nations out and make the most of the situation for themselves, and tensions between different castes amongst the alien society threaten humanity's future.

This is a fabulous read. The characters are alive, and totally believable. The story has taken an original slant on a first contact story, and the setting is one I've not encountered before in a sf novel. The India is the story is rich with detail and wonderfully realised.

This is a book that had a consistent appeal, it's a book I had difficulty putting down and always found myself wanting to return to its world. And Liz Williams is an author I need to look out for in the future.

This is an author with a bight future.