On the planet Derdeyn, there are numerous fragmented communities united in Chant, ruled by Anome – the Man Without a Face.
At the coming of age, every man and woman is fitted with an explosive collar, which Anome can activate at any moment. This judge and executioner keeps people in fear, maintaining a fragile order for decades.
But one day, the rogushkois appear – ferocious humanoid beings that kill men and abduct women. And Anome takes no action to stop them.
When the aliens kill Gastel Etzwein's mother, he vows to uncover the identity of the Man Without a Face and put an end to his power.
Soon all the secrets of Derdeyn will fall at the feet of the young man, shattered like too fragile toys. And he will understand: the price of responsibility can be unreasonably high.
The classic trilogy by Jack Vance is a coming-of-age story, a struggle for freedom, and the uncovering of ancient secrets, where behind each mask lies another, and the price of responsibility turns out to be higher than one can imagine.
Complete trilogy in one cover!
