In Schild’s Ladder, humanity has transcended both death and Earth, and discovered its home world is nearly unique as a cradle of life. As it spreads
throughout the galaxy, humanity enjoys an almost utopian existence — until a
scientist accidentally creates an impenetrable, steadily expanding vacuum that
devours star systems and threatens the entire universe with destruction.
Tchicaya is a Yielder, member of the faction that believes this «novo-vacuum»
deserves study. The opposing Preservationists — among them Mariama, his first
love — seek to save worlds and destroy the novo-vacuum. Discord heats to terrorist violence; then enmities and alliances are turned upside-down by a
discovery that may mean the novo-vacuum is, instead, a new and very different
universe — and one which may contain life.
