Even as a young calf, Longtusk understood the hardships the few remaining of his ancient kind had encountered when the glaciers retreated and grassy forests stole over the vast tundra the herds called home.
Worst of all was when the Fireheads came - cruel, two-legged beasts who kill for pleasure. At a tender age, Longtusk became their prisoner - hobbled, abused, and stripped of his freedom. But through toil and terror, Longtusk never forgot his Clan - and he learned crucial, intimate knowledge of the Fireheads' ways, though at a terrible price.
Now the time is rapidly approaching when he will have to clash with those who seek to destroy every living trace of his proud breed. And Longtusk must not shun the twisted path in front of him or what he is destined to become: the greatest hero of them all.
Stephen Baxter is the pre-eminent SF writer of his generation. Published around the world he has also won major awards in the UK, US, Germany, and Japan. Born in 1957 he has degrees from Cambridge and Southampton. He lives in Northumberland with his wife.
