On a colonial planet isolated in deep space, archaeologist Brynn Silva discovers a rusted claw in the desert. The moment is a sea change for the colonists of Shanidar. Although abandoned cities abound on the planet, no alien remains have ever been discovered. No tombs. No cemeteries. No artifacts of death. Only the ruins and artwork of a vanished society. Until now. Here, reaching through a wound in the sand, is one of the Owl Men. As Brynn, a xenolinguist rival, and a cult of zealots call...

A HIDDEN SIDE OF THE SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTIONIn an age lit by fire, only the most curious and driven souls turned a flame to the unknown. From university professors to women forced to remain in shadow to heretic monks to mad wanderers, all explored realms beyond the senses. All challenged authority. The most fortunate found acclaim in the New Science, their names recorded in immortal stone. The least fortunate peered beyond the veil, discovering the dark nerve fibers that underpin thi...