As the title suggests, this book is set in a timeframe when humanity first discovers faster than light travel and is finally able to expand out into the stars. At the time of this discovery, Earth is ruled by three governments that have an agreement to partner when it comes to space exploration. However, that agreement is coming to an end and it doesn't look like all parties are eager to renew. This is especially true for the Republic who feel they can gain an advantage among the stars by going their own way. The other governments have their sights set on Alpha Centauri, but the Republic has secretly discovered a habitable world in another system and they plan to grab it for themselves. This world is dubbed New Eden and its discovery contains an even bigger secret. The images obtained by the probe clearly show some sort of mineshaft, likely from long ago, and The Republic fully expects to discover ancient proof of sentient life upon their arrival. I think we all know where this is going....

Of course it turns out that New Eden is already inhabited and the natives aren't friendly, but there is an interesting twist that is uncovered upon closer observation - there are also humans on New Eden! This part of the story adds a little uniqueness to the typical "humans go out into the universe and encounter aliens" plot line that is so common in sci-fi.  The Republic must now figure out how to deal with the Zodarks, who are not friendly and technologically superior, while at the same time unraveling the mystery of how humans wound up on the planet as well. All of which is complicated by the fact that a potential war with the Zodarks could blow back on Earth itself, which is no longer united and the other governments are not inclined to help out. The pace of technology advancement feels way too rushed at times, and the characters aren't exactly intriguing, but the story itself is interesting enough to want to know what happens in the next book.

Jonathan Davis voices the audiobook and he is a veteran sci-fi narrator who delivers an excellent performance.