The famous novel by the popular American writer introduces the reader to the world of Darkover - a planet where the powerful development of human “superpowers” takes place.

The aristocrats of Darkover have always been proud of their magical talents and secret knowledge, accessible only to them. The rulers sacredly kept their secrets within the clan, since consanguineous marriages sharpen the pyrokinetic abilities of their descendants, and this strengthens the power of the clan. But more and more often children began to appear, bringing death to loved ones. The Darkover civilization is in danger of degeneration.