Ben H. Winters, a famous American writer, is not the first time taking a classic work as a basis and turning it into a bestseller. 19th century, era of general prosperity: thanks to Groznium, a metal found under Ivan the Terrible, people were able to create machines, who took on physical labor. There are no more slaves, serfs, servants, or hired workers - everyone has been replaced by robots. People were able not only to make their daily lives easier and improve their political system, but they acquired loyal friends and brave defenders. But this could not go on forever - the golden age ended when alien creatures arrived on earth. The outcome of the struggle could have been favorable for the people if there had not been a traitor among them.