In an ancient maritime city full of beauty and wealth, the people are ruled by an elderly duke - and also by the Church. From the mysterious Empire to the north are imported products of amazing technology, including 'genics' - the genetically engineered people coveted by the wealthy as their servants and playthings. Since the Church refuses to recognize genics as human, they lead an existence of degradation and virtual slavery. Yet, beyond the city itself, sea genics live in freedom on and around the outer islands of the lagoon, placed there by the Council to regulate the city's water levels. Long ignored and unrecognized, they have come to form among themselves a second republic of the sea. This is the story of four genics in their quest for fulfilment, following the discovery of a ring containing a holy relic of immense significance. 'Baldry's greatest skill is in sketching the contrast between the city's jewelled surface and the corruption underneath' - "Guardian". 'Colourful and entertaining' - "The Alien Online".