This book tells the story of Theodore Kurita's becoming Coordinator of the Draconis Combine. Told before the Clan invasion, it offers a glimpse at the fragmentation of the Inner Sphere, specifically, the War of 3039. Readers get a reprieve from the mostly pro-Davion storyline to see the development of a major player in the Inner Sphere. Theodore is an excellent character who, as the storyline progresses, continues to be well-developed.