First published 2008
Fraa Erasmas lives within the walls of Saunt Edhar, a sanctuary where mathematicians and philosophers pursue knowledge apart from the outside world. The avout follow strict traditions and rituals that have protected them through centuries of upheaval. Three times in history, violence has broken through their defenses, forcing the community to become even more austere. Now comes Apert, the once-a-decade celebration when the gates open and the avout venture outside. Erasmas looks forward to his first Apert as a fraa, eager to see the family and world he left behind. But the week brings unexpected danger. Unknown forces threaten both the mathematical community and the secular world beyond. Only an alliance between the avout and outsiders can stop the coming disaster. Erasmas finds himself called from safety to help save his world. His journey will take him far from the peaceful halls of learning to the planet's most dangerous places and beyond.
Genres: science-fiction, fantasy, alternate-history, academic
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Saunt Edhar
937 pages · Hardcover · William Morrow