Manoeuvering through international politics and war, Peter Wiggin and Achilles fight a shadow-battle of propaganda and assassination. Each is determined to defeat the other and become Hegemon of Earth, but each has fought the other to a stalemate. Ender's greatest friend, Bean, might tip that balance, but he refuses to ally his tactical genius to either side . . .But now cloned embryos carrying Bean's brilliant intelligence have fallen into the hands of Achilles' people. If Bean cannot reclaim them Achilles will become unstoppable . . .
