The book depicts an Earth-like world on a moon which orbits a gas giant, inhabited by a species of highly evolved, sentient Tyrannosaurs called Quintaglios, among various other creatures from the late Cretaceous period.

Originally published in 1992 by Ace Science Fiction, it won the Homer award for "Best Novel" during its initial release date.

He overhears a conversation in which Tak-Saleed rejects the offer of a "Far-Seer", a new invention brought to him by master mariner Var-Keenir.

Afsan wishes to use the Far-Seer to look at The Face of God (a heavenly body worshiped by Quintaglios) but Saleed berates him for blasphemy upon hearing this.

The Master of the Faith, Det-Yenalb, recommends that Afsan embark on his first hunt before the start of his coming-of-age pilgrimage to see The Face of God.

Afterwards, the young Quintaglios board the Dasheter, a sailing vessel commanded by Var-Keenir who recalls nearly losing his life to the sea monster Kal-Ta-Goot.

This displeases the priest Det-Bleen who refers to Keenir as a member of the Lubalite cult which rejects the dominant religion based on the prophet Larsk.

The extended Quintaglio contact leads to the animalistic rage known as dagamant and Afsan killing the sailor Nor-Gampar to save Dybo.

He learns that these Bloodpriests have been controlling the population in this manner since ancient times and suspects that Dybo's siblings were spared this fate and installed as governors across the land.

Some reviewers have said that the Quintaglios act too human,[8] while others point out the implausibility of a technological civilisation developing from a nomadic hunting society.