In a future uncomfortably close to the present day, the apocalypse has surpassed all expectations. Hideous demons roam the streets in an orgy of terror, drawing pleasure from torturing humans as sadistically as possible. Divided into seven clans, these grisly invaders -- gnashing, writhing, bloodthirsty monsters -- seem horrifically to belong in our world.

Ira, a young San Francisco artist, becomes involved with a strange group of scientists and philosophers desperately trying to end the bloody siege. Yet through it all, Ira continues to paint -- for in his canvasses lie crucial clues to the demons' origins.

Yet the demons draw their strength from an all-too-familiar evil -- a deadly malevolence supported by some of the greatest powers on earth, concealed beneath the trappings of status, success, and abused power. Ira and his allies -- including a compelling young seeress -- come to believe these demons didn't just appear. They were summoned. But the most shocking revelation is yet to come....

"John Shirley accomplishes things that most writers would not dare to attempt."
   BRUCE STERLING, AUTHOR OF SCHISMATRIX

"John Shirley's prophet-in-the-cyberwilderness voice deserves high billing among the best."
   ROGER ZELAZNY, AUTHOR OF THE AMBER SERIES...