While there was a little confusion at first about the history of the Haan, this book can be read as a stand alone.

Sam Shao is an amazing character (although I kept picturing her with long hair for some reason). When she is faced with the wrongful arrest and possible murder of her guardian, she hits the ground running, determined to find a way to get him back. Of course, it can't be easy or we wouldn't have a book to read. She must find a way to rely on a techno-geek almost on the wrong side of the law, and a mysterious Haan that isn't anything like what she has learned to expect from the alien creatures.

What she unearths is so unexpected and exciting it was very difficult to put down. The action came on page after page without overwhelming the reader and with just enough breaks to let me catch my breath (while Sam caught her's as well).

With an epic, movie quality final showdown that includes exploding vehicles, car chases, cannibals, and a countdown to annihilation - the big reveal left me shocked, I didn't see it coming at all. This is a definite must read for sci-fi fans.