In this second volume of his brilliant new series, Homecoming, Orson Scott Card continues the story of the planet Harmony and its computer guardian, the Oversoul. Feeling itself to be failing the Oversoul realises that it needs the technology of the Lost Earth to acheive its aims. It has already caused Nafai, a teenage boy, to commit murder . . .

Nafai, his father and his brothers have left Basilica, but the rest of his family remain there, including his mother, the influential Lady Rasa. However, Rasa has other things on her mind, such as the 'friendly' invasion of troops under the leadership of General Vozmuzhalnoy Vozmozhno of Gorayni, who does not believe in any Gods, including the Oversoul - although he may still be its unknowing instrument.