All Jack Tanner asks is to be judged on his own merits. But life as the son of a much-loved war hero is never going to be that simple. Caught up in a galactic war, he confronts deep personal tragedy, suffers life-threatening injuries, and finds love for the first time on his way to becoming a soldier and a leader. Galactic superpowers Meridian and Sendara have been at war for decades when Jack Tanner, fresh out of military academy, signs on with Meridian's Starforce for his final year of officer training. All he wants is to be allowed to stand or fall on his own merits. But life as the son of a much-loved war hero is never going to be that simple. Thrown into non-stop action right from the start, this is Jack's coming-of-age story. He will confront personal tragedy, stumble through the trials and tribulations of first love and discover the true value of friendship on his way to becoming a soldier and a leader. Across the galaxy, an organised crime syndicate concocts a treacherous plot that could change the course of the war. Bribery, sabotage, treason and murder combine to threaten Jack's family, his new friends, his career – and his life. Against a backdrop of interstellar war and an escalating series of betrayals, all roads lead to Kobara Junction, where Jack will be in the forefront of the climactic battle as a desperate Starforce strikes back against its Sendaran enemy.