This is the first of two books by Weber that starts as an exciting sci-fi then introduces a supernatural element, in this case one of the three furies how managed to survive the intervening millenia. As mentioned in the intro, Weber expanded the original, shorter form of the book that is mostly the part of this book after Alicia leaves the Cadre. I'm often accused of telling too much so I'll stop talking about this excellent book. BTW the other book is From the Depths or something like that. Weber wrote a series of fantasy books with supernatural themes. He also wrote and edited the excellent Honor Harrington series.

Great book to read. Good story line. Have read it many times and plan on reading it more.