AustLit

'Imagine a world without iron, or coal, or oil, without industry or high-tech, without war since it's foundation five hundred years ago. Now imagine the effect of discovering mineable iron ore....

'Kalima, an Earth-colony world with little mineable iron and no fossil fuels, is entrenched in a feudal society by the lack of this vital resources. But things are about to change. When Alere Connor, failed xintou (telepath) but skilled swordswoman, is sent to act as mistress to Jun First Alan Yang-Black, she becomes the unwilling focus of a revolution. On his deathbed, Alan reveals the existence of a hidden iron ore deposit. With several factions vying for political domination of the Jundom, control of the iron would tip the balance of power. Alere, accused of the Jun First's murder and fleeing for her life, must reach and warn the Jun Second, Rafi Chan-Sala, on whose lands the iron ore lies. If she fails, all out war is inevitable - the first ever war in the seven hundred year history of the Earth-colony.

'On the way, Alere will uncover the old and bloody secret of her own existence, the reason for her failure as a xintou, and unlock and even darker future for herself and her companions.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.