Spine-Chilling Horror, Horror 

The enigmatic First Breed have issued an invitation to every nation of Earth, to share their planet and their technology. Michael Gilmore is appointed Captain of HMSS Ark Royal, the UK's contribution to the delegation fleet on this historic interstellar voyage. It should be an honour ... His passengers include an ill-tempered prince and an alien of unknown loyalties. The first officer is close to mutiny. The ship's A.I. has turned renegade and a neighbouring vessel harbours a genocidal maniac who seems to know much more than everyone else. And it's just possible they're all heading into a trap. "One of the best first contact books in a long while - a gripping, logical, original and fundamentally optimistic retake on one of SF's richest themes." - Alastair Reynolds "Bursting with fun and energy." - Interzone. "A veritable fount of plot, characterisation and intrigue, with some astoundingly original ideas." - SFX "A refreshingly different approach to humanity's reaction to first contact." - Vector "The most glorious conceit is the space station UK-1, last bolt-hole of the exiled House of Windsor, ruled by the entrepreneurial King Richard and his unlovely son, Prince James." - Times Educational Supplement - from Amzon