"The past is not a home you can go back to..."

Yan BarCarran is lost in the world. Her time as a student at the top theological school in the galaxy is quickly coming to an end, and she's apprehensive about getting the research job she's always wanted. But on the cusp of her graduation, her plans change. Instead of a quiet scientific position, Yan is offered an apprenticeship with the most powerful man in the Empire. She can't say no to the chance to secure a future for her family, even if that comes with the possibility of someday becoming the leader of the Empire herself. With that decision, Yan is thrust into the political spotlight. Danger lurks around every corner.

Can she learn enough from her powerful master to avoid making a fatal mistake? Are her fellow apprentices friends, or are they political rivals ready to stab her in the back? And can she really trust the reformed criminal who teaches her how to fight?

Sometimes, the right choice is the hardest thing to see.

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In the Shadow of Heaven is a story that's partially about the banality of evil, partially about broken people finding each other (for better or for worse), and partially about the nature of belief. It's science fiction with mild fantasy elements. Since it's best described as a character focused drama, it's fairly slow in the beginning, but it picks up speed (and adventure) as it goes. It's an ensemble style story, and though Yan is the main character, there are many chapters that follow other characters and story arcs (specifically in the second act).

Religion is a central element to the story, but this story is not an endorsement of any particular religion (or religion in general) and definitely not an attempt to proselytize to the reader. It's more of an exploration of what belief makes people do, rather than being a story that presupposes a religious truth.

The primary romance is F/F, but it is not the only romance or the focus of the story.

ACT ONE: New Creatures with New Hearts

Yan starts her apprenticeship and does her best to get along with all of the personalities she has to work with. She begins to understand what might be required of her as a political figure, and learns exactly how far she's willing to go to survive.

Highlights include family drama, budding romance, a fake gunfight, a real pirate attack, and a military coup.

Complete act. Chapters 1-42 plus an interlude.

Table of Contents / Reference Sheet for part one can be found here. Contains spoilers.

ACT TWO: The Realms of the Unreal

An unexpected attack disrupts the precarious balance of the world. Sid and Sylva take center stage as they each fight to recover what has been lost. Yan has her long dark night of the soul. Aymon struggles to hold together an alliance that is on the brink of collapse.

Highlights include a murder mystery, political intrigue, betrayal, unexpected alliances, kidnapping, secret identities, dramatic escapes, and shocking revelations.

Act currently in progress. Chapters 43-current.