Godsworld was settled by Christian fundamentalists who sought to escape the sinful Earth. They were certain Earth was doomed, and spent a century in suspended animation to reach their new home. But Earth survived, and now the heathens have found them. John Mercy-of-Christ is leading the resistance to the invasion -- but the heathens have far more powerful technology than the Godsworlders.

When John Mercy-of-Christ's soldiers ran up against weapons like none they had ever seen before, John's campaign to defeat the enemies of The True Word and Flesh came to a sudden halt. Once guns that could only come from Old Earth arrived, the doctrinal differences between his sect and the Chosen of the Holy Ghost had to be put to one side-for what other abominations might be in store? If the starships of Earth were to battle the swords of Godsworld, John was ready for that war. But what he wasn't ready for was just how much the new war was going to change him.