Our final reckoning; Earth's introduction to the alien race we have always feared would find us. They are bent on our complete enslavement through brutal conquest, and they seem unstoppable. The violent end of all humanity begins at a Widespread Panic concert at Red Rocks. Thousands of humans are suddenly transported to an enormous alien vessel where they are pitted against each other in gladiatorial death matches for the entertainment of a Master Race of reptilian monsters.

Those that are not worthy of battle are eaten.

Enter our unlikely hero, Michael Talbot, a college student taken hostage from Red Rocks. Through nerve, wit, and blind luck, he rises to the top of the Arena Match Rankings, scoring better accommodations and collecting prizes-human women given as "spoils" to the victor of each match.

Meanwhile, on Earth, the U.S. Government cautiously approaches the spacecraft orbiting Jupiter, hoping for a diplomatic solution. But Paul Ginson, Mike's childhood friend, has other plans. He is building a militia, certain that an all-out alien invasion is the more likely outcome.

A great place to enter the Tufo universe, this is the introduction to some of Mark's most endearing characters and one of his best-loved series. The reader is transported through candid, personal anecdote then held spellbound by incredibly heroic, often graphic scenarios. Written with humor and courage, deeply insightful and terrifying, this sweeping epic explores all it means to be human.