Tilmath was born a slave, but she was no ordinary slave. Unlike most humans, she was an Espari, a human capable of sensing the emotions of other beings.

Now, having escaped from her slave masters, the teenager finds herself on the run and about to meet some of the most interesting creatures she could ever imagine, and go on an adventure that she could never dream of. Using her poorly trained empathic senses, she tries to do everything she can to survive, but quickly learns that survival isn't the most important thing for a slave girl escaping to the stars.

J Alan Erwine lives just outside of Denver with his amazing wife and their youngest daughter. Yes, J is now old enough to have two adult daughters. J's family shares their household with two cats, and a turtle that pretty much keeps to himself.

J has published more than 60 short stories, three novels, and numerous short story collections. A few years ago, J realized that although he loved the small press, he couldn't make enough money writing for them, so at that point, he took control of most of his work, and has been publishing mostly independently ever since.

J is the managing editor at Nomadic Delirium Press, and in addition to writing and editing, J has also taken an interest in creating role playing games. He is the co-creator of the Ephemeris Science Fiction RPG, and the creator of the Rocks on the Other Side and Battle for Turtle Island RPGs.

To learn more about J, visit his website at www.jalanerwine.com or visit his blog at jalanerwine.blogspot.com.