Bonded to strangers . . . exiled to an almost barren planet . . . five hundred couples expected to die fight to carve out a life on GREEN WORLD. Lyra the Songbird refuses to fail or allow anyone else to do so. She's a Follower and doesn't believe in coincidence! Beautiful Lyra has watched Earth's Echelon use and toss aside their Labors, the slave class of their society, for decades. Seth Crendel, her master and retired military hero has raised her as a daughter, although she can never be his equal in public, where her voice entrances all who hear her. Now her master has been convicted of treason; helping to feed the starving slaves. A fact that Kalian Denton, new Territory Sheriff, uses to his advantage. He's been after owning the Songbird and sees his goal in sight. Only Seth's influence has her exiled off planet as a subversive instead. Not only exiled, but also sent to the least likely planet expected to sustain life. It is called Green World as a joke. She will be bonded to a fierce, scarred warrior that doesn't trust her and believes her a well-used slut. Brand Wyler was Labor Corp, the slave military, first and foremost obedient, until he refused to allow a group of rebel women to be raped by Echelon soldiers. His platoon flees, but is soon caught and also exiled. He finds himself sent to Green World and bonded to a stunning Songbird he assumes uses her body for favors. Along with four hundred and ninety-nine other couples, Brand and Lyra will build a new society and try to survive where they have been dropped off to perish. What neither knows is that Green World has been waiting for Lyra's return and the colonists' blood and sweat will forge a new universe. . . .