On a mysterious planet enveloped in darkness, a crew finds themselves battling for their very survival. In this uniquely imaginative tale by Adrian Tchaikovsky, a Hugo and Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author known for his work on "Children of Time," the darkness itself may harbor ulterior motives. As they peer into the shadows, they realize the darkness is watching them in return.

New celestial bodies are often targeted by asset strippers and opportunists in the realm of interstellar commerce. A mission aimed at a distant star system stumbles upon a moon, aptly named Shroud, which is completely devoid of light yet teeming with radio activity. With its oppressive gravity, extreme pressure, and lack of breathable oxygen, Shroud poses an extreme threat to human life, making it perfect for exploitation.

Under no circumstance should humans ever set foot on the bleak surface of Shroud. However, fate intervenes when an accident forces Juna Ceelander and Mai Ste Etienne to crash-land in a small, inadequate craft. Stranded with no way to contact their ship and a dwindling time frame, they embark on a harrowing journey across the moon�s harsh terrain, traversing land, sea, and air.

As they navigate this perilous environment, Juna and Mai begin to uncover the complexities of Shroud�s dominant species. In turn, this intelligent life form starts to grasp their presence, leading to unpredictable and profound consequences.