Talin is a Striker, a member of an elite fighting force that stands as the last defense for Mara, the only free nation in the world, but when a mysterious prisoner is brought from the front to Mara's capital, Talin senses there is more to him than meets the eye.

"The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall of China...When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a concubine-pilot, it's to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister's death. But when she gets her vengeance, it becomes clear that she is an Iron Widow, a rare kind of female pilot who can sacrifice males to power up Chrysalises...

"Volke Savan is tasked with finding the remaining god-creatures and helping them bond with people who will help fight the Second Ascension. Unfortunately, enemies and power-hungry arcanists are out to find the creatures themselves. With the help of the Frith Guild, and those who have sworn to him, Volke intends to face off against the Second Ascension with overwhelming force. But as more individuals bond with the god-creatures, the worse the magical...