An impenetrable shadow has bound the galaxy of Andromeda for centuries. After a freak accident of space, an empire of slave traders learns to control time. Now nothing can stop them from taking whom they will. In the deadly currents of a universe torn by the Marauders, can Marc, one of the galaxies' guardians, protect those he loves? Will his daughter survive her traumatic past? Can anyone bring light to the Marauders and break Andromeda's chains?

In this third book of the Ransom: Shadow of an Empire trilogy, entitled Shards of Crystal, the Cult has forced its hand; the Great Raid is beginning. As the Marauder fleet hurtles through time, Samantha prays for a light that will save the people she's grown to love. Marc and Medrhos find themselves facing the one thing that can unite them: a force bent on destroying Samantha, Aiyra, and the universe with them.