[close] Set in the near future, Kay Kenyon's second fast-paced, exciting science fiction novel follows three story lines in Midwestern Medicine Falls... Abby McCrae lives quietly with a roommate above her 20th century antique shop. She still grieves for her teenager daughter Vitt, who committed suicide two years earlier. At least, everyone thinks it was suicide. After finding her diary, Abbey discovers Vitt's addiction to a virtual reality game called Nir, and her "studies" at the cultlike Dimension Institute. Concerned about foul play, she hires a detective to help her uncover the truth.

Another story line tracks the shady maneuvers of Dimension Institute's charismatic leader, Zachariah, who has plans and secrets of his own and doesn't want Vitt's mother poking around in them. One secret he's hiding involves his connection to an alien race secreting themselves and their "leap point" out on Zachariah's ranch. The townspeople of Medicine Falls make up another thread. Depressed by the economy and growing isolation, more and more of them take comfort in Nir, short for Nirvana; if real life and love is disappointing, there's always a better, if virtual, reality while playing. Suspense builds as the three threads interweave, catalyzed by the growing threat of Nir and the aliens, who seek to conquer humanity. [close]