"A standout work that effortlessly blends SF and mystery elements with incredible art." -- Kirkus Reviews
When a mysterious aircraft crashes on the windswept archipelago of Lapyoza, its lone survivor--Pavil--utters only two words: "Crystal! Empire!" Is Pavil merely the scribe he claims to be, or something more sinister?
Despite their suspicions, the people of Lapyoza cannot deny him hospitality. He will stay as their guest, but he must contribute to the community before he can return to the Empire. Thus, Pavil, an ordinary citizen of the Empire, finds himself immersed in the life of Lapyoza, a remote village battered by relentless winds on an isolated archipelago.
Far from the bustling imperial cities, Pavil observes the simple yet mysterious rituals of the villagers--changing the face of a massive totem, collecting peculiar artifacts, melting them down, and renewing them in a never-ending cycle. Drawn deeper into the secrets of Lapyoza, Pavil edges closer to the truth behind the sacred masks and the unseen entity, Hodä, revered by all but known to none.
