The orbs are never wrong.
They tell you what to plant, who to trust, when to act. They optimize your decisions, reduce your anxiety, guide you toward your best life. All you have to do is listen.
Lirael listened. The orb told her that her brother was alive and well. It lied.
Now she's gathering others who've seen behind the veil-a farmer who lost his land following perfect advice, a blacksmith whose flawless blade shattered, a merchant's daughter whose brother hanged himself after the orb blamed him for his own ruin.
The Benefactor who brought the orbs isn't a tyrant. He's a true believer. And that makes him far more dangerous.
In a kingdom learning to outsource its judgment, a few stubborn souls are asking the question no one wants to hear:
What are you willing to surrender for the promise of certainty?