Winter Reckoning is a sensitive and well crafted science-fantasy set on a remote world called Tringe. It couples the "Test" of Ruath with the destinies of a representative of the Planetary Federation, Molly Kerbridge. The Federation, of which earth is a provisionary member, is concerned with trade, study, exploration, and a mutual defense against the Fnick, the aggressive, reptilian race outside the Federation whose idea of interstellar relations consists of conquest and domination.But the Fnick are already established on Tringe, and when her companion is killed by them, Molly is forced to flee, and a quest-like journey begins.